Family-Friendly Hike – Map to the Magical Village of Hallstatt (with best viewpoints and photospots)

Hallstatt, a village that rests beside Lake Hallstatt in Salzkammergut region of Austria, will make you rethink the fact we all are familiar with – that fairytales are not real. This wonderland hiking trip is easy and does not require extensive experience in this particular outdoor activity, so it is a popular family destination. Photographers love it too, both amateurs and professionals, and it’s easy to conclude why.

There’s hardly any place in the Eastern Alps that stands from the Alpine idyll as much as the small village of Hallstatt. The Chinese were immediately so enchanted that they recreated the village (complete with lake!) as an attraction. 

Hallstatt is like a fairy tale world on a fjord-like mountain lake: the small village is strikingly situated between steep mountain forests and the wonderful Hallstatt Lake. The mountains surrounding it are not particularly high, but many still tower 1500 meters above the lake. 

In combination with a journey by train and a boat trip across the lake, this walk presents itself as a cultural and nature excursion suitable for families. The sightseeing is rounded off by a visit to the Salt Worlds. Even in winter, the snow-covered Hallstatt is worth a trip. 

If sightseeing in Hallstatt is not enough for you in terms of alpine flair, you can consider a trip to the Krippenstein. In winter, it is especially cozy up here in the small ski area popular with free riders at the Krippenstein Lodge or in Krippenbrunn. 

Directions – your easy hiking adventure begins at Hallstatt Markt

The described tour starts at the boat landing place Hallstatt Markt (510m). Pass the Heritage Hotel, then turn right along the main road, and after about 100m turn left onto the Kirchensteig. Next turn right again and to the viewpoint on the main road. 

Then return to the Kirchensteig and follow it uphill to the right. After a few hairpin bends, turn left at the junction towards the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Förderstollen and continue to the Rudolfsturm.  Do not miss the lookout point here (on the left behind the inn) and finally follow the signs to Hallstatt on the Müllerstiege. 

At the road turn right towards the Salzwelten and continue straight ahead. Turn left, immediately right again to the Stations of the Cross chapel and left towards the lake Hallstatt. Finally along the lake back to the starting point.

Photo tips for a Hallstatt visit that will make your Instagram pop

The most beautiful viewpoint is located directly on the main road at the northern end of Hallstatt. The village center is just as picturesque in detail as the wide-angle and world-famous panoramic view of the lake with the church tower as the central anchor point. The village alpine setting often looks especially romantic on a slightly foggy winter day with some fresh snow.

Mountain Moments Photo Workshops provide Photo Tours for everybody, Alpine Experience for beginners and intermediate-level photographers with 3 to 6-hour routes, as well as Summit Experience for more advanced photographers and hikers. We have private workshops and group classes.

Information on how to reach Hallstatt and this beautiful mountain lake

How to get there by public transport: From Passau or Linz with the Salzkammergutbahn to Hallstatt station. Here change the lake side by boat to Hallstatt. Alternative arrival by bus.

How to get there by car: Motorway A1 (Salzburg-Vienna) until exit Mondsee. Via St. Gilgen and Bad Ischl to Hallstatt.

Start/destination: Hallstatt center (ship landing place) 47.562873,13.649185

Distance: 5,6km

Duration: 2h

Ascent/descent: 330m/330m

Highest point/lowest point: 840m/510m

Hike difficulty level: Easy

Special features: Boat trip across Lake Hallstatt (if arriving by train to Hallstatt station).

Catering: Various in Hallstatt, Rudolfsturm.

Further tips: Arrival by train with boat ride recommended.

Contact: www.hallstatt.net 

The most beautiful photo spots and hikes in the Alps – experience this hiking tour and 29 other exceptional regions now.

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Here we have compiled the most beautiful locations and photo opportunities. 30 hikes with 90 photo spots are selected and described in such a way that you can easily experience these wonderful landscapes for yourself – including GPS tracks and hiking map and all other information. ie schönsten Orte und Fotogelegenheiten in den Bergen zusammengefasst. 30 Wanderungen mit 95 Fotospots sind so ausgewählt und beschrieben, dass auch du diese wunderbaren Landschaften selbst erleben kannst – inkl. GPS Tracks und Wanderkarte und allen weiteren Infos.

You can take a closer look at the ebook here– – why not give it as a gift to someone you want to visit and photograph these places with!

Of course, you will find all the information about this hike in the ebook. After registering, you will also receive the GPS track, so you are on the safe side and won’t get lost and will find all photo locations easily.