Self-guided walking
10 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
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 Goldenes Schiff.
Goldenes Schiff, Bad Ischl
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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.
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 Goldenes Schiff.
Goldenes Schiff, Bad Ischl
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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.
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 Goldenes Schiff.
Goldenes Schiff, Bad Ischl
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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.
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 Hotel Bergrose.
Hotel Bergrose, Strobl
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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.
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 Hotel Bergrose.
Hotel Bergrose, Strobl
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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.
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 Strandhotel Margaretha.
Strandhotel Margaretha, St Wolfgang
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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.
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 Strandhotel Margaretha.
Strandhotel Margaretha, St Wolfgang
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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.
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 Hotel Gasthof Zur Post.
Hotel Gasthof Zur Post, St Gilgen
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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.
Centrally located and just a few minutes' walk from Wolfgangsee, the Hotel Zur Post makes an ideal base from which to explore the local area, visit the Music and Mozart Museums, hike up Zwolferhorn or be pampered in the sauna and steam spa.
The rooms here have been very recently renovated, and contain all the mod-cons you would expect from a 4 star hotel. Most rooms have a balcony too; please request this at the time of booking.
Room upgrades: Nannerl room.
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 Hotel Gasthof Zur Post.
Hotel Gasthof Zur Post, St Gilgen
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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.
Centrally located and just a few minutes' walk from Wolfgangsee, the Hotel Zur Post makes an ideal base from which to explore the local area, visit the Music and Mozart Museums, hike up Zwolferhorn or be pampered in the sauna and steam spa.
The rooms here have been very recently renovated, and contain all the mod-cons you would expect from a 4 star hotel. Most rooms have a balcony too; please request this at the time of booking.
Room upgrades: Nannerl room.
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 Hotel Leitnerbrau.
Hotel Leitnerbrau, Mondsee
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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.
A 30-room, family-run property, it is broad, modern and spacious inside whilst retaining the typical Tyrolean architecture outside. Bedrooms are extremely spacious, with queen size beds and traditional wooden furnishings.
Room upgrades: Deluxe Room.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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 our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Self-guided walking
10 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
