Hallstatt, the Capri of Austria
Beatrice Lessi
Don’t go to Hallstatt for just a day—seriously, don’t. The village is flooded with tourists from every continent, and you won’t enjoy it the way you imagined. Signs everywhere plead for silence: “We live here, be respectful.” If you’re hoping for a peaceful coffee and a quick selfie, prepare for disappointment.
But here’s the thing—Hallstatt is a dream.
The little houses cling to the steep mountainside, their wooden and stone walls draped in blooming roses and ivy. The view over Lake Hallstatt is breathtaking, a perfect mirror reflecting the towering peaks of the Salzkammergut region.
The Secret to Seeing Hallstatt
Last weekend, after my ultra trail run in Austria, I decided to stay overnight. And that changed everything.
At sunrise, between 7 and 8 AM, I finally saw Hallstatt for real. The streets were empty, the lake was still, and only one or two Japanese tourists with selfie sticks wandered quietly. It was magical.
Worth the effort? Absolutely.
But honestly, they need to introduce some kind of entrance tax. During the day and evening, the crowds make it far too stressful to enjoy the beauty of the place.
3 Fun Facts About Hallstatt
1. The World’s Oldest Salt Mine – Hallstatt has been mining salt for over 7,000 years, making it one of the oldest salt-producing sites in the world.
2. A Chinese Replica Exists – Believe it or not, China built an exact replica of Hallstatt in Guangdong province, complete with its charming houses and lake views.
3. The Bone House Tradition – Due to limited burial space, Hallstatt has a bone house where skulls are decorated with flowers and names before being placed in an ossuary.
Final Thoughts
Hallstatt is worth every bit of effort—but only if you experience it the right way. Stay overnight, wake up early, and let the sunrise reveal the true magic of this Austrian gem.
And if you do visit, remember: respect the silence, embrace the beauty, and maybe—just maybe—skip the selfie stick.
