Walking in Austria: Discover Hallstatt, The Country’s Postcard

Austria is an extremely picturesque country, with plenty to see and do. With its location at the foot of the Alps and the quaint atmosphere even its largest cities still retain, this country gives off a unique atmosphere not found many other places in Europe.

As such, to be considered the country's 'postcard', a region would have to really stand out in terms of scenic beauty and genuine ambiance. Incredibly, as so many hiking enthusiasts walking in Austria and venturing beyond its main cities discover, such a place does actually exist: its name is Hallstatt. The village sits in the upper region of the country, by the shores of the Hallstater See and halfway between Salzburg and Graz. Hikers visiting this region should not miss a visit, as the village offers plenty of opportunities.

History and Scenery

Hallstatt owes its name to an ancient culture that once existed in the region. Archaeological digs revealed that the Celts and Proto-Celts were at one time established in the area, as were several pre-Illyrian people. Vestiges of their occupation still remain scattered around this part of the country, and can be a good incentive for hikers walking in Austria to visit.

Archaeological vestiges are, however, merely the icing on the cake when it comes to the town and its surrounding area. The real attraction is its quaint, postcard-like beauty. The traditional houses trickle down from the mountainside to the edge of the lake, with the pretty church spire dominating the view from most angles. The effect is that of a town frozen in time, where progress appears negligible, other than by a few cars parked along the streets here and there.

But while this quaint atmosphere is the main factor leading tourists walking in Austria’s countryside to this village, it is by no means its only claim to fame in the context of the country’s history. Hallstatt is also home to the world’s oldest pipeline, which dates back around 400 years and entailed, at the time, the felling of roughly 13.000 trees. The Hallstatt Museum documents this, as well as the remainder of the town’s uneventful but interesting history, and can also be a worthwhile stop in a walking tour of this upper region of the country.

First and foremost, however, this lovely village wins over tourists on a holiday walking in Austria on the basis of its quaint, idyllic appearance and spectacular vistas, which certainly warrant its moniker as the country’s ‘postcard’.

Tony Maniscalco is the Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a holiday walking in Austria to see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 140 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.