© Foto Fuschlseeregion/Lienbacher Wolfgang: Volkstanz beim Bauernherbst
Man sieht eine Pärchen welches gerade einen Volkstanz tanzt.

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Culture & Traditions in Salzkammergut

What is it that makes the Salzkammergut so attractive? Here in the Salzkammergut, the culture is so alive and the customs so authentic - experience for yourself.

What makes the Salzkammergut so attractive?

Welcome to the Salzkammergut. Rich in tradition, history, culture and customs, the perfect blend of tradition and modernity has always attracted artists from all over the world. Since time immemorial, the Salzkammergut has inspired writers, poets, musicians and painters, providing them with the necessary peace and serenity to create their works. No wonder, then, that many famous artists have found their home here and created some of their most significant works. From Franz Lehár to Gustav Mahler and Gustav Klimt to Klaus Maria Brandauer - they all found impulses for their artistic creations in the stimulating landscape of the Salzkammergut, and also left a trace or two behind.

 

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The charm of the summer resort has tradition in the Salzkammergut

Emperors and aristocrats have already chosen the Salzkammergut as their favorite place for summer retreats. And even today, the charm that enchanted Emperor Franz Josef and his beloved Sisi can still be felt throughout the Salzkammergut. Everywhere in the Salzkammergut you can feel the presence of the imperial and royal monarchy. Monarchy and experience lived tradition up close. Every step leads you to places full of history and stories waiting to be discovered by you.

UNESCO world cultural heritage and ancient salt

In the midst of the Salzkammergut shines a special jewel: the UNESCO Cultural & Natural Heritage Sites of the Hallstatt-Dachstein region. Salt has been mined in the Salzkammergut for thousands of years. Hallstatt can look back on a fascinating history. The theme of salt has great significance in the Salzkammergut to this day and shapes the region in a unique way. Discover the traces of salt extraction and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Salzkammergut.

Get to know real Salzkammergut craftsmanship

In the Salzkammergut, history and tradition have also left their mark on handicrafts. Handmade products have always had a high value here. Whether it's the famous Goiserer shoes, once worn by Emperor Franz Josef, hand-printed traditional costume fabrics from Ausseerland, tailor-made dirndls or hand-sewn lederhosen, or the famous Ischl or Aussee hats - in the Salzkammergut, the garment becomes a work of art. Discover the handicraft side of the Salzkammergut and experience first-hand how the art of craftsmanship has been cultivated for centuries.

Folk culture: where tradition and customs are lived out.

The Salzkammergut is not only known for its craftsmanship, but also for its importance in the field of instrument making, genuine folk music and folk culture. Numerous music bands, shooting clubs and traditional costume groups bear witness to this lively and authentic folk culture in the Salzkammergut. Here the cultural heritage is cultivated and passed on with much love. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of folk culture and experience first-hand how the Salzkammergut is still an important place for art, culture and crafts today.

Where tradition meets modernity

The Salzkammergut culture is characterised by the connection between past and present, which flow harmoniously into one another. Experience a journey through world history, immerse yourself in traditional customs and be inspired by the vibrant culture of the present.

Ein Pärchen hört 4 Volksmusikanten zu. Es werden die Instrumente Gitarre, Flügelhorn, Harmonika und Harfe gespielt. Die Musikanten sitzen im Freien vor einem alten Holzhaus. Dahinter sieht man eine Gebirgslandschaft.
Folk music in the Salzkammergut
The music, from parlour music to dance music, reflects the nature and life of the people.
© Foto Salzkammergut Tourismus/Katrin Kerschbaumer: Volksmusik im Salzkammergut
This picture shows the centre of Hallstatt with the two churches and Lake Hallstatt.
UNESCO
World Heritage
© Hallstatt in the morning Photo: Julian Elliott Photography
In this photo you can see illuminated salt stones in the salt mine in Hallstatt
Salzwelten
Experience salt mines
© Salt stones in the Hallstatt salt mine Photo: Salzwelten

Salzkammergut garment

Whether it's the famous Goiserer shoes, hand-printed traditional costume fabrics from Ausseerland, tailor-made dirndls or hand-sewn lederhosen, or the famous Ischler or Ausseer hats - in the Salzkammergut, every item of clothing becomes a work of art.

A daffodil sovereign in traditional Aussee costume holds a meadow flower bush in her hand.
The dirndl
"Every woman is beautiful in a dirndl." - Vivienne Westwood
© 62nd Daffodil Festival in Ausseerland-Salzkammergut Daffodil Festival, Ausseerland, Salzkammergut, Styria, Austria, Flower Festival 11.06.2021, Altaussee, Styria, Austria (Austria): Preparations for the 62nd Daffodil Festival in the Ausseerland-Salzkammer
Museums & Galleries
Art and culture experiences
© ©Tourism AssociationDanubeUpperAustriaGoodMorningWorldMelanieSchillinger Cities, Perger Millstone Museum
Der Schuhmacher sitzt in seiner Werkstatt und nagelt mit dem Hammer die Sohle fest.
Craft
Handmade & much appreciated
© Schaffensraum © Red Bull Media House_Servus Salzkammergut_Mirco Talercio - Die Geschichte ist in Servus Salzkammergut erschienen
Kühe gehen hintereinander schön geschmückt - der Almabtrieb ist voll im Gange
Almabtrieb
Homecoming from the alp
© Hintersee_Almabrieb©TVBFuschlseeregion-_Wolfgang_Lienbacher_Fotografie

Traditional festivals throughout the year

Traditional festivals take place throughout the year in the Salzkammergut. From church holidays and traditional parades to hearty traditional events - take up the offer and celebrate glittering festivals together with the locals.

Wir sehen drei große Glöckler-Kappen. Diese handgefertigten Kunstwerke werden am 05. Jänner von Männern auf den Schultern getragen und von Ort zu Ort gebracht um die Wintergeister auszutreiben. Die Kappen sind mit Kerzen bzw. Lichter hinterleuchtet.
Glöckler
Banish evil spirits
© Foto Salzkammergut/Katrin Kerschbaumer: Glöckler vom Traunsee
Eine für den Ebenseer Fetzenfasching verkleidete Person steht vorm Traunsee in Ebensee im Salzkammergut und präsentiert die Verkleidung. Der gesamte Körper ist mit bunten Fetzen geschmückt und das Gesicht ist hinter einer Holzmaske versteckt. Der Mann trägt einen Schirm.
Carnival
Colorful hustle and bustle in Salzkammergut
© Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Marc Schwarz: Verkleidet für den Ebenseer Fetzenfasching vor dem Traunsee im Salzkammergut.
Zwei Kinder halten ein Lebkuchenherz und geben sich ein Bussi.
Liebstattsonntag
Saying thank you to love
© Liebstattsonntag Gmunden - Klemens Fellner
Ein Palmbuschen mit Zweigen und Äpfeln wird gebunden.
Easter
Customs an traditions
© Palmbuschen binden - Kunstbahr TVB Wolfgangsee
Eine Skulptur auch Narzissen schwebt über einen See. Die Skulptur stellt einen Elefanten dar, der seinen Rüssel in die Luft streckt.
Narzissenfest
Traditional flower festival
© Narzissenfest ©STMG/ Schoiswohl
Several people in historical costumes stroll through Bad Ischl on a red carpet.
Kaisertage
Her Highness the Emperor
© Emperor's Stroll on 17 August
Männer in Tracht
Bauernherbst
Experience up close
© Männer in Tracht mit Wanderstecken auf einer Wiese in Bad Ischl.
Altausseer Kiritag
The original in Ausseerland
© Altausseer Kirtag - Feuerwehr Altaussee
Buben halten Jahrgangsschilder
Liachtbratlmontag
Celebration of the jubilees
© Buben halten die Jahrgangsschilder am Liachtbratlmontag in Bad Ischl.
View through a glimmer of light of the wintry Wolfgangsee, the huge Peace Light Lantern of the Wolfgansee Advent and the snow-covered mountains in the background.
Advent
Traditional pre-Christmas season
© Photo Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach: The large Peace Light Lantern on Lake Wolfgang.
Zwei aus Holz geschnitzte Krampus-Masken
Krampus
A scary beautiful spectacle
© Krampusse © Siegfried Zink
HeimatvereinZurAltenLinde(3)_FaistenauerJedermann
All events
© HeimatvereinZurAltenLinde(3)_FaistenauerJedermann

With the Freizeit-Ticket OÖ to the Salzkammergut

You can travel to the Salzkammergut in comfort with the Freizeit-Ticket OÖ. The ticket is valid throughout Upper Austria and the Salzkammergut region, which spans several federal states. For 24.90 euros per day, valid until 3 am the following day, you can use this ticket alone, as a couple or with your whole family (two adults and four children under 15). Valid on city transport, regional buses, Stern & Hafferl local trains, ÖBB local and regional trains. Not valid on long-distance trains.

Information about the Freizeit-Ticket OÖ

The online travel guide

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