Planning a day trip to Hallstatt in winter? We visited the picturesque mountain town of Hallstatt, Austria, on a day trip from Salzburg. Hallstatt offers stunning scenery, charming architecture and unique things to see and do year round. In this post, find out more about planning a day trip to Hallstatt in winter and discover this idyllic alpine town without the crowds.
Hallstatt in Winter Day Trip
Located over one hour from Salzburg, Hallstatt is an ideal location for a day trip from visiting the Christmas markets or as a stop along a Europe road trip. Hallstatt, nestled between the Dachstein Alps and Hallstatt Lake, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is frequently called one of the most beautiful villages in Europe.
Hallstatt is a famous destination in Austria, especially for day trippers in the summer months. During the peak summer season, Hallstatt can get very busy with tourist crowds and if you are visiting by car, you could be turned away due to lack of parking.
Spring and autumn, the shoulder seasons, are ideal times to visit when the weather is mild, attractions are open and the town is less crowded.
Winter is considered off season and, while it can be very cold, it is also a great time to visit without the crowds and enjoy stunning snow-capped mountain scenery and beautiful Christmas decorations.
Related: Europe Road Trips with Kids
Note that some restaurants are closed in Hallstatt in winter. I would recommend making a dining reservation ahead of your visit since the restaurants that are open tend to be booked out in advance and don’t accept walk-ins.
The medieval town centre of Hallstatt is full of traditional alpine architecture and pastel-coloured houses. The main street is lined with restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops.
What to Do in Hallstatt in Winter
Note that some popular attractions are closed in Hallstatt in winter, so do check ahead if there is a particular place you would like to visit.
UPDATE: The Hallstatt Salt Mines, Salt Mine Railway and Hallstatt Skywalk will remain closed for renovations until Summer 2026.
Panoramic Viewpoint of Hallstatt
One of the best things to do when visiting Hallstatt is to take in the postcard perfect view overlooking the town. For the classic shot, head to the Aussichtspunkt (Panoramic Viewpoint), located at Gosaumühlstraße 67, 4800 Hallstatt.
The panoramic viewpoint overlooking Hallstatt is on a small hill at the northern end of the town. From this vantage point, you can see both of Hallstatt’s famous Protestant and Catholic churches, along with the houses and hotels that line the lake.
The advantage of visiting Hallstatt in winter, of course, is that you won’t see nearly as many tourists at the viewpoint as you would in the summer or even the shoulder season. If you are planning a day trip to Hallstatt, early morning and late afternoons are ideal time to capture the picture perfect views of the town.
Special events in winter include the annual Hallstatt Christmas market held on 8 December in the town’s main market square.
Hallstatt Christmas Market
8 December
The annual Hallstatt Christmas Market takes place on just one day per year, always 8th December, in the town’s main market square. The Christmas Market in Hallstatt features unique gifts from local artisans, live music and traditional Austrian treats such as mulled wine and gingerbread.
Highlights at the Hallstatt Christmas Market also include a life-size, wooden nativity scene and a tall Christmas tree.
Hallstatt Skywalk
Another fantastic viewpoint overlooking the town is at the Hallstatt Skywalk. This free-floating structure is situated 360 meters above the ground and overlooks the mountains, lake and town below.
You can reach the Hallstatt Skywalk by taking a short, 3-minute ride on the Salzbergbahn funicular, or by hiking for about an hour. The funicular ride operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and costs approximately for a round trip.
Note that from September 2025 to June 2026, the salt mine is closed for construction work and access to the Skywalk will be affected during this time.
See latest updates about booking to visit Hallstatt Skywalk
Hallstatt Salt Mines
One of the top things to do in Hallstatt is to visit the Hallstatt Salt Mines. Tours are available daily all year expect for four weeks in winter, when they close from mid-January to mid-February.
The salt mines (Salzwelten) are located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site and date back to 5000 B.C., making the Hallstatt Salt Mines the oldest in the world.
Again, please note that from September 2025 to June 2026, the salt mine is closed for construction work. During this renovation phase, there are two special offers for visitors in Hallstatt: an all-inclusive tour to the Altaussee Salt Mines and free salt-tasting in Hallstatt.
See latest updates about booking to visit Hallstatt Salt Mines
How to Get to Hallstatt
If you are visiting Hallstatt by car, head for one of the parking lots in car-friendly Lahn, the newer part of town. Do not drive into the Old Town, where a special permit is required.
There are four main parking lots in Hallstatt; P1 and P2 are closest to the town centre, while P3 is a 25 minute walk and P4 is a 40 minute walk to the town centre.
Pin for Later: Tips for visiting Hallstatt in Winter with kids
Europe Travel Inspiration
I hope you have found this post on planning a visit in Hallstatt in winter helpful! Find more tips, ideas and inspiration for travelling Europe with children in our travel guides;
Europe Road Trips with Kids
Colmar France Christmas Markets Guide
Autumn in Zermatt with Kids
International Alba White Truffle Fair with Kids
Top Things to do in Fano Italy
Where to Eat in Fano Italy
Tips for Visiting Granada Spain with Kids
Hike to Lago d’Arpy with Kids
Best Family Hikes in the French Alps
Morzine France in Summer Guide
Where to Eat in Morzine
Chamonix France in Summer Guide
Where to Eat in Disneyland Paris
Guide to Disneyland Paris Attractions
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thanks for your support in this way. This Hallstatt in Winter post was updated on 11 November 2025.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor