Sat 10 November 2012, John: One train change and we arrive in Hallstatt and it is easy to see why Josh and Jesse raved about this village after they stayed here two years ago. When I was a teenager, I was incessantly mesmerised by the cover of a Hawkwind album titled: Hall of the Mountain Grill, the artwork drawing on the science fiction of Michael Moorcock. The mountain village on that cover reminds me of Hallstatt.

Loretta: A stunning Austrian village that is World Heritage listed, Hallstatt lies in the Salzammergut, a stunning region of lakes and mountains. The area takes its name from the rich deposits of salt that have been mined here since the 1st millennium BC. Hallstatt is a world heritage listed area due to the significance of its natural features and the historical importance of the salt mines. Unfortunately for us, the tour which takes you into the salt mine is closed-we seem to have timed it wrong again! It is very quiet here in Hallstatt - due to the number of business houses that are closed up. The walking trail that meanders up a very steep incline provides a panoramic view of the lake with its crystal clear water & surrounding town which once again, look postcard perfect. The autumn colours of these alpine landscapes are just stunning. Cameras snapping & video taken, we descend back down the leaf covered track and steps and seek some dinner (the supermarket unfortunately closed at 1pm and we were unable to get supplies for our fully self contained apartment) We enjoy a delicious Austrian meal in a lovely restaurant by the lake. A family with their dog pass our table. I love how it is totally acceptable for people to bring their dogs into restaurants in Europe and allow them the opportunity to enjoy an outing with their families. Dinner finished we head back to our home for the next 2 days.

Sunday, 11th November- Hallstatt
With everything closed in the village, we decide to walk along the lake and head towards Obertraun which is 4km from Hallstatt. The lake has parks and picnic facilities scattered along its shores which would prove popular during the summer months. Diving boards and slippery dips are strategically placed along the foreshore for adventurous swimmers to dip in the lake. I'm sure the water warms up during the warmer months, but it feels ice cold now! We would have to wear wetsuits in summer, given the warm temperature of the water on the Northern Rivers. We stop along the way to sit and enjoy the lake view before reaching Obertraun, another small village which is ideally located as a base for skiing. From Obertraun the ice caves are accessible during summer then again after 21st December when all the skiers are in town.

We make our way by foot back to Hallstatt and I enjoy a delicious Italian meal at a nearby restaurant (Johann opts for authentic Austrian) before returning to our apartment to update our blogs and transfer our photos.