In recent years, Hallstatt has become Instagram-famous, especially among visitors from Asia, many of whom come mainly to take pictures.
And the village and its surroundings truly are picturesque, above all the houses clinging to the hillside and lining the lake. Have you seen the Salzkammergut with its many lakes? It is surely one of the most beautiful regions in Europe.
Right in the middle of Hallstatt is Ruths Haus, a true hidden gem.
We spent two nights in this vacation home one summer, and what can we say? It is as good as it gets: the perfect oasis for anyone seeking peace and quiet. If you are writing a novel, consider finishing it here. The ending might improve with this view.
The facts
The house has belonged to a local family for many years. It stands just across the street from the owners, Andrea and Jörg, who have beautifully renovated it. At first, it was mainly used by friends and family, but now the couple rents it to other guests (lucky you), as long as they appreciate this magical place. That is why you won’t find it on the usual booking platforms, but primarily here, with us.
You enter the 17th-century house through a side door and find yourself in the living and dining room. A few basic groceries await in the small, spotless kitchen; Andrea makes sure before you arrive that nobody goes hungry, since shops in Austria are closed on Sundays, for example.
A narrow staircase leads down to the first bedroom and up to the second. Each has its own bathroom; upstairs, the shower is right in the room. Everything is elegant and fitted into the old house with great sensitivity. We felt very much at home.
Downstairs, there is also a sauna, though it is really small and cramped.
The highlight, though, is the location: every room has picture-perfect views of the lake and the mountains.
THE ART
The house is still full of artworks collected by its former resident, known in the village as Aunt Ruth. The sister and sister-in-law of the current owners, she was a seamstress by trade. The logo nods to this, with the words Ruths Haus formed by a thread running through a needle, and the house keys hang from an old wooden spool. A lovely touch.
THE LAKE
A path through a small wooden hut leads down to your own little lakefront plot, with a table for dining or grilling in summer. Despite miserable August weather, the lake was 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit) during our visit, so you can swim almost anytime; on warm days, it reaches 23 degrees (73 Fahrenheit). Believe us, there is hardly anything more beautiful than a morning swim, surrounded by nothing but mountains and fresh air.
Special
The hosts truly care. They welcome guests personally, explain everything in the house, are happy to do the shopping in advance and will pick you up from the train or the boat. When Jörg has time, he rows guests out onto the lake Venetian-style in a wooden boat. It doesn’t get more romantic than that.
Location
Prices
The house is rented as a whole for up to four people, with a minimum stay of three nights. High season (June to September, Christmas and Easter): 995 euros for three nights, 250 euros for each additional night. Low season: 850 euros for three nights, 210 euros for each additional night. Local tax is extra.
Booking & Contact
Ruths Haus
Andrea & Jörg Zimmermann
Gosaumühlstraße 69
4830 Hallstatt
Austria
