Nestled among them is the tiny village of Obertraun, on the other side of Austria’s famous Lake Hallstätter. With its fresh air and slow pace of life, this village offers the perfect, gentle summertime escape in the heart of the majestic Alps.
A lakeside resort of Hallstätter in Obertraun.
The Road to Heaven Obertraun
From Vienna Central Station, a journey of more than 3.5 hours takes visitors through endless fields and grasslands, leading to the village of Obertraun in the Salzkammergut region (Austria). Stopping to change trains at Attnang-Puchheim, a short distance further, we arrive at Obertraun-Dachsteinhöhlen station.
From the very first moment, you will quickly feel the cool mountain air and be enchanted by the beautiful natural scenery.
Obertraun in the early morning is still shrouded in a misty morning mist that covers the dark brown tiled roofs of the traditional two-story wooden houses. The stone-paved path leads visitors deep into the village, along rows of green trees, pretty little gardens where all kinds of flowers and fruits are grown, and where chickens run freely behind the fence.
This small village of around 700 people has only one supermarket and a couple of restaurants, creating a peaceful and long-standing community. The residents here live simply, close to nature, mainly relying on tourism and agriculture . They seem to not care that just a few bus stops away is the extremely famous village of Hallstatt - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While on one side there are the impressive number of millions of visitors each year, in Obertraun there are rarely any people walking around, only the natural sounds of birds chirping, the wind blowing through the trees and the sound of the stream babbling. That precious stillness does not create a feeling of loneliness but on the contrary, makes us appreciate and be grateful for the moments we live in this place.
Quiet Hallstatter Lake from Obertraun
Lifting the veil of mist, as the sunlight gradually penetrates the treetops and mountain peaks, our eyes are drawn to the shimmering surface of the Hallstätter Lake. This is truly the heart of Obertraun, a mirror reflecting the magnificent beauty of the landscape, sky and mountains.
No matter who you are, when you come to Hallstätter Lake, you should spend hours walking along the lake shore, looking at the lush green mountains, the ancient villages in the distance on the other side of the shore and the ducks leisurely swimming on the calm, clear blue water, to feel the summer air permeating every breath.
One of the most enjoyable experiences in Obertraun is a boat trip on Lake Hallstätter. The main boat dock in Obertraun is called the Obertraun Schiffsanlegestelle, and is located right next to the village’s largest resort. The whole area is a green area, open to the public for fun and relaxation.
The marina is also the perfect starting point for tours of Hallstätter Lake, ferry rides to Hallstatt, and water-based activities. Visitors can find a variety of boat services here, such as renting electric boats, kayaks, or joining guided cruises to explore the lake to the fullest. Try the feeling of drifting on the lake in a kayak at sunset, in the afternoon sunlight gradually dyeing the surrounding landscape purple, you will hardly forget it.
The door opens to the majestic nature
Not only does Obertraun have Hallstätter Lake, it is also surrounded by the Dachstein, one of Austria's highest mountain ranges with the Krippenstein peak. This makes Obertraun an ideal destination for those who love exploring and experiencing activities such as mountain climbing, alpine skiing (even in summer), hiking and cycling.
For adventure enthusiasts, conquering the Hoher Dachstein peak will definitely be an attractive challenge. This peak not only brings an exciting feeling of conquest but also allows you to enjoy the vast scenery below.
The journey to the Hoher Dachstein peak begins at the end of the village of Obertraun, where the funicular station is located. From here, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the picturesque Hallstätter Lake and the town of Hallstatt.
Another must-see destination is the Dachstein Ice Caves. This is a natural wonder famous for its giant, uniquely shaped, transparent ice blocks. Going deeper into the cave, you will admire the sparkling ice walls and ice stalactites that have formed over thousands of years.
Summer in Obertraun is cool, making it the perfect time to explore these caves. Whether you are looking for peace or craving adventure, this place offers a wonderful experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wild and majestic beauty of the Austrian mountains.
Every meal is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a journey of discovery of the local culinary culture. Summer in Obertraun is also not complete without the attractive local dishes. Crispy wiener schnitzel, sweet apfelstrudel (apple cake) and dishes made with fresh ingredients from the Salzkammergut region such as fish from the Hallstätter lake and typical Austrian sausages will satisfy even the most demanding diners.
With its magnificent natural beauty and enchanting village atmosphere, Obertraun and Hallstätter Lake are truly wonderful destinations for tourists. Spend this summer exploring Obertraun, letting your heart be filled with wonderful emotions and unforgettable memories.
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