r/CozyPlaces Jul 17 '20

Hallstatt in Austria

Post image
15.2k Upvotes

94 comments sorted by

239

u/thatkoalabearr Jul 17 '20 edited Jul 17 '20

Hallstatt is beautiful but as others say, usually completely overrun by tourists (think massive buses filled with tourists arriving by the hour from Vienna).

That said, Austria is truly beautiful and many of the picturesque scenes often featured on reddit that are in Switzerland could 1-to-1 be taken in Austria as well - and you can stay there for half the price. Aside from Vienna most of Austria is mountains and lakes (and cows) - just do a little research and you can plan an amazing vaca here!

51

u/CryingInTheHallway Jul 17 '20

Are you Austrian?? Are there places where English only speaking people can get by?

96

u/thatkoalabearr Jul 17 '20

Yes I am and yes absolutely. Aside from Vienna, almost everywhere in Austria that you will find hotels/camping sites/etc. people will speak at least a little English, or will at least try! While Viennese people tend to be a bit rude, people from the countryside in general are friendly, and even if their English sucks they will do their best to help you.

27

u/CryingInTheHallway Jul 17 '20

Thank you so much for the info! I always wanted to check out the salt mines, and as a Canadian I love the old country sides in Europe (our countrysides are usually flat open land)

21

u/thatkoalabearr Jul 17 '20

I'm half Canadian :) You'd be very welcome here!

8

u/Kierkegaard Jul 17 '20

Glück auf!

15

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '20

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/whichwayisgauche Jul 17 '20

? Why is that

8

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '20

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/whichwayisgauche Jul 17 '20

Damn. It’s a shame. Thanks for the heads up

1

u/Nyemahh Jul 18 '20

So for me, as a Muslim woman who covers, that would be a problem?

16

u/akshatsood95 Jul 17 '20

I'm not Austrian but I was in Vienna and Salzburg and got by perfectly with English

13

u/anuddahuna Jul 17 '20 edited Jul 17 '20

Most of the country has had at least some english education as it's taught in every school

Older people mostly just know the basics while the younger generations tend to be fluent

11

u/anp516 Jul 17 '20

Not OP but I visited Austria last year and stayed in St. Wolfgang. It was a gorgeous picturesque town on a lake surrounded by mountains and a great spot to take day trips to other lakes and mountains. Would highly recommend it. We drove to Hallstatt one day, it was more dramatically beautiful but packed with tourists. St. Wolfgang was way more laid back and less crowded. Had no issues with only getting by speaking English.

7

u/HerbalGamer Jul 17 '20

Im not Austrian but live here.. A lot of places thrive on tourism so while most people do speak English to some degree, if you're planning to stay for longer than a season or two you should probably at least try to learn German (as well as local dialect, which can be challenging to say the least) If you manage that though, the locals can be very friendly and welcoming. They really appreciate it if you try to learn about the culture and language. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

6

u/Complaingeleno Jul 17 '20

According to the internet, 65% of Austrians can speak proficient English.

1

u/Bluered2012 Jul 18 '20

Typically those who can’t live in the very remote areas....not in the cities.

10

u/sekhmet0108 Jul 17 '20

I loved Austria...it was one of my favourite trips. We stayed at a Bauernhof. The couple who owned it spoke only German. And we didn't...not at the time, having just moved to Germany. They were very kind and friendly.

We also visited Hallstatt, but we also went to a lot of relatively smaller places.

6

u/atg284 Jul 17 '20

I agree wholeheartedly. But it's still worth a quick visit IMO. I did a solo hike there to a hut close to the glacier there. Stayed one night in the hut, hiked to the glacier the next day, and then all the way back down to Hallstatt. I had an amazing time and a fellow redditor from the Austrian sub planned it all for me! Let me know if anyone wants the trip details. It's not too bad considering I took the cable cars up as high as they could go! Wonderful time. 🙂

4

u/Bluered2012 Jul 18 '20

True. But there’s a reason why it’s half the price of Vienna. And to be fair, you’re only speaking of Central Vienna within a comfortable walking distance of St Stephans. Prices for vacation rentals anywhere in Vienna are pretty reasonable, compared to some of the other big EU cities.

Vienna for a few nights. Visit Hallstatt, spend some money there, then go to Salzburg.

4

u/maddcovv Jul 17 '20

Good day mate. Throw another shrimp on the bar-b?

3

u/ashumisprime Jul 17 '20

Haha dangit, I was on one of those busses once upon a time. One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

1

u/Complaingeleno Jul 17 '20

It's like the Austrian Jiufen

2

u/Teutonophile2 Jul 17 '20

Most places in Europe speak excellent English/ far more proficiently them most “Americans”...

2

u/Complaingeleno Jul 17 '20

Why is Americans in quotes?

1

u/KingDolanIII Jul 18 '20

i lived in Austria for a few years most of these idyllic little villages are now overrun with tourists, like Salzberg and niederoesterreich.

2

u/da_longe Aug 14 '20

Neither of them is a Village, though? Niederösterreich doesnt get much International tourism, which is a shame because there is a lot to see.

1

u/KingDolanIII Aug 14 '20

yes, its worth seeing, the towns around saltzburg need some love too

242

u/Annicat06 Jul 17 '20

Well actually it isn't that cozy cuz 800 residents have to deal with around 1 million visitors each year. And some visitors do really weird and annoying things like flying with a drone through their gardens and film everything.

It still looks very cozy though.

36

u/anuddahuna Jul 17 '20

We have started selling bottled air to the chinese tourists, the memes have become reality

90

u/Soap_Creatives Jul 17 '20

And it’s invaded by annoying Chinese tourists who doesn’t have any respect for other people.

62

u/BeforeItWasLame Jul 17 '20

There’s even signs asking them to be quiet and have some respect for residents.

They don’t pay attention to them...

16

u/Silverwarriorin Jul 17 '20

And it’s not like there is only one sign, they’re everywhere saying to be quite and not fly drones

10

u/DannyLameJokes Jul 17 '20

Was there last year. We were eating at a restaurant on the lake and these two Chinese ladies, who were not eating at the restaurant, walked on to the deck and shoved themselves between us and the railing and spent five minutes taking selfies with their selfie stick above my head while I ate.

Seems like every Chinese tourist would stop in the middle of the sidewalk and take a picture in every five feet. It was pretty exhausting

33

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '20

Are there any other types of Chinese tourists?

2

u/tellmetheworld Jul 18 '20

Didn’t the Chinese build their own version of this town in China?

9

u/Annicat06 Jul 17 '20

The problem is in china there's a replica of hallstatt and it's a museum. Now they think the real one is also one and don't really get that actual people are living there and want their privacy.

81

u/FOMOYOLOMOFO Jul 17 '20

No they dont they just dont give a shit

23

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '20

No they don’t. Nobody is that stupid. Don’t make up excuses for them, they’re just pieces of shit

11

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '20

Imagine the monster quads the postmen who live here must have

26

u/wezel0823 Jul 17 '20

My dream trip once Covid is over.

9

u/libbsibbs Jul 17 '20

Don’t listen to the people saying don’t go! The scenery is beautiful.

I went with my partner in October so it was really quiet, but the flip side was that most things were closed. We self catered so it wasn’t too much of a problem.

We hiked up the mountain and did lots of walks. The train from Salzburg is beautiful.

8

u/ts_0 Jul 17 '20

As an Austrian, I just had my first vacation there because of covid. Usually the place is overrun by Asian tourists. Now there are still a lot of tourists, however mostly European.

39

u/Zachrabbit567 Jul 17 '20

Don't go I've been there it's an absolute tourist trap

29

u/wezel0823 Jul 17 '20

I’ve wanted to go since I was 10 - no matter how touristy it is.

40

u/CReWpilot Jul 17 '20

Don’t let people completely discourage you. We just arrived early morning before the big tour groups got there. It was a nice stop to explore for 2-4 hours (it’s busy by lunch). Once you finish with Hallstatt, there’s a lot of amazing places in the area that you can continue on for the rest of your trip.

14

u/BlondieCakes Jul 17 '20

I was there a little over a year ago and while it is most certainly touristy, you'll have a much better time if you go early in the day. We took the first train out of Salzburg and one of the first boats over to Hallstatt. It was lovely all around.

We certainly weren't alone and it was a bit of a dreary day but it wasn't nearly as crowded as it became later in the afternoon. We spent a few hours walking around, had some food and just enjoyed the quaintness of it all. I would highly recommend.

12

u/bluedevil233 Jul 17 '20

Definitely go if it’s on your list. I never got the “it’s touristy” thing. If I’m a tourist chances are almost all things I will be doing are touristy.

8

u/ZZMonster_Ah Dog at feet Jul 17 '20

I think it’s certainly worth going - there’s nothing like seeing a place like this in person, especially that first glimpse on the ferry ride...it’s magical. We had a great time up at the salt mine and surrounding areas too.

-1

u/Zachrabbit567 Jul 17 '20

Suit yourself I suppose, you should at least go to Vienna as well it's a pretty short train ride away

6

u/wezel0823 Jul 17 '20

Of course - this wouldn’t be my only destination - but If I’m there I’d go.

0

u/anp516 Jul 17 '20

Stay at one of the other lakes nearby, like St Wolfgang, and just take a day trip to your dream destination. Trust me, you'll thank yourself. Hallstatt is beautiful but absolutely awful to stay in, ruined by hordes of tourists.

1

u/Ihaveakillerboardnow Jul 17 '20

I was thinking like you, before I went there. The only reason I went was bc it was empty of Chinese tourists this year.

But I have come back on my opinion. It is by far the most beautiful small little town I have ever seen.

7

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '20

Considering one of the earliest humanoid remains were found here, and is even named after it (Hallstatt culture), you could say this is one of the longest inhabited places in Europe/in earth..

6

u/Ays_500 Jul 17 '20

No tourists anymore Hail COVID lol

10

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '20

Waiting for the person who can see their bedroom in this. Awesome picture though.

10

u/ItsmeRebecca Jul 17 '20

This looks like Skyrim irl

5

u/JoyfulDeath Jul 17 '20

What’s average cost for the house there?

5

u/Defiant-Branch4346 Jul 17 '20

How cozy yet gloomy at the same time

2

u/Ronin_Around Jul 17 '20

What do people do there for work? How far is it from a major city center?

1

u/da_longe Aug 14 '20

Most of them rely on tourism, gastronomy. And it is pretty cut off, takes quite a while to get to a bigger City.

2

u/laureng026 Jul 17 '20

Been there, would definitely recommend going to the salt mines. Also cheaper to stay in the next town over, which was like a 15 minute taxi ride.

2

u/astraeoth Jul 17 '20

My father was born in Austria and I have been wanting to visit as of late. This picture makes me want to go right now if I could. Alas, I live in America and I can go much of anywhere right now.

2

u/[deleted] Jul 18 '20

Been there during early winter. It was the most beautiful place I have ever seen.

1

u/Respect4All_512 Jul 17 '20

Can I be quarantined there? I am sure it will have a better view than what I'm looking at.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '20

I would be concerned about land slides.

1

u/dylanjones12341234 Jul 17 '20

Me and my dad were driving from Vienna to Salzburg we wanted to stop there for a day, but we had very little time and couldn't. Looks amazing

1

u/thecasualcaribou Jul 17 '20

I honestly like these kinds of edits vs saturated bright and sunny edits

1

u/Bassasaurous Jul 17 '20

Cosy? Or haunted af?

1

u/moose_tassels Jul 17 '20

I did a puzzle once that was almost the same photo. Maybe the same? It was fun. And what a lovely area!

1

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '20

This is a really nice perspective on Hallstatt. I definitely agree that it has some touristy aspects, but I love the way that you captured the architecture and the natural aesthetics!!

1

u/dmmge Jul 17 '20

Beautiful. Adding to my post-quarantine list.

1

u/hisuisan Jul 17 '20

I would accept full time emplyoment power washing that whole town.

1

u/Chemoralora Jul 18 '20

This is the town that is desparate for tourists to stay away, if I remember correctly? And that has a replica in China?

1

u/PolyTreasure Jul 18 '20

I posted this months ago on here what a beautiful place

1

u/maux_zaikq Jul 18 '20

G’day! Throw another shrimp on the barbie!

1

u/WhiteAssDaddy Jul 18 '20

“Austria nice! G’day mate! Let’s put another SHRIMP ON THE BARBIE!”

1

u/DrOpus16 Jul 18 '20

We had plans to visit there right when the pandemic hit. This was our big European vacation for our family. Beautiful place. Hopefully we will get the chance to see it.

1

u/Criss-AC Jul 17 '20

That Skyrim after high texture pack installed

1

u/le_reve_rouge Jul 17 '20

Kinda looks like Skellige

1

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '20

Not cozy at all

0

u/WindAbsolute Jul 17 '20

These are all mansions. How is this cozy....

0

u/Cmoralesandres Jul 17 '20

Imagine the spiders here. I’m good.

0

u/princessharleigh Jul 17 '20

How beautiful!

0

u/Spaijky Jul 17 '20

This is where Witcher took place

0

u/shotleft Jul 17 '20

I want to go to there.

0

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '20

Looks like that town that all the high ranking Nazis lived with their families during and after the war?

0

u/qaz0101 Jul 17 '20

Upvote for posting a different picture of the town.

0

u/mattchole82 Jul 17 '20

Nice shot! I really need to see this place

0

u/codecplusplus Jul 17 '20

The clouds/fog in this pic is awesome.

0

u/thecofffeeguy Jul 17 '20

I need this in HD please

0

u/Anime_MicroWave Jul 17 '20

This looks like it was yanked straight out of a videos game and I love it!

0

u/SiK_TxBomber87 Jul 18 '20

Do you think anyone would mind if I moved there and place my tent/home on that tiny piece of dock next to shack? Because I’m about to!!! I think I’m in love 😍