Lake District-Salzkammergut
The Salzkammergut (Lake District) is a resort area in Austria which stretches from the City of Salzburg eastwards along the Austrian Alpine. The main river of the region is the Traun, a tributary of the Danube. The name Salzkammergut literally means "Estate of the Salt Chamber" and derives from the charges paid to the Habsburg Monarch for running the salt mines in the area.
The Salzkammergut area is predominantly a tourist area and has been so for over a century. Emperor Franz Joseph I spent his summer holidays in Bad Ischl in the Kaiservilla, from which he governed his empire in the warmer months. This was where he signed the declaration of war with Serbia that started World War I.
Salzkammergut is famous for its beautiful scenery, picturesque villages and many lakes. It also has a very distinct culture, expressed in architecture, customs and cuisine and it is among Austria's top-tourist attractions.
Recreational facilities include swimming and water sports at the many lakes, mountaineering, cycling and horse riding, winter sports and many spas. There used to be a salt mining industry but it is today relatively minor contributor to the local economy.
We recommend a basic tour plan as follows:
- Bad Ischl- Stay for at list 4 nights in this beautiful town and tour the lakes from here.
- Wolfgangsee- Take a day tour to the beautiful towns of St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang.
- Hallstatt- Take a day tour and visit the world's first known salt mine. Not far from Hallstatt visit beautiful small Lake Gosau.
- Mondsee- Take a day tour and visit St. Michael Basilica. Then travel to Attersee, the largest lake of the Salzkammergut area.
- Gmunden- Enjoy a day tour to a beautiful town on Traunsee. On the way visit the beautiful small village Traunkirchen.
See more tourist information on Salzkammergut.