We love going to the farmers' markets in Bad Ischl. Even if you have to prepare for higher prices, it's really worth it just for the cuckoo.

Every Friday from 7AM to 12PM (noon)

Just a few kilometers from us in the town of Bad Aussee, the largest flower festival in Austria takes place every year - the daffodil festival. Wild white daffodils decorate the meadows of the Ausseerland region in spring, transforming the idyllic landscape of mountains and lakes into a blooming sea. Daffodil festivities feature sculptures that are masterfully crafted from white daffodil flowers woven into large wire-framed sculptures reinforced with moss and wood. Then in Bad Aussee there is a merry corso with folk bands and daffodil sculptures are displayed on the cars. In the afternoon, the festivities move to Lake Altaussee, where the sculptures appear on boats and the jury then chooses the most interesting creation. This year's festival will take place from the 1st till the 4th of June.

The Salzkammergut (Salt Chamber) is an ideal world for bikers. The unique combination of impressive mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, mountain huts and the world cultural heritage of Dachstein-Hallstatt together with over 1,300 kilometers of marked mountain bike trails form the perfect backdrop for the globally highly regarded and popular bike marathon - the Salzkammergut Trophy. One part of it even leads almost under the windows of our house. It will take place from the 12th till the 14th of July this year.

Skis

For skiing go to the Dachstein West resort, specifically Gosau, which is linked to the Russbach and Annaberg resorts. 160 km of exclusive slopes, this is the closest and most accessible alpine resort from the Czech Republic.

For lovers of unusual skiing (or paragliding), we give a tip for skiing on the peaks of Krippenstein.

Sledge

Sledding is not just fun for children. You can sledge, for example, in Bad Goisern on the medium-difficulty Trockentannrodelbahn, which is very popular in the winter months, or in Gosau on the Rabenkogel toboggan.

Relax

A salt river, a salt cave, a swimming pool, saunas, these are the thermal baths in Bad Ischl called Eurothermen Resort, and it is rightfully among our regular stops. Whether it's after a day on the skis or just for fun, either way it's an experience!

Hiking

The Salzkammergut is interconnected with thousands of kilometers of hiking trails. We'd be lying if we said we've gone through most of it. But we'll give you a tip on our favorites.

Gosau lakes - this is a system of three lakes. From the first lake there is probably the best-known view of the Dachstein glacier. From there, you head up through the second lake, which mostly has no water, to the third lake, where you can swim in the clear, but icy water and have something good to eat after kilometres in foot in a local challete.

From the first lake, it is also possible to take the Gosaukammbahn cable car to the Gablonzer Hütte and from there follow the hiking trail to the town of Gosau, where you can end the trip up with a visit to the Kirchenwirt (three small churches).

For advanced hikers, we recommend crossing of the ridge from Gosau to Halstatt. You can start the trail again at the first lake. And for the very advanced ones, the first lake is the starting point for the ascent via the Adamekhütte to the Dachstein itself.

The Ostuferwanderweg - the coastal path around Lake Hallstatt starts almost under our windows. From us you can reach Obertraun or Hallstatt by walk or by bike. Along the way, don't forget to stop for a radler and roast chicken wrap at the amazing Seeraunzn pub.

What would the Alps be without "alms" - typical alpine meadows. Hütteneckalm is one of the best for us. By walk or by bike, in any case in the shade of hundred-year-old chestnut trees with a view of the Dachstein, with a chilled beer, it's simply a true Alpine experience.

Bike

It is true that the Salzkammergut is a paradise for bikers. At the same time, we have to admit that with the massive development of e-bikes it is becoming quite tight in some places, and dealing with tourists requires common respect and bright consideration on both sides.

The same applies to hiking trails, there are thousands of bike paths and cycle routes in the Salt Chamber. Do you want to go to St. Wolfgang? Or are you about trying one of the Salzkammergut Trophy routes? You can also find inspiration on the Chamber's official website.

Swimming

In the Salzkammergut there are countless lakes in which you can swim freely. Most places offer groomed beaches with facilities, e.g. Wolfgang See, Lake Hallstatt, Attersee, Traunsee, Fuschl See and others. The water quality is incomparably better than water bodies in the Czech Republic or elsewhere. The water temperature in individual lakes then depends on how deep, large and how high the lake is. The warmest water is in the Wolfgang See and the Traunsee, and the coldest in the Gosau lakes. In addition to swimming, the lake also offers water activities such as boating, paddleboarding, etc. Lovers of naturism will also enjoy themselves, e.g. at Lake Hallstatt.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt, it is not only a UNESCO monument overcrowded by tourists. It offers much more. The romance of narrow winding streets is combined with the calm waters of a deep lake. If you want to avoid the crowds of tourists, the ideal time to visit the town is either early in the morning or late in the evening. It is also good to keep in mind that the sun in Hallstatt shines only in the morning and in the noon, as soon as it goes behind the mountain tops, a shadow spreads over the town. Then it is ideal to visit the Salzwelten salt mine. You can also get to Hallstatt by a beautiful walk directly from us, around the lake along the path called Ostuferwanderweg. From nearby village Obertraun, you can take the cable car to the top of Krippenstein and then to the 5fingers lookout or the ice cave.

Bad Ischl

Imperial summer residence. European capital of culture for 2024. Home of the operetta magician Franz Lehár. A famous spa town. All this and much more is the charming Bad Ischl. We recommend visiting the Imperial villa, the Zauner confectionery, the spa or taking the panoramic Katrin cable car to the top, where you can enjoy mountain hiking, gastronomy and marvelous views of all directions.

Salzburg

Less than 60 km away, Mozart's birthplace is definitely perfect destination for your day trip. You can find a castle, a fortress, gardens, museums or the Salzburg Summer Festival on the "stage of the world". And don't forget that the only real Mozart balls are those from Fürst!

St. Wolfgang

This town is known as a holiday town and as the place where one of the most beautiful Advents in entire Austria is held. But the biggest attraction is a trip by steam train to the top of Schafberg or a boat ride on Lake Wolfgangsee. If you stay with us, do not miss this opportunity, it is truly a wonderful experience.

Fuschl am See

Just few visitors know that this holiday village, which you drive through on your way to Salzburg, is home to the world-famous company that "gives some of us wings" - Red Bull. In addition to visiting the gardens of this complex, we highly recommend a walk around the lake. Not only can you swim in the beautiful water along the way, but you'll also come across a fish bistro (Schloss Fuschl Fischerei) that offers delicious local fish dishes. For those who don't want to walk, we have good news - you can also get there by car :-)

Gmunden

Gmunden is the gateway to the Salt Chamber (Salzkammergut) from the side of the highway, which you will probably follow from the Czech Republic or Vienna. Hand-made Gmunden ceramic is world-famous, and you can see its production live in local manufactory. Also it is worth to mention a visit of the Ort water castle or, for fit and brave tourists, a hike and climb to the guardian of the Salt Chamber, Mount Traunstein.