Hallstatt, Austria

Serenely placed on the shore of Hallstätter See, this gorgeous village is squeezed onto the available land at the foot of the steep, green Dachstein Mountains. There is so little room access to the houses along the shore used to be through each other's attics! The beauty of its situation amongst mountains and the lake allow the visitor a chance to hike, boat, kayak, cycle and swim in summer, whilst the winter offers skiing and fantastic scenery. Hallstatt is the site of the first known salt mine, used from pre-historic times and now it is possible to visit the excavated caves.