Visit Hallstatt (on a budget)

Useful and Helpful tips and tricks to save money while traveling

When planning a trip to Hallstatt in Austria (on a budget), you might feel overwhelmed by the expensive options on where to stay, etc… However, there are many options to keep in mind. Let’s take a look at how to plan the perfect trip to Hallstatt (when you’re on a tight budget).

For this itinerary, we will look at options when traveling by car (as this gives you the most flexibility to explore the surrounding areas and get the most from your holiday).

Day 1: Arrive in Vienna, Austria

You might be arriving early morning, so spend your 24 hours in Vienna the best you can, and then enjoy a relaxing evening, getting ready for the exciting upcoming adventures…

The perfect itinerary

Try to catch some good sleep on your flight to Vienna because this itinerary is packed with sights and experiences. But remember, you can always add an extra night somewhere along the way for a little extra ‘me-time’ and some well-earned relaxation. It’s all about how much time you’ve set aside for your adventure.

Day 2: Vienna to Hallstatt

Early Morning:
- Drive from Vienna to Hallstatt (around 3 hours): Leaving early (at 06H00) lets you enjoy the scenic drive through the Salzkammergut region, with views of crystal-clear lakes and the towering Alps. Enjoy the fresh air and beauty all around you. (Oh did we mention…leave the stops along the way for the “drive back” – we have more ideas coming…)
- Breakfast: If you’re thinking of stopping for breakfast, get a nice spot with outdoor seating…
Late Morning:
- TRAVEL TIP: If you’re doing a self-drive adventure, park in Obertraun. Parking can be limited and costly in Hallstatt, so consider parking in Obertraun and taking a short ferry to Hallstatt. This not only saves on parking but also offers a stunning first view of Hallstatt from the lake.
Explore Hallstatt:
- Stroll the Town and Market Square: Wander through Hallstatt’s iconic streets, stopping for photos at every postcard-perfect corner.
- You can visit the Salt Mine or Hike to the Skywalk: Drive up to the funicular station if you want to skip the hike. The salt mine tour is a unique experience, though it’s a bit pricier, so the hike might be a more budget-friendly option.

Beautiful places to stay near Hallstatt (alternative options to staying in Hallstatt)

If you want to stay in Hallstatt, you might want to stay in Obertraun to save money: For a more budget-friendly and relaxed stay, book a guesthouse in Obertraun. End the evening with a quiet walk by the lake.
Or consider other small town options (there are quite a few)…

You can consider any of these, but keep reading for more ideas…as Sankt Johann and St Wolfgang are still to be visited…

1. Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee

Distance from Hallstatt: About a 10-minute drive.
Why It’s Perfect: Bad Goisern is a charming village with beautiful mountain views, traditional Austrian houses, and a slower pace. It’s close to Lake Hallstatt and has a variety of guesthouses and smaller inns, often at lower prices than Hallstatt itself. Plus, there are scenic hiking trails nearby.
Accommodation Tips: Look for cozy pensions and family-run guesthouses for the best rates.

2. Gosau

Distance from Hallstatt: 20 minutes by car.
Why It’s Perfect: Known for the picturesque Gosausee lake and incredible views of the Dachstein mountain range, Gosau is like stepping into a storybook. This village is less crowded than Hallstatt but has an equally stunning alpine atmosphere, with plenty of hiking trails and lakeside walks.
Accommodation Tips: Family-run inns and small apartments here are often very affordable, and you get breathtaking scenery at every turn.

3. Bad Aussee

Distance from Hallstatt: About 20 minutes by car.
Why It’s Perfect: Bad Aussee is a lovely spa town nestled in the heart of the Salzkammergut region. It’s known for its traditional Austrian feel and flower-filled streets, plus you can relax in the local thermal baths. The town is also close to other lakes, like Grundlsee and Altausseer See, if you want more lake scenery without the crowds.
Accommodation Tips: You’ll find more budget-friendly options here, from small hotels to pensions and guesthouses.

4. Altaussee

Distance from Hallstatt: 30 minutes by car.
Why It’s Perfect: This village feels remote and peaceful, set against Lake Altaussee with alpine views that are simply stunning. It’s quieter than Hallstatt, with classic Austrian chalets and hiking trails in the Loser mountain area. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a little solitude and nature.
Accommodation Tips: Look for small inns or vacation apartments, which can be quite affordable compared to Hallstatt.

TRAVEL TIP: You want to be in Hallstatt as early as possible, before the crowds show up. Early morning is the best time.

Travel Tip(s)

Budget-Friendly Sightseeing

Free Outdoor Attractions: Many of the best parts of this trip are free! Enjoy walking around Hallstatt, exploring the old town squares of Steyr and Sankt Johann, and hiking around the lakes and trails in St Wolfgang.
Choose Hikes Over Cable Cars: Hallstatt and St Wolfgang both have scenic hikes up to viewpoints, so skip the cable car rides and enjoy a bit of exercise with those alpine views.
Look for Combination Tickets: For attractions like Melk Abbey or the Liechtensteinklamm Gorge, check if they offer discounts for families, students, or seniors, or consider a combo ticket if you plan to visit several places in the area.

How much time do you need to explore Hallstatt?

Exploring Hallstatt takes about 4 to 6 hours for most travelers, but it depends on what you want to see and do.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you plan:

Strolling through the Village and Market Square (1-2 hours): Hallstatt’s charming streets are compact and easy to walk around. You’ll want time for photos, maybe a coffee break, and soaking up the lake views.
Skywalk and Salt Mine (2-3 hours): If you take the funicular to the Skywalk, budget around an hour for the round-trip and time to enjoy the view. For the salt mine tour, add another hour to explore the tunnels and learn about Hallstatt’s salt history.
Optional Extras:
- Bone House: A unique but small stop in the Hallstatt Ossuary (15-20 minutes).
- Lakeside Walks or a Short Boat Ride: For a more relaxed experience, add 30 minutes to an hour.

In total, 4 to 6 hours lets you experience Hallstatt’s highlights, with more time if you’re interested in leisurely meals or wandering a bit more. For this reason you might want to overnight here, or nearby.

However, if you’re just into sightseeing, exploring the village and taking a few photos, you might want to consider driving to your next stop after about 2 or 3 hours. (09H00 – 13H00 in Hallstatt, and then take a 40 minute drive to St Wolfgang.)

Travel Tip(s)

Save on Accommodation

Stay in Nearby Villages: In Hallstatt, look for guesthouses in Obertraun (across the lake) or even in nearby Bad Goisern. These villages are close enough to Hallstatt but offer better rates.
Choose Pensions or Guesthouses: Traditional Austrian pensions (B&Bs) are generally less expensive than hotels. For your stops in St Wolfgang and Sankt Johann, check for rooms in smaller guesthouses or apartments.

Hallstatt to St Wolfgang

Afternoon:

Drive to St Wolfgang: It’s about a 40-minute drive from Hallstatt, with beautiful lakeside and mountain views.
Explore St Wolfgang Town: Walk around the colorful village, visit the famous St Wolfgang Pilgrimage Church, and snap some photos of the lakeside wooden houses. read more…

Late Afternoon:
- Lake Wolfgang Ferry Ride or Drive to St Gilgen: If you’re up for a ferry ride, hop on board for a budget-friendly ticket to St Gilgen. Alternatively, you can drive around Lake Wolfgang and stop for panoramic views along the way.
- Hike to Falkenstein: For a great “Heidi” feel, the short hike to Falkenstein offers sweeping lake views without a strenuous climb.

Where to stay:

- How about staying in Strobl: Just a 10-minute drive away, Strobl has more affordable guesthouses and cozy inns. Enjoy dinner at a local tavern with lakeside views.

Travel Tip(s)

Eat Like a Local

Grocery Stores: Grab picnic supplies, snacks, and breakfast items from supermarkets like Billa, Spar, or Hofer (Aldi). You can find fresh bread, cheese, cold cuts, and other essentials at reasonable prices.
Lunch Specials: Many local restaurants offer a Mittagsmenü (lunch menu), which is a more affordable way to enjoy Austrian cuisine. These fixed-price lunches are usually served before 2 PM.
Bakeries for Breakfast and Snacks: Austrian bakeries are amazing for budget-friendly pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. They’re a great place to fill up without spending much.

Travel Tip(s)

Can I drink the water?

Austria’s water is high-quality, so you’re in luck! Here are some budget-friendly tips for staying hydrated on your trip:

Drink Tap Water: Austrian tap water is clean, safe, and often sourced from alpine springs. Many restaurants will serve tap water if you ask for it as “Leitungswasser,” so there’s no need to pay for bottled water unless you want to.
Bring a Reusable Bottle: A reusable bottle is perfect for filling up at your accommodations or any public fountains. In towns like Hallstatt, Sankt Johann, and St Wolfgang, you’ll often find public water fountains where you can refill.
Look for Public Drinking Fountains: Many Austrian towns, including Hallstatt and St Wolfgang, have public drinking fountains, especially in town squares and popular walking areas. These are typically marked and free to use.

Day 3: St Wolfgang to Sankt Johann im Pongau

Early Morning:
- Drive to Sankt Johann im Pongau (around 1 hour): The drive takes you through some amazing alpine landscapes, so keep your camera ready for spontaneous stops.
- Visit Liechtensteinklamm Gorge: This stunning gorge is one of Austria’s natural highlights. or just spend some time exploring Sankt Johann.
Afternoon:
- Explore Alpendorf: Just a short drive from Sankt Johann, Alpendorf has charming chalets and scenic mountain views.
- Wagrain and Kleinarl Villages: A quick drive away, these two villages offer classic Austrian architecture, and each has picturesque spots that feel right out of a storybook. In Wagrain you can visit the Stille Nacht Museum im Pflegerschlössl – it’s all about the Christmas song “Silent Night”.
Evening:
- Stay in Sankt Johann: Sankt Johann has a mix of budget-friendly accommodations and local inns. Enjoy a hearty, budget-friendly dinner with local dishes like Käsespätzle (cheesy noodles) or grilled sausage.

Travel Tip(s)

Enjoy Low-Cost Souvenirs
- Local Markets for Unique Finds: Look for regional markets where you can find unique and affordable souvenirs like handmade soaps, postcards, and small artisan goods that represent the local culture without breaking the bank.
- Skip Tourist Shops: In high-tourism areas like Hallstatt, tourist shops can be overpriced. Find smaller shops in less crowded towns like Steyr or Sankt Johann, which often offer the same products for less.

Day 4: Scenic Drive Back to Vienna

Morning:
- Drive from Sankt Johann to Vienna (3-4 hours): Take your time on the drive back, stopping to take in some of the stunning countryside.
- Optional Stops: If you have time, a detour to Melk Abbey near the Wachau Valley gives a beautiful end to your alpine adventure. Or drive to beautiful Steyr, and spend some time there.

This plan gives you the flexibility to adjust your schedule and take in spontaneous viewpoints or quiet moments along the way. With your car, you’ll have all the freedom to get that perfect “Heidi” experience!

Both of these detours, are worth doing, so here are more details, so you can decide which fits best with your plans.

Melk Abbey and Wachau Valley

Melk Abbey: This grand, baroque abbey overlooking the Danube River is one of Austria’s most stunning sights. Its elaborate architecture, library, and gardens are a feast for the eyes. A visit here typically takes around 1-2 hours.
Wachau Valley: If you’re driving, you can make your way through the Wachau Valley, known for its vineyards, historic towns, and riverside scenery. Stop by Dürnstein or Spitz, where you can enjoy a quiet riverside meal or just a quick stretch of the legs.

This route would give you a memorable last day with highlights of Austrian history and nature, especially in the lush Wachau region.

Steyr

Steyr’s Old Town: This charming town is about a 1.5-hour drive from Hallstatt. Set at the confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers, Steyr has a postcard-perfect town square, surrounded by pastel-colored buildings and cobbled streets.
Lamberg Castle and River Views: You can walk along the riverbanks and get views of Lamberg Castle and the historic church towers, which add to that old-world, alpine feel.
Time Needed: Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights of Steyr, including a leisurely meal or a coffee break in the square.

Both Melk Abbey and Steyr give you a different taste of Austria. Melk offers grand architecture and sweeping views along the Danube, while Steyr is a quaint and less-touristy town with classic Austrian charm. If you want a quiet, scenic end to your trip, Steyr might be the way to go; for a mix of grandeur and countryside, Melk and the Wachau Valley are ideal!

Visit Hallstatt (on a budget)

Useful and Helpful tips and tricks to save money while traveling

Day 1: Arrive in Vienna, Austria

The perfect itinerary

Day 2: Vienna to Hallstatt

Beautiful places to stay near Hallstatt (alternative options to staying in Hallstatt)

1. Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee

2. Gosau

3. Bad Aussee

4. Altaussee

Budget-Friendly Sightseeing

How much time do you need to explore Hallstatt?

Save on Accommodation

Hallstatt to St Wolfgang

Eat Like a Local

Can I drink the water?

Day 3: St Wolfgang to Sankt Johann im Pongau

Enjoy Low-Cost Souvenirs

Day 4: Scenic Drive Back to Vienna

Melk Abbey and Wachau Valley

Steyr

Find incredible things to do worldwide. Book now!

At Travel and Home We Understand How To Unlock Your Dreams

Table of Contents