The Austrian Lake District

Self-guided walking holiday in Austria

From € 570.- / 8 days
Price per person based on 2 people sharing

  • 1
  • Self-Guided
Gosau see Hallstatt in Salzburg couple walking in the Dachstein mountains in Salzburg

Explore mountain peaks, enchanting forests and alpine meadows during this self-guided walking holiday in beautiful upper Austria, just an hour from Salzburg.

​Your base during this walking holiday is the pretty village of Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt, and the routes will take you through some of the prettiest scenery Austria has to offer, using routes that are suitable for anyone in good health. Your hosts can also advice you on a wide variety of sight-seeing trips in the area.

Accommodation in Obertraun

Your accommodation is a small, family run, friendly guesthouse on the edge of a forest with a five minute walk to Lake Hallstatt and forest walks starting from the doorstep of the accommodation. The double rooms have recently been refurbished, and all the rooms have new modern en-suite bathrooms. The rooms are furnished with traditional pine furniture and charming Austrian style soft furnishings. Each bedroom has a satellite TV, hairdryer, room safe, toiletries, linen and towels. Free WiFi is available throughout the house.

Most of the bedrooms have South facing balconies where you can enjoy the spectacular panoramic mountain landscape. A new lounge with relaxing comfortable furniture and a mini bar, free tea and coffee making facilities, a log burning stove (in the colder months) and garden and terrace are all available for guests to enjoy.

Exterior of accommodation haus hepi
bedroom guesthouse hepi
bathroom example pension hepi

Breakfast and 6 dinners are included in this walking holiday. Breakfast includes, breads from the local baker, alpine butter, regional cheese and meats, homemade preserves, yogurt, cereals, free-range eggs, fresh fruit and a selection of tea, coffee and fruit juice.

The two course dinners consist of the best of Austrian specialities along side a selection of dishes with influences from all over the world, including beer and wine with your meal.

Walking in Salzburg & Dachstein

view on dachstein mountains in Salzburg
walkers high in the Dachstein mountains

All the routes are designed for anyone in good health. All the routes can be varied, as you wish, to make them shorter, longer or harder. Routes can be shortened with the use of trains, buses or boats in most cases. Of course it is also possible to include a day out exploring the city of Salzburg or relaxing by the lake. Your hosts can help you to create a program tailored to your interests and wishes.

Your hosts also have bikes available for hire and it is possible to also include cycling in your holiday. The price of the holiday does not include public transport and entrance fees.

Salzburg walking holiday itinerary

view from accomodation
lake high in the Dachstein alps

Example walks:

Walk 1 – Step out of the front door onto to a circular trail leading through the peaceful Sarstein Mountain forest, through a nature reserve and returning along the tranquil path of the River Traun at the foot of the towering Krippenstein Mountain. 3 hours.

Walk 2 – Arrive in Hallstatt by boat to appreciate the full magnificence of this historic village built on the steep mountain shore of Lake Hallstatt. Climb the winding path up to the 13th century Rudolfsturm (watchtower). Pause to enjoy the splendour of Lake Hallstatt way beneath you before taking a circular route around the Echerntal valley. The ancient forests uncover a dramatic gorge and waterfall forged by glaciers from a previous ice age, The Glacier Garden. 5 hours. Variation: Tour of Hallstatt, Bone House, Museum, Salt Mine, boat trip. Hire a bike and take bike path to Hallstatt.

Walk 3 – Take the cable car up the Krippenstein Mountain (2100m) with its unusual Karst plateau landscape which in spring and summer is a sight to behold, swathed in a myriad of alpine flowers. Various routes to suit all capabilities. 2hours+ Variation: Visit to 5 Fingers viewpoint for a panoramic view of the surrounding area, tour of Giant Ice Caves.

Walk 4 – Take the romantic forest path along the Koppentalweg tracking the course of the river. Pause for a drink in one of the local huts to fully appreciate the natural beauty and tranquillity to be found amongst these alpine meadows and picturesque hamlets. Arrive in the small traditional, cultural town of Bad Aussee in Ausseerland. 3 hours. Variations: Extend to full day for circular route. 8 hours. Explore the town of Bad Aussee, Alt Aussee Lake. Dedicated cycle path, hire a bike from your hosts.

Walk 5 – Follow the stunning path along the east shore of the crystal clear Lake Hallstatt with the view across to the village of Hallstatt nestled into the steep rising mountain. Pass through forest, hamlets and the smallholdings utilizing the lakeshore meadows until you reach the northern end of the lake. Continue following the flow of water along the river Traun towards the Imperial town of Bad Ischl. 5 hours. Variations: Hill walking to Predigstuhl. Take the train part way and spend time relaxing in the salt water spa at Bad Ischl. Stop for coffee and cake at the renowned Cafè Zauner. Open air swimming pool in Bad Goisern. Hire a bike and take the dedicated bike path all the way to Bad Ischl.

Walk 6 – Take a short bus ride to the next valley. The walk begins along the valley floor of Gosau, surrounded by lush, rolling meadows, the path climbs and continues to the end of the valley where you are met with a breathtaking view of the Dachstein glacier reflected in the still waters of the Vorderer Gosausee. Follow the lake shore path to the end of the lake where you enter the forest and begin a steady climb up. Passing a waterfall continue up until, through the trees, you catch sight of the Hinterer Gosausee. This is a vision normally only enjoyed by climbers, the still and silence, the impressive craggy summit of the Dachstein and blinding white ice-cap, only accessible to those that know! 5 hours. Variation: Cable car to Gosaukamm.

Walk 7 – Head to the famous village of St Wolfgang and pick up the pilgrim’s way, “The Sound of Music” countryside. The lakeside route has been used since medieval times, marked every few hundred metres with narrative, little shrines all linked to St Wolfgang, Bishop of Regensburg. He founded the town and church in 976 which subsequently became a famous centre for pilgrimage. Arrive in St Gilgen, whose claim to fame is that it was the birthplace of Mozart’s mother and his sister also lived there. Take a boat back to St Wolfgang. 2.5 hours (walk only).Variations: Cog-wheel railway up the Schafberg mountain to enjoy panoramic views of no less than 5 lakes. The Pilgrimage church in St Wolfgang.

Dates and Availability

walker checking a map during a woodland walk
view on dachstein massif
This walking holiday is available from May to mid October and can start on any date, subject to accommodation availability. Shorter break is also available.

8 days/7 nights – € 570.- p.p.

Other lengths of stay are possible!

Transfers from Salzburg airport can be arranged.

Please contact the holiday provider, through the contact form below, for more information and to book.

Request more info

Get in touch for more information about this walking holiday:










    Map of Austria showing the location of the The Austrian Lake District Self-guided walking holiday

    Holiday Type:

    Self-Guided
    Walking Holiday


    Board Basis:

    Half Board

    Price:

    From € 570.- / 8 days
    Price per person based on 2 people sharing

    Features:

    • 1 One accommodation

    What's included:

    • 7 Nights accommodation
    • Breakfast
    • 6 x 2 Course dinner with wine and beer
    • Maps
    • Routes and local knowledge

    NOT included:

    All other costs, including travel costs to the starting-point of this holiday.

    Walking Grade:

    hills and low mountains
    • Hills to low mountains
    • Easy to moderate walking
    low and high mountains
    • Low to high mountains
    • Moderate walking

    Remarks:

    Tailor-made walking possible

    Best time to go:

    May – mid October

    Contact Details:

    The Austrian Lake District, a Self-guided walking holiday in Austria by Haus Hepi

    Contact: Lisa Hepi
    Telephone: +43 (0)6131 26756

    Ask a question

    Visit Website

    Languages spoken:

    English, Austrian

    Getting there:

    • Salzburg Airport (86 km)
    • Linz Airport (123 km)
    • Obertraun Dachsteinhöhlen Train Station (1 km)

    Location map

    ?

    Pin It on Pinterest