In this article I will talk about the Salzkammergut, a beautiful area right in the heart of Austria. If there is a heaven on Earth, then perhaps it is here somewhere.
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| Salzkammergut Austria |
Literally from German, Salzkammergut is translated as “property of the salt chamber” - a reference to the times when the local territories rich in salt deposits were completely controlled by the imperial capital Vienna. Previously, it was the richest region in the reserves of white gold - salt.
Today, the famous picturesque region is located on the territory of three federal states of Austria: Upper Austria, Salzburg and Styria. There are more than 70 mountain lakes of various sizes, but only five are large enough: Hallstattersee, Wolfgangsee, Mondsee, Fuschlsee and Attersee.
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| Salzkammergut Austria |
This region is especially dearly loved by fans of active pastime, but every year it also welcomes thousands of lovers of a calm, relaxed holiday. Let's see why the Salzkammergut is such a popular tourist destination among travelers around the world.
Natural and cultural attractions
The monument of Gothic art of the 15th century is the famous altar of Mikhail Pacher. One cannot remain silent about such a pearl of Gothic art as the Catholic Church in Hallstatt and the Cathedral of All Saints in Bad Aussee.
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| Salzkammergut Austria |
The lakes Wolfgangsee, Fuschlsee, Traunsee and Attersee are some of the best for a relaxing summer holiday. Nature has been extraordinarily generous to this region of Austria.
It was no coincidence that the ancient Romans who came to this region many centuries ago called one of the lakes - Traunsee - "lacus felix", which means "happy lake".
On the banks of the Wolfgangsee there are cozy towns - St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, Strobl - in each of which you can find something especially interesting - the puppet museum and the famous Weisses Ressl hotel in St. Wolfgang, the Zwelferhorn mountain in St. Gilgen and one of the most beautiful mountain plateaus of the Eastern Alp - Postalm near Strobl.
In Gmunden on the Traunsee, you should definitely visit Orth Castle and the Gmunden Parish Church with a magnificent altar of the three kings by Thomas Schwanthaler.
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| Salzkammergut Austria |
The former salt mines and bizarre ice palaces in the fabulous world of caves in the Dachstein mountain range leave an unforgettable impression on visitors.
In the old St. Wolfgang, there is a famous Gothic cathedral with an equally famous 15th century altar.
There are many shops on the steep streets of the town, where, probably, there is the largest selection of Austrian national clothes for children and adults.
Local Benedictine monks have achieved great skill in making soap figures. Soap flowers, animals, fruits, little men are very original souvenirs.
From St. Wolfgang you can reach St. Gilgen by the lake. Those who want to enjoy peace and at the same time learn something new like to relax in this town, for example, visit the house where Mozart's mother was born, baroque cathedrals, climb to a height of 1521 meters on a lift, from where a magnificent view of the Alps opens.
Continuing the journey along the lake, you can get to the resort town of Strobl on the eastern shore. Here, as well as in St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen, all conditions for a good rest are created: excellent swimming, hiking in alpine meadows, boat trips.