Is Visiting Hallstatt in Winter Worth It?

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Is visiting the fairytale town of Hallstatt in winter worth putting up with the cold? We think so! Read on to find out why we think you’ll love it too.

Hallstatt is a picture perfect town positioned on a serene lake in Upper Austria. It’s world renowned for being one of the most photogenic places in Europe and attracts half a million annual visitors.

The historic village is made up of quaint and rustic traditional homes, each one as charming as the next. Hallstatt sits quietly along Hallstätter See (a lake) and is surrounded by towering mountains which happen to be perfect for exploring any time of the year.

There’s no denying that as a country, Austria is beautiful in the summer time. Green hills and sunny weather may seem hard to beat… until you’ve travelled to Hallstatt in winter.

The old-world UNESCO Site and romantic Austrian village earns its extra dose of magic particularly in the winter time. Don’t be discouraged by low temperatures and instead, see why Hallstatt was meant to be experienced in winter. Here are our main tips for how to enjoy a winter trip to Hallstatt!

Quick Guide: Visiting Hallstatt in Winter

🥶 Hallstatt experiences cold temperatures during the winter months. Do not expect anything else, and come prepared with the right type of clothing for walking outdoors.

🎄 For the most charming time to visit Hallstatt, plan a trip around Christmas. Decorations are up, homes are lit, and the atmosphere is unmistakably perfect.

🚗 Winter in Hallstatt is slightly quieter, which means fewer tourists. However, don’t underestimate parking availability (if you’re driving). Arrive early or in the late afternoon to find a spot in a parking lot closer to town.

🎒 Thanks to organized tours, it’s possible to visit Hallstatt in winter as a day trip from Vienna or Salzburg. This is the most hassle-free method without having to plan a thing!

Why You Should Visit Hallstatt in Winter

Austria is effortlessly a country worthy of a visit any time of the year. It’s one of the few places you can really say that about and mean it! The endearing town of Hallstatt is no exception to Austria’s year round appeal. Yes, visiting Hallstatt in summer means you’ll experience some sun and a more vibrant landscape but in our opinion, Hallstatt’s inner charm reveals itself in the winter.

Personally, we think Hallstatt’s classic village viewpoint is incomplete without snow covered roofs in the background.

The picturesque village truly embraces its fairytale energy in the winter, particularly around the holidays. The local Hallstatt Christmas market is simply wondrous and could not be more ideal for a place to visit in December. During this time, the village is dressed in lights, festive decor and most likely a coat of snow.

Christmas trees occupy various corners of the town and you won’t have to look for long for a cup of glühwein to warm you up. It’s quite the dreamy setting and why visiting Hallstatt in winter is absolutely worth it.

Near Hallstatt, you’ll also find a handful of options for winter sports such as ski resorts and winter hiking trails. Additionally, visiting Hallstatt in winter means you’ll be able to indulge in some relaxation and pampering.

The nearby saunas, heated pools and spas are most enjoyable during the winter, especially after being out in the snow all day. Some of the country’s best spa towns are within close reach to Hallstatt and are perfect for visiting in winter.

Things to Do in Hallstatt in Winter

The Hallstatt Skywalk & Cable Car

As one of the top activities and attractions in Hallstatt, it can still be enjoyed during a winter trip. The Hallstatt skywalk is an observation deck that stands 1,148 feet tall and overlooks the village below. It can be reached on foot or by cable car.

The cable car is open during the winter but operation is limited during some months. If you’re visiting Hallstatt in winter and plan on taking the cable car, visit in December. 

The funicular railway actually climbs up the old salt mountain, locally known as Salzberg. Reaching the top with the cable car takes under five minutes but alternatively, you can trek up in about 1-2 hours. During the months of November and December, it is possible to ride the Hallstatt cable car to the Hallstatt Skywalk from 9am to 4:30pm.

This is known as one of the best Hallstatt viewpoints and unquestionably even more enjoyable when the valley and mountain peaks are magnificently covered in snow. This should not be missed if you are there during their opening hours in winter.

Hallstatt Salt Mine

The world’s oldest salt mine is located in Hallstatt and conveniently available for travellers to enjoy. During the summer, tours are available on a daily basis. For a winter visit to Hallstatt, the salt mine is open for visitors from November – January 8th and then again from February through March.

Touring the Hallstatt salt mines is a unique experience and authentic to the area. It’s a great activity for just about anyone but particularly suitable when visiting Hallstatt with kids. History fanatic or not, it’s hard to not find exploring the underground terrain from thousands of years ago interesting.

If the salt mine in Hallstatt is not enough to geek out about, head to the Altaussee salt mine which is about 20 minutes from Hallstatt.

Winter Activities in Hallstatt

Clearly, the best time to visit Hallstatt for skiing or snowboarding is in winter. The closest ski resort to Hallstatt is Dachstein Krippenstein which is above Obertraun. Reaching this resort from Hallstatt only takes ten minutes which means you can even head back to your hotel or apartment for a lunch break between slope runs.

From this resort, it’s possible to reach the peak of Krippenstein, multiple chapels nestled into the mountains and the famous “5 Fingers” observation deck.

Just around the corner and behind Hallstatt is the town of Gosau. Located in the same valley, you’ll find Skiregion Dachstein West and Zwieselalm. Both are additional popular ski resorts suitable for athletes of all levels and only 20 minutes away from Hallstatt village.

The special location of the resorts allows one to ski between the two regions of Salzburg and Upper Austria. Since most of the runs are groomed, this area is a great choice for partaking in ski schools when visiting Hallstatt with kids. Not a skier or snowboarder? Try something different and take a stab at snowshoeing instead.

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Indoor Activities in Hallstatt

If the weather gets to be too cold, there are a few places to escape winter throughout your visit to Hallstatt. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the World Heritage Museum is a terrific itinerary item for a winter day in Hallstatt. The Hallstatt museum exhibits impressive collections of salt mine discoveries which date back thousands of years.

On the polar opposite side of how the majority of Hallstatt feels, the Charnel House takes a darker but interesting turn. With over 600 painted skulls sitting in the basement of a church, it’s probably one of the quirkiest things to see and experience in Hallstatt.

Also known as the Bone House, Hallstatt’s Charnel House is located in St. Michael’s Chapel (also known as Michaelskapelle), located on the upper level of the village. The beautiful view from the church is an added bonus to seeing the Charnel House.

Cozy Up in a Traditional Restaurant

Austrian food is refreshingly unpretentious and comforting which makes it the perfect type of food to enjoy in cold weather. Take a break during your stroll through the old town and find a restaurant to hide in for a couple of hours. Grab a beer or glühwein and enjoy a selection of traditional Austrian food or even a fish from Hallstatt lake.

Often times, the best homestyle style meals are found at guesthouses or hotels. Below are some top notch places to grab a meal when visiting Hallstatt.

Gasthof – “Grüner Anger”

Restauracja Weisses Lamm

Restaurant am See

Heritage Cafe & Bar Hallstatt

Marktbeisl Zur Ruth

Rudolfsturm

Experience a Hallstatt Christmas

Visiting Hallstatt during Christmas feels like you’re walking around in a snow globe. It sounds corny, but it’s the best description of how superb of a Christmas holiday destination Hallstatt is. From perfectly decorated and lit trees sitting on every corner to the idyllic stalls which fill the market square. It really doesn’t get more storybook like!

For anyone who begins counting down to Christmas in August, consider Hallstatt in winter your dream vacation. You’ll find handcrafted gifts, ornaments and even a life size nativity scene.

Local traditions in every country are also best experienced during the holidays. From bratwursts, mulled wine to scrumptious Christmas cookies, Hallstatt in winter brings out the most lovely of Austrian culture.

Where to Stay Near Hallstatt

Bergmoment Apartments – Book with Booking.com

C.T.N. Loghouse – Book with Booking.com

Fenix Hall Boutique Hotel Hallstatt – Book with Booking.com

How to Visit Hallstatt Austria in Winter

By Driving

Reaching Hallstatt by car is the quickest and most direct way. Arriving in the village also doesn’t depend too much on which direction you are coming from. To get to Hallstatt efficiently by car, you can enter from one of two arrival points. The first one is through the neighbouring town of Obertraun which connects to Route 145. The second and more direct route is from Route 166. So, you can either enter Hallstatt from the bottom or top of the village.

Skip below to find out about parking in Hallstatt.

TIP: If you are looking to drive to Hallstatt and are arriving in any of the major cities by plane, consider renting a 4WD/AWD capable car for your trip to Hallstat in winter.

Vienna To Hallstatt by Car

While visiting Vienna, it’s possible to make a trip to Hallstatt. However, it’s not recommended to squeeze Hallstatt into a day trip because the drive from Vienna to Hallstatt is around 3.5 hours long. Exploring the storybook town with an overnight stay is best.

Salzburg to Hallstatt by Car

A Salzburg to Hallstatt day trip is very common and feasible to accomplish, even during a short visit. The drive from Salzburg to Hallstatt is only 1.5 hours long and incredibly scenic which makes the journey even more enjoyable. If you don’t have your own car, consider opting for a guided tour which can be super affordable and convenient!

Munich to Hallstatt by Car

Although it’s just a border crossing away, getting to Hallstatt from Munich will take around 3 hours by car. Unless you plan on leaving really early, visiting Hallstatt in winter from Munich isn’t recommended as a one day trip. The route from Munich to Hallstatt is primarily via major motorways which makes the drive as quick and efficient as possible.

By Train

The train system in Austria is outstanding and a great option for anyone not able or interested in driving to Hallstatt. Taking the train to Hallstatt is possible from all major nearby cities and even small towns. That’s one of the great things about traveling throughout Europe, a train station is always within earshot! Not only is the train system easily accessible, it’s equally as affordable.

The main train station is located on the opposing side of Hallstatt village which means it’s on the other side of Lake Hallstatt. There is a ferry port conveniently located at the same train station with a boat that transports foot passengers there and back.

The short journey only takes 10 minutes and costs under €4 per one-way. It’s not possible to book a ferry ticket in advance and you must pay in cash. Visiting Hallstatt in winter is no issue as the boat operates in all seasons!

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Munich to Hallstatt by Train

The train ride from Munich to Hallstatt is a bit indirect and will likely go through Salzburg first. The quickest option takes around 4 hours and will require one or two interchanges depending on which ticket you book. A train ticket costs as little as €18 for one-way and departs most frequently in the mornings.

Vienna to Hallstatt by Train

Although almost 400 km apart, Vienna to Hallstatt is surprisingly manageable by train. The quickest route takes around 3.5 hours with only one quick interchange. A one-way ticket price can be as little as €19. Frequency is consistent throughout the entire year with trains running every hour.

Salzburg to Hallstatt by Train

Traveling to Hallstatt from Salzburg by train doesn’t take much longer than it does by car. The journey is just over 2 hours long with a brief change of trains in Attnang-Puchheim. Getting to Hallstatt by railway from Salzburg won’t even set you back €10! The first portion of this train journey is operated by the Austrian National OBB train. To reach the end destination of Hallstatt, you’ll onboard the local REX train.

By Plane

There are two big international airports within a two hour drive from Hallstatt. Salzburg Airport (also known as Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart) is Austria’s second largest airport and only 80 km (49 miles) from Hallstatt. Based on which method you choose to get to Hallstatt from Salzburg, you can arrive in just over an hour!

The city of Linz is home to the third largest airport in the country and located 118 km (73 miles) away. Arriving in Hallstatt by train from Linz is possible with a direct route (no transfers!) that takes around 2.5 hours and only €20.

Average Winter Temperatures in Hallstatt

By the end of November, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to sit at a low of 0°C / 32°F. Throughout the next couple of winter months, this is likely the temperature you should expect during the day time. Night time temperatures can drop to as low as  -6°C / 21°F which means you should plan on short days when visiting Hallstatt in winter.

It isn’t until March where you’ll begin to see daytime temperatures remain above freezing and around 4°C / 39°F.

Hallstatt’s cold winter temperatures are the perfect opportunity to make sure your winter gear is updated. As the Scandinavians say, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” In order to not let the cold temperatures ruin your winter Hallstatt trip, come prepared with the appropriate (and enough) clothing.

What to Wear in Hallstatt in December

• Thick and warm hat
• Infinity scarf or neck warmer
• Gloves suitable for possible snow
• Fleece lined pants or leggings
• Waterproof boots
• Versatile winter jacket
• Thermal or base layers

Hallstatt in Winter FAQs

Is There Snow in Hallstatt?

We’re living in a time where some years, snow isn’t even guaranteed in some parts of the Alps that have experienced winter snow for thousands of years. So, there is no absolute guarantee in seeing snow during your winter Hallstatt trip.

This doesn’t mean it’s completely out of the question and snow is still very likely during the months of December – February. Historically, each of these months have received on average of 12-14 days of snow per month. Even if heavy snowfall may not stick, it’s probable to experience even a light snowfall which is still in your favour when sightseeing.

If you want to be entirely sure about whether or not there is snow on the ground, view the Hallstatt webcam which can be found here.

Is Parking in Hallstatt Possible?

Even though Hallstatt is a relatively small town, the proper infrastructure has been put in place to welcome tourists. To accommodate the mass tourism it’s experienced in the past ten years, you’ll find not just one but a few lots which make Hallstatt parking possible.

However, it is important to keep in mind that parking in the town center is limited and the main center of Hallstatt is closed off to tourist cars. This means you should be prepared to walk from the provided parking lots.

Most parking lots are within a 10-15 minute walk to the village center. If the most convenient parking lots are full, it’s possible to park at Parkplatz P3 and Parkplatz P4 which are both around 30 minutes away on foot.

Do not underestimate how busy it can get when visiting Hallstatt in winter. Even on an ordinary weekday in the dead of January, you may want to plan on arriving in Hallstatt as early as 8am (if you are not staying in Hallstatt).

The parking lots are the only valid options for parking which means you will have to pay. Price of parking is also not cheap and the first hour, which is the minimum amount, will cost around €7.

Hallstatt Parking Map

Can You Visit Hallstatt in One Day?

Yes! The great thing about smaller destinations like Hallstatt is the ability to discover its highlights within a day. As not everyone has an open ended itinerary and is usually sticking to some kind of travel plans, this makes Hallstatt an exceptional choice for a day trip.

Whether you are already visiting a nearby major city or en route on a road trip, stopping in Hallstatt for the day (or even afternoon) is completely manageable. You’ll be able to see the sights, take some stunning photos, eat lunch and feel like you thoroughly enjoyed Hallstatt.

Extending your stay in Hallstatt and its surrounding area is also a fantastic plan. If skiing, hiking or checking out other towns is part of your itinerary during your visit to Hallstatt in winter, you should choose to stay a few days.

Is Hallstatt as Beautiful as It Is in Photos?

We’ve probably all experienced some disappointment when finally visiting the picture perfect destination you’ve been seeing in photos online. Hallstatt is not one of those situations and we guarantee you’ll be completely stunned by how beautiful it really is.

There is a reason (or plenty) that Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and undoubtedly worth the hype. Add a fresh blanket of snow and you will not find a better place to visit than the lovable village of Hallstatt in winter.

Travel Resources for Visiting Hallstatt in Winter

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

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Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.