Salzburg-Flachgau: Culture, Nature and Lakes

Salzburg-Flachgau can be explored through a wide variety of experiences: from historic buildings and regional crafts to lakes, moors and trails through the landscape. The places you choose to visit will give your trip a sense of direction—whether you are particularly interested in history, nature observation or activities on the water.

Cultural History and Crafts

The Salzburg Open-Air Museum in Großgmain comprises 100 original buildings that have been reconstructed from across agriculture, crafts, rural trades and industry. A two-kilometre historic museum railway connects three stops. Craft demonstrations and seasonal traditional events, such as an Easter market or the traditional raising of the maypole, round out the visit; it is worth checking the dates of individual events.

In Mattsee, the Abbey Museum displays its collections in twelve rooms of the historic provost’s residence that are open to visitors. The abbey library holds more than 3,000 exhibits, including manuscripts and early printed books. According to tradition, the abbey’s history dates back to around 760: Duke Tassilo III of Bavaria is said to have built a church at Mattsee in honour of Saint Michael the Archangel and founded a monastery at the same time.

The history of the Christmas carol is also present in the region. The Silent Night Chapel stands on the site of the former Church of St. Nicholas, also known as St. Nikola. The carol was first performed there on 24 December 1818. The Silent Night Museum occupies two floors of the Old Rectory beside the chapel. A dedicated Silent Night Route begins in Oberndorf and runs via Göming and Lamprechtshausen to the Bürmoos Moor.

The fahr(T)raum Mattsee showcases automobiles that Ferdinand Porsche developed first for Lohner and later for Austro Daimler at the beginning of the 20th century. At the Celtic Forge in Seeham, you can watch Franz Lechner and Hermann Rosenstatter make “Celtic nails”; demonstration dates may change. The Henndorf Literature House hosts readings, seminars, workshops, and programmes for children and young people. Individual offerings vary.

Nature Trails and Viewpoints

The themed trail in Weidmoos leads to a twelve-metre-high observation tower with a telescope optimised for birdwatching. The trail is largely barrier-free and suitable for strollers; surface conditions may vary. For those interested in experiencing nature and taking part in excursions, the Auenwerkstatt near Weitwörth-Nußdorf offers programmes for adults and families. It is located in the Salzachauen Natura 2000 area. Individual offerings vary. The Auenwerkstatt is approximately a 15-minute walk from the Weitwörth-Nußdorf stop on the S1 local railway.

The Untersberg massif covers around 70 square kilometres in the southwest of Flachgau, right on the border with Bavaria. Access is available via the Untersberg cable car and various hiking trails. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy a 7.5-kilometre ski route: its starting point is a 15-minute walk from the mountain station, and it ends in Fürstenbrunn. Winter conditions may vary. The valley station of the Untersberg cable car in Grödig/St. Leonhard is served by public bus routes 25 and 28 and trolleybus route 5.

At Buchberg, the Kraftweg trail leads to Hallstatt-period burial mounds associated with the former Buchberg settlement. The Buchberg Nature Park offers a summit circuit trail with an observation tower. Another scenic stop is the Kugelmühle: it lies directly beside a hiking trail near the Wildkar waterfall and is part of the Teufelsgraben Eco-Cultural Project. The branch church of the Holy Cross in Gebertsham is a rare Gothic cultural monument preserved in its entirety.

Lakes and Experiences on the Water

Mattsee offers a range of activities, including stand-up paddleboarding and outings in small boats. Mattsee lido has a baby pool with a slide and a children’s playground. There are also four beach volleyball courts directly by the lake, specially adapted for children. The “Seenland” offers scheduled and special cruises on Mattsee and Obertrumer See. Scheduled services include round trips departing from Mattsee, Seeham and Obertrum. Timetables and departure times may change; check the latest information before travelling.

At six square kilometres, Wallersee is the largest lake in the Salzburg Lake District. Swimming training takes place at Lake Fuschl in the Fuschlsee region. For another perspective on regional culture, TRUMER WELT invites you on a sensory journey through the world of pilsner beers. Your choice of experiences can be just as specific: a museum visit in Großgmain, a birdwatching trail in Weidmoos or time at Mattsee appeal to different interests without requiring a single, set itinerary.

Some public transport connections are specified for getting around: Seekirchen am Wallersee can be reached from Salzburg by S-Bahn; the bus and trolleybus routes mentioned serve the valley station of the Untersberg cable car. The S1 also provides a connection to Weitwörth-Nußdorf stop, from which the Auenwerkstatt can be reached on foot. As timetables and services may change, check the latest information for your planned destinations.

Discover more destinations: Straßwalchen, Hintersee, Anif, Elixhausen, Eugendorf, Hallwang, Hof Bei Salzburg, Mattsee, Seeham, Sankt Gilgen, Nußdorf Am Haunsberg, Faistenau, Fuschl Am See, Seekirchen Am Wallersee, Obertrum Am See, Ebenau, Anthering, Strobl, Henndorf Am Wallersee, Thalgau, Plain, Bürmoos, Bergheim, Abersee, Ellmau, Wals-Siezenheim, Habach, Koppl, Plainfeld, Grödig, Großgmain, Berndorf, Neumarkt Am Wallersee, Köstendorf bei Salzburg, Muntigl, Feichten, Salzburg, Niederalm, Michaelbeuern, Gschwand, Viehhausen, Elsbethen, Helming, Siezenheim, Gois, Oberndorf bei Salzburg.

For the broader travel overview: Salzburgerland.