In the middle of Austria is a region that embeds the most stunning nature. From crystal clear lakes to high mountain peaks and picturesque forests. This region is well known in Austria and some parts of Germany under the name Salzkammergut. The probably most visited town of Austria also lies in the region, yes, I’m talking about Hallstatt. But this blog post should give you a general overview of things to do in this cultural region of Austria.
The history of the Salzkammergut
The name of the Salzkammergut appeared for the first time in 1656. The word “Kammer” refers to the management of a region. And the German word Salz mean salt. Salt mining is and was for the region a very important industry.
The Salzkammergut was untapped before slowly the first tourists came in 1800. The region gained more attention as doctors found out about the health benefits of the brine. Furthermore, many authors got inspired by the landscape of the mountain and lake area.
Today the name Salzkammergut is extended or rather used as a geographical term especially related to tourism. It is nowadays the biggest tourist region in Upper Austria. Austrians know about the Salzkammergut – many people from Vienna or Linz spend their summers here.
The area is 2380 km2 big – so there is plenty to see and to do. To make your decision on what to see or do easier here is a little overview.
The tourist regions and geography
The Salzkammergut is separated into eight tourist regions. That are namely Ausseerland, Attersee-Attergau, Bad Ischl, Dachstein-Salzkammergut, Fuschlsee Region, Traunsee-Almtal, Wolfgangsee.
The most visited region is Dachstein-Salzkammergut because Hallstatt is in that region and one of the most well-known or popular regions is the Wolfgangsee.
Let’s dive into the geography of the Salzkammergut. In the north of the region the mountains are rather low. Whereas in the south the peaks extend. So, when you want to go mountaineering hiking, I would recommend the area Ausseerland, Traunsee-Almtal, Dachstein-Salzkammergut or Bad Ischl as starting destinations.
Of course, also the mountain area around Dachstein-Krippenstein or Gosaukamm is great for some real mountain adventures. But if you are looking for a less mountainous region for easy hikes, the north and middle region is suitable for your demands.
Between Attersee and Traunsee you can find a nature park with a special culture and nature landscape. You can join a guided tour to learn more about the landscape. Or even check out the night sky from there because it is also a dark sky park.
Besides the notable big lakes in the Salzkammergut, there are many small ones. Some are embedded in the forest and others are only reachable by a demanding hike. There is a lake that only appears during the snow melting. The quality of Austria’s mountain lakes is very high, so you can worry-free enjoy a swim in summer or ice bath in winter.
What makes the region special?
First, it’s history. The Salzkammergut was, as mentioned, long an untapped region. You even needed a passport to enter the beautiful lake and mountain area. It has not only been a favourite place for the emperor but also for many artists and authors.
Religion plays a big role in the Salzkammergut. In many towns you find a catholic and an evangelist church. Although Austria is a catholic country and many people belong to this religion, it is only on paper. Whereas in the lake and mountain region the people seem to take their religion more seriously.
What also stands out of this region is the originality. Here native handicraft is still held high. Therefore, you can find a hat maker, a cobbler, someone who makes lederhosen by hand and you can also taste this when grabbing a bite from the local bakery.
When it comes to houses, that’s another part of the Salzkammergut originality. It doesn’t matter if you walk through St. Gilgen, Bad Ischl, Gmunden or Altaussee you can find those traditional Salzkammergut houses throughout the region. Normally they have an extended balcony or bay windows made of wood and painted in colourful colours.
In addition, there are a lot of villas in this unique lake and mountain region. Showing evidence of the wealth of the region.
Mountain ranges and hiking
There are a few mountain ranges within the Salzkammergut region. Every hiker’s taste finds here what they are looking for.
Osterhorngruppe – rich in forests and alpine pastures
The Osterhorngruppe at the south of Wolfgangsee. Peaks like Osterhorn, Hoher Zinken, Sparber, Faistenauer Schafberg and Zwölferhorn. The highest peak at this mountain range is the Egelseehörndl 1782 meters.
Dachstein mountains – the glacier
Dachstein mountains are in the south of the lake and mountain region, on the foot of the Hallstättersee. The Dachstein is a glacier and skiing area reachable also from the other side in Styria, Schladming. 2995 meters is the peak of the High Dachstein. On the Dachstein you can also find the five finger viewpoint. An ice cave and the Mammut cave that are open to visit in summer. The hiking paths also offer nature immersion. You can make a tour from the Gosau Lake to Hallstatt or a bigger alpine tour to the Adamekhut, further to the Wiesberghaus and down to Hallstatt (that’s a three-day tour).
Mystic landscape at the Death Mountains
The death mountains are located east of Bad Ischl. It is an extensive mountain range with rare landscapes. You can even make a crossing from Grundlsee to Almsee or Offensee. In the death mountains are a few amazing mountain lakes, the Wildensee, the Lahngang Lakes and Elmsee. Near the Hochkogelhut you can also find an ice cave. Please keep in mind that up there is a high alpine climate and hiking conditions. The right equipment and a fitness level is required. In some parts there is no cell phone service.
The Höllengebirge – a small mountain range between lakes
The Höllengebirge lies between Ebensee and Attersee. Its 1862 highest peak is called High Höllkogel. You can also make a crossing of the mountain range. You can start at Ebensee or at Weißenbach am Attersee, it is a two-day tour.
Hiking trails at the lake and mountain area
There is a long-distance hiking path in the Salzkammergut, namely the BergeSeen Trail – MountainLakeTrail. Which combines 370 km and over 14.000 altitude meters. 23 daily stages lead you to the most stunning landscapes.
No worries if you are just a casual hiker or want to find a demanding one-to-three-day tour. Here you can find so many hikes that it is hard to choose. One of my favorites is the Pühringer Hut, it starts at Grundlsee and you will pass three beautiful mountain lakes. But also the hike to Wildensee is totally worth it. It is steep!
As the north of the lake and mountain region is not as alpine you can find plenty of easy hikes there. For instance, the hike to the Nixenfall – a beautiful waterfall at the south of Attersee. Or a walk around the Offensee, Langbathsee, Nussensee or Schwarzensee. You can also take the cable car up to Katrin, Feuerkogel, Krippenstein, Grünberg, Schafberg or Zwölferhorn and have an easy hike up there.
Swimming at Salzkammergut’s lakes
The Salzkammergut embraces 76 lakes! And let me tell you some of those alpine lakes are just out of this world. There is nothing better than jumping into the refreshing waters of a crystal-clear mountain lake or just spending a day unwinding at the shores of a lake.
Mondsee and Irrsee
The Mondsee is the third biggest lake in the Salzkammergut. At the lake you have a magnificent view of the mountains Schafberg and Drachenwand. There are a few nice spots for swimming: Tiefgraben, Schwarzindien, Loibichl, Plomberg. These places are great for jumping into the lake or discovering it by stand-up-paddling or kayaking. At the town Mondsee is the Alpenseebad, which is a water park.
Irrsee is the smaller brother of Mondsee, it is a protected nature reserve and moor lake. Moreover it is the warmest lake and enjoy the water at the bathing space Zell am Moos.
Traunsee the deepest lake
The Traunsee is the deepest lake of Austria at 191 meters. It is also the coldest, summer as winter. At Lake Traunsee you have various swimming possibilities: at the south shore (Rindbach), along the west side of the lake Traunkirchen, Altmünster and at the north shore (the Toskana Park is huge or Seebahnhof). Depending on the weather conditions the Traunsee is also great for water sports like sailing or wind surfing.
Lake Hallstatt
The Lake Hallstatt also belongs to the bigger lakes of the Salzkammergut. There are a few bathing options around the lake. The Strandbad Untersee, there is a big meadow to lay down and relax. To the direction of Hallstatt is the bathing area Gosaumühle. There is also a big meadow next to the parking lot and the street. The way down to the lake is a bit steep but into the lake it is flat. During early and late summer, the sun disappears quite quickly from the bathing area. The Strandbad Obertraun is in the town after Hallstatt. Here is a platform to enter the water but you can also walk on the gravel.
At the east side of Lake Hallstatt is a beautiful walking and cycling path right next to the lake all the way to Steeg. This walking path is ideal to combine with public transportation.
The Wolfgangsee popular all year around
The Wolfgangsee is the warmest lake, after Irrsee. At least at the east side, where the town Strobl is located the shore is very flat – which explains the temperature. Bathing here is ideal for small children. The Gemeindebad in Strobl or just at the promenade at Strobl you can enjoy a dip in the water. A great spot to relax is the Wassbad, just a few kilometres outside of Strobl. There is a huge meadow with a playground, bistro and toilets. There and at the Gemeindebad you pay entrance.
Fuschlsee the closest lake to Salzburg
The Lake Fuschlsee is a smaller lake with a unique turquoise color. There is a walkway around the lake. From the walkway you can reach small peddle bays. Various bathing possibilities are around the lake, the Hofer Naturbadestrand, Strandbad Wesenauer and the Fuschlseebad include swimming pools. A special swimming place in the region is the natural rock pool, which is located in Faistenau.
Attersee caribbean feeling in Austria
The Attersee is the biggest lake fully located in Austria and impresses with its turquoise colour. Along the shore are multiple parking spots from where you can enjoy a jump into the water. There are of course also bathing spots that have a bit more space and feel more comfortable to lay down and relax. For instance, the bathing spot in Weyregg am Attersee, Europabad Weissenbach, bathing spot Litzlberg or the Natural bathing place Schlosspromenade which is reachable by train.
The street that leads around the Attersee is at some points very narrow and in high season high frequented. At the biggest lake in Austria, you find plenty of water activities: sailing, SUP, diving, water skiing, wakeboarding, wing surfing and much more.
Grundlsee the Styrian sea
Lake Grundl is the biggest Styrian lake and is therefore also called the Styrian sea. The lake is almost five kilometers long. It lays on the edge of the Death mountains. There is only a road at the north shore of the lake, there you find a lot of parking lots. Great bathing spots are Gössl, am Freibad Grundlsee or at the Seeklause. Of course, there are numerous water sports activities you can enjoy on the lake. For example, you can take a trip on Lake Grundlsee in a traditional boat called a Plätte.
Cycling and mountain biking in the Salzkammergut
It doesn’t matter if you are a touring cyclist, a street cyclist or mountain biker. The mountain and lake region has for every taste cycling offers. Although if you are doing a cycling holiday, I wouldn’t suggest this region for it. There are still many improvements that must be taken.
Many cycling paths are next to the street or on the street. Not ideal if you are a touring cyclist who just wants to enjoy nature. For instance, you cannot cycle fully around any of the lakes on a cycling path. At Attersee you will go next to the already narrow and in summer high frequencies road. At Lake Hallstatt you have a very nice path at the north shore of the lake but have to go on the street at the other side. You can cycle around Mondsee but the cycling path is partly on the street. Only Wolfgangsee has a cycling path – a part of the trip needs to be made by ship.
For mountain biking the offer might be a bit better. Especially the southern regions Dachstein and Ausseerland. There you find various MTB paths. There is even a bike park in Obertraun.
If you are looking for a long distance cycling tour, there is the so-called “the Salzkammergut cycling path” and two mountain biking paths: the mountain and lake trail and the Dachstein circle.
Sightseeing and museums at Austrians lake and mountain region
The most important sights in Salzkammergut are Imperial Villa in Bad Ischl, the cog railway at the Schafberg, the five fingers viewing platform at the Krippenstein, the Gmunden ceramics and the salt mines in Hallstatt and Altaussee. Just to name a few. There is of course much more to see and to do.
If you are a history geek you will surely enjoy the museums of the Salzkammergut. You can get even before your trip more insights about the history of the lake and mountain area, with this digital museum. Additionally there are many demonstration sites, like the brewery Schloss Eggenberg, the mustard factory AnnaMax, the active mill Erlachmühle or the museum of paper making.
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Some traditions and handcrafts have received the UNESCO title. For instance, the Ebenseer Glöcklerl run which is not only in Ebensee but also in many other towns in the region. The event takes place on the 4th or 5th of January. Men and women in white clothing are running around with colourful lighted caps and bells. The tradition is a pagan custom, and the main idea is to chase away evil spirits. Some might see the Glöckler as the opposite of the Krampus.
The Nikolospiel in Bad Mitterndorf is a moving game that takes place in different locations on the 5th of December. People dressed in straw and long horns, some wearing the Krampus costume, and of course also the Nikolaus. This traditional play has been performed every year for over 100 years.
The Gmunden ceramics is also a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. The local production of the famous white-blue coloured ceramics takes place at Gmunden. The company was mentioned in a document already 1492!
UNESCO Sites at the Salzkammergut
The Dachstein/Hallstatt-Salzkammergut area is a UNESCO site. In Hallstatt you can find one of the oldest salt mines that is still operating today. As well as the ice cave and mammut cave. Stunning peaks and amazing views from Lake Hallstatt. Although Hallstatt suffers from overtourism, there is more to see and learn about the region than what a day trip can cover.
The prehistoric pile dwells around the alps are also UNESCO sites. These are archaeological remains at the Attersee and Monsee that come from the neolithic age, bronze age, and iron age. And yes, these structures are under water. In Mondsee you can find the Mondseeland and Austrian Museum of Lake Dwellings and information signs to the history around the shores of Mondsee and Attersee. You can also get more knowhow about the pile dwellings in the web app AtterCultureTravel.
Yearly celebrations/events in the Salzkammergut
- Glöcker run around the 5th of January
- Carnival parade February
- Liebstattsonntag Gmunden End of March/beginning of April
- Carfree day around Lake Attersee end of April/beginning of May
- Corpus Christi Procession on Lake Hallstatt May or June
- Daffodils festival (Narzissenfest) in the Ausserland in May or June
- Salzkammergut Trophy – MTB event in July
- Emperor Festival in Bad Ischl in August
- Salt and Lake trail unsupported cycling event in September
- Farmers autumn mainly in Fuschlsee in September
- Liachtbratlmontag in Bad Ischl in September
- Advent and Krampus in December
I hope this gave you an overview of the lake and mountain region in the middle of Austria.
