The resort of Mattsee, ideally situated on the banks of the lake Mattsee, has often been described as the „Venice“ of Salzburg.

A Collegiate Church and benedictine monastery, the third oldest in Austria, was built here in 777 by the bavarian Duke Tassilo III.

The monastery and  the resort’s proximity to the music city of Salzburg have contributed to Mattsee becoming a small cultural centre. One of the highlights  is the annual  Diabelli Summer Music Festival, which takes place from June until September and is named after the composer, Diabelli , who was born in Mattsee. Concerts and recitals are perfomed either in the Schloss Mattsee, in the Chapter Room of the monastery or in the church itself.

The monastery museum contains unique and valuable historical exhibits. After the 2nd world war, the hungarian crown jewels were hidden in Mattsee to keep them safe during  the russian occupation of Hungary.

The church of St.Michael also owns vineyards, and guests are welcome to taste and savour the wines in the church’s own  wine cellar.

One of the most exciting experiences in the Salzburg Lake District is a trip on the  Seenland.    This electrically-driven boat sails peacefully from Mattsee across two lakes, whereby it has to lower its roof in order to pass from one lake to the next. It was built according to  plans which were drawn up during the reign of the last austrian Emperor.

Mattsee has many sporting activities, a playground, a newly-designed lakeside beach area with giant slide for children, crazy golf and numerous walks – the most family -orientated resort in the whole region.