The region south-east of Salzburg is called the Salzkammergut. That translates to ‘salt estates’. The name derives from the fact that, historically, the salt mines of the region were owned by the Habsburg monarchy. The mines were productive and, during the period that salt was a very valuable commodity, generated huge wealth.

The Salzkammergut is an alpine region of lakes, mountains, steep valleys and forests. It’s particularly known for its lakes, with the area being home to over 70 lakes. The area is not particularly well-known outside Austria, but it’s cherished by Austrians as a scenically stunning outdoor playground. It might seem odd that an area formerly known for its salt mines could be so scenically appealing. But the salt mines were underground mines, with the salt rocks extracted via shafts driven deep into the mountains, so their above-ground impact is very limited.

The southern portion of the Salzkammergut includes the Dachstein Massif and the Gosaukamm mountains. The Dachstein Massif is centred around Dachstein mountain (2,996m) and its namesake glacier. The nearby Gosaukamm is an imposing range of limestone peaks reminiscent of Chamonix’s Aiguille Rouges.

Also located in the southern portion of the Salzkammergut is the incredibly attractive village of Hallstatt. Hallstatt was established in the 1500’s as a base for the nearby salt mines. It’s perched on the edge of a lake hemmed in by towering mountains. Hallstatt was central to the whole Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut area attracting World Heritage Site status in 1997.

There are many multi-day walk possibilities in the Salzkammergut. A high level circuit walk in the southern portion that combines lakes and mountains is described below. There are many other established multi-day walks in the Salzkammergut, some of which focus more on the lakes and less on the higher regions of the Dachstein.

Assistance and further information:

• For assistance in undertaking any walks in the Salzkammergut, click the button below.

• For information on other walks in Austria, click the button below.

One of the best walks in the Salzkammergut is a high level circuit that loops around the Dachstein Massif. To learn more, click the button below.

Dachstein Circuit

A circuit walk in the spectacular southern portion of the Salzkammergut that combines the giant mountain of the region, Dachstein, with several of the Salzkammergut’s beautiful lakes. A visit to the UNESCO recognised village of Hallstatt can be easily incorporated into this walk.