BU Austria 2024

The town of Bad Ischl is the center of Austria's lake district - the spectacular Salzkammergut. Ischl's popularity as a spa town began in the early 19th century and reached its peak during the waning decades of the Habsburg Empire. Until 1914, Ischl was the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph, and the nobility, upper middle classes and artists flocked here in summer. Today, as well as being a wellness center, the town is also an ideal base for enjoying the many outdoor activities on offer in the Salzkammergut, both in summer and winter.

Salzkammergut is both wild and romantic, a place of nostalgia for city dwellers, lowlanders and nature lovers alike, and Bad Ischl is its charming heart. Lakes cover the region, many of them crystal-clear and fringed by limestone peaks that emerge from lush forests. At the southern end of Salzkammergut, the mighty Dachstein, Austria's most emblematic mountain, majestically dominates Lake Hallstatt and the fairytale village that gives it its name. Inside the mountain, the salt from which the name Salzkammergut is derived is found in abundance. During the Iron Age, its extraction contributed to the prosperity of the inhabitants of Hallstatt and the surrounding area.

Now there's another reason to visit Salzkammergut. In addition to all the region's usual attractions, there's now a festive atmosphere to celebrate Bad Ischl as European Capital of Culture 2024 alongside 22 other communities in the region. However, this comes with an important caveat: how to respect Salzkammergut's natural and cultural heritage while planning for a relevant and sustainable future.

Comprising each of the eight circulating euro and cent coins, this set is ideal as a gift, lasting memento or appropriate souvenir of Austria, featuring native flowers, iconic buildings and illustrious Austrians. All special pieces in uncirculated quality are designed to meet the highest standards. As a "first strike" - one of the first strikes in a series minted from a new die - immediately after striking, each coin is carefully checked and packaged to ensure that each one is a spotless masterpiece.