Day Trip from Vienna to Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is a picturesque lakeside village in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, know for its alpine scenery and centuries-old salt mines. A day trip from Vienna is possible, offering a chance to explore the historic streets, scenic viewpoints, and the surrounding lake and mountains all in one visit.

How To Get to Hallstatt from Vienna

Train

Vienna → Attnang-Puchheim → Hallstatt

There are no direct trains from Vienna to Hallstatt, so a transfer is required—most commonly at Attnang-Puchheim. he transfer is straightforward: the connecting train is usually just across the platform, and departure information is clearly displayed above. Roundtrip tickets, bookable on Omio, range from $25–$90 depending on the time of day. To make the most of your day trip, aim for train times that give you at least 5 hours in Hallstatt. Trains start as early as 4 AM, and the last departure from Hallstatt is usually around 6–6:30 PM.

Once you arrive at the Hallstatt train station, you'll have to ferry across to reach the town. Tickets are purchased at the time of crossing, costing 4 euros each way, and cash is required (there are no ATMs). Check current ferry schedules in advance to plan your timing.

Recommended Itinerary:

Vienna 6:18 AM - Hallstatt 10:30 AM

Hallstatt 5:03 PM - Vienna 8:30 PM

Car

Driving allows you more flexibility in your schedule and includes a scenic drive through the Austrian countryside. Hallstatt's village streets are narrow and parking is limited, so it's best to arrive earlier in the day. Designated parking lots are available just outside the main village, with a short walk or shuttle ferry taking you to the lakeside promenade.

Best Time of Year To Go

You can visit Hallstatt during any time of the year, but different seasons offer a slightly different experience:

Spring/Summer: boating, hiking, full bloom of alpine flowers.

Autumn: foliage and fewer tourists.

Winter: cozy, quiet village with snow-capped rooftops and a festive atmosphere.

Itinerary

Morning

Walk along the lakeside promenade and grab breakfast at Seecafe Hallstatt. After, head to the Salt Mine (Salzwelten Hallstatt) for a guided tour of the ancient salt mine. The full experience takes 2-3 hours including riding the funicular up the hill, changing into mining gear, walking to the entrance, and a 70-90 minute guided tour inside the mine.

On your way back down, stop at the Skywalk Viewing Platform for panoramic views of Hallstatt and the surrounding mountains.

Afternoon

After descending, explore Hallstatt Market Square and the historic houses along the promenade. Spend time browsing local shops for souvenirs, crafts, or specialty products like salt or handmade postcards. For lunch, enjoy a lakeside meal at one of the village’s restaurants or cafes.

If time allows, take a short boat ride on Hallstätter See to see the village from the water or take a hike on nearby trails around the village for additional views of the lake and mountains.