THE INNER SALZKAMMERGUT...

The picturesque lakes region of the Austrian Alps features the most beautiful lakes, mountains and valleys in the world

Hiking along the marked mountain trails is one of the most popular activities. And the lakes are clean and warm enough for swimming in the height of summer. As you can see below there are also numerous exciting local sights and attractions to keep you busy each day of your holiday.

In the winter time, Gosau comes into its own, surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers, with some of the best powder skiing found anywhere. 

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Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage site and only a few miles away. It’s quite small so it takes only a little time to walk through - unless you stop at one of the delightful town square, or lakeside, restaurants. Don’t miss a visit to the Salt Mine. You get special clothes to protect your clothes from the salt.   

Obertraun

 Over 150,000 people visit yearly the Giant Ice Cave; it’s one of the largest caves in the world, and the most spectacular tourist attraction in the Salzkammergut. Normal shoes can be worn and warm clothing is recommended. The cable car starts from Obertraun (across the lake from Hallstatt), and has 3 stops. At the first station there is the Ice Cave and Mammoth Cave, and a restaurant (or bring a picnic).

At the 2nd stop, there is a superb walk to the peak at 2100m with its 360 degree view of the whole area, and the ‘5 Fingers’ Look Out with its excellent view over the lake, is a short walk further on. You must visit this place at least once!

Bad Ischl

This wonderful thermal spa town was much loved by the Kaisers. Many points of interest and a visit to the famous Zauner Konditorei cake shop is a must. 

Wolfgangsee

The Wolfgangsee and ‘The White Horse Inn’ at Wolfgangsee have become world-famous thanks to many films. A good way to escape the crowds in the town is to take a delightful trip on a boat. The glacial water is an amazing blue colour and you can explore other resorts on the lake such as Strobl at one end and St Gilgen with its Mozart connection at the other end. There is a combined fare for the boat and train ride up the Schafberg.     

Schafberg

The Schafberg Cog Railway, built over 100 years ago, climbs the 5,300ft Schafberg mountain the easy way! A ride on this nostalgic train is a must do - especially for those fans of The Sound of Music tour - recognise it from the film? 

Bad Aussee

Bad Aussee is a spa town to the east, beyond Bad Goisern. The spa in the city centre, Vital Bad Aussee offers medicinal brine baths and the Kneipp Cure therapy, which was invented by the German priest Sebastian Kneipp. A music festival runs for several weeks in the spring of each year, called the Ausseer Jazzfrühling. There's also a fine museum which exhibits local traditions and customs, the salt trade and a collection of fossils found nearby.

Bad Aussee is unique within Austria as its inhabitants wear Tracht, or traditional dress, on a daily basis. For women, this consists of a Dirndl, a type of dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt. Many women choose to wear an Ausseer Dirndl, which has a green bodice, a rose-colored skirt and a purple apron.

There are several beautiful lakes close to Bad Aussee

Lake Grundlsee, above, is the largest lake in the state of Styria. There are public beaches around it, and you can rent an electric boat. It’s fed by two smaller lakes, Toplitzsee and Kammersee. See Daily Photo

Toplitzsee, above, is where the Nazis both tested weapons and dumped counterfeited British currency. It is unique in that it has two layers of water, an upper one composed of fresh water and one beneath it of salt water. Two waterfalls are passed when crossing on the 3 Lakes Boat tour.  

Kammersee is the source of the River Traun and can actually only be reached per boat from Toplitzsee. Guided tours go to Kammersee in so-called Plätten, a flat bottomed boat unique to the region, that were once used in the salt trade. Convicts chiselled a narrow channel in the rock separating Kammersee from Toplitzsee to help the transportation of timber.

Salzburg

The charming town of Salzburg, famous for Mozart and its Summer Festival is only about 45 minutes away. Salzburg is a genuine baroque jewel. The Old Town and the Hellbrunn Palace were declared world culture heritage in 1997. You can visit Salzburg for shopping or for a Mozart trip, to visit Salzburg festivals with its world-famous actors and orchestras or to see the castles, the trick fountains of Hellbrunn or one of many places associated with ‘The Sound of Music’ that was filmed all around here.

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