At the southern end of Gosau there is a road leading to the Vorderer Gosausee, a lake with a view of the Dachstein.

[citation needed] The valley around Gosau was settled in the 13th century by monks from St. Peter's Abbey in Salzburg.

Timber production for the salt mine in Hallstatt was a major industry.

In the past timber production and salt mining in neighboring Hallstatt were the major industries in Gosau.

[citation needed] Gosau is governed by a 19-member council and Mayor Markus Schmaranzer of the Austrian People's Party.