The Salzkammergut area (Austria's Lake District) is one of the most impressive regions in the heart of the country. Boasting 76 lakes and with a beautiful mountain backdrop, it's a perfect place to relax and let the calming atmosphere envelop you.
This 10-night self-guided walking holiday offers a selection of activities, where you'll enjoy a mix of spectacular scenic views, gentle shoreline routes, wooded forest trails and 'chocolate' box villages. There are also some great spots to stop off for a swim or dip your toes after a day's walking. The walks are relaxed, following mainly well-marked routes, and you can extend them on most days.
You'll spend three nights in the wonderful riverside spa town of Bad Ischl - a favourite summer holiday retreat of Emperor Franz Joseph. Although it's almost 100 years since the emperor was last there, his presence is still felt in the region, and you can explore the Kaiservilla, his former holiday home. Other highlights include walking via the UNESCO village of Halstatt for picture-postcard views, the imperial spa, salt mines, ice cave, the Katrin cable car and the Siriuskogl viewing platform.
Stop off at the town of St Wolfgang, renowned for its beautiful 15th century church (you can sit in the arched windows and enjoy your lunch al fresco from here), and hop on the antique cog railway up to the summit of the Schafberg for unrivalled Alpine views. Visit St Wolfgang's Pfarrkirche with its outstanding Baroque altar created by Michael Pacher and, at St Gilgen, enjoy a decadent coffee and Apfelstrudel. Not to mention a trip to Salzburg itself.
You stay in unrivalled 4 star luxury, family-run hotels that are calm and relaxing places to spend time, with 'feel good' wellness centres, plus high levels of quality and attention to detail. In Bad Ischl, your hotel has an enviable riverside location, while the Gasthof zur Post in St Gilgen, once a stage coach stop, dates back over 600 years.
These walks are mainly easy and follow well marked routes, however there are some forested sections where the terrain is inclined and loose under foot.
We meet you at Salzburg airport and take you (1 hour) to your 4-star hotel in the centre of Bad Ischl.
You stay at the Hotel Goldenes Schiff (breakfast included)
Today take a bus to the spectacular alpine village of Hallstatt, a UNESCO world heritage site and the oldest village in Austria. Take the panorama funicular railway up the mountain and visit the historical saltmine. Use the ferry to cross the lake and follow a beautiful walk to Bad Goisern before returning to Bad Ischl by train.
You stay at the Hotel Goldenes Schiff (breakfast included)
There is plenty to do today - explore pretty Bad Ischl itself, with its riverside location. Stroll along the esplanade and have coffee and cake in the world famous Zauner cafe, take in some of the imperial history (visit the Emperor's Villa and gardens) or relax in the EurothermenResort Thermal Baths. A trip to the nearby Dachstein Ice caves and spectacular 5 Fingers Lookout is also an option.
You stay at the Hotel Goldenes Schiff (breakfast included)
Today you can either walk (2km) or take the cable car from Bad Ischl to the summit of Katrin (1,393m). You'll enjoy fabulous 360A°ree; views of Traun and Hallstatter lakes, backed by the impressive Hollengebirge and Dachstein peaks. From here, your route takes you down the forested Katrin Pass. Tiny violet gentian flowers perfume your route as you pass Nussen Lake, a great picnic spot. Continue along the valley following the River Traun until you reach Strobl. Here you'll stay as guests of Frau Zopf and family at the elegant 4 star Hotel Bergrose.
You stay at the Hotel Bergrose (breakfast and evening meal)
The village of Strobl is fun-packed - there's a summer toboggan run, a wide range of water sports, cable car rides and a popular animal park. Take the cog railway to the top of Schafberg (lots of optional walks) or join one of the many hop-on, hop-off lake cruisers. There's also a natural beach for sunbathing.
You stay at the Hotel Bergrose (breakfast and evening meal)
Today you'll take a path up into woodland before emerging to marvel at superb valley and mountain views. Continue to Schwarzensee in time for lunch at one of the restaurants, with panoramic views over the lake, or for a picnic on the lake shore. From here, head down along the Sattlweg via verdant meadows and pretty hamlets with a superb panorama, to Lake Wolfgang and your 4 star hotel with a private swimming area on the lake.
You stay at the Strandhotel Margaretha (breakfast and evening meal)
Explore the pretty town of St Wolfgang and the lake, with its stunning turquoise waters. The town is renowned for its beautiful 15th century church and frescoed houses, and you can also take the cog railway to the top of Schafberg.
You stay at the Strandhotel Margaretha (breakfast and evening meal)
Take The Pilgrim's Way to the Falkenstein Chapel, built into the cliff face, then head on to the pretty hamlet of Winkl. Continue through archetypal Austrian meadow vistas and forest trails to St Gilgen.
You stay at the Hotel Zur Post (breakfast and evening meal)
Discover the delights of St Gilgen with its busy waterfront. Alternatively, follow the Mozartsteg to Fuschl, passing between the Ellmautall and Eibenberg mountains. Continue on to tranquil Fuschlsee, before getting the bus back to St Gilgen.
You stay at the Hotel Zur Post (breakfast and evening meal)
From Fuschl, head up to the remains of Wartenfels Castle - from here the aerial views of Fuschlsee, Irrsee and Mondsee are fantastic. Climb the Schober (1,320m) for marvellous views to Lake Wolfgang and the Schafberg peaks.
You stay at the Hotel Leitnerbrau (breakfast included)
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
The Hotel Goldenes Schiff is located at the bank of the River Traun at the heart of Bad Ischl, only a two-minute walk from the thermal baths of the Eurotherme Bad Ischl and five minutes from the train station. You will immediately fall in love with the peace and quiet and the unique view of the picturesque landscape of the Salzkammergut region.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
This is a beautiful 30-room hotel based a 5-minute bike ride from the eastern shore of Wolfgangsee on the outskirts of the village of Strobl. It is a traditional building with wooden balconies and Gothic script on the exterior, and is located on a river bank next to a meadow. It has a lovely secluded garden, three stories of perfect Austrian wood-panelled luxury inside and an indoor pool and spa area.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
The Strandhotel Margaretha sits prettily on the shores of Wolfgangsee, on the fringes of the village of St Wolfgang and just a stone's throw from the Schafberg railway and the lake steamers' landing stage. It has been in the Volger family for over 100 years and there are old style photos of family members decorating the hotel's walls. The hotel simply oozes elegance, comfort and charm, with each bedroom even featuring its own individual sound system! The hotel also benefits from a sauna and solarium.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Literally follow in the footsteps of travellers from the past as the Family Leitner welcome you to the Gasthof Zur Post. The building dates back over 600 years and was at one time a stage coach stop off before becoming a hotel. Inside you have a wonderful blend of history and tradition.
Room upgrades: Nannerl room.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
The Leitnerbrau Hotel can be found in the very heart of Mondsee, just a stone's throw from the famous church used in 'The Sound of Music' and a 5-minute stroll from the lakeside where there are frequent summer shows and events.
Room upgrades: Deluxe Room.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
A 15-minute walk from Getreidegasse shopping street, this upscale hotel is 14 minutes from Mozart's Birthplace. Featuring elegant modern decor, the polished rooms and suites come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks and desks. Some upgraded rooms have balconies and/or in-room tubs, while suites have living areas.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
The 4 star Markus Sittikus is a beautifully presented hotel, based in an 18th century building with a mustard facade located in a quiet side street not far from the Mirabell palace, just a 15 minute walk from the old city.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Salzburg airport at 13:55, and back to Salzburg airport at 11:30.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback and pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. Below is a small selection of reviews we've received from our satisfied customers.
Excellent response time and specifically help in finalising flights
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Very responsible. Excellent service.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 10 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of hotels
Continental breakfast and 6 evening meals
Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure
Standard transfers at the start/end of the trip (if booking inclusive flights)
Luggage transfers between hotels
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Meals
Continental breakfast and 6 evening meals
Other details
There are direct flights with British Airways from Gatwick to Salzburg Mondays to Saturdays which we can arrange, please call for details.
'Twin-bedded rooms in Austrian resorts are normally one large base with two mattresses/duvets. These are also known as 'Austrian Twins' and are regarded as two beds. Separate twin beds are rare and cannot be guaranteed as available'.
Tour only
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Salzburg airport at 13:55, and back to Salzburg airport at 11:30.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.