Tour Overview
Embark on the Austrian Lakes Walk and immerse yourself in the breathtaking alpine scenery of Austria's Salzkammergut region. This self-guided trek offers the thrill of traversing alpine pastures, encountering diverse flora and fauna such as ibex, chamois, and marmot, and staying in charming, family-run hotels. Enjoy 7 nights in 3-star accommodations, with an upgrade option to 4-star hotels in Bad Ischl. Highlights include a boat trip on Lake Wolfgangsee, a hike along the Bear Trail, and exploring the picturesque town of Hallstatt. With luggage transfers and detailed route notes provided, this adventure promises a seamless and unforgettable experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Bad Ischl
Location: Bad Ischl
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
On arrival in Bad Ischl make your way to the hotel. 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. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Walk via Pfandl and Russbach to Schwarzensee and on to Attersee (7-8hrs)
Location: Attersee
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Weissenbach or Steinbach
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Bad Ischl you will walk to Kalvarienberg church and along the 'Elisabeth Forest trail', named for Empress Elisabeth of Austria's (Sisi's) former riding paths. Continue via Pfandl, where salt was already boiled in the 12th century. The trail leads via Russbach to Schwarzensee and through meadows to Burgau at Lake Attersee. Following the lakeside path, arrive at your hotel in Weissenbach or Steinbach.
Note: At times 3km of the morning's trail must be by bus as the trail can be affected if there is heavy rain or storms. In this instance a bus ticket is included.
Walking: 24km/14.9.mi, ascent/descent 584m/1916ft
The walk can be shortened by taking a bus from Bad Ischl to Russbach or Pfandl to Russbach (walk 12km less)
Day 3 : Walk to St Gilgen and on to Abersee (7-8hrs) - options to shorten
Location: St Gilgen
Accommodation Name: Hotel in St Gilgen or Abersee
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you take the hiking bus to the entrance of Burggraben gorge (included) to start your walk. Over the alpine pasture ‘Eisenau’, the highest point of today's walk, a path winds along the heights of the Mondsee with various wayside crosses, which encourage you to pause. From Scharfling you walk past the Krottensee down to St Gilgen at Lake Wolfgang. Overnight here or further along the lake at the small town of Abersee (you can walk along the promenade or take the bus from St Gilgen to Abersee).
Walking: 23km/14.5mi or 16.6km/10.3mi, ascent 700m/2296ft, descent 650m/2132ft
Day 4 : Boat trip on Lake Wolfgangsee or alpine plateau walk, overnight Strobl (2-3hrs or 10hrs)
Location: Lake Wolfgangsee
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Strobl
Meals Included: Breakfast
A change of pace this morning as your day begins with a boat trip on Lake Wolfgangsee, the most famous lake of the Salzkammergut region, to St Wolfgang. Here you can visit the church or take the cogwheel train to the summit of Schafberg (1782m) for magnificent panoramic views of the region*. Back in St Wolfgang follow the lakeside path to Berau. It's a wonderful panoramic path, which runs directly along the water and leads you around the Bürglstein (Bürgl Panoramic Walk) to Strobl. Named after a family of merchants, Strobl was a centre for pilgrims and carters in the 17th century. Continue to Weissenbach for overnight.
Alternatively, a hike to the Postalm is recommended. The largest alpine plateau in Austria, it extends in the south of Lake Wolfgang at an altitude between 1000 and 2000m and is known as a beautiful hiking area.
*the cogwheel train is open from late April to late October (subject to change) and may also be closed due to inclement weather.
Walking: 7.5km/4.6mi, ascent 164m/538ft, descent 141m/463ft or 24,5 km, ascent 1243m/4078ft, descent 1216m/3989ft
Day 5 : Walk the Bear Trail to Bad Goisern (8hrs)
Location: Bad Goisern
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Bad Goisern
Meals Included: Breakfast
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)
Day 6 : Walk to Hallstatt (5hrs)
Location: Hallstatt
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Hallstatt
Meals Included: Breakfast
On your way to Lake Hallstatt you will cross the river Traun several times. It is the lifeline of the Salzkammergut and rises in the Totes Gebirge in Styria. The next section on the eastern shore of Lake Hallstatt is unobstructed. It's a spectacular route with fabulous views of the Dachstein mountains. 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).
Day 7 : Walk to Bad Aussee via the Koppen valley (5-6hrs)
Location: Bad Aussee
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Bad Aussee
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s walk takes you to the lovely town of Bad Aussee. From Hallstatt return to Obertraun, where the Koppentraun flows into Lake Hallstatt then enter the romantic Koppen valley. A number of well-signposted adventure stations can be found along the way, with special attractions being the water-bearing Koppenbrüller stalactite cave, an old railway tunnel, the huge avalanche channels descending from the Hohe Sarstein (1975m) and the suspension bridge over the wild Koppentraun. In Sarstein, the gorge opens up again and Bad Aussee comes into sight. Surrounded by a lake, mountains, and woods, Bad Aussee is an old market town in the “green heart” of the Salzkammergut.
Walking: 17km/12.4mi, ascent 414m/1358ft, descent 277m/909ft
You can shorten the route by taking a ferry to the other side of the lake (Hallstatt stop) (10mins, approx EUR4), then walk to Bad Aussee, or shorten the walk further by taking the train between Hallstatt Stop and Bad Aussee (25mins, approx. EUR10).
Day 8 : Walk to Bad Goisern, train or bus to Bad Ischl (6-7hrs), trip concludes
Location: Bad Ischl
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Bad Aussee in Styria you hike on the old salt path. Here is the last place in Austria where salt is still mined as rock salt. Worth seeing is the Alpine Garden, where about 2000 species of alpine plants as well as plant rarities from all over the world thrive. In themed gardens, medicinal plants, aromatic herbs and much more are presented. The lookout tower of the Pflindsberg ruins from 1250 AD offers a fantastic view. The theme trail now merges into the so-called Römerweg; thus, the beginnings of the settlement Michelhallberg, which you cross, are documented from Roman times. On arrival in Bad Goisern you have returned to the province of Upper Austria. To return to the starting point of your trip you will take public transport to Bad Ischl (payable locally). Your luggage will be available for collection or if have booked an extra night with us, it will be delivered to the hotel.
Walking 19km/12 mi, ascent 500m/1640ft, descent 660m/2165ft
*trip concludes on arrival in Bad Ischl. If you'd like to stay an extra night please ask for our rates.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 3 star hotels and inns -
7 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, meats, cheeses, coffee, tea and juices
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7 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels and inns (4* in Bad Ischl) on a twin share basis - upgrade option to 4 star hotels, supplement applies (refer to upgraded itinerary tab for details)
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Information pack including route notes & hiking map per room booked, GPS Tracks available on request
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Luggage transfer, maximum two pieces per person of max 25kg per piece, supplement applies for excess
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Hiking bus to the gorge Burggraben on the standard trip
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Ferry trip on Wolfgangsee: from Abersee to St Wolfgang on the standard trip, from Strobl to St Wolfgang on the upgrade option
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4* upgrade option additional inclusions:
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- Ferry on Lake Hallstattersee (Hallstatt market to Hallstatt train station)
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- Train ticket Hallstatt to Bad Aussee
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Emergency hotline
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Bad Ischl
Travel to and from Bad Ischl is not included.
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Meals not listed as included
Meals not listed as included, drinks are not provided.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Tour guide
This is a self-guided walking trip, so a tour guide is not included.
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Single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance fees and cable cars
Entrance fees and cable cars are not included.
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Transfers
Optional trips on bus/ferry/train to shorten hikes are not included.
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Excess luggage
Supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Lunch, dinner, and drinks
Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included.
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Storage of luggage
Storage of luggage is not included.
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Local taxes
Local taxes are extra and payable locally. Allow 1-3 Euros per person per night.
Accommodation
7 nights in 3 star hotels and inns. On the standard trip you will be accommodated in atmospheric mountain style hotels/inns which are 3 star with a range of facilities. The hotels are not always in the centre of towns and may be a few kms away in picturesque, quiet locations. Wifi is usually available but often only in the common areas. The accommodation in Bad Ischl for standard and the upgrade option is 4 star. An upgrade option is available for 4 star hotels which are generally centrally located. In Austria a twin room is not always associated with having two beds! Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses positioned together with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room. Please accept our apologies for this, but having looked at a lot of rooms many of the hotels do not generally have two separated beds! ...more ...less
Grading
GRADE 4 - 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.
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What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.
Mode of Transport
Transport includes a hiking bus to the gorge Burggraben, a ferry trip on Wolfgangsee, and public transport to return to Bad Ischl. Optional trips on bus/ferry/train to shorten hikes are available, and luggage transfer is provided with a maximum of two pieces per person.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Austrian Lakes Walk?
You will stay in 3-star hotels and inns, with an upgrade option to 4-star hotels. The accommodation in Bad Ischl is 4-star for both standard and upgrade options. The hotels are typically located in picturesque, quiet locations and may not always be in the center of towns. Wifi is usually available but often only in common areas. ...more ...less
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 continental breakfasts, which usually consist of breads, jams, meats, cheeses, coffee, tea, and juices.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided with a maximum of two pieces per person, each weighing up to 25kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, a water bottle, lunch supplies, a mobile phone, and sun protection.
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Is this tour suitable for beginners?
This tour is graded as moderate to challenging and is best suited for experienced hikers who are competent in map reading. A good level of fitness is required, although most stages can be shortened using public transport. If you are a beginner, there is an alternative program in the area that does not require prior walking experience. ...more ...less
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Are there any options to shorten the walks?
Yes, most stages of the walk can be shortened using public transport such as buses, ferries, or trains. Specific options to shorten the walks are mentioned in the daily itinerary.
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the trek?
During the trek, you may encounter a variety of flora and fauna, including ibex, chamois, and marmot.
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Is there an emergency contact available during the tour?
Yes, an emergency hotline is available 7 days a week from 9am to 7pm.
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What are the additional inclusions for the 4-star upgrade option?
The 4-star upgrade option includes additional inclusions such as a ferry on Lake Hallstattersee (from Hallstatt market to Hallstatt train station) and a train ticket from Hallstatt to Bad Aussee.
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What are the main highlights of the Austrian Lakes Walk?
The main highlights include trekking through the stunning alpine scenery of the Salzkammergut region, experiencing the exhilaration of trekking across alpine pastures, viewing diverse flora and fauna, and enjoying stays in warm, family-run hotels.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Austrian Lakes Walk
8 Days Starting and ending in Bad Ischl, Austria
Visiting: Bad Ischl, Attersee, St Gilgen, Lake Wolfgangsee, Bad Goisern, Hallstatt, Bad Aussee
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WIA
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
