Upper Austria has three different landscapes. In the north are granite- and gneiss-laden hills, separated in the center of the province by the Valley of the Danube. There are also the limestone Alps and the Salzkammergut lake district, about a 30-minute drive from Linz, which crosses into Upper Austria. Here you’ll find the area’s most idyllic settings. You can center your activities at the Mondsee or Attersee, Austria’s largest lake. Other possible bases are the Traunsee, one of the biggest lakes in the Salzkammergut, or the Wolfgangsee, Austria’s most romantic lake.

These lakes (Seen) are all great for boating, but if you like to swim, know that the See water here is not as warm as you’ll find in Carinthia. The lake district is dotted with farms and fruit trees, from which an excellent cider is produced that actually competes with wine for popularity among the locals.

Upper Austria is a choice location for nature lovers. Most of its towns are small, and although there’s a lot of industry, it doesn’t blight the province with grime. Industrial installations are often discreetly hidden away, much as they are in Switzerland. Linz, the provincial capital, harbors many historic treasures. Near Linz, the former Nazi concentration camp at Mauthausen is a tragic reminder of the horrors of World War II. Bad Ischl, once a retreat of the imperial court, is the area’s most fashionable spa. Emperor Franz Joseph summered here for 60 years. From the beautiful village of Hallstatt, you can tour still-active salt mines at Salt Mountain.