May 1st - 3rd, 2019
The first stop on my 2 week Europe Trip with my Mom had us first in Bratislava, then Vienna. From Vienna, we rented a car and headed to the Austrian Alps. I’ve been to the Austrian Alps many times while living in Slovakia and they truly never get old. I know the drive from Vienna to Salzburg so well, I can tell you which castle will be around the next corner or which snowy peak coming up. I love that drive and wish everyone I know could take it with me. If you ever do this drive, make sure to build in plenty of time to make tons of stops along the way.
Nestled on Halstatt See (Lake Halstatt), high in the Austrian Alps sits a tiny, picturesque village called Hallstatt. Hallstatt dates back to the 16th Century, but was a center for salt mining operations for thousands of years before it. Unlike much of Europe today, this charming place somehow seems untouched by time (other than the thousands of tourists who descend on it each day, made popular by Instagram). With tiny, winding alleys and roads perched on a steep elevation, Hallstatt vertically plunges into the lake below. The architecture is everything you dream Europe to be and the surrounds mountains are a dream. I’ve been to Hallstatt 5 times and would go back for a 6th in a heartbeat.
Just an hour from Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited: Salzburg, Austria. Salzburg is one of my top 3 favorite cities, with this trip being my 4th time there. The streets are lined with beautiful buildings, there is rich history everywhere, the center is adorned with a glorious castle on hill, and the surrounding, snow-capped mountains are truly magnificent.
My recommendations of Hallstatt? If you stay the night in Hallstatt, I recommend actually staying at the village across the lake, Obertraun. It’s much cheaper and just a short 5-10 minute drive around the lake back to Hallstatt. Go ahead and stay in Hallstatt if you don’t mind spending a bunch of money, but consider Obertraun to save some cash. There is a UNESCO World Heritage View on the mountain above Hallstatt with a suspended walkway you can go out on to see the views of the lake, mountains, and Hallstatt below. You can hike up there, but it’s physically taxing and will take 1.5 hours each way. Or, you can pay 16 Euro each way to take the gondola up and back. I recommend taking the gondola up, then walking back down (unless you want to save time and your knees!). Make sure to walk the full length of Hallstatt and go all the way to the end, along with venturing up into the higher levels of the village, among the alleyways. If you’re not sure how, just try getting up to the higher church. Consider staying 1-2 days so you can enjoy the surrounding area as well.
My recommendations for Salzburg? Everything. Haha, I know that’s not possible, but try to stay for at least 2-3 days to just soak it all in. Definitely get up to the castle. The walk up is a little tough, but doesn’t take long. Save the cash and skip the gondola. Go through the castle’s museum, but also walk around as much as you can outside the castle for some incredible views. Grab a drink/snack at the cafe up there at sunset! Another great sunset spot and the other best view of the city is a yellow monastery called “Kapuzinerkloster.” Take the hidden steps up there walk around to find some great, hidden spots with benches to sit and relax. For a great snack, there’s an incredible pretzel stand in “Kapitelplatz,” a square next to Salzburg Cathedral. They have massive savory and sweet pretzels for just 2 Euros that are a fantastic, cheap eat. Do some research ahead of time to see some of the real scenes from the Sound of Music movie (filmed on location in Salzburg, the setting of the true story).
