▲ Bad Ischl is a spa town located in the southern Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria, situated along the Traun River. In 1849, Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph chose this location to build his summer residence. In 1853, he and Empress Sisi held their engagement ceremony here, and the Kaiservilla became the imperial family's summer retreat, which Franz Joseph referred to as "heaven on earth." Covered in snow during winter, this classically elegant town welcomes visitors to explore the Kaiservilla, stroll through the spa colonnades, and enjoy the "Imperial Torte" paired with hot chocolate at the royal confectionery Zauner.
▲ The Dachstein Ice Cave, located near the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut region, is a magical world of ice and snow within the Dachstein Mountains. Formed over millions of years, the cave extends approximately 80 kilometers into the mountain range. Inside, visitors can marvel at ice stalactites, frozen waterfalls, and ice mountains, with the thickest ice layer reaching 25 cm. The cave maintains subzero temperatures year-round, creating a fantastical spectacle when combined with the surrounding Alpine snowscapes. Visitors must take a cable car to the summit and explore the cave under the guidance of a professional guide, with the entire tour lasting about 50 minutes.
