Hallstatt - Living history in the present

There are scenes you simply cannot get enough of. Hallstatt no doubt is one of them. The picturesque location by the lake, the closely nested and towering houses, the flair of millenniums of history - all this makes Hallstatt one of the most photographed places in Austria. It first came to the attention of tourists as far back as in imperial times. While the Emperor and his court made their summer retreat in nearby Bad Ischl, a motley entourage of artists always followed. And so painters, romantics and travel reporters quickly spread the news of the beauty of Hallstatt across the region.

Iconic view photographed from "Römisches" district

The village with a population of 800 has lost nothing of its appeal to this date. People have been attracted for centuries to the village at the foot of the oldest still operating salt mine in the world.

Hallstatt's Market Square

And so I went to see its beauty for myself - its alpine houses, narrow streets, steep stairs, warm people, its untouched surroundings and of course Hallstatt's famous salt in 101 variants.

Take a look at more photos of this salty alpine pearl in my photo stream - click here.