--- title: What you should know about the Salzkammergut region url: "https://www.upperaustria.com/en/regions-/-towns/what-you-should-know-about-the-salzkammergut-region.html" description: Explore the Salzkammergut region, known for its stunning lakes, historic sites, and rich cultural heritage. Learn about unique customs, famous landmarks, and picturesque landscapes that make this area a must-visit destination. image: "https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/user_upload/upperaustria/Logo_upperuastria_RGB_300x300px_Websites.png" date: 2024-02-07 modified: 2026-03-18 --- # What you should know about the Salzkammergut region © Open copyright © Attersee_am_Attersee_4_TVB_Attersee_Attergau_MoritzAblinger.jpg Close copyright ![Luftaufnahme der Orte im Attersee und im Attergau Region Attersee-Attergau Attersee am Attersee, Berg im Attergau, Frankenmarkt, Nußdorf am Attersee, Schörfling am Attersee, Seewalchen am Attersee, Sankt Georgen im Attergau, Steinbach am Attersee, Straß im Attergau, Unterach am Attersee, Vöcklamarkt Weyregg am Attersee, mit Blick auf den Ort und das Ufer des Attersees](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/3/1/csm_Attersee_am_Attersee_4_TVB_Attersee_Attergau_MoritzAblinger_b21b5bd1c1.jpg "Attersee_am_Attersee_4_TVB_Attersee_Attergau_MoritzAblinger.jpg") ![Luftaufnahme der Orte im Attersee und im Attergau Region Attersee-Attergau Attersee am Attersee, Berg im Attergau, Frankenmarkt, Nußdorf am Attersee, Schörfling am Attersee, Seewalchen am Attersee, Sankt Georgen im Attergau, Steinbach am Attersee, Straß im Attergau, Unterach am Attersee, Vöcklamarkt Weyregg am Attersee, mit Blick auf den Ort und das Ufer des Attersees](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/3/1/csm_Attersee_am_Attersee_4_TVB_Attersee_Attergau_MoritzAblinger_58d8364e8f.jpg "Attersee_am_Attersee_4_TVB_Attersee_Attergau_MoritzAblinger.jpg") What you should know about the Salzkammergut region =================================================== What’s the story behind the Liachtbratlmontag custom? How many lakes are there in the Salzkammergut region, and which one is the deepest? Where can you let out your inner jester? Test your Salzkammergut knowledge for your next holiday in the European Capital of Culture, Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024. © Open copyright © Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee; Wanderung am Schafberg mit Blick auf den Mondsee Close copyright ![Ausblick vom Schafberg auf den Mondsee und die umliegende Region. Links im Bild sieht man ein paar Wanderer beim Gipfelkreuz und weiter hinten einen Teil der Drachenwand.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/7/8/csm_SchafbergWandernSommer_TVBMondseeIrrsee_c985e0c3df.jpeg "Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee; Wanderung am Schafberg mit Blick auf den Mondsee") 76 Lakes 76 Lakes fill the Salzkammergut region, all brimming with drinkable water. Sometimes, the count even reaches 77 or 78. The Wolfgangsee, Attersee, Mondsee and Traunsee lakes are the four largest and most famous. But have you ever heard of the Rötelsee or Wiesensee lakes? [ Explore the lakes ](https://www.salzkammergut.at/en/activities/summer/lakes-and-water-experience.html "Link opens in new window") 76 Lakes - turn over the card © Open copyright © Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach: Ein "Bratl in der Rein" wartet auf dem Holzofen des Steegwirt in Bad Goisern darauf, serviert zu werden. Close copyright ![Ein "Bratl in der Rein" wartet auf dem Holzofen des Steegwirt in Bad Goisern darauf, serviert zu werden.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/e/1/csm_SteegwirtBadGoisernBratlinderRein_OberoesterreichTourismusGmbHRobertMaybach_40481e1161.jpg "Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach: Ein "Bratl in der Rein" wartet auf dem Holzofen des Steegwirt in Bad Goisern darauf, serviert zu werden.") 100 Years 100 Years marks the tradition of Liachtbratln in Bad Ischl. Liachtbratlmontag, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a folk custom celebrating the day when lights were first turned on in the workshops after summer. With the money saved over summer, the master would treat his apprentices to a roast meal or “Bratl”. [ Liachtbratlmontag ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/oesterreich-veranstaltung/detail/430007520/service-to-celebrate-liachtbratl-monday.html "Link opens in new window") 100 Years - turn over the card © Open copyright © Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Stefan Mayerhofer: Einfach genießen - den Blick über den Gosausee hinauf zum Dachstein. Close copyright ![Blick über den glatten Gosausee hin zum Dachstein. Im glatten Wasser des Sees spiegeln sich der Dachstein und die umliegenden Waldhänge. Wolkenloser Himmel.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/0/3/csm_DachsteinSalzkammergutGosausee_OberoesterreichTourismusGmbHStefanMayerhofer_a21612e33e.jpg "Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Stefan Mayerhofer: Einfach genießen - den Blick über den Gosausee hinauf zum Dachstein.") 2.995 Metres 2.995 Metres is the height of Dachstein, the highest mountain in the Salzkammergut region. Two world-famous natural wonders are located above Obertraun on the Dachstein — the Giant Ice Cave, one of the largest of its kind, with ice thickness reaching up to 20 metres, and the Mammoth Cave, which stretches 37 kilometres and plunges 1,200 metres deep into the mountain. [ Experience Dachstein ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/oesterreich-poi/detail/430026616/dachstein-krippenstein-adventure-mountain.html "Link opens in new window") 2.995 Metres - turn over the card © Open copyright © Schoerfling_am_Attersee_1_TVB_Attersee_Attergau_MoritzAblinger.jpg Close copyright ![Luftaufnahme der Orte im Attersee und im Attergau Region Attersee-Attergau Attersee am Attersee, Berg im Attergau, Frankenmarkt, Nußdorf am Attersee, Schörfling am Attersee, Seewalchen am Attersee, Sankt Georgen im Attergau, Steinbach am Attersee, Straß im Attergau, Unterach am Attersee, Vöcklamarkt Weyregg am Attersee, mit Blick auf den Ort und das Ufer des Attersees](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/8/f/csm_Schoerfling_am_Attersee_1_TVB_Attersee_Attergau_MoritzAblinger_de7b63b477.jpg "Schoerfling_am_Attersee_1_TVB_Attersee_Attergau_MoritzAblinger.jpg") 50 Masterpieces 50 Masterpieces The world-renowned Art Nouveau painter Gustav Klimt spent nearly every summer from 1900 to 1916 at the Attersee lake, where he created most of his landscape paintings. He was a frequent guest at Villa Paulick, which during Klimt’s time was a meeting place for artists and intellectuals. [ Klimt am Attersee ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/activities/culture-and-tradition/culture/gustav-klimt.html "Link opens in new window") 50 Masterpieces - turn over the card © Open copyright © Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Martin Fickert: In der Konditorei Jindrak in Linz wird ein Marzipanherz beschriftet. Close copyright ![Ein rotes Marzipanherz auf dem der Text Alles Liebe und Verzierungen in weißer Zuckerschrift angebracht wurden.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/3/1/csm_JindrakProduktionHerz_OberoesterreichTourismusGmbH_MartinFickert_434570b543.jpg "Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Martin Fickert: In der Konditorei Jindrak in Linz wird ein Marzipanherz beschriftet.") 20.000 Gingerbread hearts 20.000 Gingerbread hearts are gifted on Liebstattsonntag in Gmunden. This unique folk festival has been celebrated since 1641 on the fourth Sunday of Lent in the town on the Traunsee lake and is recognised as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage”. 20.000 Gingerbread hearts - turn over the card © Open copyright © Foto Salzkammergut/Katrin Kerschbaumer: Glöckler-Kappe am Traunsee Close copyright ![Wir sehen eine große Glöckler-Kappe. Diese handgefertigten Kunstwerke werden am 05. Jänner von Männern auf den Schultern getragen und von Ort zu Ort gebracht um die Wintergeister auszutreiben. Die Kappen sind mit Kerzen bzw. Lichter hinterleuchtet.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/8/8/csm_GloecklerAltmuensterTraunsee001_SalzkammergutKatrinKerschbaumer_c66e343bd9.jpg "Foto Salzkammergut/Katrin Kerschbaumer: Glöckler-Kappe am Traunsee") 20 kilos 20 kilos is the approximate weight of the brightly lit lantern caps worn by the Glöckler, who parade through the streets of the Salzkammergut region on Twelfth Night. The Glöcklerlauf procession is intended to appease the good spirits and bring health and blessings for the new year. [ Glöckler processions ](https://www.salzkammergut.at/en/activities/winter/advent-and-tradition/gloeckler-runs/gloeckler-runs.html "Link opens in new window") 20 kilos - turn over the card © Open copyright © Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Paul Schütz: Ein Pärchen sitzt in einer Plätte am Traunsee, im Hintergrund Traunkirchen Close copyright ![Ein Pärchen sitzt in einer Plätte am Traunsee, im Hintergrund Traunkirchen](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/5/c/csm_SalzkammergutTraunseePaerchenPlaette_OberoesterreichTourismusGmbHPaulSchuetz_39a9a4e6be.jpg "Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Paul Schütz: Ein Pärchen sitzt in einer Plätte am Traunsee, im Hintergrund Traunkirchen") 194 metres 194 metres deep, the Traunsee lake is Austria’s deepest lake and home to the unique Riedling. This small cousin of the char is found only in the depths of the Traunsee and is considered a delicacy among gourmets. [ Traunsee lake ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/oesterreich-poi/detail/430002906/lake-traun.html "Link opens in new window") 194 metres - turn over the card © Open copyright © Foto: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Martin Fickert Close copyright ![Fetzenfasching in Ebensee im Salzkammergut.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/5/d/csm_Kulturkampagne2024FetzenEbensee_OberoesterreichTourismusGmbHMartinFickert__4__53f3d70259.jpg "Foto: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Martin Fickert") Channeling your inner jester Channeling your inner jester In 1733, a revolt erupted in Ebensee because salt workers weren’t given a day off on Shrove Tuesday. Fasching (carnival) remains a treasured tradition in the region, even recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Austria. [ Fasching ](https://www.salzkammergut.at/en/activities/winter/carnival.html "Link opens in new window") Channeling your inner jester - turn over the card © Open copyright © Krambamperl brennen / Foto: Michaela Kefer Close copyright ![Wirtshauskultur im Inneren Salzkammergut: Krambamperl brennen.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/a/9/csm_Krambamperl_brennen-FotoMichaela_Kefer_561231d09c.jpg "Krambamperl brennen / Foto: Michaela Kefer") 50 percent 50 percent alcohol content is what you’ll find in Krambamperl, a spirit native to the Salzkammergut region and served at many local inns. The “Krambamperlbrennen” tradition goes back many generations. The spirit is served in a thick-walled glass and ignited at the table. Forks with sugar cubes are held in the flame, dripping sugar into the schnapps, giving it a brownish hue. Once the sugar dissolves, the glass is passed around and enjoyed hot. [ Krambamperl ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/artikel/detail/3954/krambamperl-christmas.html "Link opens in new window") 50 percent - turn over the card © Open copyright © Simonyhütte/Ferienregion Dachstein Salzkammergut/Christopher Unterberger. Close copyright ![Blick auf den Hallstättersee mit seinem schönen Bergpanorama.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/8/b/csm_Simony_H%C3%BCtte_Ferienregion_Dachstein_Salzkammergut_Christopher_Unterberger_5a2ee23114.jpg "Simonyhütte/Ferienregion Dachstein Salzkammergut/Christopher Unterberger.") 2.206 metres 2.206 metres above sea level is where the Simonyhütte is perched. This refuge is named after Friedrich Simony, a Bohemian-born geographer and alpine researcher known for his exploration of the Dachstein plateau. [ Simonyhütte ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/oesterreich-unterkunft/detail/101637/simony-hut.html "Link opens in new window") 2.206 metres - turn over the card © Open copyright © Thomas Bernhard Haus Ohlsdorf / Foto: Verena Metzenrath Close copyright ![Thomas Bernhard Haus in Ohlsdorf.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/6/8/csm_Thomas_Bernhard_Haus_Ohlsdorf_Verena_Metzenrath_8836046b91.jpg "Thomas Bernhard Haus Ohlsdorf / Foto: Verena Metzenrath") 24 years 24 years were spent by Thomas Bernhard on his farm in Ohlsdorf near Gmunden. The Austrian writer is among the most significant German-speaking authors of international renown. The Thomas Bernhard Path in Ohlsdorf and a guided tour of his estate, known as “Bauer z’Nathal”, offer insights into his life and work. [ Bernhard House ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/oesterreich-poi/detail/430022648/thomas-bernhard-haus.html "Link opens in new window") 24 years - turn over the card © Open copyright © Foto: Rudi Kain Photografie: Aussichtsplattform Five Fingers Close copyright ![Aussichtsplattform Five Fingers](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/c/a/csm_Dachstein-Salzkammergut_15fingers-Sonnenuntergang-Foto-RudiKainPhotografie_3s_cf713d0413.jpg "Foto: Rudi Kain Photografie: Aussichtsplattform Five Fingers") 16 Top Excursion Destinations 16 Top Excursion Destinations Discover the beauty of the Salzkammergut region as part of a day trip. Here are the top 16 attractions. [ Day-trip tips ](https://www.salzkammergut.at/en/worth-visiting/top-16-attractions.html "Link opens in new window") 16 Top Excursion Destinations - turn over the card © Open copyright © www.moritz-ablinger.com Auswahl_1, Auswahl_2_Attersee, Jugend_am_See Sonnenuntergang und Sommerlaune am Attersee Close copyright ![Junge Menschen im Sonnenuntergang am Attersee](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/9/3/csm_2020-Jugend_am-See-HR-TVB-Attersee-Attergau-Moritz-Ablinger__13__01121ab987.jpg "www.moritz-ablinger.com Auswahl_1, Auswahl_2_Attersee, Jugend_am_See Sonnenuntergang und Sommerlaune am Attersee") 1.000 Moments of joy 1.000 Moments of joy and more await you on an unforgettable holiday in the Salzkammergut region. Get inspired and book your Salzkammergut holiday. Find hotels, inns, guesthouses and all accommodations in the Salzkammergut region here. [ Accommodations ](https://www.salzkammergut.at/en/hotels-/-accommodations.html "Link opens in new window") 1.000 Moments of joy - turn over the card Looking for a restaurant or places of interest near you! Upperguide: Online leisure planner [ Read more ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/upperguide.html)