Friday May 24th: Hallstatt

On our first morning in Hallstatt, Todd headed to a lakeside coffee shop that opens at 6:30 am. The peacefulness at that hour was a stark contrast to the bustling crowds that arrive around 10 am with the tour buses. Initially, the influx of tourists made it hard to feel the village's charm, but we decided to stay the extra day.

After breakfast, we embarked on a steep hike to the old Salt Mine, which overlooks the entire lake. The hour-long ascent taught us about the historical significance of salt mining in the area.

Up top, we journeyed higher and then headed down for a drink with stunning lake views. Opting for the funicular ride back down was a wise choice, as our legs were exhausted.

We chilled at our lake-view apartment for a few hours before heading to dinner at Zum Salzbaron. The food, service, and setting were spectacular, despite a nearby boisterous couple's complaining that their Caesar salad was not creamy enough (geesh!). We closed the day with a nightcap on our deck, loving the serene lake views.