With its traditional pastel-coloured houses perched on the tiny plain between the mountains and the Hallstättersee Lake, Hallstatt is one of the most photographed towns on our Austria tours, and is a must-see for any visit to the region. Hallstatt also has an historical pedigree that is second to none; salt in the hills above the town made it a centre of mining from at least the first millennium BC - a time referred to as the 'Hallstatt Period'. The importance of this history, and many of the discoveries made in the town, has also been recognised by UNESCO, who have awarded Hallstatt with UNESCO World Heritage status.
Today, the stunningly beautiful town of Hallstatt has much to recommend it. Aside from its idyllic array of timber-framed houses and narrow cobbled lanes, there are two pretty churches and a selection of museums. These range from the morbid yet fascinating Beinhaus to the historic Salt Mine Museum, which can be accessed by funicular. Boats can also be hired for those who wish to take in the sights of the town from the lake.