Place of happiness: Kalvarienberg church in Gosau - © Kraft

Place of happiness: Kalvarienberg church in Gosau

Places of happiness for allI

In today's world, which is characterized by a lot of speed, more and more people are looking for ways to find peace. The "Places of happiness in the Salzkammergut" offers exactly that in the midst of nature that could not be more spectacular. We are very pleased that this extraordinary place is now accessible and can be experienced by hikers and bikers. Whether on the mountain or in the valley, these very special places keep their promise: peace, deceleration and every unique moment in nature. There are numerous of these places of happiness around the Salzkammergut lakes, it would not be possible to list them here. We have compiled the most beautiful of them for you below.

Place of tranquillity with distant views

The romantic Kalvarienberg church in Gosau is certainly one of the most beautiful places of happiness in the Salzkammergut. The idyllic gem, a 30 minute walk from the Gosau Tourist Information office, is located high above the holiday resort with wonderful panoramic views of the entire Gosau Valley and the mighty peaks of the Gosaukamm thrown in for free.

Historic background

In 1775, the Hallstatt salt merchant Johann Sollinger erected the Kalvarienberg church and the Stations of the Cross with its five chapels, although - or because – back then Gosau was constituted as an almost closed Protestant community: The Innsbruck University Professor Josef August Schultes, who travelled through the Salzkammergut between 1784 and 1808, even speaks of an Austrian Wittenberg. Much water had to flow through the Gosau stream before the peaceful ecumenism. For example up until 1861 the Protestants refused the tolling of bells or building of a tower and the Catholic priest charged ‘surplice fees’ for christenings or weddings even if they were carried out by his evangelical colleague.

Our tip: The Kalvarienberg church ‘Glücksplatz’ (place of happiness), is especially charming in late summer when the early morning fog lies over the valley and Gosau slowly awakes. We suggest you experience it for yourself during a holiday in Gosau! Whatever you choose, we wish you a pleasant holiday in the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut.

Magical Spots between Mountains and Lakes

From the Kalverienberg in Gosau, which offers visitors fantastic panoramas of the Gosau Valley, the romantic Koppenwinkel Lake in Obertraun with its absolute tranquillity, to the incomparable charm of the “Goiserer Seeplatzl”, the numerous enchanting locations of the UNESCO World Heritage Region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut wait to be discovered. We’ve compiled a list of the most beautiful natural settings between mountains and lakes just for you—and new ideas are continually added!


Tips: Hiking in autumn

Autumn is here! Hooray! The most beautiful hiking season of the year! However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when hiking, especially at this time of year.

  • Plan tours properly.
  • Start early. Especially for high alpine hikes.
  • Attention: It gets dark early!
  • If you are staying overnight in a hut, register in good time by telephone.
  • Do not miss the last cable car ride down the mountain when on mountain tours.
  • Information on the current operating times of the cable cars in connection with a hike can be found below under "Information at a Glance".
  • Check snow conditions. Because at this time of the year the first snow can already fall in the high mountains.
  • We have summarised further important safety tips below.
  • We wish you an unforgettable hiking autumn in the Salzkammergut.

Your editorial team

Safety Tips for Hikers

Admittedly, the landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut is the absolute pinnacle for hiking fans, mountain enthusiasts and nature lovers—unforgettable tours to incredibly beautiful mountain lodges and meadows, panorama views as far as the eye can see and cherished moments that will last a lifetime! However, you should remember that while hiking you might find yourself in high-alpine terrain. We’ve put together some resources to assist you: how to best prepare for your tour, recommended items for your backpack and steps to take in an emergency situation. Remember to always play it safe and enjoy your hiking adventure in the Salzkammergut!

Warning: Closed trails
Better to know before you go

Hiking trails in the Salzkammergut can be closed for various reasons. To help you prepare for your hike, we have set up a page with current road closures in the region. This will help you get to your destination without any detours or stress. Click here to visit the page...

Ways to this place & other offers

Panorama Trail in Gosau

“Glücksplätze” - Places of happiness

Historical tour of Gosau - Leaving the church in the village

Search and Book

Sie sind noch auf Herbergssuche im Salzkammergut und haben bisher nichts adäquates gefunden? Bei unserer Abfrage nach herzlichen Gastgebern finden Sie jede Menge Ferienwohnungen, Hotels und Pensionen in der UNESCO Welterberegion Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut. Da ist sicherlich auch etwas passendes für Sie dabei! Starten Sie jetzt ganz unverbindlich die Abfrage und genießen Sie einen unvergesslichen Urlaub am Hallstättersee oder im Gosautal. Los geht's...