Enjoy Lake Hallstatt in Austria - © Kraft

Cast off! Discover Lake Hallstatt

Like a fjord flanked by mountain faces

A trip on the lake is definitely one of the nicest ways to discover the beauty of Lake. In the summer months, the shipping company Hemetsberger offers two different routes around the lake. The tour with the "Hallstatt" begins in Hallstatt Lahn and continues via Obertraun - on the other side of the lake – past the romantic castle Grub and on to the centre of Hallstatt. The excursion boat "Goisern" goes along the eastern shores to Untersee and Steeg (Bad Goisern) on the northern tip of Lake Hallstatt. And whoever stands at the stern of one of the excursion boats and looks back at the foaming waves, can stop to think and get an idea of how man has won over the power of water.

Very special boat for a very special lake

They look a bit like gondolas in Venice and populate Lake Hallstatt, especially in the summer months: The "Fuhren" (flat transport boats made of wood, also called Plätten) have a long tradition on Lake Hallstatt as a means of transporting goods and people. As early as the 13th century, after the reopening of the salt mine in Hallstatt, shipping across the lake and the Traun became necessary to transport the goods. Today, only a few people have mastered this craft. Today, the so-called "Fuhr" is part of UNESCO's "Intangible Cultural Heritage" in the Salzkammergut.

By boat, foot or bike

For those who would like to be active, you can rent bicycles, rowing and pedal boats on Lake Hallstatt. This allows you to explore the surroundings on land or water. On the east shore, the dark green shimmering lake is lined by a hiking and bicycle path, wooded mountains and lush meadows. A landscape that can learnt in a particularly impressive way, during a boat trip.

How it was way back when...!

The Lake Hallstatt shipping company, which counts as the fourth oldest in Austria and the second oldest in the Salzkammergut, was important for the beginning of tourism in Hallstatt. With the construction of the Crown Prince Rudolf railway in 1877 and the opening of the Hallstatt station in 1881, many people came to Hallstatt by train and ferry. Since its foundation in 1862 until now, fourteen different ships have been used.

Navigation on the Lake of Hallstatt has been in existence since 1862 and the ferry tours from Hallstatt-Markt to the railway station since 1881. The line from Hallstatt-Markt to the railway station is still the only shipping line which navigates on an Austrian lake also in winter. This shipping line, which family Hemetsberger has been owning since autumn 1967, disposes about a fleet of four ships. Throughout the year we are employing five employees and in the summer the staff is increased according to demand. The tour Hallstatt-Obersee-Untersee-Steeg is mainly guided by our female employees and also on all the other lines they are often the captains..

Enjoyment and indulgence

Many are attracted to the lake to go hiking along the shady shores, to dive into the cool water on hot summer days or to go boating on the lake. So why not stop off for a swim or for a bite to eat or coffee and cake at one of the many dining establishments. Whether in the large garden at the "Haus am See" in Obertraun, in the cosy pavement café of the guesthouse "Seerauzn" on the east shore in Untersee (Bad Goisern), or under the chestnut trees at Steegwirt in Bad Goisern - here you can unwind and be spoiled by the many Salzkammergut delights.

Offers around Lake Hallstatt

Bathing island & children’s’ playground in Hallstatt

Recreational paradise on Lake Hallstatt

© Viertbauer | Baden im Salzkammergut: Strandbad Obertraun am Hallstättersee

Cycling Trail around Lake Hallstatt

Unforgettable holiday experience: "Salt Ship" Navia Obertraun & Hallstatt

© Kraft | Salarius - die neue und traditionelle Schifffahrt am Hallstättersee

Untersee lido in Bad Goisern

© Kraft | Strandbad Untersee in Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee – Baden in der Welterberegion Hallstatt / Dachstein Salzkammergut

Hallstatt recreational area

© Kraft | Baden im Salzkammergut: Freizeitzentrum Hallstatt

Dog bathing area on Lake Hallstatt

@ Kraft | Hundebadeplatz am Hallstättersee. Baden im Salzkammergut

Shipping on Lake Hallstatt

(c9 Kraft | Seeschifffahrt Hallsattt

Lake Hallstatt Explorer

© Kraft | Bootsverleih in der Ferienregion Dachstein Salzkammergut

The “Ostuferwanderweg” (East shore hiking trail) - Always along Lake Hallstatt

Hikers snug “Seeraunzn“

© OÖTourismus/Erber | Restaurants & Ausflugslokale in der UNESCO Welterberegion Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut: Seeraunzn am Ostuferwanderweg des Hallstättersees.

The magic of water

Events around Lake Hallstatt

Tue, Dec. 10, 2024 08:00 — 11:00 Bathing beach Hallstatt, Hallstatt

Thu, May. 1, 2025 Gosaumühle Car park,

Hallstatt booking - Are you still looking for accommodation?

Hotels and accommodation providers in Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau and Obertraun offer the ideal room or apartment for your holidays, no matter what your tastes. Aside from establishments rated according to the international "star" scale, you will also find around Lake Hallstatt in Austria businesses that have been awarded two to four "edelweiss". The more flowers, the greater comforts you can expect. Whether you eventually find your cozy nest in an elegant 5-star luxury hotel, at comfortable guesthouse, a family-friendly apartment, or on a traditional farm, the choice is always entirely up to you.

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