Episode 11
by Shariq Ali
Valueversity
The coach departed from the station and began its journey along the winding mountain road. After covering a short distance, it stopped outside the Salzbergbahn cable car station. Our guide, Tasha, signaled us to wait and went inside. A few minutes later, she returned and distributed the cable car tickets among us. Following the European custom, we all disembarked from the coach and boarded the large cable car one by one, standing in a queue.
Manufactured by the Seimens company, the cable car was so spacious it surprised us. Almost all the passengers fit into a single car. A separate cabin had been constructed for the cable operator, who was seriously focused on his duties. The doors closed, and the cable car began its nearly vertical ascent. Before reaching the final summit, the car stopped briefly at two or three stations along the way, but the doors remained shut—perhaps for battery recharging.
Through the wide windows, watching the Alpine hills and the surrounding landscape slowly shrink and recede was a breathtaking sight.
This station is called Salzbergbahn. From here, the cable car takes tourists to the highest point of Hallstatt—Salzberg—where one can access the Hallstatt Skywalk, a viewing platform suspended 360 meters above ground.
Gradually ascending, the cable car reached the summit—the Skywalk platform. Once we disembarked, we broke into smaller groups, capturing memorable photos from various points on the platform. Safety railings stood in front, and by holding onto them, one could take in the scenic views of the Alps, the vast green meadows below, and the lake in the distance.
The houses, buildings, and winding roads leading to them looked like tiny toys. On the other side were rugged, pointed peaks of similar height—sharp and rocky.
During our half-hour stop, we not only enjoyed the views but also took plenty of memorable photographs. Although there was no formal restaurant on the Skywalk, a small stall-like shop was present. We bought snacks from there and used the restroom facilities.
Then we boarded the cable car again and began our descent. Some of the Alpine peaks were so vertical and sharp that climbing them, if not impossible, seemed extremely difficult.
We were informed that vast salt reserves lie beneath these mountains—enough to fulfill the world’s salt needs for the next 400 years. That’s why this region is sometimes referred to as the world’s salt warehouse. This information was shared by our guide Tasha—whether it was fact or exaggeration, only she knows.
After the tour of the cable car and the Eastern Alps’ peaks, our coach set off for Vienna. On the way back, a sense of light drowsiness prevailed. The journey took about two and a half hours, and at one point, the coach stopped at a service station for a 15–20 minute tea break.
By the time we reached Vienna, night had fully cast its spell. The city’s magnificent buildings sparkled with lights. Our coach stopped near the main station, Karlsplatz. Everyone got off, thanked Tasha and the driver, and tipped them as they could.
We asked Tasha whether any supermarkets were open at that hour. It was 9:30 PM. She replied that a major difference between Vienna and London is that almost all shops here close by 8 PM, except for restaurants and bars.
As we walked toward the train station, a refreshing breeze greeted us. Vienna’s gentle but crisp night held our hands. The buildings bathed in light looked as if someone had sprinkled a golden layer across the walls. From the windows of roadside cafés, one could glimpse light, aromas, and liveliness. Now and then, the soft melody of a piano could be heard—probably from a café corner.
Our eyes were heavy with sleep and fatigue, and the scene before us felt more like a painting than real life. At a turning point, the illuminated dome of Karlskirche came into view. The yellow light on its white marble gave it the grandeur of a royal palace. The streets weren’t silent but exuded a calm energy. Young couples strolled hand in hand, and somewhere a lone musician played the violin by the roadside.
We caught a train from a nearby station and got off at Hietzing Station. Stepping out, we bought doner kebabs from a Lebanese halal takeaway. It was too late to order food at a proper restaurant. We returned to our rooms and ate while watching TV. After dinner, there was a bit of conversation and laughter—and with that, another day of the Austria story came to an end.
…To be continued