Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Flights
available
10.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
20% OFF THIS TRIP - Terms Apply
Set in the heart of Austria, the Salzkammergut is one of the country's most breathtaking regions. This classic lake district is home to 76 crystal-clear lakes, framed by dramatic Alpine scenery and rich in cultural and historical heritage.
On this 7-night self-guided walking holiday, you'll enjoy a wonderfully varied mix of landscapes: sparkling lakeshores, gentle woodland paths, riverside trails and idyllic, 'chocolate-box' villages. The walks are relaxed and unhurried, following mostly well-marked routes and allowing plenty of time to soak up the scenery.
Your journey begins in Strobl, before continuing to St Wolfgang, famed for its beautiful 15th-century pilgrimage church. You then walk on to the elegant spa town of Bad Ischl, once the favourite summer retreat of Emperor Franz Joseph. His legacy lives on here, and you can visit the Kaiservilla, his former holiday residence. A true highlight of the tour is a stay in the UNESCO-listed village of Hallstatt, one of Austria's most iconic lakeside settings.
Throughout the holiday, you'll stay in carefully selected 4-star, family-run hotels, chosen for their warm hospitality, tranquil atmosphere and exceptional attention to detail. Most feature 'feel-good' wellness facilities, making them perfect places to relax and unwind after a day on the trails.
TERRAIN
The Salzkammergut Lakes Walk follows well-marked trails, forest paths, and gentle alpine tracks, offering a mix of lakeside walks and scenic hillside routes.
Arrive at your hotel in Strobl.
You stay at Bergrose Hideaway.
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The Bergrose Hideaway is a Slow Travel Hotel ©, rooted in a philosophy that encourages a more mindful way of travelling, with a focus on nature, tranquillity, authenticity and a strong sense of place. Located just a short distance from the eastern shore of Lake Wolfgangsee, on the edge of the village of Strobl, the hotel sits beside a quiet river and open meadow. The traditional building features wooden balconies and Gothic script on its exterior, while inside it offers warm Austrian character with beautifully crafted wood-panelled interiors across three floors. Guests can relax in the secluded garden or unwind in the indoor pool and spa area, making Bergrose Hideaway a peaceful and welcoming base for a slow-paced stay in the Salzkammergut.
Take The Pilgrim's Way to the Falkenstein Chapel, built into the cliff face. An idyllic path continues along the lake to take you into St. Gilgen, birthplace of Mozart's mother. Return to St Wolfgang by boat.
Today's walk takes you from St. Wolfgang to lake Schwarzensee. The lake cabin of Lore is worth a break with its delicious homemade snacks. Follow the Wirer gorge into the valley and around Burglstein to the lake promenade of Strobl from where you travel by bus to Bad Ischl.
You stay at Villa Seilern.
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Villa Seilern Vital Resort consists of a classical villa built in 1881 and its modern and stylish annex building and is situated in the scenic spa town of Bad Ischl. The rooms are bright and modern with views of the surrounding mountains.
Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Bad Ischl. Visit the Imperial Villa, the Hotel Austria, where the engagement of Emperor Franz Josef and Elisabeth of Bavaria once took place, or enjoy a coffee break in the famous Cafe Zauner with delicious cakes and pastries or visit the warm brine swimming pools in the Salzkammergut thermal baths.
From Bad Ischl walk along the riverside promenade into Kaltenbachau, a site of Imperial amusements such as horse races, picnics and rendezvous. Then, follow the oldest brine pipeline of the world to Bad Goisern, the gateway to UNESCO heritage Hallstatt.
You stay at Heritage Hotel.
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Heritage Hotel is located in the historic centre of the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hallstatt, with striking natural-stone construction, wrought-iron window grilles and an elegant interior. This historic hotel has been carefully renovated, guests can enjoy superb views of the unique countryside. Rooms are all individually furnished with views of either the town or Lake Hallstatt.
From Hallstatt enjoy a scenic view of the lake and the Dachstein massif. Plan a visit of the salt mine, enjoy the views from the top of Rudolf's tower and visit the excavation sites.
After a train journey to Bad Ischl follow the romantic Sissi-Path to the tiny lake Nussensee. Continue along the river Ischl and through the Blinklingmoos nature reserve along the lake back to St Wolfgang.
You stay at Bergrose Hideaway.
MastercardPoolHairdryerWiFiTVSafe
The Bergrose Hideaway is a Slow Travel Hotel ©, rooted in a philosophy that encourages a more mindful way of travelling, with a focus on nature, tranquillity, authenticity and a strong sense of place. Located just a short distance from the eastern shore of Lake Wolfgangsee, on the edge of the village of Strobl, the hotel sits beside a quiet river and open meadow. The traditional building features wooden balconies and Gothic script on its exterior, while inside it offers warm Austrian character with beautifully crafted wood-panelled interiors across three floors. Guests can relax in the secluded garden or unwind in the indoor pool and spa area, making Bergrose Hideaway a peaceful and welcoming base for a slow-paced stay in the Salzkammergut.
These tour prices are per person, based on two people sharing.
Single supplement from £312.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Salzburg airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices fluctuate significantly and can change rapidly. At Headwater, we offer competitively priced flights with built-in flight protection for your peace of mind. For more details, please click here.
With 76 lakes and a stunning mountain backdrop, Austria has its version of the Lake District, which is just as captivating as the one in the UK. Offering a serene place to enjoy the great outdoors, walking or biking its winding trails, Salzkammergut in Austria is the perfect place for a self-guided adventure holiday.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Flights
available
10.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
