Hallstatt

Photograph by Anas Morsali, taken during his own trip

Hallstatt is a tiny village of fewer than 800 inhabitants on the southwestern shore of Lake Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria, and is widely considered one of the most beautiful villages on Earth. Squeezed between the towering Dachstein massif and the emerald waters of the lake, Hallstatt's pastel-coloured houses, Gothic church spire, and wooden boathouses create a scene so perfect it was famously replicated in full scale in China. The village has been continuously inhabited for over 7,000 years, with salt mining dating back to the Bronze Age — the prehistoric Hallstatt culture (800–450 BC) takes its name from this settlement. Visitors can explore the world's oldest salt mine (Salzwelten), ride the funicular to the Skywalk viewing platform 350 metres above the lake, or simply wander the car-free village centre where every angle reveals a postcard-perfect view. The charming Marktplatz (market square) is surrounded by traditional Austrian houses with flower-filled window boxes. For the most magical experience, stay overnight after the day-trippers depart and witness the village reflected in the glassy lake at dawn, with mist rising from the water and church bells echoing off the mountains.

Planning the wider trip? The Austria planning guide covers how to get there, how to move around, where to stay, realistic costs and a day-by-day itinerary that includes Hallstatt.