7 Best Hotels in Salzkammergut, Austria

With an idyllic lakeside perch, this former 16th-century brewery (bräugasthof) offers distinctive charm. Outside is a pretty terrace set with trees and umbrella tables. Beyond the beer-hall restaurant (open May to October), you'll find Hallstatt gemütlichkeit (friendliness) in excess, cozy-nooked rooms oozing with Tyrolean charm, and the quirks that come with an historical building—no elevator or a/c. Upstairs, the guest rooms are fetching in their simplicity; most have wooden balconies. The Lobisser family are your hosts and can tell you all about the brewery's connection to Emperor Maximilian I.

A large chalet-style structure with a glowing yellow facade, "At the Court" has become one of St. Wolfgang's most stylish and comfortable hotels. It has a lakeside perch with its own beach, rowboats, and plenty of mountain bikes. Inside, you'll wonder if you're still in the tradition-loving Austrian countryside, as playful jewel tones, whimsical décor, and international contemporary art abound. Fresh, local ingredients permeate the menu in the award-winning restaurant and the breakfast may be one of the best experiences. The staff is fantastic. There's a 25-meter indoor panorama pool, billiard room, library, and cigar lounge, and Harley rentals are available. No children under 16 are allowed.

In a superb location in the town center, with the sparkling River Traun a few steps away, the "Golden Ox" offers simple and fresh rooms (some with balconies), including a few large rooms designed for families. Request a view over the river for the loveliest and quietest experience. Breathe in the healing air from the Salzkammergut-mined saline flowing through natural pine branches in the wellness spa's salt graduation tower and retreat from crowded local beaches into the private indoor pool. The kitchen maintains a focus on regionally sourced ingredients in its classic Austrian dishes.

Glowing with a daffodil-yellow facade, sitting directly on the shore of the lake, and at the foot of a picture-perfect square, this traditional inn is one of Hallstatt's most memorable accommodations. Dating from 1760, it was the house of the most important salt trader in town. Today its renovated interiors are friendly and homey. Rooms are fresh and modern; try to get one with a spacious balcony facing the lake.

The peaked gables and weather vanes of this 1850s-era villa, one of the most charming hotels in Gosau, give a fairy-tale aura when seen from its pretty park. The original owner, a famed Austrian industrialist and brewery magnate, often welcomed the emperor to his beautiful country house for relaxing hunting retreats. Inside it's cozy, with an open fireplace and warm woodwork, and the outdoor heated pool is a treat after hiking in the Dachstein mountains. Many of the guest rooms have breathtaking views. 

Secluded, quiet, and offering excellent service, this old ivy-covered manor hotel is tucked away from the hubbub of the village and offers sailboats and rowboats to enjoy the direct lake access. There’s a tennis court and spa facilities including a Finnish sauna, bio sauna, and steam room. Guest rooms are a mixture of country antiques and modern pieces, with grand overtones. Some have large balconies overlooking the lake. Sip cocktails at the beach bar or dine on fresh, seasonal à la carte choices at the restaurant. 

Family-owned since the 1800s, the "White Horse" guest rooms and apartments, in nine connected houses, are full of the country charm, flowered fabrics, and quaint furniture brought to the big screen in the movie version of the idyllic Austrian operetta of the same name. Many rooms have balconies with a lake view. The outdoor pool, directly on the lake, is heated to a constant 86°F year-round, and you can relax with a massage in the spa. Two restaurants, the upscale Poll's Kaiserterrasse and the classic Austrian Seerestaurant both offer delicious dishes and amazing lake views. The hotel is world-famous, so book well in advance, especially for the summer.