Best of Bad Aussee

Bad Aussee Essentials

Bad Aussee, the geographical center of Austria, is defined by its salt mining heritage and alpine landscapes. This collection highlights the town's architectural curiosities, such as the three-way Mercedes Bridge and the autodynamic Lössl-Uhr clock. Natural landmarks include the moor-fed Sommersbergsee and the active Koppenbrüllerhöhle water cave. Cultural sites like the Kammerhof Museum and the Gothic Parish Church of St. Paul provide insight into the region's historical salt administration and religious art.

Bad Aussee Essentials — Map

Jiří Parimucha / CC-BY-SA

A

Mercedes Brücke

A three-way pedestrian bridge spanning the confluence of the Altausseer and Grundlseer Traun. Its unique design forms a 27-meter wide Mercedes-Benz star.

Martin Geisler / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Lössl-Uhr

An autodynamic clock designed by engineer Friedrich Ritter von Lössl. It operates without manual winding, powered by changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature.

C

Ödensee

A protected moor lake surrounded by dense forest. The area features a flat hiking loop and is known for its diverse alpine flora and peat-rich waters.

armanu razvan / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Tressensteinwarte

A wooden observation tower atop the Tressenstein mountain. It provides panoramic views of the Ausseerland region, including the Grundlsee and Altausseer See lakes.

E

Kammerhof

Housed in a former salt administration building, this museum explores the history of salt mining, regional archaeology, and traditional Styrian costumes and crafts.

F

Narzissentherme Bad Aussee

A wellness complex utilizing local saltwater. It features indoor and outdoor pools, a salt crystal sauna, and views of the surrounding Loser and Dachstein peaks.

Geisler Martin / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Sommersbergsee

A natural moor lake situated at 640 meters. Due to its dark, peaty bottom, the water reaches higher temperatures than other alpine lakes in the region.

H

Koppenbrüllerhöhle

An active water cave in the Dachstein massif featuring impressive stalactites and underground streams that swell significantly during snowmelt.

I

Pfarrkirche Pauli Bekehrung

A 15th-century Gothic parish church featuring a late-Gothic "Schöne Madonna" statue and a Baroque high altar.

J

Dreifaltigkeitssäule Chlumeckyplatz

A Baroque Holy Trinity column located in the central Chlumeckyplatz square, serving as a historic religious monument and focal point of the town center.

K

Rathaus

The historic town hall of Bad Aussee, located in the central square. It is a protected monument reflecting the town's traditional administrative architecture.