Hallstatt Lake
Ideal: Excellent for nature, photography, and romantic routes.
Salt has been mined in the mountain above the town since the 7th century BCE; Europe's early Iron Age 'Hallstatt culture' takes its name from here, and the mine is considered the world's oldest known salt mine. The lake drops 125 meters deep, while only about 800 people live in the town. The Skywalk on the mine path looks over the valley from 350 meters above the houses. The town has been copied so often that a full-scale replica was built in Guangdong, China, in 2012.
Quick facts
- Length
- 5.9 km
- Area
- 8.6 km²
- Elevation
- 508 m
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Why is Hallstatt such an important archaeological site?
Its salt mine has been worked for 7,000 years and is the oldest known in Europe. An entire phase of the Iron Age (800–450 BC) is named the "Hallstatt culture" after it.
What are the painted skulls in the chapel?
The Beinhaus holds over 1,200 skulls, some 600 painted with flowers and inscribed with names. Space in the cemetery was so limited that remains were exhumed after a time; the most recent skull dates from 1995.
Is there a copy of the village in China?
Yes. A Chinese company built a full-scale replica of Hallstatt in Guangdong in 2012 — a project started without telling the villagers in advance.
Why go?
- For one of Austria's most striking lake-and-mountain views
- To soak in the fairy-tale town atmosphere
- As an unforgettable nature stop on a Salzburg or Vienna route
Travel tip
It is very popular — arriving early or overnighting improves the experience a lot.
