STORYBOOK STAY

Situated in the heart of Hallstatt, Heritage Hotel Hallstatt is a fairytale retreat composed of three historic townhouses. The Kainz house offers breakfast on the jetty, Seethaler house boasts stunning lake views from a unique vantage point, and Stocker house, the oldest building in town at over 500 years, is an undressed stone marvel that once served as a court of law. Now part of the European Castles & Historic Hotels alliance, Heritage Hotel Hallstatt combines romantic charm with modern comforts. Enjoy regional specialties on the terrace in the summer at Seeauer restaurant. Also feel free to bring your furry friends along as this hotel is dog-friendly. Landungsplatz 101, hotel-hallstatt.com

ONE FINE CLAY

Started by Gudrun Wittke-Baudisch, a member of the Vienna Workshop who moved to Hallstatt in 1937 and purchased an old woodcutter’s room in 1946, Hallstatt Keramik is a treasure trove of traditional and non-traditional ceramics. Passed on to the current owners in 1977, Peter and Thomas Gschwandtner continue its legacy, crafting exquisite tableware and decorative pieces on the potter’s wheel or from plaster molds. Each piece is fired at 1,760 degrees F, then glazed and fired again for a stunning finish. To add a touch of luxury, some pieces feature gold plating and bespoke designs. Wolfengasse 107, hallstattkeramik.com

SWEET & SOURDOUGH

Located directly on Seestraße (translation: Lake Street), Cafe Maislinger is a cozy, can’t-miss bakery and café. Founded in 1932 by Josef Maislinger, this family bakery is celebrated for crafting delicious pastries, sandwiches, and chocolates from traditional recipes. Renowned for favoring hyper-local ingredients, they bake sourdough bread daily from natural yeast and brine sourced from the nearby Altaussee salt mine. Visitors can feast on a variety of decadent cakes, tarts, strudels, sandwiches, and breakfast items, plus a collection of quirky curios like chocolate boots and Easter eggs. Seestraße 156, keltenbrot.at

SEA TO PLATE

At Seewirt Zauner located inside the hotel that bears its name, savor the freshest fish, caught right from Lake Hallstatt, alongside wild game from nearby forests and locally sourced vegetables. Guests are treated to traditional dishes with a modern twist. The dining room is bright and inviting, featuring large arched windows, antler décor, and vintage photographs that add a touch of rustic charm. In warmer months, the patio provides exceptional views of the enchanting city, making for a delightful dining experience amidst the picturesque scenery. Marktplatz 51, seewirt-zauner.at

SCENIC ROUTE

Take a cable car up to Restaurant Rudolfsturm, Hallstatt’s prime spot for sweeping views. Perched atop the World Heritage Skywalk, this 13th-century former defensive tower now offers a unique culinary experience. Enjoy local delicacies like their highly praised beef goulash with napkin dumplings or the wiener schnitzel with potato salad on the expansive terrace. The panoramic vistas of Lake Hallstatt and the surrounding mountains elevate any meal. It’s a perfect blend of history, nature, and traditional Austrian cuisine for an unforgettable dining experience. Salzbergstraße 1, rudolfsturmhallstatt.at