A trip to the Salzkammergut is a good idea whatever the weather. Welcome to the land of operetta with its more than 70 lakes. Experience a region with wonderful natural areas and hiking trails as well as many cultural sights. Even Emperor Franz Josef and his family spent their summer holidays in the Salzkammergut, and many intellectuals and artists of the monarchy did the same – for good reason!

Visit the famous towns and lakes of the Salzkammergut. Just as the Habsburgs in Upper Austria used to relax and unwind, you too will feel at home there. Breathe in the relaxed atmosphere of the Salzkammergut as an ideal change from the city. Mountains with stunning panoramic views, forests with diverse flora and fauna, but also lots of attractions worth seeing. But first and foremost, of course, are the many lakes with drinking water quality: Wolfgangsee, Traunsee, Attersee, Fuschlsee and Mondsee – to name but a few.

St. Wolfgang is home to the unique Gothic winged altar by Michael Pacher and the world-famous “Weiße Rössl am Wolfgangsee”, made famous by the operetta of the same name. St. Gilgen am Wolfgangsee is a picturesque town worth seeing in one of the most beautiful regions in Austria. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s mother was born here.

From St. Gilgen, you can take an idyllic boat trip on Lake Wolfgangsee, whose lidos and secluded lakeside spots are also perfect for a day of swimming in summer. The spa town of Bad Ischl is the opera metropolis of the Salzkammergut. The annual Lehár Festival takes place here in summer, and the Franz Lehár Museum is also located here. The legendary Krottensee lake near Gmunden and Hüttenstein Castle near St. Gilgen will also fascinate you.

The Mondseeland with the picturesque village of Mondsee in the center also offers a worthwhile excursion destination in the Salzkammergut. Mondsee Castle is popular for romantic weddings and other festive events, in the Rauchhaus and Farm Museum you can immerse yourself in the past of the region and its inhabitants and the Protestant Church and St. Michael’s Parish open up impressive church architecture. Take a stroll along the lakeside promenade or a shopping tour in the cozy pedestrian zone, where traditional coffee houses invite you to take a leisurely break.

The Salzburg prince archbishops used to organize magnificent hunts in the forests around Fuschl in the Salzkammergut. Today, the former Fuschl hunting lodge is home to an exclusive luxury hotel. Glide gently across the crystal-clear lake on the “Fuschlerin” while you view this beautiful piece of earth, including the castle fishery, from the water. Back on land, Fuschl Castle is well worth a visit. You can also visit the Rumingmühle. This 19th century watermill lets you rediscover the old tradition of grinding grain.

From Salzburg, you can easily reach the idyllic lake district in the Salzkammergut by bus or in your own car via a scenic route in around half an hour. Get out of the city and breathe in nature.

The highlight en route: when the first lake suddenly opens up before your eyes. It is the Fuschlsee, which plays enticingly with its colors: Turquoise, blue or even green on some days, it lies picturesquely to the left of the road.

Your excursion to the beautiful Salzkammergut is sure to leave an everlasting impression, which you can soak up in the cozy atmosphere of one of the Amadeus Hotels in Salzburg’s old town in the evening.

Image credits © SalzburgerLand Tourismus