The Salzkammergut Lakes (short version)
€695
per person
The Salzkammergut Lakes independent walking trip is a hike around an aggregate of 76 lakes in the well-known Austrian resort area of the same name. The region extends from the city of Salzburg eastwards and all the way to the Dachstein mountains. The origin of the name can be traced back to the Habsburg empire. It means “royal salt demesne”, demesne being the word for administrative district back in the day. The Salzkammergut region is without a doubt one of the most beautiful in Europe. You will hike mountains, gaze at dazzling lakes and walk through historical places of interest. Although reduced in terms of dates as compared to our classic 8-day program, this hiking experience is a real jewel, one that will keep you drifting back for years to come.
Level 1/2
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Destination
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Duration5 Days I Level: 1/2 (of 5)
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What is included4 overnight stays in good 3* hotels and country inns incl. breakfast (check the Rates&Remarks tab for details); Luggage transfer; Train fare from Bad Goisern to Bad Ischl; Salzkammergut Erlebnis Card (reductions for cable cars, thermal bath Bad Ischl, salt mine Hallstatt, Boat rides etc.); Detailed roadbook and access to digital maps and GPS tracks via navigation app; Service hotline
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What is not includedBus ride Strobl to Bad Ischl (appr. 5-7 Euro/person), transfers not per itinerary; drinks and other meals; personal expenses; visitors' taxes (payable locally if any).
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Best periodMay, June, July, August, September
FROM OUR GALLERY
Self-guided trekking tour in the Salzkammergut Lakes area in Austria
1
Day 1: Arrival day for the Salzkammergut Lakes tour
Individual arrival to lake Wolfgangsee (overnight based on availability: Abersee or St. Wolfgang). *Easiest arrival to starting via Salzburg and Linz airports (Vienna Airport is 3,30hrs train ride away from Salzburg). From Salzburg you can take local bus to Wolfgangsee (appr. 1 hr). Alternatively from other destinations you can travel by train to Bad Ischl and there change for a by bus to Wolfgangsee (appr. 30min).
2
Day 2: From lake Wolfgangsee to Bad Ischl (12km, 4,30 hrs,+ 300 m/- 300 m)
After breakfast, you start your self-guided walking trip by heading to the lake Schwarzensee via the Saddle walk. Some delicious homemade snacks await you in the lake cabin of Lore - the perfect location for a well-deserved rest along the way. You continue to the lake promenade of Strobl via the Wirer gorge into the valley and around Bürglstein. In the afternoon you travel to the old Imperial summer residence Bad Ischl by public transport.
3
Day 3: From Bad Ischl to Bad Goisern (11km, 3-5hrs, +50m/-50m)
Following today's independent hiking route you will really see just how important salt has been for the economy of the Salzkammergut region. You will observe the oldest brine pipeline in the world (form Hallstatt to Bad Ischl). Walk to Kaltenbachau, a place of Imperial amusements such as horse races and picnics. If you feel like challenging yourself, you can also hike on the spectacular mountain trail of the “Eternal Wall”.
4
Day 4: From Bad Goisern to Wolfgangsee (18km, 5,30 hrs, +300m/-200m; + options to shorten the mileage!)
After a healthy breakfast, you begin your independent walking route with a short picturesque train ride to Bad Ischl which will be your starting point. Today you will visit lake Nussensee and lake Wolfgangsee, following the Ischl river. You will walk the fairytale-like Sissi path and hike through the Blinklingmoos natural reserve. Make sure you have your camera ready because it is a magnificent part of the trip.
5
Day 5: Departure day for the Salzkammergut Lakes tour
Your self-guided hiking tour of ohe Salzkammergut Lakes region ends here. Come to visit Austria again!
TOUR LOCATION
Price (2026)
695 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (02-22/05; 14/09-04/10)
760 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (23/05-28/06; 31/08-13/09)
815 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (29/06-30/08)
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 240 Euro
Solo Traveler supplement (incl. sgl. room supplement): 315 Euro
Tips
Daily departures between the beginning of May and the beginning of October. Best travel time: May-September. Easiest arrival to starting point through Salzburg and Linz airports. Coming by train from Vienna, Linz or Graz you have to change trains to the Bad Ischl line. From there the bus takes you to St. Wolfgang. From Salzburg there is a bus to St. Wolfgang via Strobl.
Accommodation
Family-run pensions and hotels 3*** with en-suite facilities, incl. breakfast. Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Days 1/4: Abersee - Hotel Aberseehof; Day 2: Bad Ischl - Hotel Goldenes Schiff; Day 3: Bad Goisern - Hotel Goisererhof;
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