Flachgau

“Himmezn” – heat lightning seen over the lake and hill country north of Salzburg City: As luminous and vivid as the region itself. And the same holds true for folk music, a thriving, vibrant community.

The Flachgau, with encompasses the Salzburg basin, the lake district, along with areas such as Fuschlsee and Gaissau-Hintersee, is also known as the . Here, in the Alpine Foothills, the high peaks can only be seen off in the distance. Only the legendary Untersberg is close enough to touch. Legendary, indeed, not least because it is said that it will be here that the end of the world will be proclaimed... Lakes Mattsee, Wallersee and Obertrumer See all share a thoroughly remote and natural setting, one as suitable for outdoor sporting activities, as it is for peaceful recreation. Complemented culinarily by fresh fish and Flachgau hay-milk cheese. In the region’s three cities and 34 communities, the opportunities for “high” and “popular” culture are rich and diverse: this includes Mattsee Abbey, the rural world of Schleedorf (home to the first organic cheesery in Austria to open its doors to the public), the outdoor museum, Benedictine Michaelbeuern Abbey, along with the herb garden in Anthering (where they offer their own herb seminars). As in other Salzburg regions, local heritage groups preserve and nurture traditional folk culture: customs such as (a rhythmical clapping performed in groups) and (situation-tailored humorous songs, tailored to special events and sung in strong dialect). These are often sung at weddings by the , a kind of emcee for the special day, yet another tradition which, we are happy to say, is making a welcome comeback.