Salzkammergut
The Salzkammergut
The Salzkammergut Region obtained its name because the salt played an important role here for thousands of years. It was extracted in the mines s of Hallstatt or Altaussee and shipped down on the Traun River until Gmunden. The salt was exported to far away destinations and created prosperity along its trade road.
Today, the salt plays only a minor economic role in the Salzkammergut. Instead, the area convinces its visitors with its 76 crystal clear lakes which are embedded in a mixture of steep rocks and a hilly landscape. This scenic jewel is complemented by the cultural heritage of our ancestors, which is reflected in the architecture, traditions, and preserved relicts in a number of small historic villages in the region. This makes the Salzkammergut to one of the most desired destinations in Austria.
Our Must Sees:
For the exploration of the area we suggest choosing within our classic car park, the specifically developed road books as well as a series of recommended activities and accommodations. This touristic offer shall be complemented with a selection of the top destinations in the region. For a comprehensive collection of the touristic offer we would like to refer to the webseite of the Salzkammergut Tourismus-Marketing Gmbh under www.salzkammergut.at.
Hallstatt
The early mining and trade of salt has started here over 4000 years ago. These activities have been so important, that this town was eponymous for a 400 years long era in history: The Hallstatt period. The world heritage on the Lake Hallstatt provides a comprehensive cultural offer, that is worth spending at least one entire day there. Visit the bone house, the museum or just be amazed about the unique architecture of the lovely preserved rambling houses which are built into the lake on poles. Nearby the cable car brings you onto the 2100 meters high Krippenstein. From there, you can visit the ice caves, the mammoth caves or just enjoy the breathtaking view on the Dachstein glacier or Lake Hallstatt.
Ausseerland
Because it is too difficult to ma make a decision, most guests go the Ausseerland and visit both, Altaussee and Bad Aussee at the same time. Here, in the geographic center of Austria, the summer tourism has started in the middle of the 19th century. The descent of traditional clothing and rituals is a major aspect for this area. But what would these places be, wouldn’t they be surrounded by a charming scenery of lakes, mountains as well as green forests and meadows? This changes in late spring when the fields are covered with the flavorsome white narcissus which winters again at the end of Mai/beginning of June after the traditional Narcissus Parade and the selection of the Narcissus Queen. Take a walk and discover the one of a kind of the village centers. Experience the natural beauty of the region by driving onto the Loser or a take short hike from Lake Grundl to the mysterious Lake Topitzsee.
Traunkirchen
Since the construction of the bypass tunnel the village has become much quieter and an absolute insider tip among the visitors of the Salzkammergut. The sights in the community include the Fischer’s Chancel in the parish church of, the Johannesberg Chapel, the Calvary Hill and the Handiwork Museum. The Wood Market, an exhibition for Austrian handwork art takes place on the first September weekend. The Spitzvilla or the lakeside lounge of the Hotel Traunsee are among the most excellent places to eat or chill out with some drinks.
Gmunden
Back in history, Gmunden always dealt with salt and the white gold invariably brought employment and wealth to this place that was elevated to town in 1278. The Kammerhof, located on the Traun Bridge, is an evidence for this time. It was a historic tollgate before the salt has left the Kammergut downstream on the Traun River. In addition to the profitable salt trade, the nowadays world famous Gmunden Ceramic business was started in the 15th century. The city’s highlights include without doubt its landmark, the Lake Caste Schloss Ort, the city hall with its one of a kind Glockenspiel, a shop tour of the ceramic manufactory, and a cruise with the historic paddle steamer Gisela. The coffee shops on the main square and along the esplanade invite you to enjoy the magnificent view on the Lake Traunsee, the main mountain Traunstein and the surrounding mountain formations. It’s right here where at the end of August thousands of visitors crowd trough the traditional pottery market which is very well known for high quality products. Here you only get genuine craftwork art and with guarantee no cheap merchandise.
Bad Ischl
Because of the privileged location in the heart of the Salzkammergut, the special microclimatic conditions that is “always free” of fog, and the availability of salt water as a intermediate product of the salt mines, that is supposed to have a healing effect, Ischl emerges to a popular spa resort in the middle of the 19th century. Nobody else than the Emperor Franz Joseph, has resided here for more than 40 summers. The places of interest include the Emperors Villa & Park from where the Emperor ruled the country in the summer time, the Lehár Villa, and the historic Spa Resort. The traditional Coffee Shops along the Traun River Zauner is serving you local specalites like the Zaunerstollen. A ride with the cable car up to the Katrin Mountain allows you an unlimited view on the town or the Dachstein Glacier. Numerous cultural events are contributed to the Emperor and its popular wife Sissi.
Sankt Wolfgang
This place received its recognition in the year 1960, when the actor and entertainer Peter Alexander sings in the movie about the Hotel White Horse: “In the Salzkammgut you are always in good mood”. These words must have been caught by the ears his audience because thousands of them came to the Wolfgangsee for summer holiday. Traditional houses like the White Horse become a symbol for the development of modern tourism in the Salzkammergut. St. Wolfgang does a good job in preserving the charme of this time, so that this town is still a popular tourist destination. Whoever visits the Lake Wolfgangsee, has to take the old cog railway onto the Schafberg. Here you have an unlimited view over the Salzkammergut and you can see a total of 13 lakes. Back in town again, you can visit the famous altar in the parish church or just do what you are supposed to do in a lakeside resort!