Hallstatt In Winter: One Day Guide To A Fairytale Austrian Town

In January of 2020, my husband and I embarked on a Central European Road Trip. First, we flew into Prague and then rented a car and drove through The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria. One of our favorite stops along the way was the fairytale town of Hallstatt, Austria. This town is magical in the winter. Below is my guide to one day visiting Hallstatt in winter.

If you decide to follow our road trip itinerary and drive from Budapest to Hallstatt, it will take you about 5 hours. The scenery is breathtaking. You’ll cross through lush green vineyards and as you get closer to Hallstatt the scenery transforms from rolling green hills to snowcapped mountains and royal blue lakes. After entering Austria, you will need to stop and buy a vignette (essentially pay the country’s toll fee) in order to legally drive in Austria. For more information on vignette’s, see my Budapest post and read under “Prague to Budapest Road Trip Tips”.

Best Places to Stay in Hallstatt in Winter

We chose to stay at Bergfried Gasthof which was absolutely perfect. We were within walking distance to everything in Hallstatt and the best part of all, the hotel offers FREE PARKING. Staying at a hotel that offers parking spaces is essential in Hallstatt because there is actually no other parking available in the town. In fact, if you are planning to just visit for the day and not stay overnight, you need to take a shuttle bus or train in that will drop you off (From Salzburg).

The hotel was affordable at about $130 per night. Our room was simple and had everything we needed. I recommend staying one night in Hallstatt rather than taking the shuttle in. Being able to wake up early in the morning and walk through the town before the crowds arrive is amazing. There is no need to stay more than one night. The town is very small.

If we go back, I’d like to stay at The Heritage Hotel Hallstatt because of its beautiful location on Lake Hallstatt.

Where to Eat in Hallstatt in Winter

Hallstatt has a short “off-season” in the winter in which many of the restaurants and attractions aren’t open. This was a bit of a bummer as there were only two food places open and we ended up eating outside.

We ate at Schirmbar which was a simple bar/food spot. We were so hungry after our long day of travel and the schnitzel we ate along with steins of beer hit the spot. If we could go back, I would definitely reserve a spot on the water at Restaurant im Seehotel Gruner Baum or at BRAUGASTHOF am Hallstattersee which also offers water front dining.

We stopped into Pizzeria Bella Minano and grabbed a beer here after dinner. The grocery store next door was also open and we grabbed a bottle of local wine here and a magnet souvenir. In the morning, we grabbed pastries at a little bakery by the water.

Tip: You need cash at most of these places. Hit the ATM when you get into town.

What to Do in Hallstatt in Winter

Walk Through Town

After a long day of driving, we got into town in the late afternoon as the sun was setting and strolled through the sleepy streets. We took in all the sights, the shops, and the amazing views over the water. Walking in the town feels like being in a fairytale. It is very romantic, and many couples take advantage of the gorgeous backdrop for photos.

A Breathtaking Snowshoe Hike in Dachstein Krippenstein

This is the best part of visiting Hallstatt in winter! Parking for the lift is located at the other side of Hallstatt lake, in Obertraun. After parking, purchase gondola tickets and rent snowshoes. Then the gondola brings hikers comfortably up the mountain to where the hike begins.

Next, hike about a mile in snow shoes out to the 5 Fingers Viewpoint. The views are gorgeous and the 5 fingers itself is a fun and thrilling experience. Grab beers and lunch in the restaurant at the top of slopes before getting descending on the gondola.

Other Things to do at Dachstein Krippenstein:

• Ski/ snowboard
• Tour the Giant Ice Cave

The World Heritage Skywalk: A Great View of Hallstatt in Winter

In the winter, the funicular is closed but it is possible to hike (about 1 hour) to the top. Micro spikes or crampons are necessary. The funicular costs about 20 EURO when open.

Enjoy the Water on Lake Hallstatt

You can rent a boat, paddleboard, or simply just walk next to the water and enjoy the views.

Things That are Closed in Hallstatt in Winter:

Tour the Salt Mine (closed in winter)

You must purchase a 70 minute tour. Salt has been mined in Hallstatt for thousands of years and the history is fascinating.

Hallstatt Ossuary (closed in winter)

If you delight in all things dark and creepy- this is the place for you. There are about 2,000 skulls stacked in this cave like room. The skulls are labeled with names and painted with ornate decorations.

Hallstatt in Winter Trip Take-Aways:

• If you don’t mind missing the salt mine, the ossuary, and the swanky restaurants, I recommend visiting Hallstatt Austria in winter. Crowds are smaller, hotel prices are cheaper, and you can still visit Dachstein Krippenstein and rent snowshoes to do an epic hike in the Austrian Alps
• Drive into town and stay 1 night at a hotel with free parking (Bergfried Gasthof)
• If what you want is delicious, water-front dining, visit in the summer and make reservations early. Be aware that the town will be crowded but all attractions and restaurants will be open.

Hope you enjoyed!