Salzkammergut panorama Where imperial trails meet modern adventures
Bad Ischl is the gateway to a landscape full of beauty and tranquility. Nature unfolds in all its glory here. From the majestic Katrin cable car with its sweeping 360° panorama, the tranquil Nussensee lake, which invites you to take a gentle break in the shade of the trees, to the picturesque Siriuskogl with its charming hiking trails and views of sparkling mountain lakes. Around Bad Ischl, numerous paths open up to you, freeing your mind and awakening your senses. The Salzkammergut, with its more than 70 lakes and gentle mountains, allows you to experience life at a slower pace.
Whether you follow in the footsteps of the imperial family or enjoy the view from the Dachstein, every nature lover will find the right holiday activity here. With over 200 kilometers of well-signposted hiking trails and an extensive mountain bike network right on your doorstep, adventures await that will remain in your memory. The Salzkammergut offers numerous activities and sights during your summer vacation in Bad Ischl. Here you will find space for exercise, tranquility, and inspiration - whatever you need.
Cultural summer in Bad Ischl Between the pump room and the theater
Culture has a firm place in Bad Ischl, yet at the same time enjoys all the freedom in the world. Here, boogie and tradition, operetta and avant-garde, summer retreats and musical diversity come together. Between the pump room and the theater, between monuments and the present. Concerts, readings, exhibitions, and festivals take place here throughout the year. The highlight is the cultural summer, featuring events such as the Lehár Festival, which showcases operettas against a historical backdrop, and the city festival, which fills the city center with music, charm, and joie de vivre.
And if you want to dive deeper into Bad Ischl's history, follow the digital cultural trails. Interactive city maps lead you to literary sites, the graves of important personalities, and testimonies to the imperial era. Bad Ischl does not live from the past, but with it.
and learned, to find herself again. In Bad Ischlshe breathed easier –
Only 30 minutes from Bad Ischl Hallstatt – the UNESCO World Heritage Site on your doorstep
The picturesque village of Hallstatt is only half an hour's drive from the Grand Elisabeth and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. The fjord-like Lake Hallstatt reflects the imposing mountain backdrop of the Dachstein massif and provides the perfect setting for your summer trip to the Salzkammergut. The Hallstatt Salt Worlds take you into the oldest salt mine in the world, where 7,000 years of salt mining history come to life in the mystical tunnels. The historic salt mine cable car takes you to the spectacular “Welterbeblick” skywalk, which stretches 350 meters above the town and offers panoramic views of the entire Salzkammergut region.
Early morning or late afternoon are the ideal times to visit Hallstatt, when the tourist crowds thin out and the lake glows in golden light. Water sports enthusiasts will find ideal conditions for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Hallstatt, while traditional Zille boat trips with Schifffahrt Navia offer authentic insights into the region's maritime past. To hikers, we recommend the lesser-known Hallstatt High Trail, which promises spectacular views far away from the main paths. Traveling by public transportation or ferry is particularly advisable in summer, as the P1-P4 parking lots fill up quickly.
Between Beinstadt and mountain panorama Hallstatt's cultural treasures and hidden gems
The historic market square forms the vibrant heart of Hallstatt, surrounded by centuries-old Alpine houses, each facade telling its own story. The Catholic parish church of the Assumption of Mary towers majestically over the village and houses the famous Hallstatt ossuary – a unique collection of artistically painted skulls that bear witness to a special burial tradition. The Hallstatt World Heritage Museum takes you through 4,000 years of settlement history and presents world-class archaeological finds, including relics from the famous Hallstatt period.
Photographers are inevitably drawn to the classic postcard motif on Gosaumühlstraße, where the perfect ensemble of church towers, Alpine houses, and lake scenery presents itself against the backdrop of the Dachstein massif. Away from the main paths, a stroll through the winding alleys leads you to hidden viewpoints and traditional craft workshops. The nearby Rudolfsturm, a medieval defense tower, offers another perspective on the UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique location between the lake and the steep rock face.
Hiking & running
Hiking and running with mountain scenery! A popular route is the Katrin, with an easy ascent thanks to the cable car. From there, you have a magnificent view of Wolfgangsee, Mondsee, and more. Other popular tours are the Siriuskogel or the 7-Lakes Hike. For runners, we recommend well-marked trails such as the “Salzkammer Radweg” or mountain runs around the Dachstein. Detailed maps and guided tours are available at the tourist office.
Cycling
For pleasure-seeking hobby bikers, the flat route along the Traun Cycle Path or the “Hallstättersee Circular Trail” is ideal. Mountain bikers will find exciting trails around the Dachstein, such as the “Goiserer Runde” with its varied terrain. For e-bikers, there are rental stations directly in Bad Ischl. Some rental companies offer guided tours that take you to the most beautiful spots in the area.
Golfing
The region offers some of Austria's most beautiful golf courses: for example, the Salzkammergut Golf Club in Bad Ischl with its fantastic location right on the lake shore, or the Gosau Golf Club with its mountain panorama. Perfect for beginners, there are introductory courses, while advanced players can enjoy challenging fairways and varied courses. Many courses also offer equipment rental and cozy clubhouses to round off the day.
Climbing
The Katrin via ferrata offers a challenge for experienced climbers with breathtaking panoramic views over Bad Ischl and the surrounding lakes. For families and beginners, the climbing gardens in Bad Goisern are ideal, with varying degrees of difficulty. Many local providers offer courses and guided climbing tours, including equipment rental.
Water activities
Wolfgangsee and Mondsee are ideal for swimming, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. SUP tours are particularly popular in the early morning when the water is still calm. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you can rent a pedal boat or electric boat. Some lakes offer SUP yoga classes for a unique experience on the water.
Lake cruises
The historic steamboat on Lake Wolfgang or the Mondsee boat service are perfect excursion boats for exploring the lakeside towns and mountain scenery from the water in a relaxed manner. Evening trips with music and picnics are particularly popular in summer. Combination tickets with hikes or boat trips make planning easier and save money.
