Winter
Salzkammergut: “Winter at its best”
The Salzkammergut, one of Austrian’s most famous holiday resorts, is the perfect backdrop for a great winter season. Since time immemorial the region has been known as a place of relaxation and recreation. In winter the varied Seenland region, located between the Alps and the foothills of the Alps, is especially charming and genuine. Crisp snow and glittering ice as far as you can see, from the impressive Dachstein mountain and the Totes Gebirge, Sengsen- and Höllengebirge limestone mountain ranges to picturesque lakes. It’s a time of reflection and traditional customs. But of course it’s also the perfect time for endless sports activities. The holiday region, which covers parts of Upper Austria, Salzburg and Styria, consists of the Inner Salzkammergut (the Hallstatt-Dachstein world heritage region), Ausseerland-Salzkammergut, Wolfgangsee, Almtal, Traunsee, Attersee and Attergau, Mondseeland, Mondsee-Irrsee, Bad Ischl and Fuschlsee. The Salzkammergut is easily reachable by car (A1 Westautobahn motorway), by plane, thanks to the proximity to the airports of Salzburg and Linz, and of course by train.
Where it’s still possible to ski in the heart of nature…
The Salzkammergut owes its popularity and variety to its superb location: Set between the highest mountains (Hoher Dachstein 2,996m) and surrounded by 76 large and small lakes, winter is a true and snowsure nature experience. Away from crowded slopes and artificial happiness, the region provides memorable and outstanding skiing for everyone: The Dachstein - West (140km of slopes, nearly 40 lift facilities), the largest family ski area in Upper Austria, and the Tauplitz (40km, 15 lift facilities), one of the oldest ski areas in Austria, are both located in the heart of the Salzkammergut. A hot tip for off piste skiers and boarders is the Obertraun-Dachstein-Krippenstein ski area, known as “freeride arena”, with the longest ski run in Upper Austria (11 km) and venue of the annual Red Bull White Rush. The Kasberg and the Gaissau Hintersee (both 40km, 9 lift facilities), the Zwölferhorn and the Loser ski areas with the FIS run are always great fun for all snow addicts. The Postalm, the Feuerkogel, the Hochlecken and the Katrinalm ski areas in Bad Ischl are a winter haven for all the family, completely safe from avalanches!
The most varied holiday region in Austria
Besides skiing and snowboarding, winter sports possibilities are endless: Cross-country skiing on hundreds of kilometers of tracks at all altitudes is full of adventure and freedom. The breathtaking scenery of the Seenland region with its bizarre forms and glittering facets is suitable for both classic and skating cross-country skiing. Not to mention the numerous natural curling lanes and ice rinks, where ice cold fun is guaranteed. A hike and a ride in a horse-drawn sledge through stunning winter scenery are the perfect remedy for escaping from everyday stress. Ski touring, tobogganing and snowshoe-ing are the ideal activities to soak up the fresh mountain air.
Wellness instead of stress in the Salzkammergut
Winter is a time when nature hibernates to be ready for spring. Therefore it’s also the perfect time for people to recharge their batteries. A delight for all the senses – where, if not in this traditional Austrian holiday resort. Away from stress and mass tourism, it’s the ideal place to bring body, mind and soul into a state of harmony. Here the scenery, the majestic mountain peaks and the healthy air make you feel the power of Mother Earth. The effective therapies in one of the three most traditional thermal springs in Austria keep health in balance: The Heilbrunn – Bad Mitterndorf moor spa, the VitalBadAussee in the Ausseerland - Salzkammergut region as well as the Kaisertherme in Bad Ischl, where even crowned heads and heads of states took a cure.
Authenticity to tickle the palate
More than 100 ago, emperors and kings spent their holidays in the Salzkammergut and still today the region serves as imagination for poets, artists and musicians. During the course of time, a sophisticated tradition of art and gastronomy has been developed. A feast for all the senses! From tradi-tional cuisine in country restaurants and legendary fish restaurants to awarded restaurants, for example the historic Villa Schratt - everywhere the main ingredient is “authenticity”. A visit to the Operettencafé in the traditional Zauner cake shop in Bad Ischl is an outstanding opportunity to garnish fa-mous sweets with operetta melodies by the Salzkammergut Salon Quintet. Of course the Salzkammergut boasts more places which are steeped in history: In Hallstatt, Gmunden, Altaussee, Attersee, Mondsee or St. Wolfgang cus-toms and tradition go hand in hand with contemporary art and internationally renowned events. In winter the possibilities to discover the genuineness and authenticity of the region are endless. Memorable experiences for young and old are guaranteed. And this is the reason why hundreds of people are so stunned by these magical places.
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