52 Minutes

Ask a Question about or notify us of an error on this page with: SALZKAMMERGUT

The Salzkammergut is located in the heart of Austria, a wonderful and romantic landscape set between breathtaking mountains and beautiful lakes. It was here that the Emperor of Austria once spent the summer months and enjoyed all the benefits of this health resort in which salt, this region’s white gold, was once worked and where objects that date back to prehistoric times have been discovered.

St. Gilgen is situated at the western end of the lake of Wolfgangsee. It is set among captivating scenery at the foot of the Zwolferhorn Mountain which has a cable car service. Attractive houses, hotels and a city hall contain modern comforts hidden beyond a romantic façade and it was here that Mozart’s mother was born.

A journey by hot air balloon is an amazing way in which to explore this fascinating landscape and from the sky, it is far easier to gain a better perspective of the geology below.

Nature defined the borders of this landscape. In the east, the landscape stretches to the edge of the Totes Gebirge, a labyrinth of mountains with areas of karst and fields of mountain pine. In the south, it extends to the snow covered Dachstein Mountains and their many caves. In the southwest, the Tennengebirge, a footpath. In the west is the broad sweep of the Fuschlsee Lake that marks the edge of the mountain region and in the north are the gentle hills of the Voralpen.

Within the idyllic Grünau im Almtal, is the untouched and romantic Alm Sea, which is surrounded by the rugged mountain slopes of the Toten Gebirge that was formed by the glaciers of the Last Ice Age.

Well appointed mountain huts and picturesque views across the gigantic peaks of the Gosaukamm Mountains and the Bischofsmütze Mountains are a welcome reward to all who venture here. The views here are famous across the world. With the Dachstein Mountains as a backdrop, this scene has featured on many a picture postcard.

Its remote location, set between mountains and lakes is truly captivating with a landscape of both history and culture. The Salzkammergut is a veritable paradise in the heart of Europe!