Salzkammergut spans the federal states (Bundesland) of Upper Austria (Oberösterreich), Salzburg (Salzburgerland), and Styria (Steiermark). The Styrian part is also called Ausseerland.
Ausseerland:
The Salzkammergut (literally translated: Property of the Salt Chamber) is one of the most beautiful holiday regions in Austria, with its name coming from its history as the premier spot for salt ("Salz") mining. As salt was and is important, it was under direct control by the Emperors in Vienna - that's where the name "Kammer" came from.
If you have seen the movie The Sound Of Music then you know what that lake region looks like, because that movie was filmed in and around the city of Salzburg and the neighboring Salzkammergut region.
Sparkling clean lakes, green hills, wonderful mountains, romantic towns (like St. Wolfgang and Hallstatt) make up this region that is filled to the rim with scenic beauty and a rich local culture.
If you ever visit the city of Salzburg and don't see this glorious lake region just half an hour by car east of the city then you have truly missed out on the most beautiful part of Austria. The region is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site as "Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape".
The regional train has a comprehensive service running through the heart of the Salzkammergut and on into Styria. This provides easy access to the region from both Salzburg and Vienna, passing through Gmunden, Bad Ischl, Bad Goisern, Hallstatt and Obertraun.
I would however suggest car hire as the best way in which to explore this fascinating region. This gives you the freedom to explore area such as Gosausee and St Wolfgangsee, not accessible by train.
Related: UNESCO World Heritage List
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