SALZKAMMERGUT, called also the Austrian Switzerland, one of the most picturesque districts of Europe, forms the S.W. angle of the crown-land of Austria oh der Buns, between the crown-lands of Salzburg on the w. and Styria on the east. Area, 249 sq.m.; population, 18,000 of whom 6,500 are Protestants. The scenery combines in rare beauty the usual features of valley, mountain, and lake. The vales are clothed with a rielm verdure, and are studded with clumps of fruit and forest trees; the mountains are covered with beeches and oaks; higher up with pines and larches, and in some instances are topped with everlasting snow. The highest peak, Grosse Priel, reaches an altitude of 7,931 feet. But the district derives its reputation for beauty chiefly from its lakes, the largest and most famous of which are the Halista& and the Traun, or Gmunden lakes. They are bordered with lofty mountains, which rise sheer from the surface of the water; and their pit-like character, and the strong light and shade thrown on them from the mountains, combine to render the scenery, of which they form the center, unusually sublime. The Hallstadt and Traun lakes arc connected, and indeed formed
by the river Traun. The district of Salzkammergitt derives its name from the salt which is obtained in enormous quantities from its springs and mines. Salt being a government monopoly in Austria, the works are under the management of the Kammer, or exchequer. From 6,000 to 7,000 of the inhabitants are employed in the salt-works, and the amount annually obtained is near,50,000 tons. The chief seats of the salt-works are Ischl (q.v.) and llallstadt. Little or no agriculture is carried on in the Salzkammergut and the inhabitants not engaged in the main industry of the district are engaged in cattle breeding and in the timber trade.