Hallstatt: Exploring the World’s Largest Ice Cave Adventure in 2-Days

Austria is full of natural beauty, and the best way to see it is by public transport. On this trip, we spent two days exploring from Salzburg, visiting two famous spots: the Eisriesenwelt ice cave and the charming village of Hallstatt. Here’s a simple guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip, with useful tips to make your journey easy and enjoyable.

Day 1: Salzburg to Eisriesenwelt – Discovering the World of Ice Giants

Morning: The Journey to Eisriesenwelt

We started our day bright and early, catching a train from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) to Werfen. The train ride was about 45 minutes long, offering stunning views of the Austrian Alps. Once we reached Werfen, a shuttle bus conveniently took us to the starting point for the Eisriesenwelt ice cave.

How to Get There:

• From Salzburg, take a train to Werfen (frequent services on the S-Bahn or regional trains).
• At Werfen, board the shuttle bus to the visitor center of Eisriesenwelt.

Exploring the Ice Cave

Things to Note:

• Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes, as the cave is cold even in summer.

• Photography is not allowed inside the cave, so take in the beauty with your own eyes (If you’re lucky, like we were, they might allow you to take photos inside.)
• The guided tour lasts about 75 minutes.

Afternoon: Lunch with a View

After the tour, we enjoyed lunch at the mountain restaurant near the cable car station. The panoramic views of the valley below made the meal even more special. Try the local specialties, like Wiener Schnitzel or Apfelstrudel.

Evening: Return to Salzburg

We headed back to Salzburg in the evening, catching the shuttle bus to Werfen and then the train back to Salzburg. It was a day filled with adventure and awe-inspiring natural wonders.

---

Day 2: Salzburg to Hallstatt – A Fairy-Tale Village

Morning: The Scenic Train Ride

On the second day, we traveled from Salzburg to Hallstatt, a journey that’s often called one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe. The trip involves taking a train to Attnang-Puchheim and transferring to a regional train that goes to Hallstatt. Upon arrival at Hallstatt station, a short ferry ride across the lake brings you to the village.

How to Get There:

• Take a train from Salzburg to Attnang-Puchheim (about 45 minutes).
• Transfer to a regional train heading to Hallstatt (1 hour and 15 minutes).
• From Hallstatt station, take the ferry to the village.

Exploring Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a postcard-perfect village nestled between a shimmering lake and towering mountains. We started our exploration with a stroll along the narrow streets, admiring the charming houses and the vibrant flowers adorning their balconies. Key attractions include:

• The Market Square: A lively spot surrounded by picturesque buildings.
• The Hallstatt Salt Mine: A short funicular ride takes you to this ancient salt mine, where you can learn about the village’s history.
• The Skywalk: A viewing platform offering panoramic views of Hallstatt and the lake.

Afternoon: Lakeside Lunch

We had lunch at a cozy lakeside restaurant, enjoying fresh fish caught from the lake. Don’t miss the opportunity to try a plate of freshly made Kaiserschmarrn (Austrian shredded pancakes).

Evening: Return to Salzburg

As the sun set over the lake, we reluctantly said goodbye to Hallstatt. The ferry took us back to the train station, and we retraced our steps to Salzburg. The scenic journey back was the perfect end to our Austrian adventure.

---

Travel Tips for Public Transport in Austria:

• Tickets: Purchase tickets online or at train stations. The “ÖBB” app is very convenient for planning routes and buying tickets.
• Timing: Check schedules in advance, as some routes have limited services.
• Packing: Carry a backpack with essentials like water, snacks, and a light jacket.

---

This two-day journey from Salzburg to Eisriesenwelt and Hallstatt is perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and serenity. With Austria’s efficient public transport system, exploring these iconic destinations is hassle-free and enjoyable. Start planning your trip and get ready to create unforgettable memories!

Check out our photo albums here 👉

World’s Largest Ice Cave: Eisriesenwelt

The Fairytale Village in Austria: Hallstatt

Watch our Experience on these amazing journeys from below vlogs.