Salzkammergut 4 night self guided walking holiday in Austria
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TOUR DESCRIPTION
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 € 534 euros per person
DURATION
4 nights
HIGHLIGHTS
*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 overnight stay in ***hotel/inn with breakfast
*Welcome video with explanations and information you need for this tour
*Welcome drink
*Boat ride on Lake Hallstatt
Train ticket from Hallstatt to Ebensee
*Refreshments along the way with a local specialty
*Hiking map – Salzkammergut and other information material (1x per room)
*Voucher for 5 Euro for a souvenir from our information center in Bad Ischl
*Luggage transfer – max. 2 pcs./person and max. 25 kg/case
*Daily service hotline from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm (also on weekends)
*‘A Tree for your booking’ – for every hiking tour booked with us a tree is planted
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
Day 1: Arrival in Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut
Ebensee, located between the Totes Gebirge and Höllengebirge mountains, is a town with strong ties to salt production, where the 400-year-old brine pipeline ends and an active saltworks remains. The town's rich traditions shape its cultural life, and visitors can explore its history at the local museum (admission required) and along a historical themed trail.
Detailed travel documents are provided at the hotel for a one-night stay.
Day 2: Following the Traun to Bad Ischl
From Ebensee, you’ll follow the historic brine pipeline route to Bad Ischl, covering the longest stretch of the journey. The path offers views of the Höllengebirge cliffs and the Traun River, which is crossed multiple times. Along the way, you'll pass through forests with streams for a refreshing break. Before reaching Bad Ischl, the Katrin mountain becomes visible. Since the mid-19th century, Bad Ischl has been a famous holiday destination for European nobility, especially after Emperor Franz Joseph made it his summer residence.
A souvenir voucher can be redeemed at the Salzkammergut Touristik shop. (1 night)
Hiking: approx. 6-7 hours (19 km, ascent 542 m in height / descent 503 m in height)
Day 3: From Bad Ischl via the pilgrimage site of Lauffen to Bad Goisern
In Bad Ischl, the stage begins along the Traun River, not far from the Katrin cable car station and a statue of Emperor Franz Joseph. You'll hike towards Lauffen, a town named for the rapids boatmen once navigated while transporting salt. This is also where the comedy Weißes Rössl was created. After Lauffen, the valley widens, revealing stunning views of the Kalmberg and the Dachstein Mountains. The "Eternal Wall," Hoher Sarstein ridge, and Krippenstein peak dominate the panorama. You’ll continue to Bad Goisern, a former woodworkers' settlement founded to supply wood for heating the brine boiling pans in Hallstatt. (1 night)
Hiking: approx. 3 hours (9 km, ascent 235 m in height / descent 224 m in height)
Day 4: Along the eastern shore of Lake Hallstatt to the town of Hallstatt
From Bad Goisern, you'll follow the brine pipeline path to Steeg, then continue along the eastern shore of Lake Hallstatt, offering panoramic views of the Dachstein Mountains. The route is dramatic, with the Sarstein mountain dropping steeply into the lake. The trail, including sections on hanging bridges, creates the sensation of walking above the water. You’ll then hike to Obertraun and finally reach Hallstatt for the night. If you'd like a shortcut, you can take a boat from Hallstatt train station to the market, saving about eight kilometers (ferry fare paid on-site). (1 night in Hallstatt)
Hyking: approx. 5 hours (19 km, ascent 127 m in height / descent 102 m in height)
Day 5:
Hallstatt, with its charming shingle-roofed houses, half-timbered buildings, pastel facades, church towers, and market square, beautifully blends into its stunning mountain and lake backdrop.
For those wanting to explore more of the Salzkammergut area, extra nights can be added, with Hallstatt offering options like visiting the world’s oldest salt mine and exploring its fascinating underground world.
For the return journey, enjoy a scenic morning boat ride from Hallstatt market to the station, followed by a memorable trip back to Ebensee on the Salzkammergut Railway, a delight for railway enthusiasts with its breathtaking landscapes.
(Remember to bring your own luggage.)
EXTRAS
Upgrade to 3* inns and hotels, half board and additional nights also available. Contact us for details.
