3
moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in 4 star hotels and inns
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1330GBP

Overview

Trip Code: WIX

Trip highlights


  • Trekking through stunning alpine scenery of the Salzkammergut region of Austria
  • Experiencing the exhilaration of trekking across alpine pastures
  • Viewing flora and fauna including ibex, chamois and marmot
  • Enjoying the warm family run hotels

The UNESCO World Heritage listed Salzkammergut alpine region of Austria encompasses 76 crystal clear lakes, the Dachstein Glacier, lush summer meadows and impressive rock faces up to 3000 vertical metres high. During this inspiring walk around the lakes, there is ample time to appreciate the natural beauty of the region and the alpine villages of wooden chalets decorated with colourful window boxes while at night you will enjoy the warm hospitality of your hosts. Staying in pensions and small hotels, you can relax and enjoy the satisfying cuisine typical of the region. There will be opportunities to sight fauna including ibex, chamois and marmot along with numerous butterfly species which are endemic to this alpine environment.

Countries:

Austria

Starting Point:

Bad Ischl

Finishing Point:

Bad Ischl


On arrival in Bad Ischl make your way to the hotel, where you will receive your your detailed travel documents (hiking information and detailed maps). Ischl became a holiday home of European standing from the middle of the 19th century when Emperor Franz Joseph started spending time at his summer residence here. Bad Ischl, a health resort since 1906, is located in the heart of the Salzkammergut and is the starting point for this extraordinarily varied hike. You can visit the spacious thermal bath or visit the famous Café Zauner.

Meals:  Nil

Start your walk from Bad Ischl along the Ischl River following the "Dammweg" trail all the way to Russbach. From here you ascend to the mountain lake, Schwarzensee which you walk around before descending to Schwarzenbach on Lake Wolfgangsee. This evening's accommodation is on the lake shore in the town of Strobl. Named after a family of merchants, Strobl was a centre for pilgrims and carters in the 17th century. Walking: 23.5km/14.6mi, ascent 730m/2395ft, descent 652m/2139ft Note: you can shorten the walk by taking a bus to Russbach, in which case the walking will be 12.5km/7.7mi, ascent 511m/1677ft, descent 507m/1663ft

Meals:  B

There are two options for today. The shorter option offers a change of pace as you begin with a boat trip on Lake Wolfgangsee, the most famous lake of the Salzkammergut region. From St Wolfgang you can explore this charming lake-side village. Visit the church and take the cogwheel train to the summit of Schafberg (1760m) for magnificent panoramic views of the region. It's an easy walk to Berau and along the Bürgl Panoramic Walk to Strobl/ Weissenbach. Walking: 7.5km/4.6mi, ascent 164m/538ft, descent 141m/462ft Or for a challenging day rewarded by spectacular views, follow the hiking path between Sparber and Bleckwand Mountains up to the Postalm alpine pasture, the largest mountain plateau in Austria. There is a surprising variety of flora and fauna to be discovered in the area. Take a break in an original alpine hut and sample some alpine produce from the farmers. Return via the same route or descend to the Weissenbach Valley before reaching your accommodation in Strobl/Weissenbach. Walking: 22km/13.7mi, ascent 840m/2756ft, descent 970m/3182ft

Meals:  B

The path from Weissenbach to Bad Goisern, the so-called Bear trail (Bärenpfad), leads into a rather primeval landscape formed by the water. Gorges, deep ponds and gurgling streams characterise the path. Walking past the ‘Kammersbach’ hut you will climb up to the Bärenpfadsattel. Halfway down, you may be interested in the ‘Chorinsky Klause’, an industrial monument (a lock) built at the beginning of the 19th century to move logged timber downstream for milling. Continue to Bad Goisern and your accommodation. Walking: 21km/13.4mi, ascent 895m/2936ft, descent 977m/3205ft Note: if you would like to avoid today's steep descent, you can take a bus to Bad Ischl and walk an alternate route to Bad Goisern (10km/6mi).

Meals:  B

Today's walk from Bad Goisern to Hallstatt is along the historical 'Brine Trail' to Steeg. The following section on the eastern shore of Lake Hallstatt is panoramic, with views of Hallstatt, the lake and the Dachstein Alps. Hanging bridges give the impression of walking above the water. Continue to Obertraun and spend the night in Hallstatt. The almost perfect ensemble of narrow streets, historical houses, lake panorama and the cultural heritage from the Hallstatt era make this place world-famous. Walking: 19km/12mi, ascent 127m/416ft, descent 102m/334ft You can shorten today's walk by approx 8km/5mi by taking the ferry from Hallstatt train station to Hallstatt town (payable locally).

Meals:  B

There are a number of options today. You can visit the salt mines above Hallstatt, or the Dachstein Adventure World (cable car to 2000m with its viewing platform “5 Fingers” and the Ice and Mammoth Caves). Alternatively we recommend a walk through the Echerntal valley with its impressive waterfalls. Overnight Hallstatt. Optional walking approx. 2hrs, 6km/3.7mi, ascent/descent 258m/846ft

Meals:  B

Leave Hallstatt by boat and enjoy postcard views of the village then take the train to Bad Aussee (tickets for both are included). From Bad Aussee you walk past the Alpengarten (lovely Alpine garden well worth seeing) and the historic salt mountain of Aussee through a gorgeous mountain pasture area to Bad Goisern. Train or bus back to Bad Ischl (payable locally). Overnight stay in Bad Ischl. Walking 19km/12mi, ascent 500m/1640ft, descent 660m/2165ft

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast in Bad Ischl.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, meats, cheeses, coffee, tea and juices
  • 7 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels and inns
  • Information pack including route notes & hiking map per room booked, GPX Tracks
  • Luggage transfer, maximum two pieces per person of max 25kg per piece, supplement applies for excess
  • Hiking bus to the gorge Burggraben on the standard trip
  • Ferry trip on Wolfgangsee: from Strobl to St Wolfgang
  • Ferry on Lake Hallstattersee (Hallstatt market to Hallstatt train station)
  • Train ticket Hallstatt to Bad Aussee
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Bad Ischl
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Tour guide – this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees and cable cars not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Optional transfers on bus/ferry/train are available to shorten the hikes
  • Excess luggage
  • Tourist tax
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation


Suitability

moderate

3

GRADE 3 - This is a self guided walk with a maximum of 8 hours of walking per day in stages of 10 to 31km. While the paths are well defined and the gradient is not too difficult, the terrain is undulating. The route is reasonably well marked except as noted in the directions provided – the map should be used in conjunction with the directions provided. To join this trip you should be an experienced hiker and be competent in map reading. A good level of fitness is also required, although most stages may be shortened through the use of public transport. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.


Departure dates

Daily from 24 Apr to 16 Oct

Notes

DN1
High season is from 1 Jul to 1 Sep.Supplement applies to high season departures.
Note:
Austrian twin beds are usually two mattresses side by side on one large base. Separate twin beds are rare and cannot be guaranteed. Request single rooms if not suitable. Not all attractions in the area are open after September.

Priceper person from

£1330GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single supplementGBP£410
  • Solo traveller supplementGBP£440
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


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