Protestant Church, Hallstatt - all you need to know

The slender tower of the Protestant church is the main feature of the classic view of Hallstatt.

The church stands right by the lake between the harbour and the Marktplatz, so you’ll pass it anyway whilst strolling through the town centre.

The interior is simple and a tour takes about 10 minutes. Admission is free.

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Which church features in the famous photographs of Hallstatt?

The church with the tall, pointed tower right on the shore is the Protestant Christuskirche. It is this tower that you’ll see in most postcards and photographs of Hallstatt.

The white church standing higher up the hillside is the Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Next to it is the cemetery and the famous ossuary with its painted skulls.

Is the Protestant church worth a visit?

Pop in whilst you’re walking between the Marktplatz and the harbour. Entry is free, you don’t have to go out of your way, and you’ll only spend a few minutes inside.

Don’t go out of your way just to see the interior.

The décor is considerably more understated than in a Catholic church, and the main reason to visit remains the famous tower and its role in the Hallstatt skyline.

Interior of a Protestant church

However, I really like the public garden with a few benches, which belongs to the church and offers a beautiful view of the lake.

The garden is open free of charge 24/7.

The small park in front of the Evangelical church

Why does Hallstatt have a Protestant church?

In the 16th century, the Reformation gained strong support amongst miners and other residents of the Salzkammergut.

The local Protestant community survived even the Counter-Reformation, when it was unable to practise its religion freely.

The Patent of Toleration of 1781 allowed Protestants to hold services, and in 1785 they built their first chapel in Hallstatt. After gaining full civil and religious rights, the present church was built and completed in 1863.

Where is the best spot to take a photo of the Protestant church?

The best view of the entire tower is from the Classic Village Viewpoint on the northern edge of Hallstatt. From there, you can see the church alongside the lake, the historic houses and the mountains.

You can find more spots in our guide to the best viewpoints in Hallstatt.

Admission and opening hours

Admission: free
Opening hours: daily 10:00–18:00
Duration of visit: approx. 10 minutes

During church services and concerts, standard guided tours may be restricted.

How do I get to the Evangelical Church?

The church is situated at Oberer Marktplatz 167, just a few steps from Marktplatz and the Hallstatt Markt jetty.

If you’re arriving by train, the ferry will drop you off right below the church. From the bus terminal or car park P2, allow about 15 minutes’ walk; from car park P1, about 20 minutes.

The route from Marktplatz is on level ground, so the Protestant church is also more easily accessible with a pushchair or for those with reduced mobility.