Salzkammergut Mountains

The Salzkammergut Mountains are a limestone range in Upper Austria and Salzburg with peaks around 2,000 meters and numerous lakes scattered through the valleys. The landscape combines steep mountainsides with green meadows and water bodies that define the entire terrain.

Salt mining from the Bronze Age onward shaped the region's economy and settlement patterns, particularly around Hallstatt and Bad Ischl. The mining infrastructure and related industries left marks on the landscape that are still visible today.

Salt mining shaped the settlements and traditions throughout this area, which remain visible in how communities are organized and what they celebrate. Local crafts and customs tied to this heritage are still practiced and shared with visitors through museums and workshops.

The mountains are crossed by long-distance trails like the Via Alpina and Voralpen Route, offering routes for different hiking abilities. Bring sturdy footwear and check weather forecasts before setting out, since conditions can change rapidly at higher elevations.

The Schafberg summit offers a complete circular view of the surrounding lakes and neighboring mountain ranges in all directions. This 360-degree perspective reveals the full scale of the landscape in a way few other viewpoints in the region can match.