Quick answer: the best hikes near Hallstatt are the walk up to the Hallstatt Skywalk (World Heritage view platform) above the village, the easy loop around Vorderer Gosausee with its famous view of the Dachstein glacier, the Echerntal valley walk to the Waldbachstrub waterfall, and the cable-car trip to the 5 Fingers platform on the Krippenstein. Most are easy to moderate and can be done in half a day.
Hallstatt hikes at a glance
| Hike | Difficulty | Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hallstatt Skywalk (on foot or by funicular) | Moderate (steep zig-zag path) | ~1 hour up on foot | Classic view over Hallstatt and the lake; salt mine nearby |
| Gosausee lake loop | Easy | ~1.5 hours | Dachstein glacier reflected in the lake |
| Echerntal & Waldbachstrub waterfall | Easy | ~1.5–2 hours return | Forest gorge, waterfalls, quiet trails |
| Krippenstein & 5 Fingers | Easy from the cable car | 1–2 hours | Platform over a sheer drop; huge Dachstein views |
| Hallstatt to Obertraun lakeside | Easy | ~1.5 hours one way | Flat lakeside path; return by boat or bus |
Hallstatt Skywalk
The Skywalk platform hangs above Hallstatt beside the Salzwelten salt mine. You can ride the Salzbergbahn funicular up from the village in a few minutes, or hike the steep, zig-zag path through the forest. Combining a walk up with a salt-mine tour makes a great half day.
Gosausee (Gosau lakes)
About 30 minutes by car or bus from Hallstatt, the Vorderer Gosausee has one of Austria’s most photographed views: the Dachstein glacier rising above a green lake. A flat path loops the lake. Fitter hikers can continue to the Hinterer Gosausee for a longer day. The Gosaukamm cable car nearby leads to more hiking and to the Donnerkogel “Stairway to Heaven” via ferrata.
Echerntal and Waldbachstrub waterfall
Starting near the edge of Hallstatt, this valley walk follows a stream through forest to the Waldbachstrub waterfall. It’s shady, quiet and great when the village is crowded.
Krippenstein and 5 Fingers
From Obertraun, the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car climbs to the Krippenstein, where short trails lead to the 5 Fingers platform, five walkways that jut out over a sheer drop above Hallstatt lake. The same area has ice caves and longer high-alpine hikes. See also our Dachstein Skywalk guide for the Stairway to Nothingness on the Styrian side.
Tips
- Visit Hallstatt early or late in the day to avoid tour-bus crowds.
- Parking in Hallstatt is limited; use the official car parks or arrive by train and boat.
- Cable cars close for weather and seasonal maintenance; check times in advance.
- Bring layers: weather changes quickly in the Alps.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest hike near Hallstatt?
The Gosausee lake loop or the lakeside path to Obertraun.
Can you walk up to the Hallstatt Skywalk?
Yes, on a steep forest path, or take the funicular.
How do you get from Hallstatt to Gosausee?
By car or bus, about 30 minutes.
When is the best time to hike around Hallstatt?
June to September for open cable cars and trails; May and October are quieter.
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Hi, I am Emam Hasan — founder and editor of BrokeMountain. I oversee this blog’s hiking, camping and outdoor gear guides, making sure every article is well-researched, accurate and genuinely helpful for your time on the trail. Enjoy it!
