LAKes & MountAins

The land of lakes and mountains

A lArge number of lakes, rivers and waterfalls are dotted across the Salzburg region in the city of Salzburg and its surroundings, as well as in Salzkammergut and the numerous mountain valleys. The sunshine in summer gives the water a particular sparkle. A refreshing bathing session, a relaxing boat trip at one of the crystal-clear lakes or a walk to one of the waterfalls shows off the Salzburg region in summer at its most beautiful.

Salzkammergut

overAll, SAlzkAmmergut comprises 76 lakes, rivers and brooks distributed across three federal states. Among the most impressive lakes on the Salzburg side is lake Fuschlsee (see page 11), one of the purest bathing lakes in Austria and the Wolfgangsee lake with the resorts of St Gilgen, St Wolfgang and Strobl. You can explore this area by ship along the waterways with the Wolfgangsee Schiffahrt company. Unique views across Salzkammergut can be enjoyed from the Schafbergbahn cable car, Austria’s steepest steam-powered cog railway. Depending on the weather, as many as 13 lakes can be seen from the peak of the Schafberg. ■ www.fuschlseeregion.com

Salzburg Lake District

the SAlzburg lAke diStrict is just a 20-minute car drive from the city of Salzburg and offers a wide range of natural treasures. The Wallersee, Mattsee, Grabensee and Obertrumer See lakes, all of drinking water quality, are set beautifully within the gently rolling hills between well-tended meadows and rich woodlands, making this an ideal holiday destination in SalzburgerLand. ■ www.salzburger-seenland.at

Zell am See – Kaprun

the zell Am See – kAprun region offers pure mountain air, clear water and Alpine highlands. The best way of observing the mountains and landscapes in comfort from the water is on a panoramic boat trip on the crystal-clear Zeller See lake. From here, unique views of the Kitzsteinhorn mountain can be enjoyed – a real highlight of the Salzburg region with its 3,203m altitude and glacier. The Mooserboden and Wasserfallboden reservoirs (see page 36) are also located in the Kaprunertal valley at around 2,000m between the imposing cliffs of the Hohe Tauern range, making this a very special destination. ■ www.zellamsee-kaprun.com Above, Lake Fuschl; below left, Zell am See; below right, Lake Wolfgangsee