We continue to explore Salzburg. Let’s see what interesting things there are outside the old center of Salzburg (and first of all this is Hellbrunn Palace), which Salzburg museums you can visit and where to go from Salzburg.
Salzkammergut region
Salzburg old town
Salzburg was ruled by prince-archbishops. Since they were archbishops, there are so many churches in Salzburg old town. But at the same time they were princes and led a completely princely and secular lifestyle. For wartime, they had the Hohensalzburg fortress, which was never taken and was only once surrendered without a fight to Napoleon’s troops. Below, under the fortress, they built the Residence for themselves, and then (obviously, it seemed a little crowded) the New Residence.
Across the Salzach River, a 15-minute walk, Archbishop Wolf Dietrich arranged for himself, his mistress and 15 children a “country” house – Mirabell with a garden. And an hour’s walk from the fortress, another archbishop, Markus Sittikus, built himself a “cottage” – the Hellbrunn Palace with a vast park and water play.
Bad Aussee Lakeside. Lake Grundlsee, Lake Toplitz, Lake Altaussee
Bad Aussee lies as if in a hollow – such a feeling is created when you go down from the federal road. It would seem that from Hallstatt – a stone’s throw, but the roads are so exhausting that it’s the same as beyond the ridge. This is a completely independent resort town with a large number of tourists, despite the fact that the local two lakes are barely visible on the map compared even with relatively small Lake Hallstatt. True, depending on what to compare – in Styria, the Grundlsee lake is the largest.
At least one trip from Hallstatt region to Bad Aussee Lakeside (especially Lake Grundlsee and Lake Toplitz) is worth making – this is a very pleasant, calm trip with beautiful views, which will take you at least half a day and can easily turn into a full day.
Hallstatt old town – history and natural jewel
Salt was mined here already in the 5th millennium BC. The wealth of the local population was based on salt, which traded with both the Baltic and the Mediterranean countries. An entire cultural era has been named for this small Hallstatt old town.
For me, the charm of Hallstatt is a combination of antiquity, beauty and the feeling of isolation from the whole world that arises there. However you can feel that, only if you accomodate in the town or come in the unpopular season. The region is worth a stopover for a at least few days (better 1 week). One-day exursion might be only disappointment – too short and soooo many people.
Hallstatt Museum, observation deck and Salt Mines
Hallstatt is not only picturesque place, but also an important place for those who interesting in history. In this post about Hallstatt museum und history, Salt Mines and Hallstatt observation deck.
Salzkammergut best places to visit map
Salzkammergut best places to visit and a little around it – on the map. The lakes mainly offer relaxing, water activities and hiking / biking tours, and many horse farms. There are not many additional entertainments except natur.
What to see in Gmunden
Gmunden is located on the edge of the Salzkammergut. A little further – and already the mountains come to an end, industrial zones begin, highways intersect around Wels. But in Gmunden you still enjoy the mountain scenery.
Gmunden is suitable as a base for exploring the region around Traunsee, Bad Ischl. It’s not near to Hallstatt for day trip, although it is still possible. But for a real exploration of the mountainous part of the Salzkammergut, it is better to find an accomodation closer.
Hallstatt Ostuferweg. Around the lake
Hallstatt Ostuferweg is a popular hiking and cycling trail overlooking Hallstatt and Lake Hallstatt. There is also a hiking and cycling trail along the eastern bank of the Hallstattersee (where the railway runs). It is part of a long bike trail that goes to a nearby lake. In some places, it goes along footbridges above the water.
Tennengau, Pongau, Dachstein attractions map
Some of the attractions of Tennengau, Pongau, Dachstein attractions map are reachable from Salzburg on a day trip, but Dachstein deserves at least a week and belongs rather to Salzkammergut region.
Dachstein caves. Three different caves for every taste
The karst mountains of the Dachstein and the massif opposite, called the Dead Mountains, are dotted with numerous and longest cave systems. In fact, 240 caves and cave systems have been discovered in the area and new ones are found every year. But three Dachstein caves are open to the public: ice, very large and “roaring” cave.
If you want to see two caves in one day and walk along the plateau, then plan for this all day and arrive early. But it is better to do it within two days.