Right now I’m on spring break in Venice…make sure to follow along on Instagram!
Dearest Hallstatt,
Just like your sister Vienna, I struggled to find the words to describe you.
In your case, however, this is a love letter.
I knew before I saw you that I would love you. This has happened a handful of times in my life, where my insane expectations have been surpassed by the beautiful place I am finally seeing in person. I try so hard not to have these expectations, but you are quite famous, Hallstatt. There are endless pictures and blog posts and raves about you–you are so incredible there is even a replica of you in China!
I struggled to find the words to adequately describe you, Hallstatt, because frankly, what hasn’t been said about you? You’re beautiful, you’re picturesque, you’re quaint, you’re a pretty little piece of the puzzle of Europe.
Instead of merely listing your many attributes, I would also like to thank you.
Thank you, Hallstatt, for being you. But also, thank you for…
…these crystal blue skies.
…the access to these views.
…the view from our balcony.
…the foggy mornings.
…your many swans.
…your well-preserved, charming buildings.
…encouraging your residents to keep up their traditions, like lederhosen.
…putting on such a gorgeous show in the autumn.
…for being just as picture-perfect as I hoped, but even better because you’re not just a picture, but you’re real.
I hope to see you again, Hallstatt!
Love always,
Amy
Linking up with Travel Tuesday.
Oh stop it! This is amazing! I am going to Austria in May and was thinking of a day trip here.. and am now DEFINITELY going to. It looks so pretty!!
Yes a day trip would be perfect, I think! And May will be great, before the rush of tourists get there I believe. It’s so peaceful and pretty!! Plus, the bus ride up from Salzburg is awesome through the mountains.
Oh myyyy! Amy, these pictures are STUNNING!! No wonder you fell in love. I want to go now! In my book there is nothing to compare to a view of mountains and water. Nothing!
I agree! It’s so peaceful and perfect, I could have spent days on that balcony! Even if it was pretty cold, I think that made it even more beautiful 🙂
Gorgeous shots!!! Ive always wanted to visit Austria and this post bumped it up the list!
I love Austria, especially Hallstatt and Salzburg!!
Oh wow… you’re right– no words!
Exactly 🙂
Whoa, these photos are beautiful!!! And that blue sky seems to go on FOREVER with NO CLOUDS. Definitely putting this on my to-visit list!
I know, we had such incredible weather! I think it is a must-see for sure–the amazing, old town (some people say it’s one of the oldest in Europe!) on that gorgeous lake…ahh!
SO. so beautiful. I’ve been looking for somewhere like this to take a week this summer. It looks so quiet and picturesque.
I think it would be amazing in the summer! But it might be rather busy since it is a popular spot. I think most people just day trip or stay the night, though! The whole region around Hallstatt would be perfect for the summer, too.
I think I fell in love too! Those views are stunning!
How could you not fall in love with this place! 🙂
These photos are making me fall in love with Hallstatt too! What a heartthrob!
Right? Such a scene stealer! 🙂
Gorgeous! Your pictures are making me SUPER excited to be visiting Hallstatt next month, yay! Any recs on what to see/do/eat there?
Oh awesome, you will love it there! Since we went at the end of October almost everything was shut down, but I would get up into the mountains, either up by the salt mines or at 5 Points! Also, take a boat on the water–you can do a ferry or rent various types of boats yourself. As for food, honestly my favorite meal was at the little kabob shack, but mostly we had to eat there because everything else was closed! If you can, stay in Pension Sarstein–such a great family, great location, good prices and great breakfast!
Thanks for the great advice Amy! We are super excited!!!
Can’t wait to hear about your trip! 🙂
Just wow! I can absolutely see why you fell in love!
Isn’t it gorgeous?? 🙂
Just love this. Hoping to get there this summer….
Oooh you will love it! And Austria in general! 🙂
I definitely want to visit Hallstatt, lovely photos!
Gorgeous, right? 🙂
WHAT, that is an amaaazing balcony view…. I don’t even know what to do now 🙂
The views aren’t as good from the campground there, but I totally loved camping in Hallstatt! I think I would return and do it all over again.
I would love to camp in Hallstatt! I’m glad we didn’t at the end of October because it was FREEZING but in the summer it would be fantastic. I loved the Pension Sarstein, though–the view, the prices, and the breakfast were so great! Probably pricier in the summer too, though 🙂 also, there aren’t very many bad views in Hallstatt I don’t think!!
Aha- you stayed at the Sarstein! I think that’s where I was hoping to stay (and nowhere else would simply do!) but it was booked solid in July, so that’s why we camped 😉
Aww yeah I think Rick Steves raved about it, so of course we had to go there 🙂 I think it was only free because it was October and the end of the season!
Oh Amy, I can absolutely 100% see why you wrote this love letter. The skies alone are worth a love letter. What a beautiful place and that balcony – bliss!
Bliss–exactly! 🙂
One of my friends considers Hallstatt one of the most amazing places she’s ever been for all the reasons you mentioned! Those big skies and gorgeous vistas definitely caught my attention!!
It’s definitely high up on my list, as well! It’s so picturesque and peaceful 🙂
WOW. It all looks incredible! What a beautiful spot 🙂
It’s SO pretty! And in the fall, quiet 🙂
I`ve never actually though it is so beautiful place to visit and is definitely somewhere I would like to see someday. I would love to spend a weekend here