You can easily see Hallstatt in one day and we wanted to share our favorite family-friendly things to do in Hallstatt in the fall.
We took a day trip from Salzburg to Hallstatt by car with our 2 year old toddler and had an incredible time exploring this charming and very picturesque town. We knew that the summer months would be busy and opted to visit in late September when crowds were fewer and the weather was comfortable.
Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Hallstatt
(1) Rent a boat on the lake
Our favorite activity by far was renting an electric boat for an hour and cruising the beautiful and calm lake. As you walk along main street, you will see signs that point to the direction of the boat rental shop (on the right as you walk towards the market square). The views were even better from the water and we got to see more remote parts of the lakeshore. It also happen to be our child’s nap time so he easily passed out from the soft humming of the boat and the peacefulness on the water. This is a must do activity if the weather allows.
(2) Explore and wander the Old Town
Walk around the Old Town (about 1 mile end to end). Pass the beautifully stacked timber homes with colorful flower pots lining the windows. Stroll around the market square with it’s bright multicolored buildings and central stone fountain. Hallstatt is perfectly small enough that you can really wander through every alleyway and street and discover something beautiful.
(3) Take in the views from Aussichtspunkt Hallstatt
If you’re looking to get that postcard / instagram shot of Hallstatt, walk to the viewpoint called, Aussichtspunkt Hallstatt (on Google maps). Yes, it’s nice to get the shot but the view from there is pretty spectacular! And when it’s not crowded, it’s a great place to take a minute and appreciate the beautify of this place.
(4) Enjoy a meal with a view of the lake
We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Seehotel Grüner Baum on their lakeside terrace. The restaurant is in a hotel and right across from the market square so we were a bit dubious, thinking it was going to be a typical touristy restaurant with not so great food. But, the views of the lake were so beautiful, the service was amazing and the food was very good. We ordered fresh fish, a hearty stew and homemade pesto pasta. While we waited for the food to arrive, we were able to watch the ducks and swans playing in the water nearby which was a huge hit for our very active toddler.
(5) Tour the salt mine
If you have older kids (kids need to be at least 4 years old), definitely tour the Hallstatt salt mine. It’s such a fun family experience where you will suit up and go on a guided tour to learn about salt production. You will get to explore the salt tunnels and slide down miner slides!
(6) Visit the Hallstatt Ossuary (Bone House)
Probably not the best place to take little kids but a pretty unique spot to pop in to. The Bone House is a small room with over 2,000 skulls painted with roses and crosses and other human bones that are stacked along the walls. Because Hallstatt had a small cemetery, bodies were exhumed to make more room and the bones are painted and placed in this house.
(7) See panoramic views from the Hallstatt Skywalk
To access the skywalk, you take the same funicular that takes you up to the salt mine. At the top, there is a large observation deck that gives you epic views of Hallstatt, lake and surrounding areas.
(8) Go for a swim in the lake (if you are visiting in the warmer months)
Only a 10 minute walk from the center of Old Town Hallstatt, there is a bathing island and children’s playground with an area to lay out and restroom and changing facilities. It’s a perfect day for relaxing and swimming when it’s warm. You also get magnificent views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
