Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee is a market town in Upper Austria
in the Gmunden district in the Salzkammergut with 7560 inhabitants
(as of January 1, 2020). The community is located in the judicial
district of Bad Ischl.
The community was called Goisern until
February 28, 1955, and Bad Goisern from March 1, 1955 to September
30, 2008.
Tourism
The region's tourist development began around 1800,
but the tourist boom only really began with the introduction of the
railway, which made the area easily accessible. Since then, the
Inner Salzkammergut has been a popular tourist destination, which
was recognized internationally when it was named a World Heritage
Site in 1997. Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee has belonged to the
Inneres Salzkammergut multi-municipality tourism association since
2001, together with the neighboring towns of Gosau, Hallstatt and
Obertraun. In 2009 the region was renamed from Inneres Salzkammergut
to the Dachstein Salzkammergut holiday region. With an average
number of beds of around 1,500 and 115 businesses, Bad Goisern
achieved around 246,000 overnight stays as of 2017. Bad Goisern has
established itself as a popular travel destination, especially in
the field of mountain biking and hiking in summer and tobogganing
and cross-country skiing in winter.
Traditional events such
as the Gamsjagatage, the winds holiday for wood and brass
instruments and the violin day in Kirchengasse attract many friends
of tradition to the Goiserertal. Bad Goisern is also the venue for
Austria's largest mountain bike event - the Salzkammergut Mountain
Bike Trophy. With over 4,000 starters from 32 nations, this sporting
event has established itself among the best mountain bike marathon
races worldwide.
Evangelical parish church Bad Goisern
Chorinsky-Klause in Weißenbachtal. The limestone ashlar dam is a technical monument from the early 19th century and was used for the wood drift.
Anzenaumühle adventure museum: The open-air museum is a typical
Paarhof association for the Salzkammergut, with a residential
building, stable barn, mill and saw. The museum is the oldest pair
farm in the Salzkammergut with a smokehouse, grain mill, sawmill and
stable barn. The roughly 600-year-old property used to be a sizable
business enterprise. Even today, the famous Anzenaumühlner bread is
baked in the old stone oven of the Schwarzen Kuchl.
The Heimat-
und Landlermuseum shows, among other things, the culture of the
Transylvanian old Austrians in Bad Goisern, who were deported to
Transylvania as Protestants in the middle of the 18th century.
The Josef Putz monument is located near the market square. It was
built in memory of the member of the Landtag, Kommerzialrat Josef
Putz, who died in 1926.
By Plane
The nearest major airport is Salzburg Airport (SZG /
LOWS), approximately 49-77 km away, with international and domestic
flights. Other options include Linz Blue Danube Airport (LNZ), about
90-109 km away; Graz Airport (GRZ), 155 km; or Munich Airport (MUC) in
Germany, 167 km. Vienna International Airport (VIE) is farther at around
300 km but offers more flight connections and easier train links.
From Salzburg Airport, you can take a combination of buses (e.g., line
10 to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, then bus 150 or 541/542 toward Bad Ischl
and Bad Goisern), which takes about 3 hours and costs €15-22.
Alternatively, rent a car for a 59-minute drive via the B158 and B145
roads, or book a taxi/private transfer for €100-150. Trains from
Salzburg Airport involve a bus to the main station first, then a
regional train (about 2 hours total).
By Train
Austria's ÖBB
railway network provides efficient connections. The main line is
Attnang-Puchheim to Stainach-Irdning, with stops at Goisern
Jodschwefelbad, Bad Goisern station, and Steeg/Gosau.
From
Vienna: Direct or with one change at Attnang-Puchheim; journey time is 2
hours 49 minutes to 3 hours 24 minutes, with tickets starting at €18-65.
Trains depart from Wien Westbahnhof or Wien Hbf, running about 12-19
times daily. Use ÖBB's app or website for bookings.
From Salzburg:
Trains take about 2 hours with one change (e.g., at Attnang-Puchheim),
covering 47 km. Tickets start at €10-12, with frequent departures.
For real-time schedules, visit oebb.at.
By Bus
Regional
buses are affordable and scenic. Key lines include 541 and 542 (Bad
Ischl to Lake Gosau), stopping at Bad Goisern Jodschwefelbad, Bad
Goisern Kurhotel, Bad Goisern Mitte/B145, and others. The first bus
arrives around 8:15 AM, and the last departs in the evening—check
Postbus for exact times.
From Salzburg, take bus 150 to Bad Ischl,
then transfer to 541/542 (total about 2-3 hours). From other areas, use
services like FlixBus for longer distances.
By Car
Driving
offers flexibility in the alpine region. Use major highways:
From
Salzburg: Take the B158 toward Bad Ischl, then B145 to Bad Goisern
(about 1 hour).
From Linz: Exit at Regau onto B145 toward Gmunden,
Bad Ischl, and Bad Goisern (about 1.5 hours).
From Vienna/Graz: Exit
at Liezen onto B320, then at Trautenfels onto B145 to Bad Goisern (3-4
hours).
From Villach: Tauern motorway to Eben im Pongau exit, then
B166 through Gosau, left at Gosaumühle junction to Bad Goisern (about
2.5 hours).
Note Austrian vignette (toll sticker) requirements
for motorways. Parking is available in town, but consider eco-friendly
options like the car-free zones near the lake.
Prehistoric and Ancient Periods
The history of Bad Goisern am
Hallstättersee is inextricably linked to the broader Salzkammergut
region, particularly the neighboring town of Hallstatt, where salt
mining dates back approximately 7,000 years. Human settlement in the
area began during the Neolithic era around 5000 BCE, drawn by the
abundant salt deposits in the high valley above Hallstatt. Early
mining involved extracting salty brine for food preservation and
possibly ritual purposes, using basic tools like deer-antler
pickaxes—one such artifact, discovered in 1838 in the Kaiser Josef
Tunnel, has been radiocarbon-dated to this period. By the Bronze Age
(circa 2100–800 BCE), mining became more organized, with structures
like the world's oldest preserved wooden staircase, dated to around
1344 BCE and found in 2002 within the Salzberg mountain,
facilitating deeper underground access. This era saw the development
of extensive tunnel systems, reaching depths of up to 330 meters,
where miners worked 12-hour shifts to extract solid rock salt in
chunks for trade. Advancing just one meter of tunnel could take a
month, and the total prehistoric network spanned about 3,750 meters.
The Iron Age (circa 800–400 BCE) marked the peak of prehistoric
mining activity, coinciding with the Hallstatt culture—a prosperous
Celtic society named after the site due to its archaeological
richness. Tunnels extended up to 200 meters into the mountain,
supported by ladders, ropes, and carrying sacks. Rich burial grounds
in the Salzberg valley, first documented in the 17th century but
dating to this period, contain artifacts such as clothing, tools,
and food remnants, providing insights into miners' daily lives and
the societal wealth generated by salt. A notable discovery is the
"Man in Salt," a preserved miner's body found in 1734, dating to
around 1000 BCE (or the first millennium BCE), likely killed in a
mining accident and mummified by the salt's preservative properties
in the stable 8°C environment. Mining operations were disrupted
around 350 BCE by a massive landslide that buried much of the high
valley, sparing only the burial sites, and prompting relocation to a
new area where activity continued on a smaller scale until about 400
CE. The Celtic term "hal(l)" for salt sources influenced local
nomenclature, and the region's salt trade fostered early economic
networks. While Bad Goisern itself lacks direct prehistoric mining
evidence, its proximity to Hallstatt integrated it into this
salt-driven cultural landscape, which was designated a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1997 for its 7,000-year continuum of human
activity.
Medieval Period
The medieval history of Bad
Goisern begins with its integration into regional power structures.
In 1278, the Trauntal valley, encompassing Goisern, came under
Habsburg control. Salt discoveries around 1290 in the Goisern area
revived economic activity, building on the ancient mining legacy.
The settlement was first documented around 1325 as "Gebisharn" or
"Gebisham," reflecting its early name derived from local geography
or possibly ancient roots. During the 14th century, Celtic and Roman
influences persisted in the broader region, with salt used for
preservation and trade, and structures like Rudolf’s Tower built in
1284 to protect mining operations in nearby Hallstatt. By the late
Middle Ages, the area was part of the salt trade networks, though
specific events in Goisern remain sparse until later centuries.
Early Modern Period
The early modern era saw significant
infrastructural and administrative developments tied to salt
production. In 1595, a brine pipeline was constructed from Goisern
to the Pfannhaus in Ebensee, enhancing salt processing and export.
From 1770 to 1850, the care office and court of the Obersalzamt von
Gmunden were housed in what is now the forestry office in Goisern,
highlighting its role in the Salzkammergut's salt administration
under the Habsburgs. Later, the k.k. Salinen- und Forstdirektion in
Gmunden oversaw regional operations. Traditional crafts flourished,
including the development of the "Goiserer Schuh" (Goisern shoe), a
durable, handcrafted mountain shoe that became a symbol of local
artisanship, worn by figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger in modern
times. Inns like the Agathawirt, built in the 16th century and first
mentioned as an inn in 1644, served as stagecoach stations,
underscoring the town's growing connectivity.
19th and 20th
Centuries
The 19th century brought transformative discoveries and
industrialization. In 1874, during drilling for salt, an
iodine-sulphur spring was accidentally found, effective for treating
skin and joint ailments. This led to the establishment of spa
facilities, culminating in Goisern's designation as a spa town in
1931. Salt mining expanded into a complex underground network,
employing hundreds and making "Hallstatt Salz" a renowned export. By
the early 20th century, around 300 workers were active in the
Hallstatt mine, with production supporting food, medicine, and
industry. In 1952, with a population over 6,000, Goisern was
elevated to market town status. It received the "Bad" prefix in
1955, officially becoming Bad Goisern in recognition of its
medicinal baths. The town preserved its heritage through
institutions like the Heritage and Landler Museum, which offers
insights into local history, crafts, and the Protestant Landler
community's story.
Modern Period
In the post-war era, Bad
Goisern evolved into a key tourist destination, leveraging its
natural beauty, hiking trails, and winter sports facilities like
Dachstein West. Salt production continues today, with 40 workers at
the Hallstatt mine producing 605,000 cubic meters of brine annually,
containing 180,000 tons of salt exported to over 20 countries. In
June 2008, the local council extended the name to Bad Goisern am
Hallstättersee to emphasize its lakeside location and ties to Lake
Hallstatt. The town now encompasses the central market and 30
districts, blending alpine traditions with modern tourism. Cultural
sites like the Hand.Werk.Haus Salzkammergut showcase historic
crafts, including the Goiserer shoe and baking in stone ovens at the
Anzenaumühle museum. As part of the UNESCO-listed
Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape, Bad Goisern's
history reflects 7,000 years of salt-shaped evolution, from ancient
mining to contemporary wellness and recreation.
Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee is a market town in the Gmunden District of Upper Austria, nestled in the heart of the Salzkammergut region—a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its alpine lakes, mountains, and salt mining history. Geographically, it lies at coordinates 47°39′N 13°37′E, approximately 50 km southeast of Salzburg and midway between Bad Ischl and Bad Aussee. The municipality spans 112.55 km², with a population density of about 66 inhabitants per km², reflecting its expansive rural and natural landscape. Positioned in the Traun Valley, the town serves as a gateway to the Dachstein Mountains and is directly adjacent to the northern end of Hallstätter See (Lake Hallstatt), making it a hub for tourism and outdoor activities.
The topography of Bad Goisern is characterized by a dramatic alpine setting, with a mix of broad valleys, steep forested slopes, and high plateaus. The town center sits at an elevation of approximately 500 meters above sea level, but the municipal area exhibits a wide elevation range from 462 meters (near the lake and river valleys) to 1,954 meters at its highest points. The average elevation across the region is around 976 meters, indicating a predominantly mid-to-high alpine terrain. This vertical diversity creates varied microenvironments, from fertile valley floors used for agriculture and settlement to rugged, rocky uplands suitable for hiking and skiing. Notable topographic features include gentle meadows transitioning into dense coniferous forests and sheer limestone cliffs, shaped by glacial activity during the Pleistocene era.
Bad Goisern is encircled by the Northern Limestone Alps, with the Dachstein Massif dominating the southern and eastern horizons. This UNESCO-listed range features jagged limestone peaks, including the Hoher Dachstein (2,995 meters), Austria's second-highest mountain, which looms over the area and influences local weather patterns. To the north and west, lower ridges like the Rosenkogel (1,172 meters) and Krippenstein (1,728 meters) provide accessible plateaus for winter sports and summer pastures. The Gosaukamm subgroup, part of the Dachstein, adds to the dramatic scenery with its karst formations and deep gorges. These mountains not only define the town's skyline but also support biodiversity, with alpine meadows hosting endemic flora like edelweiss and gentians.
The primary valley is the Goiserer Valley, a glacial trough carved by the Traun River, which flows northward through the town, providing a vital waterway for recreation and ecology. Hallstätter See, a deep alpine lake spanning 8.55 km² with a maximum depth of 125 meters, forms the southern boundary and is fed by glacial melt from the Dachstein. The lake's oligotrophic waters support diverse aquatic life, including char and trout, and its fjord-like shape—flanked by steep cliffs—creates stunning reflections and microclimates. Smaller tributaries, such as the Goiserer Traun, enhance the hydrological network, while wetlands and springs dot the valley floor. This hydrography has historically supported salt mining and now drives activities like boating and fishing.
Geologically, Bad Goisern lies in the Northern Calcareous Alps, dominated by Triassic limestone and evaporite deposits, including the famous Hallstatt salt body—a compressive diapir formed through tectonic shearing and salt tectonics. This "hard on soft rocks" scenario, where resistant limestone overlies weaker marly and salt-rich layers, leads to frequent mass movements like landslides, triggered by precipitation or thawing. Glacial relicts from the Late Pleistocene, such as moraines and U-shaped valleys, shape the landscape, while karst features like caves and sinkholes abound in the Dachstein plateau. The area's salt formations date back to the Permian period, deposited in a shallow sea under warm, arid conditions, and have been mined since prehistoric times.
Bad Goisern experiences a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb), with mild summers (average July highs around 22-25°C) and cold, snowy winters (January lows dipping to -5°C or below). Annual precipitation exceeds 1,200 mm, often as rain in summer and snow in winter, supporting the region's lush vegetation and ski resorts. The alpine setting creates föhn winds, which can bring sudden warmth, and orographic effects from the Dachstein enhance snowfall at higher elevations. Climate change has led to reduced glacial cover in the Dachstein, impacting local hydrology.
The surrounding landscape includes protected areas like the Dachstein Salzkammergut UNESCO site, with trails leading to viewpoints such as the Ewige Wand cliff or Predigstuhl peak. Nearby villages like Gosau and Obertraun offer access to additional lakes (Gosauseen) and caves (Dachstein Giant Ice Cave). The region's biodiversity features chamois, eagles, and rare alpine plants, while human-modified features like salt mines add cultural-geographic interest. This geography fosters year-round tourism, from winter skiing on Krippenstein to summer hiking in the valleys.