Hallstatt in Autumn: Experience exploring the fairy tale village

Located on the slopes of Hoher Dachstein mountain and reflecting on the clear blue lake Hallstätter, the Austrian town of Hallstatt has long been a dream destination for many tourists. Honored by Time Out magazine in the list of 10 most beautiful towns in the world , Hallstatt takes on a particularly romantic beauty in autumn, through the perspective of architect and photographer Dang Duc Vinh.

Fairytale beauty on the Alps mountainside

Hallstatt, in the district of Gmunden, in the state of Upper Austria, is a watercolor painting with wooden houses in warm orange-yellow tones, standing out against the green trees gradually changing colors in autumn. Different from the typical blue-white color of Oia (Greece) or the earthy brown tones of Gordes (France), Hallstatt has its own beauty, where architecture and nature blend into one.

Panoramic view of the town of Hallstatt nestled by the lake in autumn. — The town of Hallstatt is picturesque from a distance.

The town’s architectural highlight is the Gothic Hallstatt Parish Church, a familiar yet timeless photo spot for visitors. The houses are located close together on the mountainside, creating a multi-layered composition, adding depth to the photos.

The secret to taking the best photos

According to photographer Dang Duc Vinh, the ideal time to explore and take photos of Hallstatt is before 9am. At this time, the town is quiet, there are no tourists and the early morning sunlight creates a wonderful lighting effect. "If you can only go to Hallstatt after 12am, you should skip it because it is both crowded and dark, making it difficult to take photos and visit," Vinh shared.

A peaceful corner of Hallstatt with traditional wooden houses. — The early morning sunlight shone on the small slopes of the town.

Unmissable angles

Marina: Where you can capture the view of small boats anchored on the calm lake.
Swan Beach: The perfect place to interact with graceful swans.
Church Corner: Classic position to capture a panoramic view of the town with the church spire as the focal point.
Stairs at the end of town: A unique view from above of the ancient roofs.

An interesting detail that adds to the autumn colors here is the Chinese Lantern Plant (ground cherry) planted in front of the houses. These bright orange fruits usually bloom in the fall, creating a vibrant highlight for photos.

Bright orange clusters of Chinese Lantern Plants decorate a house in Hallstatt. — Chinese Lantern Plant berries are a feature of autumn in Hallstatt.

Experience and plan your trip

To fully appreciate Hallstatt’s beauty, visitors should visit between late October and the first week of November, when autumn is at its most glorious. Although Hallstatt is beautiful all year round, winter (December to February) can be quite cold and wet without snow.

Tourists stroll along the lakeside path in Hallstatt. — Walking around the lake is one of the favorite activities here.

Means and activities

One of the best ways to reach the town is by taking the earliest train and then taking the ferry across the lake. This journey offers a chance to see the panoramic view of Hallstatt from the water in the morning mist. If you have more time, you can rent a bike to explore the surrounding villages or take the cable car up to the 7,000-year-old salt mine for a bird’s-eye view.

Tourism has become an integral part of the town’s economy, as Mayor Alexander Schuetz once noted. Careful planning, especially in terms of timing, will ensure a memorable trip to this fairytale village.