The vacation and leisure destination of the Salzkammergut stretches over three Austrian provinces, namely Upper Austria, Salzburg and Styria. Because of its scenic variety, this traditional vacation destination, where the Austrian nobility has summered for centuries, counts among the world’s most beautiful landscapes. 76 shimmering lakes and soaring mountain peaks make up the Salzkammergut’s unique fusion of mountain and lake.

The Salzkammergut is the place to enjoy a vacation experience of a lifetime amidst a fairy-tale countryside backdrop. A special event is Austria’s largest flower Festival, the annual Daffodil Festival in the Ausseerland, which takes place from 26 to 29 May 2005 and provides a colorful spectacle. For the festival locals use thousands of white daffodils and wire structures as the basis for producing imaginative flower sculptures. Each year these stunning daffodil displays mesmerize visitors at the car parade in Bad Aussee and at the float parade on Lake Grundlsee.

The Salzkammergut lakes are full of zest for life. Crystal-clear, clean and enticing, they glitter and shimmer encircled by majestic peaks under the bright summer sun. The beaches are perfect for all kinds of water sports and tranquil shores invite you to just sit back and dream. And wherever you go there are lovely villages, market towns and little towns to take a rest and enjoy hearty delicacies and freshly caught fish.

Exploring the Salzkammergut on foot is a very special treat in summer: friendly valleys, sunny hillsides, shadowy forests, challenging rocks and the freedom of the mountain peaks. Every twist of the path reveals new views. Every day brings new, unforgettable hiking bliss.

In the Salzkammergut visitors may savor the peace and quiet of the one-of-a-kind countryside; those looking for something adventurous and thrilling may try white-water rafting and diving in crystal-clear waters. And if you seek out a challenge on two wheels, mountain biking is a fantastic and fun way to explore the superb mountain scenery.

For thousands of years the Salzkammergut has been the heart of European culture. Here you relish culture at its best and enjoy  musical highlights at renowned sites: for instance, the Fuschler Klangwochen 2005 (end of May/beginning of July) feature a series of musical events by local bands which take particular pride in performing authentic Austrian folk music.

Arts and culture abound in this magical corner of Austria. The full schedule of events includes the Operetta Festival in Bad Ischl, countless concerts, theater performances, lake festivals and other lake events. And last but not least there are numerous events that showcase the customs and traditions of the area.  

Hallstatt Dachstein World Heritage Region: