Since records began in 1931, Germany has never experienced such dry conditions from early February to mid-April as it has this year. This is according to the German Weather Service (DWD), which analyzed its climate database. February and March 2025 were far too dry not only in Germany, but also across the Benelux countries, northern Germany, the Swedish Baltic coast, and the Baltic states. In Austria as well, particularly in the south and southeast, historic lows in precipitation were recorded in recent weeks. In southern Europe, however, conditions were largely too wet during the same period. 

 

On average across Germany, the DWD recorded only about 40 liters of rain per square meter between February 1 and April 13, 2025. This represents a decrease in precipitation of approximately 88 liters, or 68 percent, compared to the 1991–2020 reference period. Previously, the driest period over these roughly ten weeks had been in 1976. At that time, approximately 55 liters fell, representing 43 percent of the long-term average. Precipitation was exceptionally low in 2025 during the aforementioned period in northwestern Germany. There, the DWD measured less than 35 percent of the usual precipitation amounts across much of the region. In the southeastern parts of the country, it was mostly 50 to 80 percent. Only in a few isolated regions was the precipitation target nearly met. According to the national weather service’s forecast, there will be significant precipitation in Germany—at least in some areas—by the middle of next week. The drought should thus ease, at least regionally.

Southern and southeastern Austria are recording historically low precipitation levels

Conditions are similarly dry in some parts of Austria, where there has been no widespread, sustained rainfall for months. These areas include parts of Salzburg, Carinthia, Styria, and southern Burgenland. In some cases, precipitation levels are as much as 90 percent below normal. This is having a massive impact on vegetation in general, agriculture in particular, and the forests as well. For example, spruce trees are blooming extremely profusely this year, and the growth of grasses and crops is just as impaired as that of fruit trees. The risk of forest fires is increasing dramatically. The problem is that, according to current forecasts, no sustained rainfall is expected in the coming weeks to alleviate the situation and replenish groundwater reserves.

 

Large parts of Europe were also too dry in February and March

A look at data from the World Centre for Precipitation Climatology, operated by the DWD on behalf of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), shows that February and March 2025 were significantly drier than normal—not only in Germany, but also across a broad swath stretching from the British Isles through Central Europe and into Eastern Europe. The center of the precipitation deficit extended from the Benelux countries through northern Germany to the Swedish Baltic coast and into the Baltic states. In some parts of this region, less than 20 percent of the long-term precipitation average for the reference period 1951–2000 was recorded in February and March. In southern Europe, however, conditions were largely too wet during the same period. For instance, in the southern half of Spain and Portugal, precipitation levels exceeded 165 percent of the usual amounts in many areas and, regionally, even surpassed 200 percent.

A region nestled between water, mountains, and a rich cultural heritage

The Salzkammergut is one of Austria’s best-known regions—and at the same time one of its most diverse. Stretching between Salzburg and the foothills of Styria, this region boasts over 70 lakes, alpine peaks, historic towns, and a long tradition as a retreat for artists, thinkers, and those seeking relaxation.

Places like Hallstatt, Bad Ischl, and St. Wolfgang are famous far beyond the region’s borders. But away from the tourist hotspots, the Salzkammergut reveals a different side: peaceful, authentic, and increasingly characterized by a mindful approach to nature and resources.

Today, the region faces the challenge of balancing its popularity with sustainable tourism—and is developing new approaches based precisely on this.

 

Travel & Transportation – Well-Connected, Easier to Combine

The Salzkammergut has excellent rail connections. Major entry points include Salzburg, Attnang-Puchheim, and Bad Ischl. From there, regional trains and bus routes take you deep into the lake district.

Locally, there is a growing focus on climate-friendly mobility:

Frequent bus service between the lakes and towns
Combined train and boat routes
E-bike rentals and well-developed bike paths around many lakes
Regional visitor passes that include public transportation

It is precisely the combination of train, bicycle, and boat that makes it possible to explore the region in a variety of ways while being environmentally friendly.

 

Accommodations – Tradition Meets Modern Sustainability

The Salzkammergut offers a wide range of accommodations, from historic buildings to modern eco-hotels. Many establishments now actively prioritize sustainable practices.

Typical examples are:

Family-run guesthouses offering a regional breakfast
Hotels with environmental certification and energy-efficiency initiatives
Farm stays and vacation rentals with a direct connection to agriculture

Renewable energy sources, locally sourced building materials, and sustainable operational concepts are being used more and more frequently. At the same time, the region’s traditional architecture is being preserved—an important part of its identity.

 

Activities – exploring mindfully between lake and mountain

The Salzkammergut offers a wide variety of ways to actively experience nature—without putting a strain on it.

Popular activities include:

Hiking on scenic trails around Lake Wolfgang, Lake Attersee, or Lake Traunsee
Swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking on lakes with drinking-water-quality water
Cycling on lakeside loops or through alpine valleys
Cultural experiences such as the Hallstatt Salt Mine or classical concerts in historic venues

If you want to experience the region in a more sustainable way, you should choose your times and locations carefully—such as the early morning hours or lesser-known lakes. This allows you to enhance your experience of nature while reducing the pressure on heavily visited sites.

 

Cuisine – Lake, Forest, and Alpine Pasture on Your Plate

The cuisine of the Salzkammergut is closely tied to the local landscape. Fresh, regional ingredients take center stage:

Fish from the lakes, such as char or whitefish
Dairy products and cheese from alpine pastures
Game dishes from local hunts
Seasonal vegetables, herbs, and berries

Many businesses collaborate with local producers and prioritize short supply chains. At the same time, the selection of organic and vegetarian dishes is growing.

 

Sustainability factor – striking a balance between visibility and protection

The Salzkammergut exemplifies a key challenge facing modern tourism regions: How can high demand be reconciled with the protection of sensitive landscapes?

Specific measures include:

Visitor management in high-traffic areas such as Hallstatt
Promotion of sustainable mobility
Conservation programs for lakeshores, forests, and alpine habitats
Collaboration between municipalities, the tourism sector, and conservation organizations

It is becoming increasingly clear that the region’s future lies not in further growth, but in quality, management, and awareness.

 

Conclusion – Beauty requires balance

The Salzkammergut is a region of extraordinary beauty—but it also serves as an example of just how important responsible tourism has become. A tension arises between world-famous destinations and quiet retreats, one that must be actively managed.

Those who travel here with an open mind will discover more than just the landscape: a region in transition that is striving to preserve its identity while forging new paths.

Next episode: South Tyrol – Alpine agriculture, architecture, and sustainable transformation

 

For more information about the Salzkammergut: https://www.salzkammergut.at/