“I almost feel like I should keep Obertraun to myself — but it’s far too beautiful not to share.”
I’m falling in love with this place.
“As we drove into Obertraun, I remember thinking, ‘I want to stay here forever.’ It felt like driving into a picture-perfect Heidi town, with beautiful houses, pretty gardens and lush green meadows stretching towards the magnificent mountains.” – Elmari
And that is exactly what makes Obertraun such a wonderful alternative to staying in Hallstatt. You are only a short journey from Hallstatt, but the atmosphere feels completely different — quieter, greener and wonderfully peaceful. You can easily visit Hallstatt for the famous views and lakeside streets, then return to Obertraun and enjoy the slower pace of village life.
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 this hidden gem near Hallstatt. While Hallstatt is undoubtedly a popular destination and simply unmatched in beauty, 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 also a ferry connection directly to Hallstatt.
It is actually better positioned for some attractions, as Obertraun is the base for the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car, Ice Caves and 5 Fingers viewing platform. So you can combine Hallstatt with some spectacular mountain scenery.
Yes, 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.
Obertraun isn’t simply a cheaper place to sleep while visiting Hallstatt. It is a destination in its own right.
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…
Obertraun is the smallest of the four World Heritage communities, but its setting is hard to beat. Sitting on the shores of Lake Hallstatt beneath the Dachstein mountains, it is beautiful in every season — with lakeside walks and swimming in summer, colourful mountain scenery in autumn, and snow-covered landscapes and winter activities when the cold arrives.
Including winter activities like:
Summer activities include:
Obertraun sits directly on Lake Hallstatt, surrounded by mountains and green countryside. It’s beautiful and really well worth a visit.
This is probably one of the biggest reason to stay here. The cable car takes you high into the Dachstein mountains, where you can visit the Giant Ice Cave and Mammoth Cave, and continue up towards the famous 5 Fingers viewing platform and World Heritage Spiral.
The Ostuferwanderweg follows the eastern shore of Lake Hallstatt, while trails lead towards Koppenwinklsee and the Koppenbrüller Cave. This makes Obertraun particularly appealing if you simply want to walk, take photographs and enjoy the scenery.
This impressive cave is in the valley near Obertraun and gives you another attraction to enjoy without going into Hallstatt.
Summer brings hiking, cycling, swimming and mountain excursions. Winter turns the area into a snowy mountain destination, with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ski touring and access to the Dachstein Krippenstein winter area.
You don’t have to give up Hallstatt by staying in Obertraun. Hallstatt becomes an easy day trip rather than the place you have to sleep. That gives you the best of both: spend time photographing Hallstatt, wander its famous streets and sit beside the lake, then return to the peace of Obertraun.
Dachstein Giant Ice Cave – is an impressive stop to make during your stay.
Hallstatt may be the famous name, but Obertraun was the place that surprised me. I arrived expecting a convenient alternative for visiting Hallstatt and found a beautiful little mountain village that I would happily visit in its own right.
You can visit Hallstatt early in the morning and again in the evening, but sleep somewhere much more peaceful.
For example, you could stay at Haus Hepi, a highly rated B&B in Obertraun, or Haus Salzkammergut if you want something with a particularly attractive setting. Seehotel am Hallstättersee is another good option if being beside the lake is important.
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.
Discover more beautiful places to stay in Obertraun >>>
| If you want… | Choose |
|---|---|
| The famous postcard village | Hallstatt |
| Peace and quiet | Obertraun |
| Lake swimming | Obertraun |
| Dachstein mountains | Obertraun |
| 5 Fingers | Obertraun |
| Ice Cave | Obertraun |
| Restaurants and cafés right in the centre | Hallstatt |
| A village atmosphere | Obertraun |
| A base for several days | Obertraun |
