The Salzkammergut is an area located just outside Salzburg that spans various mountain ranges, including the Dachstein Mountains.
The name means 'Salt Chamber Estate' and is derived from the Imperial Salt Chamber that ran the important salt mines in the area under the Hapsburg Empire. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and according to the UNESCO website: 'Human activity in the magnificent natural landscape of the Salzkammergut began in prehistoric times, with the salt deposits being exploited as early as the 2nd millennium BC. This resource formed the basis of the area’s prosperity up to the middle of the 20th century, a prosperity that is reflected in the fine architecture of the town of Hallstatt.'*
Travellers can often be found making the most of the seasons in the Salzkammergut; hiking and mountain biking as well as swimming and fishing in the many lakes are popular summer activities, and the area is also a popular winter sports destination.
Local attractions include the famous 5 fingers viewing platform at Krippenstein (which can be reached from Obertraun by cable car), views from up here are magnificent, but those with a fear of heights should stay away - each platform has a glass floor!
*Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0
Salzkammergut 4 night self guided walking holiday in Austria
This is a great short hiking break for solo travellers, couples and small groups of friends. A scenic 50km self-guided tour of the Salzkammergut area of Austria, starting and ending in Bad Goisern with luggage transfer between hotels. You will cover between 15 and 23km on foot each day, though public transport options are available if needed. Prices start from € 390 euros per person
PDF Download: Map of National ParksHighlights
- Take in the beauty of the Salt Chamber Trail in Salzkammergut with idyllic lakes and amazing mountains
- Maps and information provided to ensure your self-guided hikes go to plan!
- Don’t worry about your luggage as it will be transferred between hotels for you.
Included
- 4 nights accommodation along the Salzkammer Trail in 3* hotels & inns
- Bed & breakfast basis
- Entrance and guided tour of Koppenbruellerhoehle cave (May-September)
- Rucksack with maps and information (1 per room)
- Luggage transfer between hotels (max.25 kg, 2 per person)
- Welcome schnapps upon arrival
- Salzkammergut souvenir
- Service hotline from 9am-7pm, seven days a week
Excluded
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Meals & beverages – unless otherwise specified above
- Local taxes where applicable
- Everything not specified above
Itinerary
The Salt Chamber Trail – approx 50km long
1st Day
Arrival in Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut
In Bad Goisern you will receive your travel documents along with a welcome drink and a souvenir from the Salzkammergut.
Overnight stay in Bad Goisern.
2nd Day 4-5 h, 15 km, altitude difference ascent/descent: 212/178 m
From St. Agatha to the Lake Hallstaettersee and along the eastern shore - with magnificent views of Hallstatt and the Dachstein Glacier - to Obertraun.
Overnight stay in Obertraun or Hallstatt
3rd Day 5-6 h, 16 km, altitude difference ascent/descent: 428/294 m
A scenic trail leads above the village of Obertraun to the Koppenbrüllerhöhle cave (guided tour included!). Afterwards you follow the Traun river on the "Weg durch die Wildnis" trail through the wild yet romantic Koppental valley to Bad Aussee.
Overnight stay in Bad Aussee.
4th Day 8 h, 23 km, altitude difference ascent/descent: 728/901 m
From Bad Aussee you walk past the Alpengarten (a lovely Alpine garden, well worth a visit) and the historic salt mountain of Aussee through a beautiful mountain pasture area to Bad Goisern.
Overnight stay in Bad Goisern.
5th Day
Individual departure or additional nights.
Please Note
A reasonable fitness level and basic hiking equipment like good hiking shoes, rucksack, rain and sun protection, functional clothing and also a warmer jacket or pullover are necessary to enjoy your trip.
Extras/Upgrades
Upgrade to 3* inns and hotels, half board and additional nights also available. Contact us for details.
Salzkammer Trail
You will stay in small family run pensions (B&Bs) along the way. Your room will have en-suite facilities and will include breakfast each morning.
Please note: Twin-bedded rooms in Austrian resorts are normally one large base with two mattresses/duvets. These are also known as 'Austrian Twins' and are regarded as two beds. Separate twin beds are rare and cannot be guaranteed as available.
Nearest Airport: Salzburg Airport (1hr)
Other airports: Vienna Airport (3hrs)
By Car
Get onto the A1/E55/E60 from Loiger Str. Follow this until Henndorfer Landesstrasse in Thalgau. Exit at 274-Thalgau. Follow Enzersberg Landesstrasse to Wolfgangsee Strasse/B158. Continue until B145 in Bad Goisern.
By Public Transport
Take bus from Salzburg airport to Salzburg main train station, change bus to Attnang-Pucheim and again a 3rd bus to Bad Goisern - around a 3 hour journey.
By Private Transfer
Taxi available outside airport. Private transfer available on request after main booking.
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Explore the Salzkammergut trail on this fantastic one week self-guided walking holiday in Austria including luggage transfers