Gmunden is a favorite stop for travelers exploring the Salzkammergut region, thanks to its stunning lakeside charm, historic sites, and easy access to nearby highlights like Hallstatt. While the town itself offers beautiful scenery and a relaxed atmosphere, many visitors use it as a base for full-day tours that showcase Austria’s natural beauty and cultural treasures. Among the options, one of our favorites is the From Vienna: Private Hallstatt Day Tour because it combines a scenic drive with a guided walk through Gmunden and plenty of free time in Hallstatt—ideal for those who want both structure and flexibility. We also appreciate the From Vienna: Hallstatt and Treetop Path Private Day Trip for its exclusive access to the Treetop Walk and a cozy mountain lunch, perfect for travelers seeking a personalized experience. For a classic, immersive visit, the Hallstatt Day Trip with boat ride & Schloss Ort offers a scenic funicular ride and lakeside castle visit, while the Vienna: Hallstatt, Salzkammergut Day Trip with option Mine balances sightseeing with the option to visit the world’s oldest salt mine. Lastly, the Vienna: Hallstatt & Salzkammergut Trip with Ossuary Option provides a comprehensive day with boat trips and cultural stops. Each of these tours has its own unique appeal, suited to different interests, schedules, and budgets.
1. From Vienna: Private Hallstatt Day Tour
At number 1, this private day trip from Vienna offers a combination of scenic drives, historical insights, and a generous 5 hours of free time in Hallstatt. Starting with a pickup in Vienna, your small group is whisked through Lower Austria’s countryside, enjoying commentary about Austria’s landscape and culture. The route includes a stop in Gmunden, where a guided 40-minute tour introduces you to its lakeside charm and historic buildings.
The highlight is the visit to Hallstatt, where you can explore at your own pace. The tour allows you to choose between visiting the world’s oldest salt mine or the Skywalk, which provides breathtaking views of the Salzkammergut lakes and mountains. The scenic Traunsee drive and Salzkammergut scenic route showcase some of Austria’s most picturesque scenery. With a total duration of 12 hours, this tour is best for travelers who want a comprehensive experience with the comfort of private transportation.
Bottom Line: This tour delivers a relaxed pace, personalized attention, and a perfect balance of guided and free exploration. It’s ideal if you prefer a private vehicle and customized timing.
2. From Vienna: Hallstatt and Treetop Path Private Day Trip
Number 2 on our list focuses on intimate, personalized exploration. This private tour takes you directly from Vienna to the Salzkammergut region, where a highlight is the Treetop Walk in Gmunden. This cable car ride leads you through the treetops, offering panoramic views of Lake Traunsee and the surrounding mountains—a perfect experience for nature lovers and those seeking a bit of adventure.
What makes this trip stand out is the combination of a guided tour of Hallstatt and the Treetop Path, with a cozy mountain lunch included. The walk around Hallstatt’s narrow streets and medieval houses gives a genuine feel for the town’s charm without feeling rushed. This tour lasts about 13 hours, providing ample time to soak in the scenery and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guests love the personalized attention, with a 4.7/5 rating reflecting its popularity. The tour’s focus on the Treetop Walk makes it perfect for travelers who want a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural discovery.
Bottom Line: For those wanting an exclusive, tailored experience that combines nature, culture, and scenic views, this private tour hits the mark.
3. From Vienna: Hallstatt Day Trip with boat ride & Schloss Ort
Number 3 offers a classic day trip with a scenic twist. Starting with a 2.5-hour drive from Vienna, you’ll step into the storybook setting of Hallstatt. The tour includes a funicular ride to the Hallstatt Skywalk, which affords stunning vistas of the lake and Alps—an experience that’s well worth the ticket price of $259 per person.
Once in Hallstatt, you’ll have time for a walk through the charming streets, with opportunities for photos and exploring local shops. The visit to Schloss Ort is a highlight, where you walk across a wooden bridge to this lakeside castle on Lake Traunsee. The scenic drive back through the picturesque Salzkammergut completes the experience, making it a fulfilling 11-hour journey.
Guests appreciate the panoramic funicular ride and the chance to visit two iconic sites in one day. The balance of guided sightseeing and free time makes this perfect for visitors wanting an all-in-one experience.
Bottom Line: This trip combines natural beauty with cultural sights, making it a convenient and memorable way to see Hallstatt and Schloss Ort.
$259 per person
4. Vienna: Hallstatt, Salzkammergut Day Trip with option Mine
Number 4 offers a comprehensive day out from Vienna with the flexibility to visit the world’s oldest salt mine or enjoy a scenic Skywalk near Hallstatt. This tour includes a 2.5-hour scenic drive through Lower Austria, followed by a 40-minute guided walk in Gmunden to see its lakeside charm. The journey continues with a scenic drive along Traunsee, offering breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.
The highlight is the free 5-hour period in Hallstatt, where you can choose to explore independently or take a guided tour. The optional visit to the salt mine provides insight into Austria’s industrial heritage, while the Skywalk offers stunning vistas. The total duration is 12 hours, making it suitable for travelers who want a full day of sightseeing.
Reviews praise the beautiful scenery and the variety of options, with some mentioning the value of visiting both the salt mine and the Skywalk. The tour’s flexibility makes it ideal for families or travelers who want to customize their experience.
Bottom Line: This well-rounded tour offers scenic drives, cultural insights, and free time, making it versatile for different interests.
$214 per person
5. Vienna: Hallstatt & Salzkammergut Trip with Ossuary Option
Rounding out the list at number 5 is a full-day tour that covers the highlights of Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut. This tour includes a boat cruise around Lake Hallstatt and the option to visit the Ossuary, which contains intricately painted bones—a fascinating glimpse into local traditions.
The route takes you through scenic Lower Austria before stopping in Gmunden for a guided walk. The 4-hour free period in Hallstatt lets you soak in the charming atmosphere or take a selfie at the iconic lakeside. The highlight is the boat cruise, which adds a relaxing way to see the landscape from the water, and the optional Ossuary attracts those interested in local customs.
Rated 5/5, this tour offers excellent value for its comprehensive itinerary and high-quality experience. It suits travelers who want a mix of cultural sites, scenic views, and leisurely boat rides.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want an in-depth day with a variety of experiences, especially if you’re interested in local traditions and scenic cruises.
$214 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interest in specific activities, and time constraints. If you prefer a private experience and flexibility, Tours #1 and #2 are excellent choices. For those seeking the classic Hallstatt experience with a scenic boat ride or salt mine visit, Tours #3 and #5 fit the bill. Budget travelers will appreciate the value-oriented Tours #4, which combines scenic drives with free exploration.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons. Think about what fascinates you most—mountain views, historic sites, or lakeside charm—and select the tour that best matches your travel style.
Final Thoughts
Gmunden and the surrounding Salzkammergut region offer a wealth of options for day-trippers from Vienna. Whether you want a private, tailored experience or a comprehensive group tour packed with scenic drives, cultural stops, and outdoor adventures, there’s a perfect fit. For travelers who love history, nature, or simply beautiful views, these tours provide a great way to experience Austria’s lakeside treasures without the hassle of planning.
If your schedule allows, consider booking early to ensure availability, especially for private tours. Whichever you choose, these trips will leave you with lasting memories of Austria’s stunning landscapes and charming towns.