Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstätt is a photographer's paradise because of the contrast between its typical Alpine village center of homes with flower-draped balconies and the stage-set view of mountains reflected in a beautiful lake. The 8.5-kilometer Hallstätter See and its charming village are part of the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Alpine UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Marktplatz, a charming plaza lined by cafés and stores, is not far from the Römisches district, which offers the best view of the village and its surroundings. The 19th-century Evangelical Church's tall, beautiful spire stands out against the town's backdrop. Climb to the Roman Catholic Ascension of Our Lady Church from the fifteenth century for a different perspective of the village, lake, and mountains. Enter to view the Late Gothic paintings and three magnificent winged altars. The most well-liked activities at Hallstatt, besides taking pictures at every opportunity, include boat rides on the lake, tours of the salt caves, and walks to the waterfalls in the hills behind Hallstatt. From the new glass Skywalk platform, thrill-seekers can get a bird's-eye view of the rooftops.