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Home - Travel Destinations - Hallstatt, Austria – 10 Fabulous and Unique Things to Do

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10 Unique Things to Do in Hallstatt, Austria (+ Insider Tips)

...and 10 free things to do

Slow Pace - Shopping for a souvenir

Slow your pace for a moment in Hallstatt. Let the calm of the lake and mountains settle in. Stay a night or two and soak up the early mornings and late evenings, before day-trippers arrive and the village gets busy. Let’s start by shopping for a souvenir:

You won’t see flashy shopping streets lined with big brands here — instead, look closer and you’ll spot small local shops, often family-run, with a warm, personal feel. Look for handmade ceramics, traditional salt products, and small souvenirs you simply won’t get anywhere else. It’s worth taking the time to browse.

You might find something unique you never expected…

The big question is: Should you stay over for a few nights, or just do a day-trip? Read more…

Our most disappointing part of visiting Hallstatt (+ travel tip):

One of the most disappointing parts of our visit was discovering that not all shops in Hallstatt accept cards. We started picking out souvenirs in a charming little curio shop, only to hear “sorry, no card.” With no time to go back later, we left Hallstatt empty-handed. Don’t let the same thing happen to you — carry some cash. There is an ATM in town, but it’s best to be prepared so you don’t miss out on bringing home something special.

Hallstatt – 10 Unique Things to Do (Off the Beaten Track)

Many of these are often overlooked by tourists only interested in ticking of their list of things to do:

The Bone House (Beinhaus)
Inside the small St. Michael’s Chapel, you’ll find over 600 artistically painted skulls stacked in neat rows. Locals used to reuse graves, and this is how they honored their dead. A little eerie, a lot fascinating if you’re into that kind of thing.
Try Kaiserschmarrn at Rudolfsturm
This alpine lookout café serves fluffy, caramelized pancake shreds with plum jam. Sit outside for a view straight over the lake and valley. Much quieter than the main town square. It’s spectacular – the views unbeatable – and one of the best photo opportunities of Hallstatt.
Walk down from the Salt Mine on the Panorama Trail
Instead of taking the funicular down, hike the wooded trail with scenic spots overlooking the rooftops. It’s peaceful, especially early in the morning.
Row a Traditional Wooden Boat at Sunrise
Rent a flat-bottomed boat from the lakefront. The water is like glass before 9am, and you’ll have the town’s reflection to yourself.
Explore the Hidden Staircase Behind the Church
Go around the back of the Evangelical Church. There’s a narrow, steep stone staircase that locals use to reach the upper paths. It’s atmospheric and almost always empty.
Browse a Curiosity Shop
These tiny shops sells everything from hand-bound books to old maps, pressed alpine flowers, fridge magnets, toys and many more items like, art made by local craftsmen. Support local while you’re there.
Visit the Market in Bad Goisern (10 mins drive)
If you’re staying overnight, visit this authentic nearby town on market day (usually Fridays). No tourist traps—just local cheeses, sausages, and mountain honey.
Take the Ferry From Obertraun at Golden Hour
Catch the ferry across the lake from the quieter side (Obertraun). The ride is short, but the late afternoon light on Hallstatt’s colorful houses is magic.
Go Paddleboarding or Swimming From Obertraun Beach
Most people never think to swim here. But across the lake is a little lakeside “beach” with SUP rentals and calm water in summer. Great for a relaxed afternoon.
Eat fresh fish for dinner
At a local guesthouse or lakeside tavern, ask for the local whitefish from Lake Hallstatt, usually grilled simply with herbs. This is how locals eat. Doing a sunset dinner with lake views, is truly special.

10 Free and Beautiful Things nature lovers would enjoy to Do in Hallstatt

Sit Quietly by the Lake at Sunrise. Bring coffee or just your thoughts. The lake is glassy, the town is silent, and the mountains reflect like a painting.
Wander the Upper Streets. Walk uphill through narrow alleyways and stone steps—peek into gardens (while still respecting people’s privacy), pass flower-draped balconies, and enjoy views the crowds never see.
Climb the Footpath Behind the Church leading up to the cemetery.
Watch the Swans Glide Across the Water. They’re always there, drifting slowly past the wooden boathouses. Bring a camera, or just watch.
Stroll the Waterfront Boardwalk. A short but gorgeous walk right on the edge of the lake. Early morning or late evening is best for reflection and calm.
Lie on the Grass at Gosaumühl Park. Just on the edge of town, this small green space is perfect for a breather with a view of the water and boats.
Follow the Signs Toward Echerntal Valley. Even if you don’t hike far, the trail starts with a beautiful footbridge and alpine meadows. Wildflowers in spring.
Take the time to listen to the Church Bells Echo Across the Lake. The sound is deep and rich, especially in the early evening. Find a bench and just listen.
Wait for the Last Light on the Steeple – picture perfect moment: As the sun sets, the light hits the top of the church spire and mountain peaks one last time. A perfect, golden moment.
Visit the Cemetery… (yes we’re going somewhere with this…)

Why you should visit the cemetery while in Hallstatt or basically anywhere in Austria and Switzerland:

The graves are lovingly kept—many with fresh flowers, candles, and carved wooden hearts. Peaceful and moving. A quiet space, filled with flowers, and framed by lake views. I’s not just a graveyard, it’s a testimony to many life stories, but it’s also a fabulous showcase of respect, honor and dignity shown towards past generations. It’s definitely worth a quiet and respectful visit.

We visited the beautiful local lakeside church, known as the Catholic Parish Church of the Assumption, often called St Christopher’s. It stands just above the boat dock, its tall spire a landmark you’ll recognize from countless Hallstatt photos. This is the iconic church you see on postcards, perfectly framed against the lake and mountains as you arrive by boat.

"When you stay overnight in Hallstatt, you give yourself more time to enjoy everything this beautiful place offers. There’s no need to rush — you can wander along the lake, enjoy a peaceful dinner next to the water with local food, or explore quiet side streets that day-trippers often miss."

Elmari

Now book your stay... so you have enough time to explore and enjoy:

Eat like a local

Traditional Wiener Schnitzel you can make at home. (Easy Recipe)