Things to do in Salzkammergut
Discover the best attractions and experiences Salzkammergut has to offer
Historic Monuments
Discover the region's ancient roots through iconic towns and castles that overlook the lakes and mountains.
Hallstatt Ossuary (Beinhaus)
A centuries-old bone house in Hallstatt known for its painted skulls and atmospheric setting.
Schloss Ort
Medieval moated castle perched on a rock in the Traunsee, a quintessential Upper Austrian landmark.
Kaiservilla Bad Ischl
Imperial summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph, showcasing Habsburg-era history.
Museums
Learn about salt mining, local history, and lake culture through engaging regional museums.
Salzwelten Hallstatt
Historic salt mine with subterranean galleries and exhibits about Hallstatt's salt heritage.
Hallstatt Museum
Local history museum displaying artifacts from Hallstatt’s ancient mining era.
Stadtmuseum Gmunden
Museum focused on Gmunden’s urban history and cultural development along the lake.
Religious Monuments
Visit churches and chapels that define the religious heritage of the lakeside towns.
Pfarrkirche St. Wolfgang
Colorful parish church in St. Wolfgang with a distinctive spire and lakeside views.
Pfarrkirche Hallstatt
Historic church in Hallstatt's old town overlooking the water.
National & Theme Parks
Natural wonders and UNESCO-listed landscapes define the Dachstein–Salzkammergut region.
Dachstein – Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape (UNESCO)
UNESCO-listed landscape marrying mountains, lakes and salt-mining history.
Dachstein Ice Cave
A spectacular underground world with glittering ice formations near Obertraun.
Five Fingers viewing platform (Krippenstein)
Dramatic panoramic platform high above the Dachstein region.
Neighborhoods
Explore the charming towns that line the lakes and invite slow travel.
Hallstatt
A tiny lakeside village famed for its ancient salt history and alpine charm.
St. Wolfgang am See
Picturesque lakeside town known for the Schafberg Railway and harbor atmospheres.
Gmunden
Lakeside town renowned for its castle, ceramics and scenic promenades.
Bad Ischl
Historic spa town that was a summer retreat of the Habsburgs.
Free Things to Do
Take in nature and views with plenty of free activities around the lakes and mountains.
Walk Hallstatt’s Old Town and lakeside promenade
Stroll through centuries of architecture with picture-perfect lake views.
Stroll the Traunsee lakeshore in Gmunden
Relaxing walk along the water with scenic town scenery.
Hike in the Dachstein region
Extensive network of trails offering spectacular alpine scenery.
Gastronomy
Savor traditional Austrian favorites and lake-fresh specialties.
Kaiserschmarrn
Fluffy shredded pancake dessert served with fruit compote.
Apfelstrudel
Classic Austrian apple pastry with hints of cinnamon.
Traunsee Seeforelle
Delicate lake trout prepared with regional accompaniments.
Nightlife
Evenings are relaxed with lakeside bars, cafés and seasonal live music.
Lakeside bars in Gmunden
Casual waterfront venues offering drinks with sunset views.
Cafés with evening events in Bad Ischl
Historic cafés that host seasonal music and social evenings.
Entertainment
Seasonal cultural happenings complement the alpine scenery.
Seasonal open-air concerts
Outdoor performances in Hallstatt, St. Wolfgang and nearby towns.
Local theatre and cinema
Occasional productions and screenings in the tourist towns.
Sports
Active choices on water, slopes and trails define the region.
Dachstein West ski area
Family-friendly slopes with alpine scenery near Gosau.
Sailing on Traunsee
Rent a sailboat or join a sailing trip on Upper Austria’s deep lake.
Hiking and climbing in the Dachstein mountains
Diverse routes with dramatic viewpoints and glacier remnants.
Off the Track
Venture beyond the usual sights to iconic vantage points and historic railways.
Schafberg Cog Railway
Historic rack railway from St. Wolfgang to the Schafberg summit.
Krippenstein – Five Fingers platform hike
A dramatic overlook reached by short hike with sweeping alpine views.