Gosau is situated along the Gosaubach stream in the Salzkammergut region.
In the past timber production and salt mining in neighboring Hallstatt were the major industries in Gosau. Today, tourism is the main source of income, although raising livestock, mainly cattle, is also an important economic activity.
Gosau is one of the few Lutheran communities in Austria, with about 71% of the population being Lutheran.
Gosau is a municipality in the district of Gmunden in Upper Austria, Austria.