Hallstatt, Austria 🇦🇹 & Königssee, Germany 🇩🇪: A Student's Budget Travel Guide!
Hey everyone, it's Thảo! I'm super excited to share my adventure to the fairytale village of Hallstatt in Austria and the stunning Königssee lake in Germany. If you're dreaming of visiting these gems on a budget, especially as a student, you've come to the right place! This blog post is packed with info on transportation, accommodation, itineraries, and insider tips. Get ready for my personal experience – hoping it inspires your own unforgettable trip! ❤️
✅ I. Getting Around: From Germany to Austria & Back!
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🍀1. Munich to Salzburg (Austria): Saving with the Deutschland Ticket!
Score! I used my 49€ Deutschland Ticket (student perks!) to get from Munich to Salzburg without buying an extra ticket. I hopped on a direct RE train, and bam, 2.5 hours later, I was in Salzburg!
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🍀2. Salzburg to Hallstatt: Bus it for Budget Bliss!
Time to get strategic with buses!
- Step 1: From Salzburg, Bus #150 will whisk you to Bad Ischl (approx. 1.5 hours).
- Step 2: In Bad Ischl, switch to Bus #542 or #543 to Gosaumühle (near Hallstatt).
- Step 3: From Gosaumühle, one more bus ride gets you right into the heart of Hallstatt! The bus stop in Gosaumühle is super convenient.
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🍀3. Salzburg to Königssee: Lake Adventures Await!
Grab Bus #840 from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (Salzburg Central Station) to Berchtesgaden Hbf. This bus is a popular choice, a direct shot between Salzburg and Berchtesgaden, and runs daily (approx. 45 minutes).
At Berchtesgaden Hbf, switch to Bus #841 to Königssee. It's a quick ride – just 10-15 minutes to the bus stop near the lake!
Important! Bus #840 & #841 run frequently during the week, but the schedule is thinner on weekends and holidays. Check the timetable in advance for a smooth journey!
✅ II. Accommodation: Local Vibes in Salzburg!
I stayed at a local homestay in Salzburg – hosted by a lovely Vietnamese lady named Hiền!
- Perks: Clean, convenient location.
- Bonus: Salzburg is the perfect hub for day trips to Hallstatt and Königssee!
✅ III. Pro Tips & Must-Knows!
- Salzburg Day Ticket FTW: My Salzburg day ticket covered the bus to Königssee! Once I crossed into Germany, I whipped out my trusty 49€ Deutschland Ticket.
- Salzburg Bus Tickets: Buy directly from the driver or at ticket counters in the station. I used the Salzburg Verkehr app – super easy to track ticket validity!
- BYO Snacks: Pack snacks if you're a picky eater. Local cuisine isn't always everyone's cup of tea.
- Hallstatt Timing: September was perfect! Leaves were still green, the weather was mild, and the crowds were thinner than in peak season (July-August). See for yourself in my vlog!
✅ IV. Itinerary: Salzburg – Hallstatt – Königssee!
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🍀Day 1: Salzburg City Highlights!
- Hohensalzburg Fortress: One of Europe's biggest and oldest fortresses, perched on Festungsberg hill. Epic panoramic views of Salzburg!
- Mirabell Palace & Gardens: Stunning gardens – perfect for photos and relaxation. A Sound of Music filming location!
- Mozart's Birthplace: Museum showcasing Mozart's childhood and life. A must for music lovers!
- Getreidegasse: Charming old street with unique architecture and bustling shops. Stroll, explore, and grab a coffee at a local cafe!
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🍀Day 2: Discovering Fairytale Hallstatt!
- Marktplatz (Central Square): Heart of Hallstatt with historic houses and cozy cafes. Soak up the village's unique atmosphere!
- Hallstätter See (Lake): Hallstatt's centerpiece with crystal-clear water mirroring the surrounding mountains. Perfect for a scenic walk and photo ops!
- Hallstatt Church & Bone Chapel: Famous gothic church with a Bone Chapel – housing skulls of local residents following a unique tradition. Spooky but fascinating!
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🍀Day 3: Königssee's Natural Beauty!
- Königssee Boat Tour: A MUST! Glide across the tranquil lake, surrounded by majestic mountains. (I captured this in my vlog - link in the comments!)
I hope this blog post inspires you to visit Hallstatt and Königssee! Happy travels!
P.S. All photos are sourced online, not personally taken.
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