Salzburg Lakes

DAY 1

Arrive Abersee/Lake Wolfgangsee

Abersee is a village located on the west side of Lake Wolfgansee - one of the most well know lakes in the Salzkammergut region. It is easily accessible by bus. No.150 runs from Salzburg bus station and takes approx 1hr. Many low cost airlines fly into Salzburg Airport including Ryanair, Easyjet, Jet 2, Flybe and flythomascook.

On arrival at your hotel in Abersee you will have a welcome meeting in the evening (6pm) with our local agent, they will give you all the information you need including picture route notes and will be able to answer any questions you may have.

Overnight: Abersee Hotel - Hotel Carossa or Aberseehof

DAY 2

Round trip to St Wolfgang & St Gilgen

You start today by taking a pleasant boat trip across Lake Wolfgangsee to St Wolfgang where your walk starts. Heading north you follow the trail up to Falkenstein wall where you can enjoy fantastic views down to the lake below. The path heads down to follow the lakeside trail into the Mozart village of St Gilgen. Take time to wander through this pretty village and when you are ready you can head back on the boat to Abersee for your overnight stay.

Walk: 12.6km, 3.5hrs

Overnight: Abersee Hotel - Hotel Carossa or Aberseehof

DAY 3

Walk to Lake Schwarzensee then valley walking to Strobl

Today starts again with a short boat trip to St Wolfgang and then you continue up through forest tracks to Lake Schwarzensee. Its worth taking the trail around the lake and having a stop at the lake cabin of Lore for a refreshment. The gorge pass heads into the valley down to Strobl and from here you pick up the local bus down to Bad Ischl and your overnight stay.

Walk: 15.8km, 4.5hrs

Overnight: Bad Ischl Hotel - Sandwirt or Stadt Salzburg

DAY 4

Rest Day in Bad Ischl

Bad Ischl is a fabulous stop for a rest day, there is so much to do in this spa town. The Emperor Franz Joseph spent his summer holidays here and you can take a tour of the Kaiservilla - his residence during the summer months. There are plenty of city walks where you can stop for coffee breaks along the river, or why not relax in a thermal spa.

Overnight: Bad Ischl Hotel - Sandwirt or Stadt Salzburg

DAY 5

Walk to Bad Goisern

Todays walking is fairly easy and flat and should take you between 3-4 hrs. You might want to start a little later today or take your time and have a picnic lunch on route. You follow the oldest brine pipeline for most of the route today. Salt is an important source of income in Salzkammergut and you will learn all about the history of it with the many signs on the trail. You pass a former pilgrims church which is worth a visit as you head down to the market town of Bad Goisern.

Walk: 11.8km, 3.5hrs

Overnight: Bad Goisern Hotel - Maria Theresia or Goiserer Hof

DAY 6

Round Trip to the UNESCO heritage area of Hallstatt

Continuing along the salt trail to the salt mountain in Hallstatt today. Quite demanding walking up to mount Mount Salzberg but you will be rewarded with fantastic views down to Dachstein and the lake town of Hallstatt. Plan a visit to the salt mine and visit the excavation sights. Take the boat back to Bad Goisern for your overnight stay.

Walk: 11km, 3.5hrs

Overnight: Bad Goisern Hotel - Maria Theresia or Goiserer Hof

DAY 7

Walk back to Achensee/Lake Wolfgangsee

Today you start by taking the bus back to Bad Ischl and then along Elizabeth Walk to Lake Nussensee. It might be worth starting early as today is quite a long days walking. The path then follows past the nature reserve of Blinklingmoos back along to Lake Wolfgangsee.

Walk: 19.5km, 5.5hrs

Overnight: Abersee Hotel - Hotel Carossa or Aberseehof

DAY 8

Onward Travel

Grade & Fitness

This walking tour is graded Easy to Moderate. Daily walks are of 3 to 6 hrs and many of the walks are alongside lakes and through valleys.

You should be a regular walker and have a good level of walking fitness to get the most from this holiday.

Navigation

The routes on this holiday are not way marked so you will need to follow the detailed route notes with maps that we provide. The notes are in picture form which makes it easy to navigate and if you are unsure of a turn then you can always go back to the last picture to make sure you are on the right track.

Availability

This holiday is available to start any day of the week between 21st April and 7th October.  There is a supplement payable in  high season (the months of July and August).

Accommodation

We specifically select your accommodation to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We aim to give you an authentic experience and use local family run accommodations in 3* traditional Hotels. The hotels are generally chalet types with wooden interior which are typical of the region.

Alternate accommodation

During high season, you might be booked into a different accommodation which is not listed in the description, and the start or end of some of your walking routes may be slightly altered. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same standard as those described.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.

Solo Walkers

This holiday is available for solo walkers but we would recommend that you are experienced in walking and navigating alone. If you are travelling solo the holiday is slightly more expensive as some costs are not shared.

Meals

A delicious breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included. Most accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch - this should be requested on arrival. Or you can pick up lunch in the village or stop along the trail. Your route notes have details for each day. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby bars, cafes and restaurants and we can add on a half board option if required. This will show up as part of the booking process.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Getting to/from Abersee - Lake Wolfgangsee

Abersee is located on the western side of Lake Wolfgangsee and is easily accessible by bus from Salzburg. Take the bus number 150 to Abersee from Salzburg bus station(1hr). Alternatively you can take the train to Bad Ischl (1hr 30 mins) and then a bus to Wolfgangsee (30mins)

By Air - Many low cost airlines fly into Salzburg Airport including Ryanair, Easyjet, Jet 2, Flybe and flythomascook.
If you require a transfer from Salzburg then please get in touch and we can price a private transfer for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.

How fit do I need to be?

The walking is graded easy to moderate so you will enjoy the holiday more if you already enjoy an active lifestyle.  Most of the paths are easy to follow and although undulating in parts the paths are generally easy.  Walking each day is between 3 - 6 hrs.

Which is the best airport to fly to?

Salzburg is the best airport to fly into and it is approx 1hr to Lake Wolfgangsee.  Many airlines fly into Salzburg including Ryanair, Easyjet, Jet 2 and Flybe.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this holiday is extremely popular.  Please note you can start this holiday on any day of the week between April and October.   You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack, warm clothing in the early/late part of the year and hats etc during the summer. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.  

When is the best time of year?

The best months for walking are in the summer months between June and September when the wild flowers are in bloom and the weather is fair.  However we do offer this holiday between the months of April and October, so any time during this period will be good for walking.

This holiday is available to start any day of the week between 21st April - 7th October. To make a provisional reservation select "Book". Option & Extension prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

Because every holiday we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:

• You provisionally book the tour/s you are interested in on your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
• We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
• If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.