Salzkammergut & Salzburg Lake District

Lakes for bathing and swimming near Salzburg City

The Austrian Emperors Were among the First to Recognise the Beauty of the Salzkammergut

The enchanting lake and mountain landscape east of Salzburg city is known as the Salzkammergut. The unique charms of the Salzkamergut area have been appreciated for many years - as long ago as the days of the Habsburg Empire, the emperors and noble families of Austria chose the local spa town of Bad Ischl as the location for their summer holidays. The same atmosphere and beauty are what draw visitors to the Salzkammergut today. The idyllic towns and picturesque lakes, whose clear water is often pure enough to drink, provide the setting for an unforgettable visit. Taking a dip in the Fuschlsee, Mondsee, Attersee, Wolfgangsee, or Hintersee is a welcome way to cool off during the hot days of summer. Whether you are looking for an action-packed bathing beach or a secluded bay to go swimming in, you are sure to have the holiday of your dreams in this miniature paradise. And if sunbathing, swimming, and watersports are not enough to tempt you, the Salzburg lakes of the Salzburger Lake District (or Seenland) are also the focus of a rich cultural scene and offer many opportunities for eating out in style. Bad Ischl, the town that once played host to the emperors, idyllic St. Gilgen, Strobl, and Gmunden (over the border in Upper Austria) stand out as highlights of the Salzkammergut that should not be missed.

Visitors can also enjoy swimming in the lakes to the north of Salzburg city, where the Wallersee, Mattsee, and Obertrumer See are to be found. In summer, these lakes and the surrounding area are popular among the residents of Salzburg, so there are many festivals to visit and activities for children to take part in. The Salzburg lakes are easily accessible even if you do not have your own car. Public transport connects the main towns with Salzburg city, or you can experience the landscape in close-up by cycling to one of the lakes.