Salzkammergut Lakes: Austria's Pristine Paradise

• HelloServus
  [Zehr-voos]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [Owf Vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [Yah]
• NoNein
  [Nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [Bit-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [Dahn-keh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [Ent-shool-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht's?
  [Vee gayts]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [Goot. Oond deer]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [Shpre-khen zee Eng-leesh]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [Ikh fer-shtay-eh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [Ikh ha-teh ge-rneh dee Shpy-zeh-kahr-teh, bit-teh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [Ikh es-se kine Flish]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [Prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [Ikh merkhte bit-teh tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [Hil-feh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [Gay vekh]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [Roo-fen zee dee Po-lee-tsay]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [Roo-fen zee i-nen ahrts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [Ikh ha-be mikh feh-rikt]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [Ikh been krank]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [Ikh merkhte kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue mich nur um
  [Ikh shau-eh mikh noor oom]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?
  [Vee feel koh-stet das]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [Das eest tso toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [Kern-en zee den Price zehn-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [Vee shpet ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [Es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb (10) Uhr
  [Halb (10) oor]
• MorningMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [Nah-mit-tahg]
• EveningAbend
  [Ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [Ges-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [Hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
• 1Eins
  [Iyns]
• 2Zwei
  [Tsvai]
• 3Drei
  [Drigh]
• 4Vier
  [Feer]
• 5Fünf
  [Fewn-f]
• 6Sechs
  [Zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [Zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [Akh-t]
• 9Neun
  [Noy-n]
• 10Zehn
  [Tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [Vo ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [Vas ist dee Ah-dreh-say]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [Kern-en zee meer das tsai-gen (ouf dehr kar-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [Vann kommt dehr nekhs-teh (Boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [I-nuh Fahr-kahr-teh (nakh)]

The Salzkammergut region has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by archaeological finds in the area. The Hallstatt culture, which dates back to the early Iron Age (around 800 to 450 BC), is named after the village of Hallstatt in the region. This period is marked by significant advancements in metalworking and salt mining, with many artifacts discovered in local salt mines.

The Romans arrived in the Salzkammergut region around 15 BC. They recognized the value of the area's natural resources, particularly salt, and developed infrastructure to support salt mining. The region was part of the Roman province of Noricum, and remnants of Roman settlements and roads can still be found throughout the area.

During the Middle Ages, the Salzkammergut region became a crucial center for the salt trade in Europe. The town of Hallstatt and other nearby settlements thrived due to their salt mines. Salt, often referred to as 'white gold,' was a valuable commodity and played a significant role in the region's economy. Many of the region's historic buildings and churches were funded by the wealth generated from salt mining.

The Salzkammergut region came under the control of the Habsburg dynasty in the 13th century. The Habsburgs recognized the strategic and economic importance of the area and developed it further. Emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife, Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), frequently visited the region, particularly their summer residence at Bad Ischl. This royal patronage boosted the region's popularity and contributed to its development as a tourist destination.

During World War II, the Salzkammergut region was affected by the broader conflict in Europe. The area saw some military activity, and its remote locations were used for various purposes, including as hideaways for valuable art and cultural artifacts. After the war, the region continued to recover and rebuild, eventually reclaiming its status as a popular tourist destination thanks to its natural beauty and historical significance.

In 1997, the Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut region was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights the area's unique cultural and natural heritage, including its rich history of salt mining, its picturesque landscapes, and its well-preserved historic towns. The UNESCO status has helped to further promote and preserve the region's cultural and historical legacy.

Salzkammergut Lakes region is located in Upper Austria, Styria, and Salzburg. The nearest major airport is Salzburg Airport (SZG), approximately 35 kilometers from Bad Ischl, a central point in Salzkammergut. From Salzburg, you can take a train or bus to various towns within the Salzkammergut region. Vienna International Airport (VIE) is another option, about 250 kilometers away, with direct train connections to the region. Car rentals are also available at both airports for those who prefer to drive.

The Salzkammergut Lakes region is well-connected by public transport, including trains and buses. ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) operates frequent train services to key towns like Bad Ischl, Hallstatt, and Gmunden. Local buses connect smaller villages and tourist attractions. Cycling is popular in the region, with numerous bike rental shops available. For more flexibility, consider renting a car, especially if you plan to visit remote areas.

The official currency in Austria is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, rural areas, and public transport. ATMs are readily available in towns and villages throughout the Salzkammergut region.

The Salzkammergut Lakes region is generally very safe for tourists. However, standard precautions should be observed. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always wise to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, particularly at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Hospitals and medical facilities are available in larger towns like Bad Ischl and Gmunden. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies (Apotheke) are available in most towns for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers as weather can change rapidly. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don’t occupy seats reserved for the elderly or disabled. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Guten Tag' (Good Day) and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t leave a tip on the table; instead, hand it directly to your server.

To experience Salzkammergut Lakes like a local, consider visiting during off-peak seasons to avoid crowds. Explore lesser-known lakes like Grundlsee and Gosausee for a more tranquil experience. Engage with locals in small towns and markets to learn about regional traditions and cuisine. Don't miss the chance to attend local festivals, such as Narzissenfest in spring, to get a taste of local culture.