Hallstatt

Salzkammergut Travel Guide: Hallstatt, Bad Ischl, and St. Wolfgang

Dear travelers,

Our adventure in Austria continues (check the Villach and Vienna blogs, if you have miss them), and now it’s time to explore the magical Salzkammergut region!  

The name “Salzkammergut” means “Estate of the Salt Chamber,” highlighting how valuable salt was in the past. Often called “white gold,” salt played a huge role in shaping the area’s history, culture, and economy for centuries!

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting three of Salzkammergut’s most beautiful towns—Hallstatt, Bad Ischl, and St. Wolfgang. This isn’t just another tourist itinerary. I’ve been there, and I’ll share my personal recommendations and tips so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest. 

Salzkammergut Travel Guide

Where is Salzkammergut?

You’re probably wondering, “Where exactly is that?” Don’t worry—I had the same question when I first booked this trip! The Salzkammergut region is in central Austria, covering parts of three states: Upper Austria, Styria, and Salzburg. It stretches from the city of Salzburg in the west to the Dachstein Mountains in the east. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the region is famous for its landscapes and Austria’s oldest salt mines. It’s famous for its villages, lakes, and mountain views. The region is perfect for hiking, cycling, swimming, kayaking, and even skiing in the winter. You may have heard of Hallstatt—it’s the town that looks like it was pulled straight out of a Disney movie. But Salzkammergut is so much more than just Hallstatt.

How to Get to Salzkammergut from Slovenia or Macedonia

Driving through Salzkammergut is a treat for the eyes. You’ll see lakes, hills, and charming little villages along the way. The roads are smooth and easy to drive, so getting around is a breeze.

Here’s an idea of how long it takes to drive between the main spots:

  • Salzburg to Hallstatt: About 1.5 hours
  • Hallstatt to Bad Ischl: Around 25 minutes
  • Bad Ischl to St. Wolfgang: About 20 minutes

From Slovenia

Hallstatt is about a four-hour drive from Ljubljana. You have two options:

By Car: Visiting by car is a great choice if you want flexibility and the ability to stop for scenic photos along the way.

By Tour Bus: This can be convenient, but most group tours rush through everything, leaving you wishing for more time.

My Tip:

Skip the one-day tour. Give yourself two days to really soak it all in. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

Hallstatt lake view

From Macedonia

Flights:

    • Fly to Salzburg from Skopje (there is a WizzAir flight). 

Train or Car:

    • Once you land in Salzburg, you have two options:
      • Take a train or bus to Salzkammergut towns like Hallstatt, Bad Ischl, or St. Wolfgang.
      • Rent a car for more freedom to explore at your own pace.

First Stop: Hallstatt

Hallstatt is the star of Salzkammergut. It’s a tiny lakeside village surrounded by mountains, and its beauty is honestly hard to put into words. Hallstatt is a small village, so you don’t need a lot of time to explore it—about two hours (without the salt mine tour) is usually enough to see the highlights.

What to Do in Hallstatt

Take a Stroll Along the Lake and Relax with a Coffee

This is one of the simplest yet most enjoyable things to do. Walk along the lake’s edge, take in the peaceful views, and snap a few photos. The reflection of the colorful houses in the water is pure magic. Find a cozy café, order a coffee (maybe add a slice of strudel), and just enjoy the moment. Watching the world go by in Hallstatt feels like a little slice of heaven.

Hallstatt lake views

Salt Mine Adventure & Hallstatt Skywalk

Another interesting activity in Hallstatt is visiting the Hallstatt Salt Mine, also known as Salzwelten Hallstatt—the oldest salt mine in the world.  

Key Details:

  • Tour Time: Around 3 hours (90 minutes inside the mine).
  • Getting There: Take the funicular railway up and walk 15 minutes to the entrance.
  • Open: Seasonal. Currently closed until early February 2025.
  • Highlights:
    • A 64-meter miner’s slide.
    • Europe’s oldest wooden staircase.
    • Learn about ancient mining at the Bronze Age Cinema.
  • Tickets: Book online in advance

While you’re there, step onto the Skywalk for breathtaking views of the village, lake, and surrounding mountains.

Visit the Market Square

Wander through the Market Square, Hallstatt’s charming center, filled with colorful buildings, cute shops, and cafés.

The classic photo spot in Hallstatt is located on the lakefront path near the Seestraße, just a short walk from the Market Square. This iconic viewpoint is often called the “Classic Hallstatt View” and is one of the most photographed spots in Austria. It’s easy to find, and it’s even marked on Google Maps as “Hallstatt Classic Village Viewpoint.” 

Visit the Beinhaus (Bone House)

Check out the Beinhaus, where over 600 artistically painted skulls are displayed. It’s a unique, fascinating tradition tied to the town’s history. Since Hallstatt is a small village with limited space for burials, in the past, cemeteries would become overcrowded, so older graves were dug up to make room for new ones. The exhumed skulls and bones were cleaned, bleached by the sun, and some were later painted and placed in the Beinhaus. I decided not to go inside since it wasn’t something I personally wanted to see.

Hallstatt
Booking.com

Second stop: Bad Ischl

Hallstatt is amazing, but don’t stop there. The Salzkammergut region has even more gems to discover. Bad Ischl is a cozy spa town with a royal twist. It was once the summer retreat of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi, and their presence is still felt here today. It’s just a 30-minute drive from Hallstatt, earned its “Bad” (spa) title for its healing salt springs, renowned since the 19th century. It’s one of the top spa spots in the region!

What to Do in Bad Ischl

Kaiservilla

This was Emperor Franz Joseph’s summer palace and the place where he signed Austria-Hungary into World War I. Visitors can tour the royal rooms, see personal items, and walk through the lovely gardens, all with beautiful mountain views. It’s like stepping back in time to the life of the Habsburgs.

Kaiservilla Bad Ischl

Stroll the Town & Relax in Thermal Baths

Walk around the charming streets, visit the historic Kurpark (spa park), and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of this small town. Also, take advantage of Bad Ischl’s spa tradition by visiting one of its thermal baths for a relaxing experience.

Bad Ischl city center

Zauner Café and Ischler Pastries

Išleri. Many of you have tried them, as they’re incredibly popular in the Balkans, and I was certain they originated there. But guess what? They don’t! Išleri actually originate from Austria! They are a type of Austrian sandwich cookie, traditionally called “Ischler Törtchen”, named after the spa town of Bad Ischl. The recipe became popular across Europe and eventually made its way to the Balkans, where they gained immense popularity and became a beloved dessert.

My tip? Head to Konditorei Zauner, a famous pastry shop that’s been around since the 1800s. Don’t miss it.

Ischler Törtchen

Third stop: St. Wolfgang

End your trip with a visit to Wolfgangsee, especially if you’re traveling during the holiday season. St. Wolfgang sits on the shores of Lake Wolfgang, offering a slower pace and plenty of charm. It’s the kind of place where you can relax and take it all in without feeling rushed. 

This town is famous for its traditional Austrian vibe, colorful houses, and its connection to the legend of Saint Wolfgang, a bishop who, according to legend, threw an ax to determine the location of the church that still stands here today.

What to Do in St. Wolfgang

Christmas Markets

The Christmas markets in St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, and Strobl are some of the most magical in Austria. Think twinkling lights, mulled wine, and handmade crafts.

Visit the Pilgrimage Church of St. Wolfgang

The church is the heart of St. Wolfgang, and it’s absolutely worth a visit. Inside, you’ll find a breathtaking Gothic altarpiece created by Michael Pacher. The detailed carvings and beautiful paintings will leave you in awe. 

St Wolfgang christmas market

Lakeside Beauty

The lake is the heart of St. Wolfgang, and there’s plenty to do on and around the water:

  • Take a boat cruise to other nearby towns like Strobl or St. Gilgen.
  • Rent a paddleboat or kayak for a fun time on the water.
  • Swim in the lake during summer—the water is incredibly clear and refreshing.
Wolfgangsee

Why a Weekend Trip is Better Than a Day Trip

Salzkammergut deserves more than a rushed day trip. By staying for the weekend, you’ll have enough time to truly enjoy each town.

  • No Rushing: You’ll have time to actually enjoy everything without constantly checking your watch.

  • More Experiences: From the salt mines to the lakeside markets, there’s so much to see that one day just doesn’t cut it.

  • A Relaxing Pace: Travel should be about enjoying the journey, not cramming in as much as possible.

Sample Weekend Itinerary

Day 1

  • Morning: Arrive in Hallstatt and explore the salt mines, Skywalk, and market square.
  • Afternoon: Head to Bad Ischl, visit Kaiservilla, and treat yourself to an Ischler Törtchen.
  • Evening: Relax in Bad Ischl’s thermal baths.

Day 2

  • Morning: Drive to St. Wolfgang and take the Schafberg Railway.
  • Afternoon: Have lunch by Lake Wolfgang, enjoy some water activities, and stroll through the town.
  • Evening: Catch the sunset over the lake before heading back.

Take it slow, enjoy the scenery, and savor every moment. Whether you’re exploring salt mines, eating sweet treats, or gazing at alpine lakes, you’ll leave Salzkammergut feeling refreshed and inspired.

Have questions or tips to share? Let me know—I’d love to hear about your experiences!

Truly yours,

The Creation of Us