Places of Happiness in the Salzkammergut

Generally speaking Places of Happiness are unique places that are frequented to promote the development on an inner sensitivity and to boost self-discovery.

These places support the journey to the self. Places of Happiness are places that evoke a special harmony in us, stir up pleasant memories, create pleasant feelings, or induce joy. We have arranged these places in the following groups: nature places, mythical places and sacred places.

Some examples:

Mythical Places

Pflindsberg castle ruins
In the Ausseerland area; featuring a newly built vantage tower from where one enjoys a fantastic panoramic view. Pflindsberg was the castle of the wicked bishop Philipp of Sponheim; he was an elusive character (1220 – 1279). Despite being chosen to be the archbishop of Salzburg he stubbornly refused to receive the cleric sacraments. In 1246 he ordered the occupation of the Aussee area with the force of arms to profit from the proceeds of the saltworks at Sandling and from the old salt trail. In 1395 the castle was the domicile of the ministration office, later on it became a prison for serious offenders. In 1780 the castle had already gone to ruins. The legend has it that the soul of an innocent prisoner, who died in the tower, still roams the castle’s meadows as a black rider.

Lawinenstein
Lawinenstein or Lopernstein Mountain is a balcony-like observation mountain offering a great view of the area surrounding Bad Mitterndorf and the Grundlsee area. The mountain’s slope features several gorges and a weather hole that leads almost vertically into the earth. It is said that if one throws a stone down there, a heavy thunderstorm starts the same day.

Cultural and Sacred Places

Kumitzberg
Already in ancient times people trailed off to this free standing hill. Even when the area was converted to Christianity, crowds of pilgrims kept coming. If you are Catholic you can stick to the Way of the Cross. Those who are spiritually interested can find their own way to Kumitz hill – the name is Slavic and means: hill.

Natural Places

Lake Ödensee and Moors
From Kainisch a wide country lane leads to Lake Ödensee. The short trail is perfect for a walk through the moor landscape. The area is subject to nature conservancy protection and was a popular destination ages ago. Rock drawings in the mountainous area behind tell of the cultic importance of religion. The local poet Franz Kain has set a monument to Lake Ödensee and the trail leading there.

Kulm Ski Jumping Site
At the spot of the ski jump, where international competitions have taken place since 1950, used to be a holy land. Off the beaten track, hikers can still experience some of this old atmosphere.