Life Is Beautiful in the Salzkammergut Region
Crystal-Clear Lakes and High Mountains
Yes, life is beautiful here. And the locals want to share it with you! They are friendly, welcoming and joyful. The picturesque scenery, crystal-clear lakes and breathtaking mountainous landscape simply make every visitor smile. There are so many lakes, you can’t decide where to go?
Here are our top picks!
- Lake Traunsee: Enjoy a romantic cruise in a traditional wooden rowing boat (“Zille”) past the castle of Schloss Ort.
- Bad Ischl: Famous for the summer residence of the Emperor and Empress of Austria, this town is the gateway to the Salzkammergut region. Travel back in time when, in August, it’s all about the former Emperor Franz Joseph I.’s birthday!
- Lake Hallstättersee: The picturesque village of Hallstatt is perched on the lakeshore in the UNESCO World Heritage site “Hallstatt-Dachstein”.
- Lake Attersee: Water sports at its best! A great place to scuba dive, sail, wakeboard, ride a banana boat, ...
- Lake Irrsee: Nature reserve and warmest lake in the region.
- Lake Mondsee: A beautiful basilica adorns the town square.
- Lake Wolfgangsee: Find natural beaches and lovely spots in the shade.
A Relaxing Getaway or an Active Break
From Salt Mines to Ice Caves
Plenty of activities for every interest - that’s the Salzkammergut region. Feel the wind in your hair as you cruise across the lake. Board a historical paddle steamer on Lake Wolfgangsee or row a traditional wooden boat called “Zille”. The choice is yours! Gliding through the water at sunset is particularly romantic...Why does the name of the region actually translate to “salt chamber”? Find an answer to this question in Hallstatt, in the world’s oldest salt mine. Would you like to embark on an adventure? Explore the Giant Ice Cave in the Dachstein glacier! Mind your head in the cave “Gasselhöhle” that features thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. Thrill-seekers can choose from great climbing tours, scuba dives, wind surfing spots and mountain bike trails in the Salzkammergut region.
For me, the lakes in the Salzkammergut region are simply breathtaking. Don’t miss out on a leisurely amble through the imperial town of Bad Ischl. The former summer residence of the Emperor is definitely worth a visit.
Places of Outstanding Natural Beauty
A Breathtaking Scenery
“The hills are alive...” Yes, this famous song could have its origins in the Salzkammergut region. Whether it’s the Traunstein, Schafberg or the vantage point “5fingers” on top of the Dachstein glacier - you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view on top of every hill and every mountain peak. From dark moorland ponds to the turquoise waters of glacial lakes - brilliant colours dot the scenery. Hike from one lakeshore to the next and watch the cows graze peacefully on lush alpine pastures. Let Austria’s steepest rack railway take you to the top of the mountain Schafberg. An unforgettable experience!
Shht! Wolves and brown bears lurk through the enclosures in the zoo “Cumberland Wildpark” in Grünau. Don’t make a sound and you might spot them. In winter, it’s time to wrap yourself in warm clothes and explore the snow-covered countryside! Snowshoeing, alpine skiing, ski touring, ice stock sport, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, riding in a horse-drawn sleigh and relaxing in the spa area - all this can be part of your winter holiday in the Salzkammergut region!
Delicacies from the Salzkammergut Region
Sweet and Savoury Treats
Fine dining at its best! The Salzkammergut region is home to very special culinary delights. Fresh fish from one of the lakes, award-winning cheese from the local dairy or the irresistibly chocolatey pastry “Zaunerstollen” created in Bad Ischl - these mouth-watering delights will make you crave for more. And for dessert? “Salzburger Nockerl” (an airy vanilla soufflé) or “Pofesen” (French toast with a blackberry filling)? Come and taste delicacies created back then in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, simple but wonderful dishes and locally grown produce. You can’t get enough of good food? Enjoy the home-made delights on the farm: fresh bread from the wood-fired stove, tasty bacon, savoury spreads made with quark and vegetables from the farmer’s garden. If you’re lucky, the farmer has prepared an apple strudel!
Get to Know the Cultural Heritage
Colourful Festivities, Traditional Craftsmanship & More
The Salzkammergut is a region rooted in tradition where customs have been an important part of life for centuries. By keeping them alive, people here preserve a unique cultural heritage. 365 days a year. Be part of colourful festivities and celebrations: “Glöcklerlauf” (a parade with men wearing colourful illuminated caps), jolly carnival parades such as the “Ebenseer Fetzenzug”, processions on the lakes celebrating the Feast of Corpus Christi, gingerbread hearts on “Liebstattsonntag” (“Sunday of love”), colourfully decorated livestock returning from the alpine pastures, scary “Perchten” (people dressed as devilish figures wearing animal furs) and romantic Christmas markets. Look at the eye-catching traditional garment, listen to the regional dialect and folk music and laugh at the humorous rhymes when the locals sing a “Gstanzl”. Arts and traditional craftsmanship are integral parts of the region’s cultural heritage. Do you prefer some of the finest handmade tableware from “Gmundner Keramik” or a pair of original, tailor-made shoes from Bad Goisern? Perhaps you’d like to wear a hat manufactured by hand in the Bittner family’s workshop? You’ll find enough souvenirs to take home!
Our family farmers in the Salzkammergut region are looking forward to welcoming you!
Any Questions? Let Us Know!
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