Hallstatt is arguably one of the prettiest alpine villages you will ever see! A little gem tucked under the mountains, it is a lakeside village that looks straight out of a fairytale or a story book. The sixteenth century houses alongside the lake and alleyways, cute cafes and shops make you smile from ear to ear and your heart sing! Here are few places where you can grab a bite and enjoy the views:
Zum Salzbaron
If you are in lakeside village, you have to eat at least one meal by the lake. And there’s no better place than Zum Salzbaron. Housed in Seehotel Grüner Baum hotel this is one of the best restaurants in Hallstatt. It has a big terrace overlooking the lake. You can choose from a menu of fresh fish from the Hallstatt lake and other traditional and regional specialties. The restaurant also offers the best quality wines. Have a meal surrounded by untouched nature. Your visit will be accentuated by the playful chatter of swans and ducks.
Rudolfsturm
To get to this restaurant you first have to ascend the mountain, either on foot or using the lift which offers a very impressive view over the lake, the mountains and Hallstatt itself. Once on the mountain you then have to cross a bridge which leads to the Rudolfsturm and its restaurant. Set in the old defence tower, the restaurant serves traditional Austrian cuisine. The most amazing part is that you will be dining on a patio with 360-degree views of the majestic mountains. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a pint of beer while relishing the view. I have heard there apple strudel is quite magnificent too.
Seewirt Zauner
Go where the locals go! Located in the inner Salzkammergut, this one’s is famous for the wide selection of tasty fresh fish from Lake Hallstatt and the surrounding streams. Decorated with wood-panelled dining rooms, the restaurant gives you a chance to taste a fusion of the traditional and the modern cuisine. All the ingredients here are curated from local producers and the highlights of the menu are the grilled specialities. Try their fresh salads if you are not in the mood to eat some fish.
Das Kainz
Das Kainzv is part of the Heritage Hotel in Hallstatt and offers a beautiful view of the lake and the Lutheran church located opposite. The restaurant has a terrace with an impressive view of the lake where guests can have lunch or dinner in a relaxed atmosphere. In the restaurant, guests will find traditional Austrian dishes and regional specialities from the Salzkammergut. Truly recommendable is the freshly caught fish like trout and Arctic from Hallstatt Lake.
Cafe Derbl
Visit café Derbl anytime you are having some sweet cravings. This cute café is located in the main square and is the perfect escape to enjoy a cup of coffee away from the crowd. All of their desserts and sweets are homemade, as is their ice cream. The cream strudel with vanilla sauce is highly recommended. And you can’t go away without trying their chocolate layer cake.
Gasthof Simony
This tranquil haven with its peaceful and picturesque Alpine panorama offers a spectacular view of the Hallstatt lake. Like most restaurants in Hallstatt, Gasthof Simony is located in a big house that also has accommodation. It is named after the famous explorer of the Dachstein Mountains, Friedrich Simony, who stayed there during his expeditions in the 19th century. The restaurant offers delicious regional specialites and a peaceful garden. You can even jump into the lake from the lawn. Gasthof Simony also has a private bathing area at the Hallstatt Lake and some canoes for their guests to use.
Marktbeisl Zur Ruth
This charming coffe shop is set in the buzzing Central Square Marktplatz. You should visit this place if you want to meet new people, or if you want to take a break from all that walking or if you just want to have a nice cup of coffee. A plate of pasta while people watching is a good option too.
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