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HALLSTATT
The Frozen Realm
In Hallstatt, Austria, here are the things to see:
- Historical center and marketplace
- Take a stroll by the lake.
- San Michele Chapel with the Ossuary
- Salt Worlds The Salt Mines
- MOM - Memory of Mankind
Hallstatt and its lake view
In the center of Austria, about an hour's drive from Salzburg, nestled in the Alps, lies one of the most beautiful villages in the world, reflected in the waters of the mountain lake it is named after.
In 1997, UNESCO designated Hallstatt as a cultural and natural heritage site. The village is nestled between a deep lake and a mountain wall, with houses clinging to it like swallow's nests.
The Hallstatt houses cling to the side of the mountain
Home to fewer than 850 residents permanently, this place was so beloved that rules had to be enforced by the authorities to manage tourism. A duplicate was even constructed in China, specifically in Louyang City, Guangdong.
I went there in early January when the town, with its Alpine-style houses with pitched roofs and sixteenth-century buildings, was covered in white snow and the frozen shaded areas brought to mind the magic of the Ice Kingdom that inspired Disney to create the Kingdom of Arendelle in the animated film Frozen.
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Comparing the Ice Kingdom of Frozen and the country of Hallstatt.
To reach the pedestrian center, you can stroll along a lakeside promenade that offers a stunning view of the village and the Lutheran church, known for its tall pointed bell tower that stands out.
The town grows around the Market Square, ascending the mountain slope between charming canals that carry water from the springs to the lake and pastel-colored buildings.
As you keep going uphill, you'll reach the Gosaumühlstraße panoramic point. Take a moment to stop, look around, and capture a photo that will stay with you forever.
View from the rear of the town overlooking the lake
Once you walk past the small cemetery behind the Church of Santa Maria, you'll reach the Chapel of San Michele. Here, you can visit a unique Ossuary where the skulls taken from the town's graves have been carefully cleaned and adorned with the names of their owners.
Such a unique way to pay tribute to the departed!
The ossuary located in St. Michael's Chapel.
Near the town entrance, there's a funicular that takes you to the world's oldest salt mine, Salzwelten. For 7000 years, salt has been mined from this mine through a system of underground tunnels reaching depths of up to 215 meters.
Its features made it the perfect location for the project, which was initiated in 2012, known as MOM - Memory of Mankind.
It's a project to preserve human knowledge on ceramic plaques that can't be changed. It's like a snapshot of our era for future generations to discover, and everyone can add to it.
Our aim is for our knowledge not to be forgotten but to journey through time like a message in a bottle on the sea.
Hallstatt - Helpful Tips and Information
Best time to visit: any time of the year
Safety: no issues with safety
Clothing advice: during winter wear warm clothes and non-slip shoes in winter as some paths can get icy
Getting there: drive and head towards Salzburg on the motorway, then take the Niederfritz exit.
After that, drive around 50 km on the state road through the Gschutt pass.
How long does it take the visit: It takes 2 hours to visit Hallstatt.
How to get to the salt mines: take the funicular from the town car park.
The funicular ride and entrance fee cost €30 for adults and €15 for children. It operates from April to October.
It takes 2.5 hours to visit the mines.
Souvenirs: items from the salt mine, wooden crafts, traditional clothing Cost for the day: €100 per person (excluding transportation)