Upper Austria | Salzkammergut Resort Guide

Stunned by the natural wonders of Upper Austria and Salzkammergut? Thinking of buying a property in this Austrian paradise? We have a collection of lovely lake and mountain properties for sale. Check out this area guide to understand all the appeals of this amazing region. 

Upper Austria and Salzkammergut are home to some spectacular alpine scenery, great skiing terrains and numerous winter and summer attractions. 

  • Elevation up to 2109m
  • Total ski runs 63km (across Dachstein West and Krippenstein-Obertraun, black 3 / red 40 / blue 20)
  • World Heritage Sites: Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau, Obertraun
  • Ten golf courses in the area 
  • Transport Links: By car from Salzburg Airport 1h

Do not miss: The 11km long valley run in the Krippenstein skiing area is the longest groomed run in Austria. Also, visit the hair-rising 5Fingers Viewing Platform hanging over a 400m drop which reaches out as a real hand and and offers spectacular views of the Hallstatt lake. 

Find Property on Sale in Upper Austria  / Salzkammergut

Resort Overview

Upper Austria is one of the nine federal states forming the Republic of Austria. Its capital is Linz and it borders with Germany and the Czech Republic. The Salzkammergut, which literally means the ‘Salt Chamber Estate’ and its name dates back to the Habsburg Monarchy period, is a resort area stretching from Salzburg to the Dachstein mountains and officially falling under the Upper Austria, Styria and Salzburg states. The combined region shelters some spectacular scenery of glacial alpine lakes, rolling hills and craggy mountain ranges. This is a stunning destination full of natural wonders such as probably the most instagrammed place in Austria, the village of Hallstatt with its crystal clear lake, or Bad Ischl, where the Emperor Franz Joseph and Sisi first met and fell in love. Here you are never too far from some ski adventures and the abundance of beautiful natural sites makes of this area a paradise for hiking, cycling and relaxing, attracting visitors throughout the year. Excursions to one of the World Heritage Sites such as Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau or Obertraun are a joy across the four seasons. You can find some great property opportunities around this area and property market remains stable. 

Winter Season & Ski

Fans of winter sports will have plenty to do in the region. The largest skiing area is the Dachstein West area comprising the three villages of Gosau, Russbach and Annaberg and offering more than 50km of perfectly groomed slopes. The highest resort in the region is Krippenstein-Obertraun with 12km of prepared terrain and over 30km of marked but ungroomed ski routes for those who look for a challenge. With this many off-piste variants and its rough aspect, the Freesports Arena Krippenstein is a paradise for freeriders and snowboarders. The 11km long valley run is the longest slope in Austria. 

Summer Season

In summer, Upper Austria and the Salzkammergut region offer a variety of diverse activities that range from sightseeing opportunities in picturesque villages, adrenaline sports to mountain hiking, swimming in one of its many alpine lakes and simple relaxing amid the amazing scenery. Below the ground, you can discover the mystic world of the caves including the Dachstein Ice Cave, the Mammut Cave or the Koppenbrüller Cave. Adventurous spirits will love the via ferrattas ranging from the Seewand aimed at experienced climbers to the slightly easier Dachstein Krippenstein, both boasting amazing views over the inner Salzkammergut. For families with children, the Heilbronner Circular Trail lends itself to comfortable walking and is marked by educational and fun attractions such as the Dachstein Shark. When it comes to the wet fun, the Salzkammergut with over 70 turquoise alpine lakes, is one of the best areas in Austria for eager swimmers. For lovers of golf, 10 golf courses await you in the Salzkammergut, each beautifully set against a scenic natural backdrop and offering different level of difficulty whether you are a rookie or a pro. 

Food Scene

The region is filled with culinary delights and the specialties include the famous Kaiserschmarrn, the Krapfen (a doughnut-like pastry), the Tennengau cheeses and the Lebkuchen (gingerbread). All produce tend to originate from local farmers and are organic, sustainable and tasty. The art of schnapps distilling has a long tradition in the region, so why not visit one of the distilleries to appreciate the art and savour some of the many varieties on offer?

Find Property on Sale in Upper Austria / Salzkammergut

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