The Highlights of the Salzkammergut region

Have you ever been to St. Wolfgang? The town gained worldwide fame through the film adaptation of the operetta "The White Horse Inn" by Ralph Benatzky. The legendary hotel still exists to this day. St. Wolfgang, located right on the sparkling blue Lake Wolfgang, invites you to take a leisurely stroll, go shopping and unwind. And of course, water sports are popular in the summer: whether it's swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, or water skiing. Taking a boat trip on Lake Wolfgang provides a great overview of the region and the surrounding mountains. The Schafberg mountain stands out prominently, and the best way to reach its summit is by taking the Schafbergbahn rack railway. Once you reach the top, a breathtaking view of the lakes and the mountains in the Salzkammergut awaits you.

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One of the most famous photo motifs can be found in Gmunden on Traunsee lake: Seeschloss Ort, which served as a filming location for the TV series "Schlosshotel Orth." In Gmunden, lovers of exquisite ceramics are also in for a treat. Whether it's green patterns, flowers or hearts, the tableware from Gmundner Keramik Manufaktur (Gmunden Ceramics) are considered classics around the world. A factory tour is highly recommended, where you can even try your hand at ceramic painting afterwards. Continuing along Traunsee lake, in Traunkirchen, gourmet enthusiasts will discover a top-notch destination. At the restaurant “Bootshaus”, part of the Seehotel DAS TRAUNSEE, Lukas Nagl, named 'Chef of the Year 2023' by Gault & Millau, serves up fish specialities and delicious regional dishes.

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The shimmering turquoise Attersee lake is a truly special gem in the Salzkammergut region. During a boat trip on Attersee lake, you'll get to know the towns around the lake and enjoy a refreshing breeze. Nestled in a stunning mountain panorama, the lake invites you to swim, sail and dive. Numerous hiking trails and mountain routes lead into the surrounding mountain world, revealing unforgettable views of the lake time and time again. It's no wonder that Gustav Mahler composed his most significant symphonies here and Gustav Klimt fell in love with this region, immortalizing it in his paintings. Even today, many artists reside by Attersee lake, finding their inspiration here by the lake.

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Where once Emperor Franz Joseph and his Sisi spent their summers in the Kaiservilla, there is still a wonderful place for summer retreats today. The imperial flair is still palpable and can be experienced in Bad Ischl. For example, at the historic music pavilion 'Sissikuss' on the Esplanade, where you can purchase unique and modern imperial souvenirs. Or at the Konditorei Zauner, the former imperial and royal court bakery, known for its delicious Zaunerstollen. Near the monumental Kaiser Hunting Statue in Kaltenbachau, you'll find the Katrin cable car valley station, which takes you to the local mountain of the Ischler region. At the top of the mountain, you'll be greeted with magnificent panoramas, hiking trails and cosy mountain huts. Make a note of the year 2024 when Bad Ischl and Salzkammergut will be the European Capital of Culture.

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Are you familiar with the film "The Sound of Music"? It tells the moving story of the singing von Trapp family and was filmed, among other locations, in the town of Mondsee. The Basilica of St. Michael in Mondsee served as the filming location for the wedding ceremony. Furthermore, Mondsee lake and its neighbouring lake, the Irrsee, are among the warmest lakes in the Salzkammergut region, making them popular destinations for water fans. Additionally, both the Mondsee lake and the Attersee lake are rich sites of submerged villages from the pile-dwelling culture. The remains of the Mondsee lake pile dwellings, as well as those at the Attersee lake, are part of the transnational "Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps” heritage site, which spans six countries.

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The picturesque village of Hallstatt captivates visitors with its traditional wooden houses nestled directly on Lake Hallstatt against the backdrop of romantic mountains scenes. Hallstatt has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. One particular attraction is the ossuary at St. Michael’s Chapel where 1,200 partially painted skulls, each marked with the date of death, have found their final resting place. It's a hauntingly beautiful sight. Additionally, Hallstatt is home to the world's oldest salt mine: Salzwelten Hallstatt, which is best reached by the salt mine funicular railway. Once you reach the top, the Skywalk offers a magnificent view of the lake and the mountains. To wrap up your visit, a boat trip on Lake Hallstatt is highly recommended.

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