Hallstatt, Upper Austria, AustriaIn the morning, there was hardly anyone on the Cog Train going back down the mountain. Interesting watching the process of manually changing the track in order to pass an on-coming train.
Arrived in ST. WOLFGANG around 11 am. Charming town on the banks of the lake with the typical Austrian "doll house" buildings with flower boxes lining the balconies, murals painted on the outside, and a vast history dating back to the 900s.
Wonderful views of the pretty Church sitting on a rocky outcrop at the lake's edge. Town already crowded so had trouble finding a spot to park near the church; drove around several times. Wanted to see the two superb altarpieces in this small but very pretty church..
Drove along narrow country roads through the villages of Rubbad, Radau, Haiden, Pfandl, Jainzen, past Bad Ischl to Bad Goisern. All these quaint little towns with their stunning wooden buildings, cute wooden balconies, and decorative flowers make this area especially enjoyable. Picnic lunch along Lake Hallstattersee.
HALLSTAT (Seewirt Zauner): The first time we saw the iconic photos of the town's church steeple reflecting in the lake, we knew we had to come here. Considered one of the most picturesque villages in Austria and once dubbed the “most beautiful lake town in the world.” Knew a day trip would not be long enough to truly experience this great place. Standing in a 7,000 year old village where ancient homes are literally built up a mountain is not something you find just anywhere.
Parking lots are located above the pedestrian-only town. Lot# 1, nearest to our hotel, was a car backup mess. Joined the cars lined up on street until finally managed to get in. Difficult figuring out how to buy ticket from the machine; thankfully, a person waiting helped us. While waiting for the hotel shuttle service, watched helicopters dropping water on the fires on mountain. Apparently, this has been going on for several days.
Good thing the driver is such an expert maneuvering the van through the narrow lanes extremely crowded with tourists.
Seewirt Zauner Hotel located right off the main square. Nice man at reception. Brought ice and fan (no air conditioning). The small balcony had good views of the church steeple, mountains, and a bit of the lake. Enjoyed sitting for a few hours of relax time.
Very convenient being right next to the 14th century Market Square. Holy Trinity Column erected in 1743 is the focal point.
Just down from the square along the lake's shoret is the Evangelical Parish Church whose steeple we see from our balcony.
Wonderful views of the pretty Church sitting on a rocky outcrop at the lake's edge. Town already crowded so had trouble finding a spot to park near the church; drove around several times. Wanted to see the two superb altarpieces in this small but very pretty church..
Drove along narrow country roads through the villages of Rubbad, Radau, Haiden, Pfandl, Jainzen, past Bad Ischl to Bad Goisern. All these quaint little towns with their stunning wooden buildings, cute wooden balconies, and decorative flowers make this area especially enjoyable. Picnic lunch along Lake Hallstattersee.
HALLSTAT (Seewirt Zauner): The first time we saw the iconic photos of the town's church steeple reflecting in the lake, we knew we had to come here. Considered one of the most picturesque villages in Austria and once dubbed the “most beautiful lake town in the world.” Knew a day trip would not be long enough to truly experience this great place. Standing in a 7,000 year old village where ancient homes are literally built up a mountain is not something you find just anywhere.
Parking lots are located above the pedestrian-only town. Lot# 1, nearest to our hotel, was a car backup mess. Joined the cars lined up on street until finally managed to get in. Difficult figuring out how to buy ticket from the machine; thankfully, a person waiting helped us. While waiting for the hotel shuttle service, watched helicopters dropping water on the fires on mountain. Apparently, this has been going on for several days.
Good thing the driver is such an expert maneuvering the van through the narrow lanes extremely crowded with tourists.
Seewirt Zauner Hotel located right off the main square. Nice man at reception. Brought ice and fan (no air conditioning). The small balcony had good views of the church steeple, mountains, and a bit of the lake. Enjoyed sitting for a few hours of relax time.
Very convenient being right next to the 14th century Market Square. Holy Trinity Column erected in 1743 is the focal point.
Just down from the square along the lake's shoret is the Evangelical Parish Church whose steeple we see from our balcony.
Enjoyed a walk through town, which is totally picturesque: interesting shops and houses along narrow lanes, cute decorations, and flowers everywhere. Most of the stores and little cafes closed at 5:00 since the day tourists are gone.
Excellent dinner at hotel's restaurant second-floor balcony: schnitzel and trout fresh from the lake.
Excellent dinner at hotel's restaurant second-floor balcony: schnitzel and trout fresh from the lake.
2025-05-22