UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE REGION SALZKAMMERGUT
Nature - Sport - Culture - Culinary - Events
Welcome to the Salzkammergut, a destination of unrivalled beauty, nestled in the Austrian Alps.
The Salzkammergut is characterised by a unique combination of salt, mountains and bathing lakes
and is divided into 8 regions, each with its own character.
It is home to world-famous towns such as Hallstatt and Bad Ischl, which are proud UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Over 70 lakes, from small and idyllic to large and impressive, invite you to linger and lend the region a very special atmosphere.
The natural gem of Gosau is located in the centre of the Dachstein Salzkammergut World Heritage Site and in the Dachstein West ski area. The picturesque mountain village attracts visitors with its enchanting mountain and lake landscape and offers over 300 signposted hiking trails, via ferratas for all levels at the Gosau reservoir, numerous mountain bike trails, 160 kilometres of ski slopes and 40 kilometres of cross-country ski trails.
Capital of Culture 2024
Discover Culture in Salzkammergut
In 2024, the Salzkammergut, with Bad Ischl as its banner city, will hold the title of European Capital of Culture. For the first time in history, it will take place in the
inner-Alpine region and unites the cultural diversity of 23 municipalities,
including Gosau.
Excursions & Events in the Salzkammergut
discover sights & events all year round
Explore the beauty of nature and culture in the Salzkammergut all year round! Our Vitalhotel in Gosau is the perfect starting point for unforgettable experiences. From historical sights to cultural events - there's something for everyone here. Find out more about the top recommendations in the area and don't miss any events with our current overview. Welcome to an unforgettable stay in the heart of the Salzkammergut!
Hallstatt Salt Mine
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hallstatt and the oldest salt mine in the world - the Hallstatt Salt Mine. Afterwards you can stop off at the Rudolfsturm Hallstatt with a World Heritage view of Lake Hallstatt and the surrounding mountains.
Bad Ischl
Bad Ischl is the imperial town in the heart of the Salzkammergut. With its thermal springs and rich imperial history, it offers cultural highlights and culinary experiences. Recommendation: savour the famous Zaunerstollen at Café Zauner
Krippenstein Mountain
Experience adventures in summer and winter: Giant ice cave, mammoth cave, Five Fingers viewing platform, Dachstein Shark and
marvellous hiking opportunities and ski slopes await you on the Dachstein plateau.
St. Wolfgang
Explore the pilgrimage site of St. Wolfgang or take Austria's steepest cog railway up the Schafberg and enjoy the 360° mountain panorama at the summit. Alternatively, you can visit all the villages around the lake on the Wolfgangsee boat trip.
Gmunden Ceramics
Discover the handmade unique pieces of the Gmundner Ceramics Manufactory. Free tickets for guided tours are available at our reception. Experience the craft since 1492 and be inspired for your table decoration!
Festival City of Salzburg
The city of Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, delights visitors with its rich history and impressive architecture. Visit Mozart's birthplace, the baroque old town and Mirabell Palace or experience music in the festival theatres.
… where summer has so many facets
The Vitalhotel Gosau is not only called Vitalhotel, it is an ideal place to get body and soul going. In summer, over 300 signposted hiking trails lure you out to meadows and alpine pastures, to mountain peaks, waterfalls and mountain lakes. We recommend to customers what to do in Gosau according to the season. Excellent via ferratas for every level at the Gosau reservoir and numerous mountain bike trails inspire mountain lovers. E-bikes can be rented directly at the hotel. An excursion to the famous Gosau grindstone quarries or to the primeval forest will be enjoyed by the whole family. The proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hallstatt and the Cultural Capital 2024 Bad Ischl provide cultural variety in the holiday programme. The festival city of Salzburg is within easy reach. Four courses within a radius of 50 kilometres await golfers.
… and winter is romantic
In winter it is cosy and comfortable at the Vitalhotel Gosau. Outside, the snowy landscape becomes an active area. Directly behind the hotel, cross-country skiers enter the 40-kilometre-long cross-country ski trail. Two cable cars lead to the winter sports and ski touring paradise Dachstein West. Glide down 160 kilometres of superbly groomed pistes between Salzburg and Upper Austria, with the fantastic Dachstein panorama always in view. Snowshoe hikers and tourers experience unforgettable winter landscapes. Families spend carefree winter days in the children's ski areas and on the Gaudi slopes. The ski bus from the hotel to the Dachstein West ski region is free of charge.
