Four things to do in Hallstatt

Do you believe in fairy tales? These four things to do in Hallstatt are sure to make you feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a fairy tale novel. If you haven’t added Hallstatt to your Austria itinerary, well here’s four reasons why you should.

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1) The ‘Bone House’

While you won’t find Prince Charming or singing candlesticks in this charming village, you will find over 600 painted 18th century human skulls in St. Michael’s Chapel – one of the weirder things to do in Hallstatt.

This largest ever collection of skulls were artistically painted to preserve the identity of the deceased family member. When an existing grave was reused for a new burial, the skull or bones were transferred from the grave to the ‘Charnel’ or ‘Bone’ house.

You can enter the ‘Bone House’ for €1.50

2)  Hallstatt Sky Walk 

Unfortunately the cable car was closed during our visit, but there’s something to be said from seeing a UNESCO World Heritage Region Hallstatt-Dachstein-Salzkammergut from 360 meters above sea level. The Hallstatt Sky Walk is 12 meters out to its tapered point above the rooftops of Hallstatt – one of the cooler things to do in Hallstatt.

To reach the sky walk, you’ll need to ride the Salzbergbahn, otherwise referred to as the Salt Mine Railway.  You can reach the station within four minutes of departing the bus. You can expect to pay €16,00 per adult.

Hallstatt Salt Mine Railway

3) Salt Mine

One of the more traditional things to do in Hallstatt, the salt mine is the oldest salt mine in the world dating back over 2500 years. The salt that came from the Dürrnberg not only lent its name to the city and province of Salzburg, but was so highly regarded that it took its rightful place right next to jewels and diamonds: known as “white gold”.

The Salt Mine is in the same location as the Sky Walk, so riding the Salzbergbahn will kill two birds with one stone. Due to the temporary closure of the cable car, we had to give the salt mine a miss but it comes highly recommended. You can expect to pay €21.00 for an adult and spend two hours there.

4) The Lake

The town itself is perfect for exploring, so take some time to bimble around the little shops, grab some lunch and ogle at the pretty houses.