Altaussee

June to September is best for swimming, lake walks and mountain hikes. The Narcissus flowers bloom in late May and early June. Autumn colours are strong. Winter is cold and snowy, with ski days on the Loser.

• Altausseer See is a clear lake with a flat path around it and views of the peaks.
• Salzwelten Altaussee is a working salt mine that offers tours underground, including a salt lake and slides.
• Loser is a mountain reached by a toll road, with views over the lake and Dachstein.
• Pfarrkirche St. Ägid is the village church.
• Bräuningzinken is a peak above the lake for experienced walkers.
• Pötschenpass is a mountain pass road toward Bad Goisern.

• Walk the path around the lake.
• Tour the salt mine.
• Drive or hike up the Loser.
• Swim in the lake in summer.
• Join the Narcissus festival in nearby Bad Aussee.

• Bad Aussee is about 10 minutes away by car.
• Hallstatt is about 45 minutes away by car.
• Bad Ischl is about 40 minutes away by car.
• Obertraun is about 40 minutes away by car, with the Dachstein caves.
• Grundlsee, a nearby lake, is about 15 minutes away by car.

• Bad Aussee, Hallstatt and Obertraun are the nearest preferred destinations.

• By air: Salzburg Airport is about 1 hour 30 minutes away by car.
• By train: The nearest station is Bad Aussee on the Salzkammergut line, and a local bus covers the last few kilometres. Check times on ÖBB.
• By car: The B145 road leads to Bad Aussee, then a local road to the village.

The village and the lake path are walkable. A local bus links Altaussee with Bad Aussee. A car or bike helps for the mountain roads.

A car is helpful but not essential. Parking in the village is limited in summer. The Loser road is a toll road and closes in winter. Motorways in Austria need a vignette.

Local specialities include lake fish and Kaiserschmarrn. Mountain inns serve dumplings and hearty soups. Local dress is worn on festival days.

Altaussee is very safe. Mountain weather changes quickly, so check forecasts. Tap water is clean and safe to drink. The emergency number is 112. The mountain rescue number is 140.

Salt mining has shaped Altaussee since the Middle Ages. In the 19th century writers and composers, including Hugo von Hofmannsthal and Jakob Wassermann, came for the summer. During World War II the mine was used to hide looted art, which was found by Allied soldiers in 1945.

Quick practical facts for Austria at a glance: