Salzkammergut
Salt, mountains, bathing lakes

The combination of a multitude of lakes, mountains and world-famous places such as Hallstatt or Bad Ischl, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

With over 70 lakes, the Salzkammergut region offers a diverse array of watery gems – from small to large, deep to shallow, and hues ranging from greenish to turquoise blue. This picturesque area, nestled between the Dachstein Massif, Totes Gebirge, and Höllengebirge in the provinces of Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Styria, owes its name to the salt that has been mined here for centuries.

Where the Emperor relaxed
In the 19th century, Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Sisi spent their summers in Bad Ischl, escaping the city heat in what was known as Sommerfrische. Today, visitors continue to embrace this tradition, exploring the eight regions of the Salzkammergut: Attersee-Attergau, Ausseerland, Bad Ischl, Dachstein-Salzkammergut, Fuschlsee, Mondsee-Irrsee, Traunsee-Almtal, and Wolfgangsee.

Quick info about the Salzkammergut
Location:between Upper Austria, Salzburg and Styria
Regions:8
Lakes:76
Ski resorts:7
Deepest lake: Traunsee 191 m
Highest mountain:Dachstein 2.995 m

The SalzkammergutCard is available in summer and winter with 25% discounts on popular attractions, sights and various activities.

Meet the Salzkammergut

Top highlights

Cultural capital Bad Ischl Salzkammergut
The fascination of the salt mines
5 fingers" viewing platform
Schafberg cable car
Breakfast on a wooden boat
Fuschl castle fishery
Grünau in the Almtal
Places of happiness in the Salzkammgergut

Activities in the Salzkammergut

Sights in Upper Austria: Futuristic technologies and nature experiences

Sights in Upper Austria

Experience culinary delights in Upper Austria

Culinary Upper Austria

Unique places to stay

In the Weisses Rössl on Lake Wolfgangsee
Hotel Cortisen on Lake Wolfgangsee
Brunnwirt on Lake Fuschl
Family Hotel Sommerhof in Gosau
Villa Seilern Vital Resort in Bad Ischl
Landhaus Hotel Koller in Gosau

FAQs

The Salzkammergut, one of Austria's most picturesque destinations, is home to eight holiday regions spread across Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Styria. These regions include:

Bad Ischl, with its imperial heritage, also holds the title of European Capital of Culture 2024.

The turquoise Attersee, a beloved spot for swimming, is the largest lake in the Salzkammergut. Sailors particularly enjoy its unique “Rosenwind” – a northeast breeze said to have once carried the scent of roses cultivated in local gardens across the lake.

The Salzkammergut is rich in historical towns brimming with charm and history:

  • Bad Ischl: Once the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Sisi, this imperial town shines with its grand architecture and its role as the European Capital of Culture 2024.

  • Gmunden: Nestled by Lake Traunsee, it boasts a charming old town, the famous Gmundner ceramics, and the scenic Ort Castle on land and lake.

  • Hallstatt: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this picturesque town, squeezed between the mountains and Lake Hallstatt, is home to the world’s oldest salt mine.

  • St. Wolfgang: Known for its traditional timber-framed houses, centuries-old pilgrimage church, and the magical Wolfgangsee Advent market.

  • Lakes: Pristine lakes like Wolfgangsee, Attersee, Traunsee, and Fuschlsee invite you to swim, sail, paddleboard, or simply relax by their shores or on a boat.

  • Hiking: Explore trails through the mountains with stunning views and over 70 mountain lakes, from the Dachstein to the Postalm.

  • Cultural highlights: Visit the imperial town of Bad Ischl or the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hallstatt, with its fascinating prehistoric salt mining history.

  • Winter activities: Ski in Dachstein West, Feuerkogel, or Loser, and enjoy cross-country skiing on the Postalm, Austria’s largest alpine pasture. There are also snowshoeing, winter hiking, and ski touring routes through snowy forests and alpine landscapes.

  • Relaxation: After a day in the snow, unwind at thermal spas such as the EurothermenResort in Bad Ischl.

Whether you seek outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, or moments of tranquillity, the Salzkammergut has it all.

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