Places of interest

The reason why Salzburg was honoured by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997 is easy to understand if you know the history of the city.

Salzburg was characterised above all by the archbishops. They were enthusiastic about the splendour of the Papal States of Rome and also wanted Salzburg to flourish anew. In the 17th and 18th centuries, they commissioned the greatest architects and had churches, houses, gardens and fountains designed in the Baroque style. Salzburg earned the money for this by trading in salt, gold and other raw materials.

The most outstanding prince archbishops are Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, Markus Sittikus von Hohenems and Paris Lodron. They were responsible for the construction of the Old Residence, the Residence Square, the Cathedral Square, the new cathedral and Hellbrunn Palace and much more.

A special building that existed long before the prince archbishops is the Hohensalzburg Fortress. It is the city’s landmark and one of the largest castles in Europe, dating back to the 11th century. With more than one million visitors a year, Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the most visited sights in Austria.

Over the centuries, countless architects and master builders have shaped and developed the cityscape. The baroque architects Vincenzo Scamozzi, Santino Solari, Fischer von Erlach and Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt deserve special mention. They certainly lent Salzburg a large part of its beauty.

The region around Lake Mondsee shines with many different advantages – sporting highlights such as the two golf courses go hand in hand with cultural ones. There is a lot on offer for guests. Here we describe what not to miss when visiting the Mondsee region.

This world-famous place is a Mecca for romantics and those interested in culture. Beautifully situated on the lake of the same name in the heart of the Upper Austrian Salzkammergut, surrounded by a spectacular mountain world with illustrious names such as Drachenwand and Schafberg. 6,000 years of history have left their mark on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed market town – not least thanks to the pile-dwelling finds. Stroll along the quayside with the magnificent Almeidapark and enjoy the enchanting ambience of the beautiful market square over a coffee – with a view of the basilica and Mondsee Castle.

The enchanting village – just 30 kilometres from Eugendorf – casts a spell over all visitors with its charming charm. The marvellous location on the turquoise-blue Wolfgangsee has always attracted tourists from all over the world. Picturesquely framed by the imposing Schafberg and the mighty Zwölferhorn, St. Gilgen also scores points with its narrow alleyways, beautiful farmhouses, the birthplace of Mozart’s mother and true cultural gems. You will find many attractive photo spots. St. Gilgen is also a leisure paradise: great swimming spots, fabulous hikes, skiing, cross-country skiing and much more is possible here.

You can find more information about free guided tours through the centre of St. Gilgen from 5 July 2021 to 6 September 2021 on the ‘Salzburg Kultur’ website.

Want to find out more about the town centre? Everything you need to know can be found here:

The charming little village on the magical Fuschlsee lake has around 1,500 inhabitants and is also a very popular local recreation area for Salzburg residents. The municipality offers attractive highlights at any time of year, just 25 km from Eugendorf: wonderful hikes around the lake, refreshing bathing fun at the lido, a wonderful boat trip on the Zillen and winter romance on a snowshoe hike and the magical Advent market at Fuschl Castle. Fuschl also offers an excellent range of restaurants and top-class music, art and sporting events against a truly picture-book backdrop.

Nature and culture form a marvellous symphony here. Very early on, Bavarian kings spent their summer holidays in this peaceful Alpine pearl – followed by scholars, scientists and artists. They all appreciated the unspeakably good and clear air, the unique healing climate and the fantastic location at the foot of the majestic Watzmann mountain. Even today, the historic town centre with its beautiful town houses invites you to take a stroll. And visitors even feel truly imperial here: first-class shops, cosy cafés and restaurants as well as fabulous wellness temples can be found in this charming village.

St. Wolfgang enchants visitors from afar with its charming townscape. In addition, the breathtaking Schafberg mountain and the picturesque Wolfgangsee lake have virtually taken centre stage in this picturesque municipality. St. Wolfgang became world-famous thanks to the White Horse Inn and the Peter Alexander film. Also worth mentioning is the beautiful pilgrimage church with its ornate carvings. From St. Wolfgang you can enjoy a majestic panorama over the lake. Stroll along the marvellous promenade and through narrow alleyways. One of Austria’s most traditional holiday resorts and the end point of the European pilgrimage route Via Nova.

The old town centre of Bad Ischl exudes a unique charm. Known as a favourite summer retreat for the imperial family, the small town is now a world-famous spa and wellness resort. Its location in the heart of the Salzkammergut region is also scenically beautiful. Strolling through the pedestrianised zone and the romantic narrow alleyways is a real pleasure. Many treasures of this historical pearl await you: the imperial villa, spa gardens and spa centre, the legendary Zauner confectionery and much more. And all this just 45 minutes by car from Eugendorf.

Bad Ischl Tourist Office
Auböckplatz 5 – drinking hall
4820 Bad Ischl
Telephone: +43 6132 27757
E-Mail:office@badischl.at

With its royal past, this famous patisserie has truly made history – and has been doing so since 1832. Immerse yourself in a sweet fairytale at its very best. Every day, you can choose from around 250 freshly baked pastries made according to traditional recipes, such as the heavenly Zauner-Kipferl or the Kaisertorte. Add to this a delicious Melange and the gourmet ensemble is complete. In the sophisticated, relaxed atmosphere of the former imperial and royal purveyor to the court. Court purveyor and court confectioner, this café will take you back to the imperial era. Zauner – the epitome of Austrian coffee house culture.

Zauner Confectionery
Pfarrgasse 7
4820 Bad Ischl
Telephone: +43 6132 23310 20
E-mail: info@zauner.at

Gmunden – an enchanting town in the Upper Austrian Salzkammergut – on the northern shore of the idyllic Lake Traunsee. Gmunden was already a popular destination for summer holidaymakers during the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and beautiful villas are still reminiscent of this time today. Stroll across the magnificent town hall square and admire the ornate house facades. Stroll along the romantic esplanade and enjoy the marvellous view of the fairytale Ort Castle and the picturesque mountain panorama in the background. How about a cosy coffee and delicious cake in Toscanapark?

Embark on a journey of discovery into the heart of the Salzkammergut. The beautiful saltworks town of Hallstatt – a real gem, picturesquely situated on Lake Hallstatt. Stroll through the narrow, romantic alleyways – past charming alpine-style houses. There is also a picture-book market square, cosy cafés and small souvenir shops. A total work of art from the 16th century with unique photo motifs. Every year, thousands of tourists make a pilgrimage here to conquer the ‘most beautiful lakeside town in the world’ – as Alexander von Humboldt affectionately described Hallstatt.

Hallstatt Tourist Office
Seestraße 99
4830 Hallstatt
Telephone: +43 5 95095 30
E-mail: info@dachstein-salzkammergut.at