Hallstatt had simply breathtaking scenery

Impressive Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a village on Lake Hallstatt’s western shore in Austria’s mountainous Salzkammergut region. Its 16th-century Alpine houses and alleyways are home to cafes and shops. And it’s so darn cute! My picture of Hallstatt is my screensaver on my mac – it’s still one of my happy places in the world.

Rick and I with Steve and Sue drove the 73 kilometers from Salzburg into Hallstatt and stayed with Susanna Scheutz at Gasthof Simony. This building was first mentioned in a document in the 15th century, and we smiled at the creaks as we walked over the wood floors. We chose rooms with a balcony looking over Hallstatt lake, and we immediately sat outside with wine, taking in the majestic mountain scenery and alpine panorama. We were mesmerized and could not believe how lovely this village is. It was such a tranquil haven. gasthof-simony.at, Wolfengasse, 105.

 

 

We devoured a platter of weinerschnitzel before sitting at the large wood table in the lobby and playing several games of cribbage before turning in under the down comforters.

Breakfast was a spread of eggs and bacon, breads and jams, and several types of sausages.

Walking up behind the 12th century St. Michael’s Chapel with its flower bedecked cemetery, we followed the forest trail called Welterbe Rundweg for 2 miles to reach the glorious viewpoint over the Hallstatter See. There was a small restaurant at the top, Rudolfsturm, and we felt we deserved a coffee break. And then we saw their goulash. It was so delicious that we ordered a second bowl.

The clear, blue skies, the exhilarating hike, the yummy goulash, and the scent of the forest created an indelible memory.

 

 

The village has become well visited by tourists, but don’t let that deter you from the experience of staying a night in this delightful town.

Here are more hikes if you extend your stay:

Echern Valley to Waldbachstrub Waterfall – This is a 2 hour hike. Just follow the “Echertalweg” signs.

Walk to Steeg along the lake and ride the train back in to Halstatt.

Salzbergweg Trail – Follow this path behind the information center or TI in Hallstatt.

Soleleitungsweg – Start this trail behind the Beinhaus to reach the waterfall.

Obertraun – Ride the cable car to Krippenstein to walk out on the Five Fingers Platform. If you dare!