The Attersee region and the Salzkammergut not only have absolute highlights to offer when it comes to nature - the region is also a real gem when it comes to culture: it is known for its rich history, which ranges from the Celts of the Late Neolithic period to famous artists, but also for its diverse cultural traditions, which attract visitors from all over the world.
In the mid-19th century, Lake Attersee was not only a place of longing for wealthy summer holidaymakers, but also a magnet for artists, musicians and writers - a turquoise-blue glittering source of inspiration. And so the fine arts also have a long tradition at Lake Attersee. One of the most famous summer holidaymakers, who lived and worked here for many summers and found inspiration for some of his most famous landscape paintings, was probably the painter Gustav Klimt. With over 40 landscape paintings, the world-famous artist created a "monument in pictures" to the region. Several galleries and, of course, the Gustav Klimt Centre in Schörfling am Attersee are dedicated to his life and work, showing impressive reproductions of his works as well as personal objects.
Music plays a central role in the cultural scene around Lake Attersee. Back in 1893, for example, the famous composer Gustav Mahler spent many summers at Villa Mahler in Steinbach am Attersee. It was here that he created some of his most important works. Today, a Mahler museum commemorates his work and offers insights into his life and work. Music festivals such as the Attergauer Kultursommer and numerous concerts in the region keep this musical tradition alive.
The architecture around Lake Attersee also reflects the historical significance of the region: numerous magnificent villas built by wealthy Viennese families in the 19th century line the shore. The Art Nouveau buildings bear witness to the splendour of times gone by and are popular photo motifs and event venues today. It is exciting to immerse yourself in the history of the Attersee villas: Gustav Klimt painted the majority of his fifty or so landscape paintings here. Heimito von Doderer wrote the first page of "Strudlhofstiege" in his uncle Richard's villa in Steinbach am Attersee. Gustav Mahler created parts of his second and the entire third symphony in his composer's cottage directly on the lakeshore. There are many other stories surrounding the glamorous Attersee villas ...
Traditional festivals and customs are another important aspect of the culture around Lake Attersee. Traditions such as the raising of the maypole, the harvest festival or the cattle drive are celebrated everywhere. These events offer visitors the opportunity to experience the authentic rural culture and hospitality of the region at first hand. And of course, the art of culinary enjoyment is also an essential cultural aspect of Lake Attersee. Fresh fish is a speciality in many restaurants and inns around the lake. Regional products and traditional recipes characterise the cuisine and offer an authentic taste experience.
A very special piece of the region's cultural history was written almost 6,000 years ago: The first traces of human settlement activity on Lake Attersee date back to the Neolithic period - the oldest finds have been dated to around 3,770 BC. The pile-dwelling settlements of Lake Attersee have been systematically researched for several decades. Today, a wide range of artefacts provide a very precise picture of how people lived in their huts, which were built on piles on the lake shore.
In 2011, the "Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps" were elevated to the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The special thing about this is that this World Heritage status was awarded jointly to 111 pile-dwelling settlements in Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland. In preparation for the 2027 national exhibition, there are already many exciting stations, exhibitions and events on the subject of pile dwellings to be seen around Lake Attersee.
Experience fascinating cultural highlights during your stay at Lake Attersee. Book your accommodation now and immerse yourself in the cultural treasures of the region. For a non-binding enquiry or further information, please do not hesitate to contact us!
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