Salzkammergut
Where World Heritage meets wow moments: between mountain peaks and glittering lakes

The Salzkammergut is a unique region with more than 70 lakes, UNESCO World Heritage status and a rich cultural history. It spans three provinces – Upper Austria, the SalzburgerLand and Styria – and offers both outstanding natural experiences and cultural highlights.

The region is easy to reach by car, train and bus. Salzburg and Linz are the nearest airports. Bad Ischl serves as the central transport hub.

Absolutely! The region offers swimming lakes, adventure pools, family attractions and child-friendly hiking trails. In winter, the Dachstein West ski area in Gosau is a great choice for families.

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:

• Attersee-Attergau

• Ausseerland

• Bad Ischl

• Dachstein-Salzkammergut

• Fuschlsee

• Mondsee-Irrsee

• Traunsee-Almtal

• Wolfgangsee

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.