Lake Traunsee / Upper Austria / Gmunden. Photo Credit: Ruedi Homberger
In a groundbreaking move, the charming alpine town of Bad Ischl has been bestowed with the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture 2024, marking a historic collaboration of 23 municipalities in Austria*. This accolade, a first in the 39-year history of the European Capital of Culture, positions Bad Ischl as the cultural heart of a region that seamlessly blends art, history, business, and tourism.
Nestled in the breathtaking Salzkammergut region, known for its crystal clear lakes and panoramic alpine vistas, Bad Ischl’s cultural tapestry is woven with a history dating back 7,000 years. Once the Imperial summer residence, Bad Ischl flourished as a thermal spa town in the 19th Century, attracting not only Austria’s longest-reigning monarch, Emperor Franz Joseph I, but also European royalty, including England’s King Edward VII.
After Graz in 2003 and Linz in 2009, the European Capital of Culture title returns to Austria, embracing Bad Ischl and its collaborative effort with 22 other municipalities in Upper Austria and Styria. Together, they aim to redefine their cultural identity through the convergence of art, culture, business, and tourism.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Salzkammergut region boasts a rich cultural history tied to the world’s oldest salt mines in Hallstatt. Surrounded by salt, water, and air, the region has evolved into a sought-after destination for wellness holidays, drawing visitors with its unique blend of mountains, lakes, forests, picturesque towns, and natural hot springs.
Bad Ischl’s spa and wellness allure persist, offering diverse spa facilities, numerous hiking paths, and activities for active relaxation. With 76 bathing lakes scattered across the region, Salzkammergut is rightfully dubbed Austria’s lake district.
Running from January 20 to November 30, 2024, the Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024 program revolves around four core themes – POWER AND TRADITION, CULTURE IN MOTION, SHARING SALZKAMMERGUT – The Art of Travel, and GLOBALOCAL – Building the New. These themes will manifest in diverse events showcasing the region’s history, cultural evolution, tourism potential, and strategies for sustainable growth.
For food enthusiasts, the Tavern Lab, conceptualized by the Healthy Boy Band cooking collective and agency friendship.is, promises a revitalization of the tavern culture. Renowned chefs, ambitious apprentices, and artists will unite in unique pop-up venues in February, April, June, and September 2024.
Train-lovers can embark on an acoustic and visually immersive journey from Gmunden to Bad Aussee Salzkammergut starting March 2024. The Regional Express, an artful creation by Ella Raidel (Singapore), Marlene Rutzendorfer (A), and Petra Ardai (NL/HU), combines a docu-fiction narrative with augmented reality, offering passengers a memorable exploration of the region’s cultural and natural heritage.
Over 180 projects, fusing regional influences and international artists, will take center stage at Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024. With a focus on reflection, sustainability, and the future, the cultural extravaganza aims to showcase the region’s rich heritage while navigating the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
Visitors are encouraged to grab the KulturCard 2024, priced at €49, available from tourist associations and online. This card offers up to 50% off admission to museums, concerts, exhibitions, and Capital of Culture events. It also includes the SalzkammergutCard, unlocking various discounts on attractions, sights, and leisure activities in the Salzkammergut.
Embark on a cultural odyssey, immerse yourself in the beauty of Bad Ischl Salzkammergut, and witness the fusion of tradition and innovation in the heart of Austria’s alpine region.
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