Holiday in Salzkammergut

What makes Salzkammergut special as a destination?

The Salzkammergut, one of the most picturesque regions in Europe, extends across three federal states (Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria) and impresses with 76 crystal-clear lakes, surrounded by rugged limestone mountains and dense forests. Since the days of the Habsburgs, the region has been considered a favored summer retreat — Emperor Franz Joseph spent 60 summers in his villa in Bad Ischl, and the Salzburg Festival has its cultural roots here. Hallstatt, the jewel of the Salzkammergut, with its 7,000-year history of salt mining, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lake Wolfgang with the Schafbergbahn, Lake Traun as Austria's deepest lake (191 meters), and Lake Attersee, where Gustav Klimt created his famous landscape paintings, are just three of the many highlights. Bad Ischl impresses as a former imperial residence with the Kaiservilla, the traditional pastry shop Zauner, and as the European Capital of Culture 2024. The region is a paradise for active travelers: The Salzkammergut Cycle Path connects the most beautiful lakes over 345 kilometers, the Dachstein offers climbing routes and a spectacular skywalk, and the boat trips on Lake Traun and Lake Wolfgang are among the most stylish excursions in Austria. In winter, the heights around Obertraun, Gosau, and Bad Goisern transform into quiet ski areas away from mass tourism. Culinary specialties include char, whitefish, dumplings, and the Ischler gingerbread.