Austrian Lake District (Salzkammergut)

The Basics

Salzburg is the gateway to the Lake District, and day trips might include a tour of the Dachstein Ice caves, a boat cruise across Lake Wolfgang, or a visit to the town of St Gilgen, where Mozart's mother was born. Many visitors combine a scenic drive through the Lake District with a sightseeing tour of Salzburg’s UNESCO-listed Old Town or a visit to the Obersalzberg salt mines.

Things to Know Before You Go

• It’s easy to get around in the Lake District; pick one town as your base and explore the others on day trips.

• Most towns have their own Visitor Information centers where you can purchase hiking maps, access free Wi-Fi, and learn more about the region.

• Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a swimsuit—you can take a dip in many of the lakes.

How to Get There

Buses and trains link Salzburg with larger towns such as Mondsee, Bad Ischl, and St. Wolfgang, but the most convenient way to explore is with your own transport or on a guided tour. Boats and passenger ferries also link the towns and villages around the Attersee, Traunsee, Mondsee, Hallstätter See, and Wolfgangsee lakes, but most run only in summer.

When to Get There

The most popular time to visit the Lake District is in summer; book tours and hotels in advance if you’re visiting during the busiest months of July and August. At this time of year, you can get your fill of outdoor activities like hiking, sailing, and water sports; in winter, meanwhile, you can hit the ski slopes on the surrounding mountains.

The Sound of Music tours

The Austrian Lake District is perhaps most famous for its starring role in the musical “The Sound of Music” and visitors still come from all around the world to visit the film’s scenic locations. Sound of Music tours typically visit the magnificent Schloss Leopoldskron and Schloss Hellbrunn; the gazebo at Schloss Hellbrunn, where Liesl von Trapp sang “Sixteen Going on Seventeen”; the Mondsee church where Captain Von Trapp married Maria; and, of course, the green meadows where the iconic opening scene, starring Julie Andrews, was shot.

Ways to explore

Salzburg is the gateway to the Austrian Lake District, although you can also visit from Vienna and even Prague. Popular day trips often visit Hallstatt, the lakeside salt-mining town that’s the epicenter of the UNESCO World Heritage area. Other excursions are themed around locations featured in the movie The Sound of Music, which was filmed near Mondsee, or visit the town of St. Gilgen (Sankt Gilgen), home to much of Mozart’s family history. Some visitors combine a scenic drive through the Lake District with a sightseeing tour of Salzburg’s UNESCO–listed Old Town (Salzburger Altstadt) or a visit to the Dachstein Giant Ice Cave.

Accessibility

While hiking paths and the salt mines are not wheelchair-friendly, an accessible vacation need not be out of reach. Most cable cars offer wheelchair access, as do some lake cruises. Accessible accommodation is also available.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Lip balm, sunscreen, and a water bottle are hiking essentials.

What to wear

Weather can change quickly in the Alps, so carry layers including waterproofs when hiking—even in high summer.

Not allowed

Getting between a mother cow and her calf can have serious consequences—treat livestock with respect when hiking.

Address 

To explore the Austrian Lake District independently, fly, drive, or take the bus or train to Salzburg, which has train and bus connections to larger towns and road access throughout the Lake District.

Driving

If you’re exploring the Austrian Lake District with your own vehicle, note that winter tyres (or snow chains in certain circumstances) are legally required during wintry conditions between November and April.

Public transportation

Buses and trains link Salzburg with larger towns such as Mondsee, Bad Ischl, and St. Wolfgang, but if you want to cover a lot of ground in a day, you’ll need your own wheels or a tour. Boats and passenger ferries also link the towns and villages around the lakes, but most don’t operate in winter.

Best times to visit

The Austrian Lake District is a daytime destination, although you can of course stay overnight. Aim to visit Hallstatt early in the day to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

Plan your visit for midweek, rather than weekends.

Best months to visit

The most popular time to visit the Austrian Lake District is in summer; book tours and hotels in advance if you’re visiting during the peak season months of July and August. At this time of year, you can get your fill of outdoor activities like hiking, sailing, and water sports. In winter, there are a few small ski resorts.

Special events

If you’re visiting around December 5, don’t miss Salzkammergut's answer to Halloween: Krampus runs. Towns including Hallstatt host masked demon parades, often accompanied by fire.