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Walking in the Austrian Lake District

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Duration: 7 nights
Type: European walking holidays
Walking Grade: 3 & 4
from £1,729pp

Adored for its staggeringly beautiful alpine scenery, the UNESCO-listed Salzkammergut region is also known as Austria's Lake District. It offers wonderful walks through mountain foothills and along woodland trails, all set against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks and crystalline lakes. Perfect for those wanting to combine walking with visits to some of the region’s cultural and historic highlights, this exceptional holiday includes visiting the spa town of Bad Ischl, riding the cable car up Katrin Alp, and walking alongside Lake Halstatt. You’ll also have a free day to explore the striking city of Salzburg or the rustic market town of St Wolfgang.

What you’ll love

  • Discovering the Salzkammergut region, a designated 2024 European Capital of Culture
  • Admiring crisp alpine peaks and glittering lakes
  • Visiting the spa town of Bad Ishl and riding the cable car up Katrin Alp
  • Walking the Traun Trail and alongside beautiful Lake Halstatt
  • Taking the Krippenstein cable car for a trail overlooking the Dachstein plateau
  • Staying at a charming hotel in the market town of Bad Goisern

What’s included

  • Return flights from London Gatwick, including baggage and transfers
  • A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
  • HF Holidays Tour Manager
  • 7 nights' accommodation in Bad Goisern
  • 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
  • In-destination transport using local public services

Trip Notes

Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Upon arrival in Salzburg, you'll be transferred to the picturesque town of Bad Goisern, nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Take some time to settle into your accommodation before a welcome meeting with your local guide that will focus on the adventure ahead. 


Option 1 - Bad Ischl to Katrin Summit

Distance: 3.1 miles (5 km) 

Total Ascent: 1,436 feet (437m) 

Total Descent: 1,469 feet (448m) 

Our first full day begins with a local train ride to Bad Ischl, followed by a short stroll to the valley station of the Katrin cable car. The cable car takes us up to the nature reserve where we’ll walk along the southern slope, requiring surefootedness due to the steep path. The return route is via the Elferkogel and the Katrin summit. 

Option 2 - Elferkogel & Serpentine Trail

Distance: 5.3 miles (8.5 km)  

Total Ascent: 2,370 feet (722m) 

Total Descent: 2,355 feet (718m) 

This walk follows the same initial route as Option 1. However, instead of heading uphill, this route descends from the Katrin mountain station and ascends back along the former ski slope. From here, we head along the southern slope slightly uphill in the direction of Hainzen. The initially wide path soon turns into a steep path which we follow back via the Elferkogel, the Katrin summit and via the serpentines down to the mountain station. 


Option 1 - Mount Salzberg & World Heritage Viewpoint

Distance: 7.8 miles (12.5 km)  

Total Ascent: 1,486 feet (453m)  

Total Descent: 1,060 feet (323m) 

Departing directly from our hotel in Bad Goisern, we’ll follow the River Traun as it winds its way towards Untersee. The trail leads us through meadows and forests, ending at the Hallstatt train station. From here, we’ll take the ferry to the centre of Hallstatt and return to Bad Goisern by local bus. 

Option 2 - Koppentraun River to Lake Hallstatt

Distance: 13.7 miles (22 km)  

Total Ascent: 660 feet (201m)  

Total Descent: 1,076 feet (328m) 

Our longer walk begins with a local train ride from Bad Goisern to Bad Aussee. The route leads along the Koppentraun River to Obertraun, following the east bank trail to Lake Hallstatt. The return journey is by train from Steeg to Bad Goisern. 


Option 1 - Krippenstein, Hirzkarsee & Gjaid Alm

Distance: 5 miles (8 km) 

Total Ascent: 197 feet (60m)  

Total Descent: 1,066 feet (325m) 

Day four of our trip takes us through the spectacular Dachstein Mountains on a popular circular trail at over 2000 m altitude. Leaving Bad Goisern we’ll take the bus to the valley station in Obertraun (510 m). We’ll ride the Dachstein Krippeinstein cable car to over 1,600 metres in altitude and overlook the incredibly wide Dachstein plateau.  

From Krippenstein (2,100 m), a well-maintained path leads over hilly terrain to the Dachstein Shark, an impressive 8m long sculpture piece. Climb inside and admire the beautiful landscape through its mouth – a unique perspective. We’ll continue to Heilbronner Cross, past the Hirzkarsee to Krippeneck, before a short path takes us to the sunny terrace of the Gjaid Alm. We’ll return to the valley via cable car. 

Option 2 - Krippenstein & UNESCO World Heritage Landscapes

Distance: 6.2 miles (10 km)  

Total Ascent: 801 feet (244m)  

Total Descent: 801 feet (244m) 

This walk will lead us through the magnificent landscape of the Dachstein/Hallstatt-Salzkammergut region which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the ascent with the Krippenstein cable car, we’ll walk along a wide path to the nearby Gjaidalm (1,738 m). We’ll pick up our trail here and head in a south-westerly direction across the karst terrain, on through the Bärengasse to the Wiesberghaus, before returning and descending again via the Krippenstein cable car. 


Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently, or visit local places of interest. Options include: 

Bad Ischl 

Just 15 minutes by train from our accommodation sits the spa town of Bad Ischl. Rich in salt mining history, it was once the favourite holiday hotspot for the rulers of the Hapsburg Empire. Visit the summer home of Emperor Franz Joseph I with a trip to the Imperial Villa, stroll down the shop-lined Pfargasse, or savour delicious Austrian treats at the Zauner Café and Cake Shop.  

Salzburg  

Salzburg is the historic Austrian city best known as the birthplace of Mozart and the shooting location for The Sound of Music. This spectacular city is dominated by castles, churches, and palaces. Among its most visited sites are the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Mozart museums, the Getreidegasse, and the Hellbrunn Palace. You can get there by train and bus in approximately 1.5hours from Bad Goisern. 

Strobl on Lake Wolfgang  

Less than 40 minutes away, Strobl is the departure point for boat rides across Lake Wolfgang to St Wolfgang where you can have a coffee break at the famous Café Weisses Rössl. Alternatively, take the cogwheel railway up to Mount Schafberg and try one of the many walking routes. 


Option 1 - Pfandl, Ramsau & Lake Nussen

Distance: 9.6 miles (15.5 km)  

Total Ascent: 984 feet (300m)  

Total Descent: 984 feet (300m) 

After catching the train to Bad Ischl, we’ll walk along the River Traun to Pfandl. The trail leads to the charming hamlet of Ramsau, then towards Lake Nussen, passing the remarkable ruins of Wildenstein Castle to reach the centre of Bad Ischl. 

Option 2 - The Brine Trail

Distance: 13.7 miles (22 km)  

Total Ascent: 1,555 feet (474m)  

Total Descent: 1,489 feet (454m) 

This hike follows the same initial route as Option 1, but instead of heading towards Lake Nussen, it joins the historic Brine Trail, leading back to Bad Goisern via the Traunreiterweg. After reaching the hamlet of Ramsau, we’ll follow the signs to Lake Nussen and walk around a mountain lake before passing the Wildenstein ruins. We’ll then join the Brine Trail, walking through forests and fields and along the Traunreiter Trail to Bad Goisern. 


Option 1 - Traunreiter Trail to Jochwand

Distance: 10.6 miles (17 km)  

Total Ascent: 1,204 feet (367m)  

Total Descent: 1,204 feet (367m) 

Leaving the hotel, we’ll follow the River Traun towards Weissenbach along the Traunreiter Trail. The walk continues through a light-filled forest of beech trees to the Jochwand, offering beautiful views over the valley of Bad Goisern to Lake Hallstatt and the surrounding mountains. 

Option 2 - Ewige Wand Trail

Distance: 6.8 miles (11 km)  

Total Ascent: 2,165 feet (660m) 

Total Descent: 2,165 feet (660m) 

The longer option starts from Bad Goisern and walks via Feuerbachgasse and Höllgraben to Rathluckenhütte. From here, a legendary trail leads us to the Ewige Wand, an impressive path blasted out of the rock, offering spectacular views across the valley to the Dachstein. 


Transfer to the airport for your flight home. 


Hotel Goisererhof, Bad Goisern

Located in the heart of the Austrian market town of Bad Goisern, the three-star Hotel Goisererhof has been welcoming guests since 1870. There’s a warm and inviting reception area and comfortable en-suite guest rooms that provide all the modern luxuries you could ever need for a relaxing stay. You’ll also find a restaurant serving regional and international cuisine as well as a spa area with a sauna, herbal steam bath, and relaxation room. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lounge and restaurant. 

Essential information

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Walking boots 
  • Waterproof jacket 
  • Waterproof trousers 
  • Insulated jacket/top 
  • Walking clothing  
  • Walking socks (plus spares)  
  • Sunhat 
  • Gloves/mitts and warm hat
  • Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  
  • Headtorch 
  • High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  
  • Sunglasses with a dark lens 
  • Rucksack (15-30 litres)  
  • Mobile phone 
  • Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 
  • Passport 
  • Visa (if applicable) 
  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 
  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC

Recommended

  • Collapsible walking poles 
  • Swimwear and travel towel
  • Snacks
  • Dry bags
  • Rubbish bags
  • Insect repellent

Optional extras

  • Camera 
  • Sit mat
  • Flask for hot drinks 
  • Durable lunch box
  • Gaiters 
  • GPS device 

Guest reviews

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

Non-member fee: £30 per person.

If you choose land only, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements, including your flights and airport transfers at your destination. Any flights booked independently will also not be covered by our ATOL license.

Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2025

11 Jun - 18 Jun 2025

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Gatwick Airport

Single from

£2,028

Double from

£1,849 pp

from

£1,849 pp

from

£2,028

Trip Notes
Book Now

17 Sep - 24 Sep 2025

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Gatwick Airport

Single from

£2,048

Double from

£1,869 pp

from

£1,869 pp

from

£2,048

Trip Notes
Book Now

08 Oct - 15 Oct 2025

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Gatwick Airport

Single from

£2,048

Double from

£1,869 pp

from

£1,869 pp

from

£2,048

Trip Notes
Book Now
Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2025

11 Jun - 18 Jun 2025

7 nights

Itinerary

Single from

£1,908

Double from

£1,729 pp

from

£1,729 pp

from

£1,908

Trip Notes
Book Now

17 Sep - 24 Sep 2025

7 nights

Itinerary

Single from

£1,908

Double from

£1,729 pp

from

£1,729 pp

from

£1,908

Trip Notes
Book Now

08 Oct - 15 Oct 2025

7 nights

Itinerary

Single from

£1,908

Double from

£1,729 pp

from

£1,729 pp

from

£1,908

Trip Notes
Book Now

Important information

  • With flights holidays: Price includes return flights to Salzburg Airport, hold baggage and airport transfers
  • Independent travellers can join our transfer from Salzburg Airport - please contact us for prices

*If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, please ensure you’ve selected a land-only option before proceeding to book.

Duration:
7 nights
Type:
European walking holidays
Walking Grade:
3 & 4

7 nights from £1,729pp

New holidays

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Carbon Footprint 490Kg of CO₂e

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