Rick Steves’ Europe: Hallstatt, Austria
When Austrians want to enjoy the great outdoors, they head for a region of forested slopes, beckoning trails—and great fishing
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Hallstatt, Austria
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The town of Hallstatt—one of Europe’s oldest, going back centuries before Christ—is Salzkammergut’s pride: an alpine Oz.
Lakeside in Hallstatt
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Situated on a lakeside ledge, Hallstatt seems even smaller than it is. You can tour it on foot in about ten minutes.
Floating Procession
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On the feast day of Corpus Christi passengers ply Hallstatt's beautiful lake in a floating procession.
Marktplatz in Hallstatt
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The tourist office will recommend a hike—the 9,845-foot Mount Dachstein looms overhead—or a peaceful cruise in a rented canoe. Most people go to Hallstatt simply to eat, shop, stroll and feed the lake’s always-hungry swans.
Hallstatt, Austria
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Just two hours by train from Salzburg, but far from the urban rat race, the Salzkammergut is a perfect place to commune with nature, Austrian-style. This lushly wooded playground is dotted with cottages.