Summer highlights in the Salzkammergut
16.07.2025
from Daniela Kontopirakis
Ready to explore and play?
Whether it’s operetta in Bad Ischl, contemporary sculpture in Gmunden, open-air ceramic art or live music with a lake view – summer around Lake Traunsee becomes a stage for all who love art and live for culture.
Between tradition and avant-garde, lake and sensuality, a creative playground awaits – one that inspires, surprises, and moves. Every visit is an invitation to feel more, to marvel – and to spark your own creativity.
Explore. Play. Feel.
Here, art and culture aren’t locked in museums – they’re a way of life: vibrant, effortless, and full of lake vibes.
Events in Gmunden
Salzkammergut Festival Weeks
Between 12 July and 25 August, the Gmunden Festival Weeks transform the town on Lake Traunsee into a stage for great art. Music, theatre, dance and literature meet lakeside idylls and fine cuisine. Highlights such as the open air with Bilderbuch, concerts with the Bruckner Orchestra Linz, new theatre productions, readings and formats for young culture lovers ensure an inspiring summer mix. The locations? From Toscanapark to the Kammerhof and the Seebahnhof - always with a lake view. Classical meets contemporary, local meets international. Ideal for everyone who loves art & summer air.
Let culture shake your soul - with lake and style.
Erwin Wurm exhibition
Since mid-July, Gmunden has been the stage for one of Austria's most exciting contemporary artists: Erwin Wurm. His sculpture series Bad People - grotesque, humorous and at the same time deeply human works - was created in the Gmundner Keramik Manufaktur. Oversized noses, mouths, distorted faces - everything's a bit off, and that's what makes it exciting. Wurm uses ceramics performatively, playing with form, destruction and transformation. The result? Sculptures with attitude and humour, absurd and expressive at the same time.
Anyone who loves contemporary art and understands clay not just as a material but as a medium should not miss this. See you in Gmunden - it's weird, it's wonderful!
Exhibition until 31.01.2026
Austrian pottery market
At the 37th Austrian Pottery Market in Gmunden from 29 to 31 August, creative craftsmanship meets the relaxed atmosphere of Lake Traunsee. Over 120 ceramic artists from all over Europe will present their unique works - from stylish cups to extraordinary sculptures and the limited edition "Jahresbecher". Live demonstrations will show you how small works of art are created from clay. Take the opportunity for hands-on experiences and exciting conversations with the artists. An event for everyone who loves real craftsmanship and wants to enjoy the view of the water. Free admission - pure culture and chilled vibes by the lake!
Events in Traunkirchen
Fairytale night
On Saturday, 2 August 2025, Traunkirchen celebrates the Lake Festival Fairytale Night - a unique summer night full of magic moments. The fairytale backdrop with beautiful buildings, magical lakeside lighting and mountain fires on the Traunstein and Kleiner Schönberg creates a special atmosphere. Several fireworks displays and the summit lighting on the Sonnstein make the sky sparkle. Of course, there is also plenty of entertainment and dancing. An event that perfectly combines summer, nature and culture. Come and enjoy this unforgettable evening by the lake!
Events in Bad Ischl
Lehár Festival
Immerse yourself in the Lehár Festival: Orpheus in the Underworld, One Night in Venice and The Blue Mazur - operetta classics in a cool live show right in BadIschl. Personal, charming, with imperial flair and handmade entertainment for real culture fans. Your soundtrack for balmy summer evenings by the lake.
4 July to 24 August 2025
Imperial Days
Between 8th and 18th August 2025, Bad Ischl will be a royal town: the Imperial Train arrives on 15th August, on the 16th you can stroll along the red carpet on the Imperial Stroll, and on the 18th the traditional Imperial Fair including a parade is on the programme. In between: town festival, music and jazz salons, readings and special guided tours such as "Marie Valerie in Ischl" or "The Habsburgs in Ischl". All with a twinkle in the eye, plenty of nostalgia and the Habsburg flair that you will only find here - full of charm, tradition & modern vibes. Ideal for combining culture, history and summer joie de vivre!
LEARN MORE
Events in Altaussee
Aussee Kirtag
The Ausseer Kirtag takes place from 6 to 8 September and is more than just a festival - it's pure joie de vivre, deeply rooted in Styrian tradition. Every year, Bad Aussee is transformed into a colourful sea of traditional costume, music and customs. The streets are filled with people in splendid Ausseer Gwand, accompanied by brass band music, Goaßlschnalzen and a real Alpine feeling.
What makes it special? It's that authentic "local vibe" that you can only find here. While the horse-drawn carriages parade through the town and children laugh with doughnuts in their hands, you suddenly feel like you're right in the middle of it all - not as a tourist, but as part of a living tradition.
And the best thing? You can be there in just under an hour by train from Traunkirchen - relaxed, sustainable and right in the middle of the festival.
Whether for dancing, marvelling or simply enjoying - the Ausseer Kirtag is a fixed point for all those who love the real thing.
See you there - in lederhosen or dirndl, but always with heart.
Let's make your stay at the lake unforgettable...
with art, pleasure and lots of summer feeling. If you haven't booked your stay yet - no worries! There are still rooms available for your creative summer at Lake Traunsee.
Daniela Kontopirakis
With many years of experience in the hotel industry, I took on the role of Front Office Manager at Hotel Post am See in 2021. After my parental leave and further training in online marketing, I returned in spring 2025 with fresh energy and a lot of heart to the marketing team at GRÖLLER Hospitality. As a passionate traveler, dog lover, and creative thinker, I bring both empathy and structure to my work – and I enjoy showcasing our hotels online just as they truly are: authentic, vibrant, and crafted with attention to detail.
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