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Hallstatt is beautiful. The Salt mine tours were definitely worth the effort but be advised there is a little hike up to it. Drive to the other side of the lake as well..so beautiful and not as many tourists... we ate in a little restaurant facing Hallstatt...extraordinary food and we were the only tourists

We were first in Hallstatt twenty years ago and it was magical. When we returned, granted in August, it had been "discovered". Park outside and bus in. But the bus traveled at 5 mph in an effort to push through the hordes of tourists. We most enjoyed a very early breakfast, sitting on a terrace by the lake, where we were virtually the only people awake and up. We left town by 9:30 just as the tour buses were arriving.

Hallstatt is renowned for its incredible location on a tiny strip of land between the steep mountainside and the lake. It would be fabulous, except for the huge numbers of tour buses that arrive every day, swamping the tiny village with more tourists than it can accommodate. Several of the restaurants are not open for dinner, so there is little choice, however the Grüner Baum has a wonderful terrace and the food is good. If you leave the main tourist area, there are wonderful hikes from the village

Favorite places: Hallstatt Charmal/cemetary, the salt mine tour We ate at two mediterranean food carts; which was good. The food in Hallstatt is overpriced. If we go back; will try to go off-season since it's very crowded in high season.

This was our second trip to Hallstat. We had good weather which helps. After 10am the tourist buses arrive and it gets crowded. The shop keepers we all very friendly. The same is true regarding the restaurants. Next trip maybe 3 days instead of 2. The scenery is even prettier than the photos. The only negative is the train connection. Rental cars and fuel is expensive. I also thought using a car and driver but it's over priced. Bus and train are more economic.

It's a tricky thing...It's a small village that is absolutely stunning. But the amount of tourists that flood it on a daily basis is crazy. I completely understand why the locals get upset. We saw a lot of loud, obnoxious tourists disrespecting the privacy of residents. However, even though we were very respectful, we got the cold shoulder from a lot of local businesses, with the exception of the outdoor outfitters, they were great. They key here? Travel like it's your neighborhood. Read the signs, and don't be "that guy". You only need a day or two in the village. If you're looking for a home base to use for excursions to other destinations in the area, I'd look elsewhere as the parking lots are nowhere near the village.