Austria Guide
The Salzkammergut
The Salzkammergut ( 
www.salzkammergut.at ) is Austria's most spectacular lake district. Its peaks may not be as lofty as those further west, but they have the advantage of hovering above glacier-carved, lake-filled troughs, forming a landscape of unique and celebrated beauty. The Salzkammergut offers relatively easy hiking and mountain biking, while the crystal clear lakes are the focus for water-based activities from yachting and windsurfing to sunbathing and swimming. Not a Land in its own right, the Salzkammergut is shared by Styria, the Salzburger Land and Upper Austria (by far the largest portion), though the tourist authority transcends the borders of the Länder.
Highlights
1 Lake steamers In summer, most of the lakes offer excursions by boat, and there's no more relaxing a way to sit back and enjoy the scenery.
2 Schafbergbahn Take a nostalgic ride up St Wolfgang's mountain for some of the most stunning views in the Salzkammergut.
3 Bad Ischl Franz Josef's favourite resort is suffused with the atmosphere of empire and operetta.
4 Hallstaat There are many beautiful lakeside villages in the region, but none is quite as perfect as Hallstaat, especially when approached across the water.
5 Salt mines Underwater lakes, chapels carved out of the rock salt, or buried Nazi loot – the ancient salt mines at Hallstaat and Altaussee are an adventure underground for kids and adults alike. See also "The Salzburger Land".
6 Dachstein ice caves Dramatically lit ice formations and the mysterious midnight cathedral await visitors to these highly popular show caves.