4th April 2015: Hallstatt, Austria

I hesitated making a trip to Hallstatt for quite a bit. Firstly, it was the cold and gloomy weather. Secondly, it wasn't the most accessible town from where I was coming from. Thirdly, I wasn't sure if I should stay a night in this quaint little town. And lastly, it's not the season to visit Hallstatt yet. But heck, I made it!

I got to know about Hallstatt from a post by one of the many travel accounts on Instagram. And when there was an opportunity to visit, I couldn't say no. I want to see this picturesque town so much! Yes, despite the gloomy weather. 

The village is really small and is car-free. If you're coming from Salzburg, Vienna or any other parts of Austria, you probably have to take a train to Attnung-Puchheim, followed by a regional train to Hallstatt. The journey here from Attnung-Puchheim is really scenic and there were so many occasions I wished I could get off to snap a picture. Arriving at Hallstatt station, you will see a small little boat dock. A ferry meets each arriving/departing train. 

The view from the ferry would have been amazing, IF, it's not too foggy.. cloudy or raining heavily. It was drizzling slightly when I was on the ferry.

After arriving in Hallstatt, do remember to check the ferry timing so you don't miss your returning train! The thing about visiting off-season is that the tourist information center is close. So do come prepared, know what you want to see.

There's a funicular that takes you up to a viewing platform and the panoramic view is pretty stunning (again, if it's not too foggy). Hiking up is possible, but it's going to be a looooong hike. When we got up there, it was actually snowing quite heavily!

There's also salt mine tour up there. Unfortunately, the tour only begins in May. I've visited an underground salt mine in Krakow and it was really fun and interesting to visit.

Back in town. 

Throughout my time there, I was praying very hard for the fog to clear up, the rain to stop. And praying for that ray of sunlight. But I guess my luck with weather ran out this time round. The best time to visit is probably either when it's snowing very heavily until the whole town is covered in snow, or in spring or summer.  If it's any consolation, at least it's snowing when I was up at the viewing platform?

If you plan your time well, a full day trip from Salzburg is sufficient to cover the Salt Mine tour, a short boat ride around the lake and still have ample time to walk around the town. If you're only able to arrive in the afternoon then do stay for a night. Unless all you want to do here is take a stroll, and snap some photos.