History of the Salzkammergut Lake District
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Lake Fuschl and the Schober mountain
Fuschl am See is part of the beautiful Salzkammergut Lake District that lies in the foothills of the Alps and it is the numerous salt mines and salt production in the area, dating back as far as the iron age, that gave the lake district its name (Salz = salt). Because of the mineral wealth, the area was always of great importance to its many rulers. King Ottokar II of Bohemia ruled “Ischland” (Bad Ischl area) preceded by the Habsburgs who took the salt mines along the Traun river under control early in their reign. Salzburg’s powerful Archbishops, leaders of an independent Austrian Papal State, were not at all happy about this and started a war that subsequently left Herzog Albrecht I in power. From 1297 onwards, the salt production in the area was re-organised by his widow Elisabeth, whereby the court treasury Hofkammer (comparable to the today’s finance ministry or treasury) took over responsibility for salt mining. In so doing the second part of the districts name “Kammer” was established. In a document from1524, the description “cammergut des Saltzs” was first used.
In those days a special permit was needed to enter or travel through the district. Right up until the 17th Century the “Salzoberamt” or the Supreme Salt Department in Gmunden controlled all those entering and leaving this “jewel of a salt paradise” as it was once called in a document from 1561.
The Salzkammergut Lake District
The historic name for the district – “Salzkammergut” - withstood the test of time, primarily due to the fact that no other geographical or political name was designated to this region, which connects 3 counties (72 % lies in Upper Austria, 16 % lies in Styria and 12 % in Salzburg County). The towns of Bad Ischl, Hallstatt, and Bad Aussee lie in the heart of the Salzkammergut, which is sometimes described as “Inner Salzkammergut”. On the other hand, Gmunden – the former seat of power for the Salt Barons, the area surrounding Mondsee and the Salzburg section of the Salzkemmergut is known as “Outer Salzkammergut”.
High above the Salzkammergut Lake District
Salzkammergut – A Tourist Destination
The “Outer Salzkammergut” is ideal for holidays and short breaks. The lakes and mountains are somewhat more open and not as closed-in as Hasllstattt for example. The foothills of the Alps offer a stunning backdrop for the Fuschl, Mondsee, Attersee and Wolfgang lakes. The rolling hills, lush forests and meadows leading to the shores of the lakes are typical for the holiday region surrounding the Hotel Mohrenwirt.
Sights & Attractions in the Salzkammergut Lake District
Parts of the district have been designated a “Cultural Heritage of the World” region by UNESCO and there are a whole host of sights. Using the Hotel Mohrenwirt as a base, these attractions can be discovered by bike, car or public transport.
The Salzkammergut will do you good! We look forward to putting together an offer for your holiday in Fuschl am See!
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