Hallstatt Boat Station – Where to Catch the Ferry – Lake Hallstatt
The term Hallstatt boat station can refer to three different docking points around the lake — not just one. Whether you’re arriving by train, planning a scenic cruise, or renting a private boat, it’s important to know which Hallstatt boat station is closest to your needs. Each location offers something slightly different, from ferry transfers to panoramic lake tours and electric boat rentals.
Hallstatt boat station locations
1. Hallstatt Bahnhof (Train Station) Boat Dock
Located across the lake from the village. If you arrive by train, this is where the boat picks you up to bring you across to Hallstatt.
2. Hallstatt Market Boat Station (Marktplatz)
This station is located right in the heart of Hallstatt, about 100 meters from the central Market Square (Marktplatz). You’ll find it directly in front of the Heritage Hotel Hallstatt and just steps from the beautiful Evangelische Kirche, one of the most iconic sights in town.
This dock is ideal for:
- Easy access for guests staying in Hallstatt
- Scenic lake cruises departing from the town center
- Hop-on hop-off boat tours during peak season
If you’re staying at the Heritage Hotel or nearby, this is your closest and most convenient boarding point for exploring Hallstättersee by boat.
3. Hallstatt Lahn Boat Station
This one is near the P1 and P2 parking and is often used for boarding small group lake tours. Its right next to the Hallstatt bus stops.
Regular Ferry to the Hallstatt Train Station (Bahnstation)
If you’re coming to Hallstatt by train, the ferry from Hallstatt Markt to the train station is both convenient and scenic. It runs year-round, and its schedule is synchronized with train departures in both directions:
- Westbound trains toward Bad Goisern, Bad Ischl, Attnang-Puchheim, Salzburg, and Vienna
- Eastbound trains toward Obertraun, Bad Aussee, and Graz
Departure is from Hallstatt Market Boat Station, and it’s just a 30-second walk from the train station dock once you cross the lake.
🕒 Ferry Timetable – Direction: Salzburg / Vienna
| Ferry Departure | Train Departure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 06:50 | 07:06 | Weekdays only (school days) |
| 08:15 | 08:28 | Daily from May 1–Oct 26 |
| 08:45 | 09:07 | |
| 09:15 | 10:04 | |
| 10:15 | 10:32 | |
| 10:45 | 11:07 | |
| 11:15 | 11:56 | |
| 11:45 | 12:32 | |
| 12:45 | 13:07 | |
| 13:15 | 14:04 | Weekends & holidays only |
| 14:15 | 14:32 | |
| 14:45 | 15:07 | |
| 15:15 | 16:04 | Weekends & holidays only |
| 16:15 | 16:32 | |
| 16:45 | 17:07 | |
| 18:15 | 18:32 / 18:48 | Two options depending on train |
Ferry Timetable – Direction: Obertraun / Bad Aussee / Graz
| Ferry Departure | Train Departure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 07:15 | 07:32 | Weekdays only (school days) |
| 08:15 | 08:48 | Daily from May 1–Oct 26 |
| 08:45 | 09:25 | |
| 09:15 | 09:25 | |
| 10:15 | 10:48 | Train to Obertraun only |
| 10:45 | 11:25 | |
| 11:15 | 11:56 | |
| 11:45 | 12:32 | |
| 12:45 | 13:25 | |
| 14:15 | 14:48 | Train to Obertraun only |
| 14:45 | 15:25 | |
| 16:15 | 16:48 | Train to Obertraun only |
| 16:45 | 17:25 | |
| 17:15 | 17:56 | Weekends & holidays only |
| 18:15 | 18:48 | Train to Obertraun only |
Ferry Timetable, Prices – From Hallstatt Train Station to Hallstatt-Markt
If you’re coming to Hallstatt by train, the most iconic way to enter the village is by boat. The ferry connects Hallstatt Bahnhof (the train station, located on the opposite side of the lake) to the town center.
- Timing: Boat schedules are synced with train arrivals and departures, so you never have to wait long.
- Tickets: One-way €4.00. Roudtrip €8 per person, payable in cash only. Return tickets are flexible and don’t lock you into a specific time.
- Access: There’s a ramp for strollers, but deck seating is on the lower level via stairs. You can leave strollers or baggage on the upper area.
No ATM is available on the train station side. If you don’t have euros, they often accept GBP or USD in cash, but try to bring small bills.
📸 The most photogenic view of Hallstatt appears just minutes before arriving—get your camera ready!
If you’re arriving by train, ferries depart shortly after the trains arrive at Hallstatt Bahnhof. The boat trip takes about 10 minutes and drops you off right in the village center.
| Ferry Departure | Notes |
|---|---|
| 07:07 | Weekdays only (school days) |
| 07:30 | Weekdays only (school days) |
| 08:30 | Daily from May 1–Oct 26 |
| 09:00 | |
| 09:30 | |
| 10:30 | |
| 11:00 | |
| 11:30 | |
| 12:00 | Daily from May 1–Nov 3 |
| 13:00 | |
| 13:30 | |
| 14:30 | |
| 15:00 | |
| 15:30 | |
| 16:30 | |
| 16:40 | |
| 17:00 | |
| 17:30 | |
| 18:50 |
Round-Trip Scenic Lake Cruises
Besides the ferry, you can also join a scenic cruise around Lake Hallstatt. These are typically 45 to 60 minutes long and give you beautiful panoramic views of the village and surrounding mountains.
- Departure Point: Most cruises leave from the Marktplatz boat station.
- Season: Cruises run mostly during spring, summer, and early autumn.
- Experience: Some boats have audio guides or live commentary explaining Hallstatt’s history and natural highlights.
✅ Ideal for visitors who want to relax and take photos without hiking.
🚤 Private Boat Rentals vs Public Ferry
If you prefer exploring the lake at your own pace, you can rent a boat:
- Electric boats or paddle boats are available near the Marktplatz and Lahn boat stations.
- Rates: Typically around €15–€25 per hour, depending on boat type.
- Requirements: No boating license is needed for small electric boats.
Meanwhile, the public ferry remains the most affordable and straightforward option—especially for those arriving or departing by train.
If you’re short on time, the public ferry is faster, but if you want quiet lake time, private rentals offer more freedom.
Boat Companies and Rentals on Lake Hallstatt
Two main companies operate the public ferries and scenic cruises across Lake Hallstatt:
- Navia – Offers the regular ferry service between Hallstatt Bahnhof (train station) and Marktplatz, along with cruises and charters. Their ferries are synchronized with train arrivals and are the most popular way to enter the town when arriving by rail.
- Hallstatt Schifffahrt Hemetsberger – Runs panoramic cruises, special sunset or moonlight tours, and private charter options. Departures are usually from the Marktplatz or Lahn boat stations, especially in spring and summer.
For those who want to explore the lake on their own, you can rent electric or paddle boats from Bootsvermietung Schwarzmayr (just south of the Marktplatz). I visited this rental spot in May 2025 and had a great experience!
- 💶 Prices (Cash Only):
- Electric boat: €28 for ½ hour, €38 for 1 hour
- Paddle boat: €15 for ½ hour, €20 for 1 hour
They close at 6pm, so make sure to arrive early. Our group of three rented an electric boat for half an hour around 5pm, it was perfect for enjoying the view of Hallstatt from the lake. The sun had already dipped behind the mountains, so we weren’t squinting into the light.
⚠️ They don’t accept card payments, so bring cash!
For the best light and photos, go in the early morning when the sun lights up the village rather than casting shadows or blinding you from the west.
Final Thoughts: Which Hallstatt Boat Station Will You Choose?
Exploring Hallstatt by boat is more than just a way to get from point A to B — it’s part of the experience. Whether you’re arriving via the Hallstatt boat station at the train dock, cruising from the Marktplatz or Lahn or renting your own electric boat from the southern end, you’ll enjoy stunning lake views, peaceful rides, and unforgettable memories.
If you’re arriving by train, Hallstatt Schifffahrt Hemetsberger is timed perfectly, making your first view of the village truly magical. Want a slower pace? Book a scenic cruise with Navia’s ferry or head to Bootsvermietung Schwarzmayr and take the wheel yourself.
Plan ahead, bring cash, and aim for a morning trip if you want the best light for photos. The reflections, the mountain backdrop, and the calm waters of Lake Hallstatt make this one of the most beautiful boat experiences in Austria.
So now the only question is: which Hallstatt boat station will you start your adventure from?
Explore Beyond the Hallstatt Boat Station
Now that you know where to catch the ferry and how to cruise across Lake Hallstatt, why not extend your visit? From breathtaking viewpoints to hidden alpine lakes, there’s so much more to discover around this beautiful region. Here are my favorite places and tips to help you plan your perfect Hallstatt day:
- Hallstatt Skywalk & Funicular – Best Times & Tips – Just minutes from the Marktplatz boat station, this platform offers one of the best panoramic views in Austria.
- Visit Hallstatt Market Square – What to See & Where to Eat – Walk just 2 minutes from the boat and you’re in the charming heart of town.
- Hallstatt Heritage Hotel – Staying Lakeside – If you’re looking to stay overnight, this hotel sits right next to the Market boat station.
- Explore the Salt Mine Hallstatt – Ride the funicular up to the oldest salt mine in the world, with tunnels, slides, and underground lakes.
- Hallstatt in Summer – What to Do, Weather & Tips – Make the most of warm days with swims, hikes, and lake adventures.
- Where to Swim in Lake Hallstatt – If it’s hot, don’t miss the chance to cool off in one of the local swimming spots.
- Krippenstein & Five Fingers – Hikes, Cable Car & Views – Just across the lake, you’ll find epic alpine trails and the famous cliff-edge viewpoint.
- Vorderer Gosausee – Lakeside Trails, Boats & Restaurants – Only 20 minutes from Hallstatt, this lake is ideal for hiking and paddling.
- Hidden between Dachstein mountains: Hinterer Gosausee – My favorite quiet alpine lake, perfect for a longer hike and stunning mountain reflection views.
- Altausseer See – A Peaceful Lake Escape – Less crowded than Hallstatt, but just as beautiful.