Location 39 · Styrian Salzkammergut, Austria
Altaussee
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Bond crossed a frozen lake to find Mr White. The mountain above it once hid the greatest art haul of the war.
Why go
A still mountain lake below the Trisselwand cliffs. In 1945 the salt mine above the village hid thousands of looted artworks, including the Ghent Altarpiece.
The place
The mine that saved the art
From 1943 the Nazis stored thousands of looted works in the salt mine above the village, among them the Ghent Altarpiece and Michelangelo's Bruges Madonna. In May 1945 local miners helped stop bombs being set off inside, and the Allied 'Monuments Men' brought the art out.
Writers' lake
For over a century Altaussee has been a summer retreat for Viennese writers and composers. The lake is fed by springs and stays clear and cold all year.
The shoot: Spectre (2015)
Mr White's hideaway: Bond crosses the frozen lake to the lonely log cabin.
Mr White's hideaway
In January 2015 the crew filmed at the snowbound eastern end of the Altaussee lake, where a lonely cabin became Mr White's last refuge. Bond walks across the ice to reach it.
Austria in winter
The same winter shoot took in the Ice Q restaurant at Sölden and the plane chase at Obertilliach. Altaussee gave the film its quietest, coldest scene.
More: every Spectre location.
Stand here
Walk the lakeside path east towards the far end of the lake, where the Seewiese hunting lodge stood in for the cabin.
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Quick answers
Where in Austria was Spectre filmed?
Altaussee, Styrian Salzkammergut, Austria. Mr White's hideaway: Bond crosses the frozen lake to the lonely log cabin.
Where exactly should I stand at Altaussee?
Walk the lakeside path east towards the far end of the lake, where the Seewiese hunting lodge stood in for the cabin.
How do I get to Altaussee?
Train to Bad Aussee, then a short bus or taxi. Salzburg is about 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
When is the best time to visit Altaussee?
Winter, when the lake freezes and the path is snowy, or a still autumn morning.
How long should I allow at Altaussee?
Allow 1 day. Free to walk round the lake.
Can I visit Altaussee for free?
Free to walk round the lake.
Visit
Best: Winter, when the lake freezes and the path is snowy, or a still autumn morning. Access: Free to walk round the lake. Getting there: Train to Bad Aussee, then a short bus or taxi. Salzburg is about 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
Taste: Arctic char (Saibling) from the lake, smoked or pan-fried.