Hallstatt, AUSTRIA
Airing Date: Jan 1st, 2002
The lakeside village is nestled in the shadows of the towering Dachstein Mountains, which are filled with what the locals call 'white gold'. The locals have been mining it for over 4,500 years - hence the name Hallstat, which actually means 'salt-city'.
To get into the salt mine, you have to board a train and then weave through a series of tunnels. The one hour tour tracks through 25 kilometres of tunnels and to get down to some of the darker caverns, you need to take a slippery dip.
During the European summer, between May and October, you can take to the hills for some exercise.
Hiking guides and maps are available from the local tourist office and the marked trails are well maintained. There are more than 40 different trails in the area, catering for every fitness level.
If you don't want to walk to the top, you can take the easy option and catch a ride on the Gondola, which will take you right to the top.
The facts
Thai Airways International offers regular flights to Zurich from Sydney and Perth.
Thai Airways International
Tel: 1300 651 960
Swissair have connecting flights from Zurich to Salzburg.
Swissair
Tel: 1800 883 131
In Austria Budget Rent-a-Car offer competitively priced all-inclusive car-hire packages.
Budget Rent-a-Car
Tel: 1300 362 848
Hallstatt Tourist Office
Tel: 0011 43 6134 8208 (international)
Austrian National Tourist Office
Tel: 02 9299 3621
