We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Chen-Chi, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Chen-Chi lives in Taiwan, and submitted the following report about Hallstatt and Gosausee. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: German, English
The perfect vantage point for a postcard shot of Hallstatt.
Reasons to Visit Hallstatt & Gosausee
Hallstatt, sometimes called “The Real Paradise on Earth,” is a lovely village located on the shore of Hallstätter See (a lake in the Alps) in Upper Austria. Like most parts of this country, it’s very safe for solo travelers. I went to this little paradise from Salzburg by bus in mid-September, a season with rain from time to time, but fewer tourists. I roamed in the village, visited the Bone House, and bumped into some cats along the way. Although I did not plan to visit the salt mine, I wanted to see the panoramic view over Hallstatt Lake by taking the salt mine funicular. Unfortunately, it was closed early at the time so I missed the last ride.
During my stay in Hallstatt, I spent one day in Gosausee. I took a bus and transferred at Gosaumühle. Within one hour, I was transported to another dreamlike location. I had my lunch at the only restaurant in Gosausee and walked around the lake, which was an easy hike, about 1.5 to 2 hours. The water was crystal clear, with a stunning view of Dachstein mountain and glacier in the background. I enjoyed the freshness and tranquility, and watched the lake change from misty to shiny. Good thing I waited the rain out. I took the cable car to see the view over the Gosausee. On my ride down on the cable car, I saw the bus I had planned to take leave earlier than the timetable had indicated. Fortunately, it wasn’t the last one so I spent more time walking around the lake.
Some accommodations in Hallstatt offer stays on a weekly basis only. As it’s getting more well-known and popular, make sure to book at least 6 months in advance during high season for more options.
Painted skulls in Beinhaus the Charnel House.
Gosausee, beautiful alpine lake with crystal clear green water.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
