A Look Back on My 2024 Tour Around Europe – This Time: Salzburg and the Lakeside Town of Hallstatt in Austria!
From Munich to Salzburg: Transportation and Getting Around the City
For the previous chapter of my journey in Munich, Germany, check out this article:
The trip from Munich, Germany to Salzburg, Austria takes only about 2–3 hours by FlixBus—very close by.
However, since the FlixBus stop is a bit removed from the city center, you'll need to hop on a tram to get downtown.
You can buy tram tickets at vending machines. You’ll generally choose between:
- “Stundenkarte Vollpreis” (1-hour ticket)
- “24h Vollpreis” (24-hour ticket)
Pick whichever suits your post-arrival plans!
Don’t forget to validate your ticket using the punching machine before boarding. If you forget, you could be fined for riding without a valid ticket—so be careful!
Accommodation: a&o Hostel Salzburg
Once I arrived in the city, I stayed at a&o Hostel Salzburg.
It’s within walking distance from the train station, and the lobby has tables where you can work, eat meals you've brought, or enjoy some drinks.
There’s even a McDonald’s nearby, a true lifesaver when traveling through Europe with its high prices and weak yen.
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Salzburg Old Town and Sights to See
After dropping off my luggage, I headed to the old town.
Even the walk there had that classic “European” vibe—it genuinely made me go “Wow…”
Café Tomaselli
A famous stop near Salzburg Fortress, Café Tomaselli has been around since 1705.
As a solo traveler this time, I didn’t quite have the courage to enter... maybe next time!
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Balkan-Style Hot Dog Stand
Another thing that caught my attention was a hidden local favorite hot dog stand with a line of people.
Of course, I joined the queue. The old-school look and flavor matched the ambiance and made it taste even better!
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Mozart’s Birthplace
Salzburg is Mozart’s hometown.
I visited his birthplace and snapped a pic of the exterior—but didn’t go inside. (“What am I doing…” I thought.)
Salzburg Fortress
After that, I explored Salzburg Fortress.
Originally built in 1077, this fortress has been strengthened over centuries.
The interior functions like a museum, giving visitors a chance to learn about its long history.
The panoramic views of Salzburg from the fortress windows were breathtaking, and strolling around the city afterward was a highlight!
A Day Trip to the Lakeside Town of Hallstatt!
On a different day, I took a day trip to the dreamy lakeside town of Hallstatt.
I left early in the morning and took the bus to save on transportation costs (about €20 one-way).
How to Get to Hallstatt
- Start by taking bus #150 from the terminal in front of Salzburg Station (ride it to the final stop).
- Transfer to a bus bound for Bad Ischl.
- Then transfer once more to reach Hallstatt.
Tips:
- I believe cards were accepted on the buses, but it’s safest to bring some cash.
- Sit on the left side of the bus to enjoy views of the lake!
Stopover at the Ice Cave
Instead of getting off at Hallstatt, I rode further into the mountains to visit the Ice Cave first.
Since this was a day trip, I planned to do the Ice Cave first. (Make sure to ask the driver in advance!)
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You take a cable car up, followed by a light hike, and then get to enjoy both stunning views and a cave adventure.
There’s also supposed to be a diorama experience, but unfortunately, it wasn’t available when I went. Something to come back for!
Finally Arriving in Hallstatt!
After the Ice Cave, I took the bus back to central Hallstatt.
The moment I arrived, I couldn’t help but say, “Wow, it’s beautiful…”
The contrast between the mountains, lake, and town is absolutely picturesque.
I found a local sweet along the way—slightly salty, not overly sweet, and absolutely delicious.
Now I understand why Hallstatt is called the “Salt Town.”
The Church and the Skull Tradition
There’s a church on a small hill that features a space filled with skulls.
This practice stems from local burial customs in the land-constrained village—after a certain period, remains are exhumed, and the skulls are honored.
Returning and Heading to the Next Destination
The town itself is quite compact; you can see everything in about two hours.
I timed my return by ferry to the train station, then took the train back to Salzburg.
I don’t quite remember the return details, but with Google Maps, I managed!
Conclusion: The Charm of Salzburg & Hallstatt
Whether it was exploring Salzburg’s historical streets or experiencing the natural and cultural richness of Hallstatt, both were truly unforgettable.
Next stop: Vienna by train!
The journey continues.
