Often referred to as the Austrian Lake District, Salzkammergut is one of the most popular destinations in the whole of Austria.
The Salzkammergut is made up of 10 different regions and Club La Costa members and guests staying in our Alpine Centre can take advantage of one of the best regions being in close proximity to the city of Salzburg.
The name means “Estate of the Salt Chamber” and derives from the Imperial Salt Chamber which was responsible for running the precious salt mines in the Habsburg Empire.
During the summer months visitors pour into the Salzkammergut to enjoy a multitude of picturesque towns, lakes and mountains, participating in many outdoor activities including water sports and hiking.
Easily accessible from the Alpine Centre are three beautiful towns that are considered to be part of the “Salzburg share” of the Salzkammergut, Fuschl, St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang.
Fuschl
The village of Fuschl is located on the banks of Lake Fuschlsee and makes a perfect base for bathing or hiking. The lake offers the cleanest waters in Salzburg and is the province’s largest freshwater reservoir – however, swimming in these waters is permitted all year round. Also a good base for hiking, the trail around the lake takes on average four hours to complete, while another up Mount Schober offers stunning vistas of the Salzkammergut. Tourists can also visit Castle fishery and enjoy the freshest Saibling straight from the smoke ovens or enjoy water sport activities including fishing and stand up paddling.
St Gilgen
St Gilgen is another popular destination and is famous for its historic town centre and access to Lake Wolfgangsee. Numerous ferries and pleasure craft cruise the lake connecting the communities of St Gilgen, Strobl and St Wolfgang. Cruising on the lake offers views of some of the most attractive spots in this area. A cable car station can also be found in St Gilgen that travels to the Zwölferhorn Peak where there are a number of walking trails and stunning panoramas to be enjoyed. Other attractions include numerous museums, monuments and the 19th century Imperial Naval Academy. A winter visit to St. Gilgen is also recommended for its Christmas markets.
St Wolfgang
Situated at the foot of the Schafberg Mountain the most famous attraction here is the Schafbergbahn which featured in “The Sound of Music”. The cog wheel railway starts its journey at the lakeside and climbs to the summit of the mountain for breathtaking views of Lake Wolfgangsee and the surrounding area. St Wolfgang is also famous for the “White Horse Inn” the setting for the operetta of the same name and a number of health spas with healing baths. Hot air balloon rides are also available to capture a bird’s eye view of beautiful St Wolfgang and the Wolfgangsee Lake.
These stunning regions of the Salzkammergut are approximately 90 minutes by road from Club La Costa’s Alpine Centre and will make the perfect day out for members and guests.
Main Picture Credit: Birka
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