Culture and culinary in Ausseerland Salzkammergut

Celebrate exuberantly and eat well - in Ausseerland people know how to enjoy life. At traditional festivals, the people of Ausseer dress up and wear their traditional costumes. At numerous events, such as an evening with the State Opera Ballet or at atmospheric concerts, cultural horizons are broadened.

The entire Ausseerland region has always been a source of inspiration for artists, and creative minds are drawn to the Styrian Salzkammergut day after day.

The regions are also ahead of the game when it comes to food and drink. Fresh char from the crystal-clear lakes with drinking water quality is just as much a delicacy as the sweet Ausseer gingerbread. And winter refreshers warm up again after a day in the snow-covered landscape with a traditional Zottler.

One thing is for sure - culture lovers and gourmets will experience their perfect moment in Ausseerland at any time of the year.

Traditional costumes and customs in Ausseerland

As is well known, celebrations must be celebrated as they fall. In the Ausseerland-Salzkammergut region, people really do make the most of every opportunity. The result: a packed cultural calendar with a varied program.

The following events have already been taking place for several years and represent the centuries-old customs in Ausseerland.

Spring fever at the daffodil festival

When the white daffodils with star-shaped blossoms transform the idyllic mountain and lake landscape into a fragrant sea of blossoms, it's time again for the traditional Daffodil Festival. The crowning glory is the daffodil figurines, which are put on display by hand at the town parade in Bad Aussee and at the boat parade at Lake Altaussee or at Lake Grundlsee on Sunday.

Bright children's eyes at the St. Nicholas games

In the past, the Nikolospiele took place on a small scale, in farmhouses and inns. Since 1959, however, St. Nicholas and Krampus have presented themselves to a wider audience on Mitterndorf's main square. The Nikolospiele, which has been designated a UNESCO cultural heritage site, is an atmospheric performance in Bad Mitterndorf and other locations that not only makes children's eyes light up.

To the prelude: Carnival parades

Starting on Shrove Sunday, everything in the communities revolves around dressing up. Among the main figures of the Ausseer carnival are drum women, Flinserl and Pless. The splendid costumes are presented at numerous parades. A spectacle that should not be missed.

To the carnival hustle and bustle in Ausseerland

Ausseerland Selection - true Ausseer treasures

Distilling schnapps, making porcelain and producing natural cosmetics: The businesses of the Ausseerland Selection prove their craftsmanship in various areas. The best way to convince yourself of the arts is to visit the manufactories and look over the shoulders of the experts.

Experience culinary delights in Ausseerland

Enjoyment in Ausseerland means ...

... eating fish specialties from the lakes in the restaurants with a magnificent view.
... strolling between the market stalls with fresh fruit and vegetables and other local produce.
... to discover homemade pestos, jams and much more in the delicatessen stores.
... after a walk through nature - past the lakes and the imposing mountain scenery - to let the impressions sink in over a coffee.
... while tobogganing, curling or skiing with a Zottler or a cocoa to toast the leisure pleasure.

Good to know:

The Genusslandkarte of Ausseerland shows in which places markets are held regularly and which farms sell ex farm.

Austria's Capital of Culture 2024

A total of 23 municipalities - including the towns of Ausseerland - together make up the Salzkammergut regions, which have been awarded the title of Cultural Capital 2024 in 2019. With Bad Ischl as the flagship, all municipalities ensure consistent further development of the cultural heritage with a clear vision for the year 2030. In doing so, the following applies: preserve traditions and at the same time create space for new influences.