Home - Travel Destinations - Stay in Beautiful Obertraun – With a View on Hallstatt
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Home - Travel Destinations - Stay in Beautiful Obertraun – With a View on Hallstatt
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
When planning a trip to Austria, the number of stunning places to explore can feel overwhelming. To make things easier, I’d like to introduce you to a hidden gem near Hallstatt. If you’re looking to visit Hallstatt but want a quieter, more relaxed experience, this nearby town is the perfect option. While Hallstatt is undoubtedly a popular destination, many visitors overlook the charming town located just across the breathtaking Hallstätter See, offering a peaceful escape without sacrificing the beauty of the region.
Obertraun in Upper Austria is only about 9 minutes (5 km) away from the popular Hallstatt, by car. Should you decide to stay in Obertraun there is a ferry connection directly to Hallstatt.
The “Ostuferwanderweg” connects the three lakeside communities of Bad Goisern, Hallstatt, and Obertraun with each other. If you are a nature lover, this is a perfect hike to do.
You can walk via the main road between the two, but it is not a very attractive route and you’ll be walking on the sidewalk of a busy road. The Ostuferwanderweg is the more scenic nature hiking route and it is definitely worth it to go this way. After doing this route, you’ll understand why it is known as “der schönsten Wanderwege im Salzkammergut”. It is an easy hike that families can do together and it offers panoramic views.
Near the Obertraun lido, about a 5-minute walk from Obertraun train station, the Ostuferwanderweg begins opposite the ship landing stage. We do recommend doing a trip on the ferry (maybe on your way back) if at all possible, as it certainly is one of the best ways to see Hallstatt and the shores of Obertraun. Just beautiful.
As Hallstatt can be a bit expensive, Obertraun is an excellent option as an alternative, but make no mistake this small village has its own beauty. The nature scenes are just as beautiful as you would expect, and you have the lake… As we do understand that most people visiting this area, are here to see the famous and beautiful Hallstatt, let’s look at what there is to do in the area of Hallstatt:
These communities are part of the Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape, recognized by UNESCO for their natural beauty and historical significance, particularly in salt mining.
Obertraun is the smallest of the 4 World Heritage communities in the Inner Salzkammergut, but it is beautiful come winter, summer, or any other season.
Including winter activities like:
Summer activities include:
Hallstatt is certainly one of the most picturesque places in Austria, it is no wonder everyone is going photo crazy. If you want to impress your Instagram followers, Hallstatt (just across the water from Obertraun), is a popular photo spot. And if you love nature photography, Obertraun is just as beautiful.
Bad Goisern: A charming town about 20 minutes from Obertraun, Bad Goisern is known for its traditional Austrian architecture and a rich history in woodcraft and local festivals. It’s also a gateway for outdoor activities, especially hiking and cycling.
Gosau: Located about 30 minutes from Obertraun, Gosau is famous for its stunning Gosausee Lake, with a dramatic backdrop of the Dachstein Glacier. The town is an ideal destination for nature lovers and a great starting point for hikes in the Dachstein range.
Dachstein Giant Ice Cave – is an impressive stop to make during your stay.
The holiday region of Dachstein Salzkammergut offers great family activities. Therefore it is in my opinion a fantastic family holiday destination.
In summary, the villages, Hallstatt, Gosau, Bad Goisern, and Obertraun, all offer winter activities for those bad weather days. In my opinion, the breathtaking vistas across the beautiful lake and mountains, with numerous paths to follow are all wonderful free outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy. A picnic outside will definitely entertain kiddies and the “Hallstatt – Dachstein/Salzkammergut” region is a place you will want to return to again and again.
By, Jo-Anne Naude Traveler, storyteller, seeker of hidden beauty. She captures life’s simple joys through journeys that inspire wonder, reflection, and a deeper connection to the world.
More Affordable: Accommodation in Hallstatt can be expensive due to its popularity. Obertraun, just a short ferry ride or drive away, provides more budget-friendly lodging options, allowing you to experience the charm of the area without the higher price tag.
WHY WE RECOMMEND: This hotel clearly impresses with its incredible location and well-maintained facilities. Situated on the lakeshore, it offers stunning views, easy access to Hallstatt via nearby transportation, and a peaceful natural setting. They offer great facilities like a swimming pool, gym, and sauna, as well as a variety of outdoor activities, including stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and exploring the beautiful surroundings.
The combination of an ideal location, comfortable amenities, and a serene atmosphere make this hotel a top choice for anyone visiting the Hallstatt area.
Stay in a beautiful park and sleep in the uniquely restored trailers. Make memories as you sit outside at night looking at the lights of Hallstatt across the water. (The park includes a playpark for kids.) Although this is quite a romantic venue..
You can only reach this lodge by cable car; A two-minute walk from the mountain station of Dachstein-Krippenstein Cable station on the Krippenstein Mountain. Offering an infrared cabin, and ski-to-door access this will be a memorable stay. Spectacular mountain views await you as it is only a 20-minute walk away from the 5 Fingers viewing platform. The views from the lodge are stunning.
