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Sunday, 12 July
Departure by train at Berchtesgaden at 11.02. I am heading for Hallstatt,
Austria. It is a bit complicated. First I take the train to Salzburg.
There I change for another going to to Attnang-Puckheim. Here I had to
change train again, but because of track work there’s a coach to Gmunden
and from there by train to Hallstatt. But this is not the end because
Hallstatt station is located on the opposite side of the lake compared
to Hallstatt town, so the final stretch is with a small motorboat across
the lake. |
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In Hallstatt, I find Gasthof Bergfriedland, where I will stay. I book
the room with a half-board. So I can get a 3 course evening meal for
only 11 €.
Hallstatt is a fantastic beautiful city in the Salzkammergut. The town
is down at the very idyllic Hallstätter-See, with high mountains all
around. It is very small with only a few streets. |
Monday 13 July
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For the first time on this trip, it was really hot summer. So it is
fortunate that Hallstatts main attraction is close by. There are 50
meters to the mountain railway, which runs up to an incredible view but
also to Salzbergwerk, which is a mine where you extract salt.
There is a guided tour that I take. There is a long chit-chat about the
history of the salmine, but also 2 fun slides deep in the mountain, from
one floor to another. They are made of wood and the salt miners used
them to go down the mine. The whole trip ends with anoteher fun "subway"
tour with a small train.
Hallstatt is not particularly full of attractions. But it does not
matter. The rest of the day is spent up and down the 2 streets
available, sitting on my balcony and my 3-course evening meal. |
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Tuesday 14 July
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In the morning I visit one of the most macabre sights I have ever seen.
Near the town's Catholic church is the Beinhaus which is filled with
skulls. As previously mentioned, there is not much space in Hallstatt,
which is also a problem at funerals. In the old days the graves were
used again after 12-15 years. Therefore, the bodys were dug up, bones
were crushed, but the skull was preserved. It was then affixed with the
names and a little artistic addition and was then put into Beinhaus.
There are thousands of such skulls now. Nowadays it is used only if you
ask for it in your will. The last skull was placed in the house in 1995.
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Otherwise it is really hot today. So activities where you can see things
without having to move is welcome. So a tour by boat on Hallstätter See
is excellent for both temperature and temperament.
To Budapest |
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