Hallstatt Austria, Kufstein, Mondsee: the 3 Amazing Hidden Gems of Austria
Hallstatt Austria, Kufstein, Mondsee : the 3 Amazing Hidden Gems of Austria
We managed to visit Austria completely during 4 visits to this beautiful country. Due to the fact that we live in Munich and are close, we needed a few well-planned weekends to visit the beautiful places of this country. We also have a map for Austria that will also help you to plan your trip easier. In this article we will tell you all you need to know, before to plan your trip to Hallstatt, Mondsee or Kufstein.
Table of Contents
Map For Austria
Informations
Hallstatt is a market town with 734 inhabitants in the Salzkammergut in the state of Upper Austria. Together with the Dachstein and the Inner Salzkammergut, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut.
The market town of Mondsee with 4,123 inhabitants is located in the Upper Austrian Salzkammergut on the lake of the same name, the southern bank of which partially forms the border with the state of Salzburg.
Kufstein is a municipality in Tyrol on the border with the Free State of Bavaria and the administrative seat of the Kufstein district. The city is located in the Tyrolean lowland and Lower Inn Valley and, with 19,930 inhabitants, is the second largest city in the state of Tyrol after Innsbruck.
Temperature: July and August are the peak months for summer vacation in Austria. The months from December to March are ideal for winter vacation.
Language:The official language is German.
Currency: Euro
Food Prices:Meal in a cheap restaurant=12 EUR,Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant=50 EUR
You can find more information about the visa here.
Things to do
Mondsee
The Mondsee is located in the Upper Austrian Salzkammergut, southwest of the Attersee. The border between Salzburg and Upper Austria runs on the southern bank, the MondSeeLand includes the Mondsee and its little brother, the Irrsee. They couldn’t be more different. The big one is the sophisticated one, attracts sports and culture enthusiasts and is a meeting place when it comes to culinary enjoyment. At Irrsee, however, it is quiet and dreamy. With its undeveloped bays, water lily fields and immense biodiversity, the Irrsee is protected.
Hallstatt
Marktplatz Hallstatt
Waldbachstrub wasserfall
Hallstatt Skywalk
Welterbemuseum Hallstatt
The Hallstatt Museum is a museum in Hallstatt in the Gmunden district in Upper Austria. Using archaeological finds, it presents the culture of Hallstatt through a journey through time spanning 7,000 years, as well as finds from the oldest salt mine in the world.
Lake Hallstatt
Lake Hallstatt is a mountain lake in the Upper Austrian part of the Salzkammergut, at the northern foot of the Dachstein massif and lies at 508 m above sea level. A. The center of the municipality of Hallstatt is located on the west bank. Lake Hallstatt is traversed by the Traun, which drains into the Danube. The lake, owned by the Austrian Federal Forests, together with the town of Hallstatt, is an important tourism destination in Austria. Lake Hallstatt, together with the Inner Salzkammergut, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape Hallstatt–Dachstein/Salzkammergut.
Kufstein
Kufstein Fortress
The Kufstein Fortress is the landmark of the city of Kufstein and is one of the most impressive medieval buildings in Tyrol. Today it is a museum and event venue. The building is protected as cultural property in accordance with the Hague Convention. It is located on the Festungsberg, a 90 m high rock directly on the Inn, above the town of Kufstein, can be reached on foot or with the Kaiser Maximilian panoramic cable car and covers an area of 24,000 m². An open-air organ was installed in the fortress’s civic tower in 1931.
The old town
Where to stay
A good night’s sleep is particularly important when you are travelling. Austria offers its guests a host of luxurious, charming and also out-of-the-ordinary accommodation.
Whether in the heart of the city, near the lake or surrounded by nature – Austria’s hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses guarantee a relaxing and invigorating stay.
We managed to find the best three companies that offer hotels, holiday homes and transportation. These are: Booking.com, Trip.com and Vrbo. We have already tested these companies and we warmly recommend them. As a result this will just bring you good deals for your next vacation in Austria.
Top hotels we recommend in Mondsee : Panorama Hotel Gasthof Leidingerhof, Hotel Krone, das mondsee.
Top hotels we recommend in Hallstatt: Hallstatt Heritage Hotel , I da Mitt, Weisses Lamm.
Top hotels we recommend in Kufstein : Alpenrose Kufstein , Hotel Kufsteinerhof, Hotel Stadt Kufstein.
Where to eat
Traditional dishes to try in Austria
Wiener Schnitzel, Tiroler Speck-traditional bacon, Knödel: Flavorful Dumpling
Tafelspitz (Beef or Veal Boiled in Broth With Vegetables)
Wiener Wurstel (Viennese Sausages)
Zwiebelrostbraten is a traditional dish that’s served in most German and Austrian restaurants in Bavaria and Vienna, respectively.
Regarded as the Austrian answer to Hungarian-style goulash, Wiener saftgulasch is a hearty stew that consists of diced lean beef drenched in a thick, flavorful gravy.
Kürbis suppe or pumpkin soup is a simple dish typical of the traditional Burgenland cuisine.
A typical specialty of Austrian cuisine, faschierte laibchen ( ground meat patty), is made with a combination of ground meat (typically a mixture of ground beef and ground pork), milk-soaked bread, eggs, fried onions, fried garlic, spices, and seasonings.
Tiroler gröstl is a traditional dish from Tirol, an Austrian region famous for its skiing and hiking courses. Like most Alpine dishes, gröstl is simple, yet rich, consisting of fried potatoes, onions, and bacon. Traditionally, the dish is served with a fried egg on top.
Käsekrainer is a quintessential Austrian gourmet delicacy, a type of sausage filled with small chunks of cheese. It is usually prepared with pork or a mixture of pork, beef, and a variety of spices
Desserts: The Sachertorte , apple strudel, Powidltascherl (Plum Jam Turnovers)-The delicate pastries, made with a distinctive potato dough, are filled with a combination of plum jam, rum or plum schnapps
Topfentorte is an Austrian-style cheesecake made with topfen or quark cheese as the main ingredient.
Linzer Augen, also known as a mini version of the Linzer torte, are made by gluing together two pieces of already baked shortbread cookies with redcurrant jam sandwiched in between.
Germknödel is a famous Austrian steamed yeast dumpling.
Local foods to try in Kufstein : Tiroler Bergkäse, Schlutzkrapfen, Tiroler Speck
Restaurants
- Restaurants in Mondsee : Mayrhofer’s Genuss Beisel und Weinbar, Schlossbräu Kirchenwirt, Wirtskultur, Ristorante Pizzeria Nudelini, Neue Post, Vini e Panini, Mondsee, Gasthof Grüner Baum.
- Restaurants in Hallstatt : Das Kainz, Gasthof Simony, Restaurant zum Salzbaron, Gasthof Zauner, Bacht’s Polreich, Cafe Derbl, Restaurant Rudolfsturm, Grüner Anger, Bräu-Gasthof Hallstatt.
- Restaurants in Kufstein : Gourmet Wirtshaus Tiroler Hof Kufstein, Auracher Löchl, Il Puccini, Osterauer, Il Castello, Purlepaus, Dolce Vita, Jay’s House, Festungswirtschaft, Goldener Löwe.
Saving Tips
-
Booking your flights and your hotel in advance can save you a lot of money. Use our hotel search engine to find the best offers. Most hotels allow you to cancel up to a day before your arrival, and many let you pay when you get there. If you’re just visiting the major cities and don’t require a car, you might save money by purchasing Austrian train tickets in advance.
-
No matter what the time of year, even during the peak tourist season you can stroll through the picturesque town of Hallstatt almost alone – as long as you do it before 9 am.
-
You can also try Hop-on, Hop-off tours or Big Bus tours and spare some money. As we are presenting a lot of good options you just have to pick the perfect one for you!
If you do not go by car and need to know more informations about the tours, things to see and do, we recommend this two companies that are offering tours for any kind of activity you want to do and where you can buy trips much cheaper than if you buy them when you arrive at your destination. It is always good to be able to save some money!
Viator and Get Your Guide : the best activities in town!
When you think about your dream vacation, you also need to plan your budget! This is why we found the perfect partner – Check24 ! We traveled with a lot of companies and they are the best if you need comfort, luxury but also fair prices! And this is very important! You can now travel and really enjoy your vacation, when you know that you can live your travel dream by paying a fair price.
When you think travel, think Orbitz ! They are one of the leading U.S. online travel websites, offering a full range of travel products and services. They got everything from flights, hotels, and car rentals to cruises, travel insurance, and destination services from suppliers worldwide.
Whe have even more good news! We have the best partners from around the world and you can find your dream vacation right here! We are sure that you will find everything you need – Just check our partners websites and find your dream vacation!
There’s no feeling in the world like connecting with new places, people and experiences through travel. From the iconic to the unexpected, get those “pinch me” moments through a series of Trafalgar highlights others may never know about, or have access to.
Shopping
Browsing through small shops, getting advice in modern boutiques and strolling through picturesque streets – for many, this is exactly what a relaxing holiday is all about. There are numerous shops around Mondsee that invite you to relax and shop. Both high-end luxury brands, well-known shops as well as small, fine shops and boutiques can be found around the lake. If you would like to have a little more choice, the larger shopping centers in Salzburg are the best place for you.
Shopping around Mondsee: 13 Oxn Brauerei und Biergarten, Alpine Prints, Andrea Wolfger, Anja Bahn, Bambi Kindermoden & Young Fashion, August Reichl – Baumwärter, Annemarie Hochgatterer, Atelier Maria Gebhart, Austrian Knitting Girl.
Shopps near Hallstatt : SOUVENIRGESCHÄFT – AYDIN YANMAZ, Hallstatt Shop, Hallstatt Keramik – Verkaufsgeschäft, Atelier Jirasek, Geschenk’s Platzerl, Glasschleiferei Hochhauser, Souvenirstand Amon, Supermarkt Hallstatt.
Family-run shops with unique and sustainable products, small boutiques with a special charm, delicious gastronomy – in Kufstein, visitors discover a diverse shopping experience and incomparable quality. In the pearl of Tyrol you will not only find large chains and mass-produced goods, but also a shopping paradise with style. As soon as they enter the store, guests are welcomed into a warm and personal atmosphere. At the foot of the picturesque fortress – surrounded by mountains and located on the green Inn – nothing stands in the way of this very special pleasure.
Shopping around Kufstein : Sportgeschäft JOLSport – Bad Häring, Waldhof Sports – Scheffau am Wilden Kaiser, Schuler Sports / Langlaufshop – Schwoich, Intersport Okay Kufstein – Kufstein, Schuh & Sport Profi Günther – Ellmau.
Getting Around
Austria has a well-developed public transport system. Within cities there are buses and tramways, only the capital Vienna has a metro. Austria is well-connected with trains and buses. However, if you prefer to drive, Austrian motorways are a pleasure to road trip through. That said, trains are the main way to get around the country.
In Austria, rail transport is run by the national rail company, ÖBB. The company operates many international and national routes. However, a second company – Westbahn – offers other routes within the country, many of which go to smaller towns.
Postbus – an ÖBB subsidiary – operates a lot of regional buses in Austria. Onboard, most Austrian buses are of good quality and have air conditioning. Regional buses will also have Wi-Fi, toilets, and power sockets. Additionally, many drivers will speak German and English.
How To Get Around Hallstatt – It’s easy to walk around the center of Hallstatt without needing any additional form of transport. For areas further out, however, buses and taxis are available. Bus 543 can take you up and down the Hallstatt side of the lake, as well as neighbouring Obertraun and Bad Goisern.
How to get around Mondsee – The most common transportation in Mondsee is by car, but you can also get around by bicycle or walking. Additionally, there is a bus service available that connects the town with the surrounding areas. Taxis are also an option for getting around, though they can be more expensive.
Kufstein is fairly small, and all tourist attractions can easily be reached by foot. Bikesharing stations from Regiorad are spread around town. Four urban bus lines and many regional buses cross the town with nearly all stopping at the bus station next to the train station.
Auto Europe Car Rental, provides the clients with the best rates & service in the industry! They offer travelers the best rates at 20,000 pickup locations in over 180 countries worldwide. The Auto Europe Advantage: Free Cancellation Up to 48 Hours Before Pickup, Best Rate Guarantee,24/7 Service Hotline from Pickup to Drop off. Enjoy now a 30% discount!
Getting here
Austrian Airlines & United Airlines fly the most frequently from the United States to Austria. Austria’s three major airports in Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck ensure the country is well connected both national and international.
Thanks to its favorable location in the center of Europe, Vienna International is an important hub for a number of European destinations. Information desks are located in the departure halls of terminals 1 and 3 and in the arrivals hall of terminal 3. Flight information is also available online. The airport is not far from Vienna city center and can be reached in less than a half-hour by train.
Innsbruck Airport – a busy transport hub, particularly in the winter season when it serves popular ski resorts in this area.
Salzburg Airport – Austria’s largest regional airport is situated near the city center of Salzburg and can easily be reached thanks to excellent connections to the public transport system as well as its own motorway exit. It is the perfect starting point to continue your journey to the surrounding summer & winter holiday resorts.
The bus number 140 takes you from Salzburg to Mondsee in just under fifty minutes. You catch it at Mirabelplatz (on the Schloss side of the road). There are many buses during the day.
The nearest airport to Kufstein is Innsbruck (INN). However, there are better options for getting to Kufstein. You can take a train from Munich (MUC) to Kufstein via Ostbahnhof and Muenchen Ost in around 1h 58m.
Getting to Hallstatt: Cheap public transportation makes it easy to travel from Salzburg, Vienna, and Cesky Krumlov to Hallstatt. However, both buses and trains required at least a one-time change unless self-driving. The best part of taking the train is your traveling journey will be ended with the ferry ride across the Hallstätter See from the Hallstatt train station to Hallstatt Markt.
Salzburg is the most ideal place to plan a one-day itinerary in Hallstatt. It is the closest place to reach Hallstatt
by bus or train from ÖBB and Westbahn. Getting to Hallstatt by bus is cheaper but taking the train might be a better option.
By Car: Easiest and most convenient option if you are on a road trip in Austria. Compare your car rental price at Rentalcars.com, the lowest price guarantee and reliable customer reputation. If you are driving, please note that visitors do not have access to the historic center of Hallstatt and are required to park at the desired car park. There are three parking areas within easy walking distance but limited.
Austrian Airlines is Austria’s largest carrier and operates a global route network of round 130 destinations. That route network is particularly dense in Central and Eastern Europe with 37 destinations. Thanks to its favourable geographical location at the heart of Europe, the company’s hub at Vienna International Airport is the ideal gateway between East and West. Austrian Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group, Europe’s largest airline group, and a member of the Star Alliance, the first global alliance of international airlines.
Qatar Airways is one of the biggest company in the world with unprecedented expansion, flying to over 160 destinations. Enjoy now a 30% discount by booking your flight with us!
If you have not found your desired flight, or you simply want more flight options to find the best and cheapest, we will help you with the best flight plans, where you will definitely find what you are looking for. With just one click you will find the flight to a wonderful destination!
Getting to Austria by train
The ÖBB runs several international train services. These run from Austria to cities all over Europe on either Eurocity or Nightjet trains. In some cases, you may need to connect to a train run by a local company in another country. In general, though, you can expect a similar level of service as on ÖBB’s Austrian trains. These trains offer a direct connection to countries such as: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Hungary. There are also connections that allow you to reach Denmark, Croatia and Luxembourg easily.
Getting to Austria by bus
Buses are an important part of the Austrian transport system. This is because they often operate night services and routes to small towns and complement the national train network. Many international bus services also operate through Austria. These connect with many other major European cities in Germany, France, Slovenia, Italy, and more. The most common international bus line is Eurolines. The main companies running international bus routes are Flixbus and Eurolines. Both run journeys to cities all over Europe, linking Austria to thousands of destinations across the continent. You can book your train or bus ticket if you click the widgets bellow:
LEVEL8 is an NYC-born brand for luggage and bag. We exist to bring a leisure and exquisite way of traveling, with suitcases that honored the art of personal presentation and style. For more information on LEVEL8 Luggage collection, visit :
