Walking in Austria's Lake District

Walking information

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. Walking boots are recommended.

Day 1: Arrive at Bad Ischl

Arrive at your 4 star hotel in Bad Ischl. Before dinner your reps will outline suggested walks for your week. A typical itinerary is shown below, although you're free to pick and choose your walking each day as there are numerous options available.
You stay at the Hotel Goldener Ochs for 7 nights (Your evening meal is included on the first night)

Day 2: Kolowratshohe or Jainzenberg 15km/9.5mi/5hr or 12km/7.5mi/4hr

Two circular walk options direct from your hotel; one to Kolowratshohe, a lesser-known peak above Bad Ischl, with spectacular views and the added bonus of a mountain restaurant at Hoisenrad. Or, a picturesque walk to the summit of Jainzenberg, rising directly behind the Kaiserpark and the Kaiservilla.

Day 3: Vormauerstein 12km/7.5mi/5hr or 10km/6mi/4.5hr or Schwarzensee 12km/7.5mi/3.5hr

Hop on a local bus to Wolfgangsee, with the option of walking up to the Vormauerstein and the breathtaking views of the Schafberg and Lake Attersee. Picnic on the shores of Monichsee. Alternatively, take a route up, through an impressive gorge, to the stunning Schwarzensee for lunch at one of the restaurants and lake views. This option gives you more time to visit the charming village of St Wolfgang.

Day 4: Hallstatt/Schneidkogel Summit walk 12.5km/8mi/4.5hr or 15km/9mi/6hr

Today you have the opportunity to visit the spectacular alpine village of Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest inhabited village in Austria as well as the chance to visit the historical salt mine. Take the panoramic funicular railway up the mountain (payable local) to the Skywalk viewing platform. Then either continue up to the Schneidkogel summit (1551m) or walk down to Hallstatt on a beautiful trail which takes you through the Glacier Garden and past some impressive waterfalls.

Day 5: Free day

Options today include a bus ride to the delightful village of St Gilgen. This thriving lace-making centre in the 1700s, today St Gilgen is a delightful village with a busy waterfront, lined with restaurants. Mozart's mother was born here and you can visit her house, which now includes a small museum. The Zwolferhorn cable car also goes from here, if you wanted some spectacular views and a variety of walks. Alternatively go, by bus, to explore the fairytale city of Salzburg, or take the train and tram to the pottery town of Gmunden to visit the ceramic factories or the impressive Schloss Ort.

Day 6: Katrin 14km/9mi/4.25hrs or 18km/11mi/7.5hr

Walk (2km) or take the cable car from Bad Ischl and visit the three summits of Katrin, Hainzen and Elferkogel. Sure footedness is required, but from the peaks you are rewarded with an incredible 360-degree panorama as far as the snow-capped Dachsteins. Sit and take in the superb vistas from the two restaurants at the top cable car station.

Day 7: Gschwendt 14km/8.5mi/4hr or Sparber 19km/12mi/6hr

Today take the bus to Strobl, then you have a choice to head off on a low level lakeside walk, with views across Wolfgangsee to St Wolfgang and the Schafberg. Stroll through the Blinklingmoos nature reserve and on to a lakeside beach at Wassbad before heading to Gschwendt. The longer, more challenging route also takes you to Gschwendt but comes with some stiff climbs and descents and even more spectacular views of the lake and the Schafberg, Rinnkogel and Sparber mountains.

Day 8: Leave Bad Ischl