Hallstätter See, Hallstatt - all you need to know

Lake Hallstatt is the region’s natural highlight, making the famous town of Hallstatt and the surrounding hills stand out.

You can take a cruise on the lake, go for a swim at one of the beaches in warm weather, or set off on a cycle ride or a walk along its shores.

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My tips for boat trips

If you’re arriving by train, you’ll get your first views of the lake from the ferry leaving the station, so a further sightseeing cruise may not be necessary
For a classic one-hour sightseeing cruise, choose the southern route via Obertraun
For a more intimate atmosphere and to take photos of Hallstatt, the traditional salt boat NAVIA is more suitable
For two people, the swan pedal boat or electric boat offers the best value for money and freedom
For a swim right in Hallstatt, Badeinsel is fine; for a longer stay by the water, Strandbad Obertraun is better

Sightseeing cruises on Lake Hallstatt

The ferry between Hallstatt and the railway station

Hallstatt railway station is situated on the opposite side of the lake. A ferry service connects the station with the Hallstatt Markt jetty all year round, and its timetable is coordinated with train arrivals and departures.

The crossing takes about 10–15 minutes. You can buy a ticket on board, and payment is by cash only.

Single ticket: 4 eur
Bicycle transport: 4 eur

The ferry can also be used by walkers heading for the path along the eastern bank. Please check the current ferry timetable before setting off.

Southern circuit via Obertraun

The most popular sightseeing cruise runs from Hallstatt Markt via Hallstatt Lahn and Obertraun back to Hallstatt. The entire circuit takes about 50–60 minutes and runs from May to September.

Boats usually depart from the Hallstatt Markt jetty at 11:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00. In July and August, there is an additional departure at 16:00. Cruises may be cancelled in the event of bad weather.

Adults: 18 eur
Children aged 4 to 13: 12 eur
One-way trip Hallstatt–Obertraun: 12 eur
Bicycle transport: 9 eur

Advance bookings are not available. You can buy your ticket on the spot, and you will need cash.

The MS Hallstatt is wheelchair accessible. Dogs must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle.

A boat on Lake Hallstatt

Northern circuit via Untersee and Steeg

The longer northern circuit runs from Hallstatt via Untersee to Steeg at the northern end of the lake and back. The cruise takes just under two hours and costs 25 eur per adult.

The northern circuit only operates for a limited part of the main summer season. You should therefore not count on it without checking the current timetable. It is most suitable for visitors who want to see most of the lake or get off at Untersee.

A day ticket for the boats costs 35 eur. It is particularly good value when the Northern Circuit is operating or when combining several sections in a single day.

A cruise on the traditional salt boat NAVIA

The NAVIA uses wooden ‘Zille’-type boats, which resemble the vessels once used to transport salt. The smaller boat offers a more peaceful atmosphere and a lower vantage point from which to view Hallstatt than the large excursion boat.

The half-hour ‘Hallstattrunde’ cruise takes you past the waterfront, Grub Castle and spots offering excellent views of the entire historic centre.

Half-hour Hallstatt tour: 16 eur per person
Obertraun–Hallstatt one-way: 12 eur
Obertraun–Hallstatt return: 20 eur
Children and young people under 17, one way: 9 eur
Children and young people under 17, return: 13 eur
Bicycle, pushchair or dog: surcharge 1 eur

Children under 6 travel free of charge subject to availability. The regular service between Obertraun and Hallstatt runs from April to October, every hour during the peak season.

A booking is required for the Hallstattrunde itself. You can book daily from 9.00 to 17.00 by calling +43 650 61 771 65 or by emailing info@navia.at. You can find the timetables in the NAVIA timetable.

Swan pedalos, electric boats, kayaks and paddleboards

You can hire swan pedalos, stand-up paddleboards or electric boats on the Seestraße promenade between Hallstatt Markt and the Lahn jetty.

The hire service operates from April until autumn, weather permitting, usually from 10.00.

Bookings are not possible and payment is by cash only. If you’d like a swan pedal boat in particular, please arrive as close to opening time as possible.

Rental prices

Swan pedal boat for 30 minutes: 15 eur
Swan pedal boat for 60 minutes: 20 eur
Electric boat for 30 minutes: 28 eur
Electric boat for 60 minutes: 38 eur
Paddleboard for 30 minutes: 15 eur
Paddleboard for 60 minutes: 20 eur

An hourly hire makes more financial sense. For the swan-shaped pedal boat, an extra 30 minutes costs just 5 eur, whilst for an electric boat 10 eur. Electric boats also have a sun canopy.

You can check the current season and opening times on the Schwarzmayr rental website.

On the lake, keep an eye out for the orange warning lights. A slowly rotating light indicates a possible deterioration in the weather and you should stay close to the shore. If you see a rapid flashing signal, leave the water immediately.

Pedal boats on Lake Hallstatt

Where to swim in Lake Hallstatt

All the public bathing spots listed below are free of charge.

Lake Hallstatt is a mountain lake and the water temperature varies rapidly. During the warm summer months, it hovers around 18–22 °C, but after rain or a few cooler days, it can be significantly lower.

Hallstatt Bathing Island

The best place to go for a swim without leaving Hallstatt is about a 10-minute walk from Marktplatz.

The artificial island is connected to the shore by a footbridge and features a grassy area, a shallow section for younger children, a diving board, a large playground and toilets.

There are no refreshments available here, so do bring your own food and drink.

From the Hallstatt Lahn bus stop, the island is a short walk along Seestraße; if travelling by car, use the paid car parks P1 or P2.

My rating: 5/10 – it tends to get quite busy here and getting into the water isn’t all that easy

Strandbad Obertraun

The best-equipped lakeside lido offers a large grassy area, a jetty, a children’s playground, a beach volleyball court, changing rooms, showers, toilets and the Seecafé.

Visitors in wheelchairs can also get into the water using a pool lift.

The Obertraun Bahnhof/Feriendorf bus stop is about 100 metres from the beach, and Obertraun-Dachsteinhöhlen railway station is about 500 metres away. During the season, you can travel from Hallstatt via the southern boat circuit or on the NAVIA boat.

Parking costs 1 eur per hour or 12 eur per day.

My rating:9/10, excellent facilities, plenty of space and a lovely grassy area, stunning views

Strandbad Untersee

Strandbad Untersee, at the northern end of the lake, is ideal for families and for a full day out.

It features a gentle slope into the water, a children’s slide, a three-metre diving platform, a floating raft, a volleyball court, shady trees, changing rooms and refreshments.

At the rear of the site there is a separate nudist beach.

Entry is free, but there is a charge for parking. It’s about a 25-minute walk from Steeg-Gosau railway station, and about 20 minutes from the Steeg Au bus stop on route 542.

My rating: 8/10– less space than in Obertraun, but generally a very pleasant setting with lovely swimming

Gosaumühle

Gosaumühle is a handy stop-off on the route between Bad Goisern, Gosau and Hallstatt. By the water, you’ll find a large grassy area, showers, toilets, a small snack bar and a hire service for kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.

Admission and parking for 20 cars are free. Buses heading for Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Bad Ischl and Gosau stop directly at the Hallstatt Gosaumühle bus stop.

Bear in mind that there is a road immediately behind the grassy area; the advantage is that it is easily accessible by car and public transport.

My rating: 6/10 – excellent accessibility, but quite noisy due to the main road

Where to stay right by the lake

If you want to stay in the centre of Hallstatt and have the jetty just a few steps from your hotel, take a look at the Seehotel Grüner Baum.

The hotel is situated right on Marktplatz, and the lake-facing rooms and terrace offer unobstructed views across the entire lake.

For a more peaceful stay with private access to the water, the Strand Hallstatt is ideal. The accommodation is situated south of the centre, not far from Badeinsel; it has a private beach and is for adults only.

The Seehotel am Hallstättersee in Obertraun is a good base for swimming, visiting Krippenstein and taking boat trips. It is situated by the lake, close to the public lido, the boat harbour and Obertraun-Dachsteinhöhlen railway station.

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