Trip to the Lakeside Village of Hallstatt

The jewel in the crown of the Austrian lakes, Hallstatt is a waterside village surrounded by staggering mountain scenery. Find fairytale charm and Gothic churches in its centre, or head below the surface for an exploration of its fascinating salt mines and subterranean lake. With towering peaks and pastel coloured houses perched precariously on the edge of a pristine lake, Hallstatt's landscape borders on the realms of fantasy. Explore its narrow lanes of 16th century houses, drop in to the churches, or just sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere. It's so idyllic that they've even built a replica of the village in China.Or, if you prefer, you can hop on the funicular railway and head for a tour of the Bronze Age salt mines. Descending into the depths, you'll learn all there is to know about the 7,000-year history here of mining for what was once known as 'white gold'. And if you're brave enough, you can even zoom down the longest miners' slide in Europe.