Salzkammergut

Salzkammergut

Amidst the stunning natural landscapes of the Salzkammergut, human activity has existed since prehistoric times. As early as 2000 BC, people began mining salt here. Until the mid-20th century, this resource formed the foundation of the region’s prosperity, the vibrancy of which can be seen in the exquisite architecture of Hallstatt.

The town of Hallstatt stretches along the narrow strip between the foot of the Salzburg Mountains and Hallstatt Lake. From Mühlbach onwards, centuries of accumulated slag heaps extend into the lake, forming an artificial highland. Late Gothic buildings encircle the triangular marketplace, marking the center of Hallstatt.

Lake Grundlsee is another jewel of the Salzkammergut. On the picturesque northern shore lies the town of Gmunden. The town features a Renaissance town hall with a porcelain-mounted clock tower, numerous fine townhouses, and many castles. There is also the Burg Ort on the mainland, connected by a 130-meter-long wooden bridge to the lake’s island fortress built on an artificial island in the 17th century. The town is home to a renowned ceramic factory famous for its green-glazed pottery. Gmunden was once a salt town and residence of local princes, and its museum not only showcases the history of salt development but also the history of local ceramics.

Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape

Must-visit reason: One of Austria’s oldest cultural landscapes

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Austria[Austria]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Upper Austria, Styria and Salzburg [Upper Austria, Styria and Salzburg]