Vienna to Hallstatt trip
Are you planning a trip from Vienna to Hallstatt and wondering about the best way to get there? Look no further! Whether you prefer a direct train ride, bus, buying tickets in advance, driving by car, or joining a guided tour, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs.
From stunning landscapes to charming village, Hallstatt offers a multitude of attractions that make it a must-visit destination in Austria. With its crystal-clear lake, towering mountains, and centuries-old architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true gem that deserves to be explored. So, pack your bags, get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime, and let’s discover the beauty of Hallstatt together!
Vienna to Hallstatt train
There is no prime connection between Vienna and Hallstatt. All trains require a transfer. Depart either from Wien Hauptbahnhof (main station) and arrive either at Hallstatt main train station or one station further to Obertraun-Dachsteinhöhlen train station. The train journey from Vienna to Hallstatt takes about 3 and half hours.
Train from Vienna to Hallstatt
The best way to buy a ticket is directly from Austrian Railways. If you are traveling early in the morning, I would recommend taking the 6:08 train that goes to Munich. But you get off at the Attnang-Puchheim Bahnhof station, where you change to the express train in the direction of Stainach Irding. At 9:25 you are at Hallstatt train station or 2 minutes later at Obertraun. Both stops are on Lake Hallstatt just opposite the village, so you will need to take the ferry to Hallstatt.
Since the train stops on the other side of the lake, you still have to use the ferry to get to the heart of Hallstatt. The boat departs every 30 minutes and usually corresponds with the departure of the train. The boat station in Hallstatt is just a few meters from the train station and you can buy your ferry ticket in advance or on the ferry.
Vienna to Hallstatt day trip?
Of course you can do a day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt with tour guide! If you are in Vienna or its surroundings, there are several companies which get you to Hallstatt and back to Vienna in one day. Despite the fact that Hallstatt is roughly 3.5 hours away from Vienna, the ways to get here are quite simple.
From Vienna to Hallstatt by car
You can also get from Vienna to Hallstatt by car. The journey of just under 300 km will take you about 3.5 hours. It’s a relatively easy and quick way to get to Hallstatt.
A car may be more convenient for the journey, but it is worse to then deal with the actual parking in Hallstatt. We recommend that you think about where to park in Hallstatt advance depending on the activities you plan to undertake.
Is a day trip to Hallstatt worth it?
This is where Hallstatt has a huge advantage. It is a small mountain town. Even though it takes quite a bit of time to get to and from Vienna, you can still get quite a bit done. Hallstatt has a lot to offer, just like its surroundings. You can visit the most important things in one day and maybe you will be happy to come back for a longer stay.
What to do in one day at Hallstatt?
So many possibilities! Definitely plan your trip in advance to get as much done as possible. Hallstatt boasts many places worth visiting!
The picturesque streets of Hallstatt and Markplatz
Even if you wanted to, you can’t miss the picturesque houses that create the true atmosphere of Hallstatt. It is an architectural masterpiece and many tourists come to visit it. The central square is also the centre of all the events and you will find a nice café for an afternoon coffee.
Take a picture of yourself at the view point
One of the iconic spots is “THE CLASSIC VILLAGE VIEW POINT”, where you can take a photo with Hallstatt, but also the Dachstein massif in the background. The place is worth a visit because the photos that are taken here are like from a postcard! See all viewpoints in Hallstatt.
Visit the ossuary (bone house)
Yes, it really is a house full of bones. It’s a fascinating attraction in Hallstatt at St Michael’s Chapel. The chapel is full of skulls and you can learn a lot about Hallstatt’s history and the people who lived here. The chapel has a collection of more than 600 artistically painted skulls and even more bones. Most of the skulls were painted in the 18th century, but a few date from the 20th century.
Very interesting place to visit in Hallstatt. This is my very first time seeing the real skulls in my life. It is not creepy as I thought. All skulls are solved & safe to reserve & for people seeing. The last skull in this bone house (Beinhaus) is a lady born in 1983 & placed here in 1995. You can recognize this skull by looking for a skull with golden teeth on the right side of cross.
This is a must see! There are about 1,200 skulls in it, as well as a lot of long bones. Many of the skulls are painted and dated. Detailed information about this is given when entering the ossuary. Entrance fee 1.50 euros.
Skywalk and Salt Mine
If you also want to enjoy the Alpine nature, we recommend going on the Hallstatt Sky Walk – a platform where you will have beautiful nature spread out all around you. During the summer months, you can hike or take a cable car to the Skywalk. If you decide to take the cable car, it’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance. It is a good idea to combine a trip to Skywalk with a visit to the Hallstatt Salt Mine, as they are on the same mountain.
Hallstatt is a beautiful place, but 6 hours in the car, on train or bus in one day is not so nice. Consider giving yourself more days here. There are many lovely hotels in Hallstatt, among other places, that will be happy to take care of you. And you will be able to enjoy are more. There are plenty of place you can see and you definitely need more then just few hours.
