The Salzkammergut region is a real paradise for nature lovers and for those who, like me, want to discover places that are still genuine and not influenced by mass tourism. Do you know the beautiful Austrian lakes that you often see on brochures or travel magazines? Here, the Lake of Attersee is certainly one of these lakes. An instagram lake, surrounded by mountains and hills, with a relaxed and sly atmosphere.
The best way to enjoy this lake is to take one of the boats that regularly depart from the village of Attersee. This is not a common boat and has nothing to do with the ferries you are used to, but it is a small floating bar, with huge windows to enjoy the view while you sip a beer or an aperitif, maybe accompanied by a strictly local snack. Upstairs, outdoors, you can enjoy even more the view, going from one side of the lake to the other, relaxing and breathing the pure and genuine air of these land.
While you are on holiday on Lake Attersee, I recommend a visit to the Honey Farm Bienenhof Attersee: if you have time, I recommend a guided tour, where you can understand and learn more about the world of bees and the products that are produced with the honey and its derivatives, like wax.
Always at the Bienenhof Attersee there is also a nature trail with 30 stations where the world of bees is explained in detail, in a simple but informative way, surrounded by green fields and the Attersee lake in the background. On this path you also have the opportunity to see even a real beehive: a special structure with a front glass, allows you to admire the bees while they are at work. The path is free and you can follow it as you wish. A beautiful experience visiting this honey farm, especially for children, who can come into direct contact with the bees and understand their world and their mechanisms, in an interactive way thath is not boring at all. Inside the property, it is possible to buy products based on honey, but also with wax like candles and other organic products.
For an unforgettable and truly unique experience, try the little train that takes you from the Wolfgangsee lake to the Schafberg mountain along the Schafberg Railway. Since 1893 Austria’s steepest cogwheel railway takes tourists from the St. Wolfgang station to the top of the Schafberg mountain.
The route takes about 40 minutes and along the almost 6 kilometers long, it is more than 1,190 meters above sea level with a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The original cogwheel locomotives date back to the late nineteenth century and are among the oldest (still in service) in the world.
The view from here is breathtaking and sweeps over the entire Salzkammergut region and the mountains that surround it. However, if you are not lucky to find good weather, the train journey itself is already a beautiful experience, especially for children who enjoy watching the view from the windows of this century-old train.
Finally, I would recommend this region on the outskirts of Salzburg both for couple and family trip, even with young children. The locals are friendly and always ready to give advice on where to go and what to do. But trust me, there is an long list of activities that can be done in Salzkammergut…just start planning them right away.
