Hidden away within the breathtaking Salzkammergut region of Austria lies the captivating village of Hallstatt, drawing tourists worldwide.

This enchanting location, characterized by its captivating storybook charm, deep-rooted history, and picturesque scenery, hardly comes as a surprise that this captivating village stands as one of Austria’s premier destinations.

Hallstatt is home to vibrant houses that sit alongside an ancient market square, all nestled harmoniously beside the Alpine mountains and tranquil lakes.

In fact it is so pretty, the village has even been rumoured to be the reported tobe the inspiration for the magical kingdom of Arendelle from Disney’s Frozen.

With a mere 800 residents, this minuscule village holds a special place in the hearts of Instagrammers and influencers alike, owing to its panoramic beauty.

But it’s much more than just a pretty town as it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, boasting a rich history that can be traced back to the Iron Age and even further.

The fairytale village is not without it’s problems as it can be is swamped with up to 10,000 visitors daily at peak times, giving locals growing cause for concern. In fact, Hallstatt is so popular with Chinese tourists that a life-size replica of the village has been constructed in Guangdong.

Residents have called for limits on visitor numbers and a ban on tour buses after 5pm, citing disruptions to their peaceful way of life.

In a bold protest last summer, approximately 100 locals blocked the village’s main tunnel for 15 minutes, holding signs with messages like “Emergency brake now!” and “Think of our children.”

Earlier this year, a controversial “anti-selfie fence” temporarily obstructed a beloved mountain vista to tackle the noise pollution caused by snap-happy tourists but it was subsequently dismantled, reports The Mirror.

Visiting out of season is the best way to discover The Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut region. A haven for nature lovers and adventurers there is plenty to see and do all year round.

Among them is the Hallstatt Ossuary, a chilling chapel that houses over 1,200 human skulls, with 600 adorned in elaborate designs as part of a centuries-old Alpine custom.

Dating back to the 12th century, the Ossuary’s skulls were mainly decorated in the late 1700s, with the identities of the deceased’s families meticulously maintained through detailed artwork and inscriptions.

If the thought of painted craniums seems too sombre, the area also boasts the world’s most ancient salt mine at Salzwelten, where visitors can delve into the 7,000-year history of this prehistoric site.

Other magical spots include the Dachstein Cave Worlds on Krippenstein mountain, featuring a simulated mammoth ice cave for an icy expedition, or the breathtaking vistas from the 5fingers viewing platform in Obertraun.

Winter guests shouldn’t miss the Skywalk Hallstatt, offering a storybook-like panorama above the historic village, complete with exhilarating altitudes and delectable local cuisine at the Rudolfsturm restaurant.

For accommodation, Seehotel Gruener Baum provides a quintessential Austrian experience.

One enthused guest shared their experience: “This boutique hotel in the heart of Hallstatt is a gem. The hotel itself is gorgeous and the receptionists made our check-in process a breeze. Our room offered a stunning view of the lake.”