Austria - Walking in Salzkammergut - 8 days

You arrive at your first hotel in Wolfgangsee or Abersee. Upon arrival you are given your welcome pack which contains the roadbook, maps, vouchers and other essentials.

Category A - Hotel (example): Aberseehof***
Charme - Hotel (example): Weisses Rössl****

You begin the day by taking a boat to St. Wolfgang. In addition to its beautiful surroundings this village is also known for its small hotel "The White Horse Inn" about which an operetta by the same name is written. From here the route leads you up to the rock wall of Flakenstein, from where there are spectacular views over the Wolfgangsee lake. A charming path leads you along the lakeshore into the Mozart village of St. Gilgen. From there you will take the boat back to the hotel at Wolfgangsee.

Walking time: approx. 3½ hours
Distance: 10km
+250 / -250
Category A - Hotel (example): Aberseehof***
Charme - Hotel (example): Weisses Rössl****

Walking time: 4-5 hours

This day’s hike leads you from St. Wolfgang to Schwarzensee, which is fully surrounded by small mountain peaks, rising up from the green vegetation. Here at the lakeshore, it is ideal to taste one of Madame Lore's homemade snacks in the cozy café. Through the Wirer gorge the trail goes down in the valley and around Bürglstein, from where the path spectacularly winds through the cliffs to Strobl, with its pretty lakeside promenade. The day ends with a bus ride to Bad Ischl, where you check into the hotel.

NOTE: In 2024, Bad Ischl has been designated as the European Capital of Culture. This means that there will be numerous local events throughout spring and summer (across much of Salzkammergut). However, in Bad Ischl specifically, hotels in our Category A are quickly selling out. We have no way of predicting when this will occur, so it may be necessary for us to upgrade or downgrade the hotel for nights here. In that case, there will be a corresponding price adjustment. We will contact our guests in connection with confirming the trip, where relevant.

Walking time: approx. 4½ hours
Distance: 12km
+300 / -300
Category A - Hotel (example): Goldenes Schiff***
Charme - Hotel (example): Villa Seilern****

This is a free day in Bad Ischl, where you can chose the experiences of your interest. There are plenty of things to visit such as the old Imperial Villa, which used to be the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth of Austria. Café Zauner is a recommendable place for a coffee break, with its famous delicacies. The name Bad in Bad Ischl, means bath, and refers to the thermal baths in the city. Should you be up for a relaxing visit to the warm waters, the Salzkammergut Thermal Spa is worth a visit.

Category A - Hotel (example): Goldenes Schiff***
Charme - Hotel (example): Villa Seilern****

Walking time: 3-4 hours

Salt has always been an important source of income in the area of Salzkammergut. The oldest active brine pipeline stretches 39 kilometers from the salt mine of Hallstattt to the salt factory in Bad Ischl. The day begins with walking along the promenade of Bad Ischl to Kaltenbachau, a cozy area where horse races are held. From here the walk begins to follow the path running along these pipes of brine, called the Brine Pipeline Trail (some locals call it "the Strähn") and the trail is featured on the UNESCO heritage list. As you approach Bad Goisern, you will turn off the trail and reach your hotel for the night. 

Walking time: approx. 3-5 hours
Distance: 11km
+50 / -50
Category A - Hotel (example): Hotel Goisererhof***
Charme - Hotel (example): Heritage Hotel Hallstatt****

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Today’s walk will bring you back on the "Brine Pipline Trail" where it will lead you to the salt mountain of Hallstatt. This salt mine is the world’s oldest active mine of its kind, and it dates back to the celtic Hallstatt-culture that arose around 800-400 BC.

From the trail there will be magnificent views of both Lake Hallstatt and the Dachstein Massif, which is beautifully situated in the background. When reaching Hallstatt, take the Salzbergbahn - a funicular, up the hill from where the view is superb. It is recommended to visit the salt mine, which offers historical information, shows you the mining area, and brings you to the top of Rudolf's tower, which was originally built to defend the salt mine from attack. Today, you can safely enjoy the brilliant view from the top of the tower, overlooking the fantastic alpine landscape.

The trip back to Bad Goisern is done by boat across Lake Hallstatt.

Walking time: approx. 4½ hours
Distance: 12km
+400 / -100
Category A - Hotel (example): Hotel Goisererhof***
Charme - Hotel (example): Heritage Hotel Hallstatt****

You will begin the day by taking the train to Bad Ischl. Along the romantic Sissi path, you will walk to the small idyllic lake Nussensee, and from here along the Ischl River and continue to Wolfgangsee Lake. On this part of the walk you come through one of Austria's finest marshlands called Blinklingmoos. The route then follows Lake Wolfgang for the last stretch back to Wolfgangsee for a final night. 

Walking time: ca. 5½ hours
Distance: 18km
+300 / -200
Category A - Hotel (example): Aberseehof***
Charme - Hotel (example): Weisses Rössl****

After breakfast  you will check out of the hotel for departure.