Getting Oriented

To the west of Bad Ischl are the best known of all the Salzkammergut's 76 lakes—the Wolfgangsee, the Mondsee, and the Attersee (See is German for "lake"). Not far beyond these lakes lies one of Austria's loveliest spots, Gosau am Dachstein. Here the Gosau lakes are backdropped by a spectacular sight that acts as a landmark for many leagues: the Dachstein peak. Another scenic wonder is the storybook village of Hallstatt, huddled between mountain and lake.

Whether you start out from Salzburg or set up a base in Bad Ischl—the heart of the Lake District—it's best to take in the beauties of the Salzkammergut in perhaps two separate courses: first around the Mondsee, the Wolfgangsee, and Bad Ischl; then southwest to Gosau am Dachstein, back to the Hallstätter See, and east to Bad Aussee and the Altausseer See, returning via the Pötschen mountain pass.

On the Road to St. Wolfgang & Bad Ischl. Between its romantic lakes surrounded by alpine peaks, this region is perfect for both water sports in summer and skiing in winter. The charming Bad Ischl's old-fashioned buildings document the town's importance in days of the Habsburgs.

Gosau, Hallstatt & Bad Aussee. The sight of the high Dachstein mountain range gives the impression of being on top of the world. The picturesque towns in this region are full of Austrian folklore and tradition, and have inspired many composers, painters, and poets.