Nestled between the sheer face of the Dachstein mountains and the mirror-still waters of Lake Hallstatt, this tiny village of fewer than 800 residents is often called the most beautiful lakeside village in the world. Its pastel-colored houses cling to the steep mountainside, connected by narrow lanes and staircases, with the slender spire of the Evangelical church creating the classic postcard view reflected in the lake below. Hallstatt’s history stretches back over 7,000 years — the world’s first known salt mine was established here around 5000 BCE, giving rise to an entire prehistoric cultural period known as the Hallstatt culture.

The village rewards slow exploration: visit the Beinhaus (Bone House) in St. Michael’s Chapel, where over 1,200 intricately painted skulls are arranged in a centuries-old tradition born from the village’s limited cemetery space. Take the funicular up to the Salzwelten salt mine for an underground tour through prehistoric and Roman-era mining tunnels, or walk along the lakeside promenade as the mountains turn golden in the afternoon light.

Pro tip: Stay overnight in Hallstatt to experience the village at its most magical — after the last tour bus departs around 5:00 PM, the streets empty and the village reclaims its serene alpine character. The view from the Hallstatt Skywalk platform, 350 meters above the lake, is worth the short funicular ride.