SALZKAMMERGUT
The Salzkammergut is not a federal province, but an area shared between Salzburg, Upper Austria and Styria. It is famous for its scenery, picturesque villages and many lakes. It also has a very distinct culture, expressed in architecture, customs (including the traditional clothing) and cuisine. It is among Austria’s top-tourist attractions and individual areas within the Salzkammergut are jointly a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Since the Bronze Age, salt was quarried in this region, making it wealthy ever since.
Salzkammergut: What to See beyond Salt
Among the nice places is Bad Ischl. It was a spa town and the place where Emperor Franz Joseph went for summer vacations. The most ancient town in the Salzkammergut is Hallstatt. You can tour the salt mines (Salzwelten) and should not miss out on the "Beinhaus".
Towns, Mountains & Lakes of the Salzkammergut
Nearby is the Dachstein, a mighty mountain that is famous for its Rieseneishöhle ice caves near Obertraun. They are up to 80 kilometres long and full of impressive ice formations, preserved through the constant temperatures. In the Styrian Ausseerland area (around Bad Aussee and Altaussee), you will find even more local patriotism and culture. Altaussee is famous for distinct traditions, traditional clothing and for the "Narzissenfest", the "Festival of the Dafodil" that takes place annually in early summer. The National Park Kalkalpen and Bad Goisern are nearby. Gmunden is another pretty town, famous for its ceramics with traditional decorations. Schloss Weyer Castle and Schloss Orth occupy nice locations by the lake. Nearby towns are Traunkirchen, Ebensee and Altmünster. The village of Gosau and the two Gosau Lakes make a good day-trip destination. Not far from here you can visit the castle Schloss Scharnstein.
Western Salzkammergut & Activities
In the West of the Salzkammergut, you will find the lakes Wolfgangsee, Attersee, Mondsee, Irrsee, and – already in the province of Salzburg – the Fuschlsee with the village Fuschl. They all make good hiking terrain. Nearby, the Schafbergbahn up the Schafberg mountain is a popular destination. Mondsee has a castle and an ancient church, which featured as the wedding church in "The Sound of Music". The parish Church of St. Wolfgang is also historic and a good demonstration of the wealth of the Salzkammergut. During the winter season, Mount Dachstein (Ramsau) and surroundings offer great skiing opportunities.
Top Attractions of the Salzkammergut:
- Mondsee: Town & Basilica
- Dachstein Glacier, Caves, Ramsau & Schladming
- Hallstatt: The Cradle of Austria
- Bad Aussee & Altaussee
- Gmunden, Altmünster, Traunkirchen & Ebensee
- Bad Ischl, Imperial Core of the Salzkammergut
- Gosau & Lake Gosauseen
- St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang & Schafberg
- Fuschl & Lake Fuschlsee
- Almtal Valley & Schloss Scharnstein