Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
Printed route
directions
The Salzkammergut area (Austria's Lake District) is one of the most impressive regions in the heart of the country. Boasting 76 lakes and with a beautiful mountain backdrop, it's a perfect place to relax and let the calming atmosphere envelop you.
This 8-night self-guided walking holiday offers a selection of activities, where you'll enjoy a mix of spectacular scenic views, gentle shoreline routes, wooded forest trails and 'chocolate box' villages. There are also some great spots to stop off for a swim or dip your toes after a day's walking. The walks are relaxed, following mainly well-marked routes, and you can extend them on most days.
You'll spend three nights in the wonderful riverside spa town of Bad Ischl - a favourite summer holiday retreat of Emperor Franz Joseph. Although it's almost 100 years since the emperor was last there, his presence is still felt in the region, and you can explore the Kaiservilla, his former holiday home. Other highlights include walking via the UNESCO village of Halstatt for picture-postcard views, the imperial spa, salt mines, ice cave, the Katrin cable car and the Siriuskogl viewing platform.
Stop off at the town of St Wolfgang, renowned for its beautiful 15th century church (you can sit in the arched windows and enjoy your lunch al fresco from here), and hop on the antique cog railway up to the summit of the Schafberg for unrivalled Alpine views. Visit St Wolfgang's Pfarrkirche with its outstanding Baroque altar created by Michael Pacher. Then, from St Wolfgang, head to Mondsee for a coffee and apfelstrudel. Not to mention a trip to Salzburg itself.
You stay in unrivalled 4 star luxury, family-run hotels that are calm and relaxing places to spend time, most with 'feel-good' wellness centres, plus high levels of quality and attention to detail.
These walks are mainly easy and follow well marked routes, however there are some forested sections where the terrain is inclined and loose under foot. Walking boots are recommended.
Arrive at your 4 star hotel in Bad Ischl and relax before dinner in the wellness centre.
You stay at Goldenes Schiff.
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The Hotel Goldenes Schiff is located at the bank of the River Traun at the heart of Bad Ischl, only a two-minute walk from the thermal baths of the Eurotherme Bad Ischl and five minutes from the train station. You will immediately fall in love with the peace and quiet and the unique view of the picturesque landscape of the Salzkammergut region.
Today take a bus to the spectacular alpine village of Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest village in Austria. Take the panoramic funicular railway up the mountain and visit the historical salt mine. Use the ferry to cross the lake and follow a beautiful walk to Bad Goisern before returning to Bad Ischl by train.
There is plenty to do today - explore pretty Bad Ischl itself, with its riverside location. Stroll along the esplanade and have coffee and cake in the world famous Zauner cafe, take in some of the imperial history (visit the Emperor's Villa and gardens) or relax in the EurothermenResort Thermal Baths. A trip to the nearby Dachstein Ice caves and spectacular 5 Finger Lookout is also an option.
Walk (2km) or take the cable car from Bad Ischl to the summit of Katrin (1,393m). There are fabulous 360°ree; views of Traun and Hallstatt lakes, backed by the impressive Hollengebirge and Dachstein peaks. From here, your route takes you down the forested Katrin Pass. Tiny violet gentian flowers perfume your route as you pass Nussen Lake, a great picnic spot. Continue along the valley following the River Traun until you reach Strobl.
You stay at Hotel Bergrose.
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This is a beautiful 30-room hotel based a 5-minute bike ride from the eastern shore of Wolfgangsee on the outskirts of the village of Strobl. It is a traditional building with wooden balconies and Gothic script on the exterior, and is located on a river bank next to a meadow. It has a lovely secluded garden, three stories of perfect Austrian wood-panelled luxury inside and an indoor pool and spa area.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
There's lots to see and do in the village of Strobl, including a summer toboggan run and a wide range of water sports; you can also join one of the many hop on, hop off lake cruisers, visit the natural beach for sunbathing or take the bus (90 minutes) to beautiful Salzburg, with its Renaissance gardens, Baroque palaces and the oldest open air theatre in Europe.
Today's route takes you along the north shore of Lake Wolfgang, a stunning expanse of vivid turquoise waters, popular with yacht owners, kite surfers and fellow walkers. Enjoy lunch in pretty St Wolfgang, renowned for its beautiful 15th century church and frescoed houses, before continuing along the pilgrims' path past the Falkenstein Chapel, curiously built into the cliff face.
You stay at Hotel Gasthof Zur Post.
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Literally follow in the footsteps of travellers from the past as the Family Leitner welcome you to the Gasthof Zur Post. The building dates back over 600 years and was at one time a stage coach stop off before becoming a hotel. Inside you have a wonderful blend of history and tradition.
Centrally located and just a few minutes' walk from Wolfgangsee, the Hotel Zur Post makes an ideal base from which to explore the local area, visit the Music and Mozart Museums, hike up Zwolferhorn or be pampered in the sauna and steam spa.
The rooms here have been very recently renovated, and contain all the mod-cons you would expect from a 4 star hotel. Most rooms have a balcony too; please request this at the time of booking.
Room upgrades: Nannerl room.
A thriving lace-making centre in the 1700s, today St Gilgen is a delightful village with a busy waterfront, lined with restaurants. Mozart's mother was born here and you can visit her house, which now includes a small museum. Or follow the official Mozartsteig hiking trail to Fuschl, passing between the Ellmautall and Eibenberg mountains. Heading through the heart of the nature reserve along forested paths you'll see many multi-coloured butterflies until you catch a breathtaking view of tranquil Fuschlsee - the smallest of the Salzkammergut lakes, but without doubt one of the prettiest.
From Fuschl, head up on a gentle wooded trail to the remains of Wartenfels Castle, from where you catch fantastic aerial views of Fuschlsee, Irrsee and Mondsee. Take the optional walk to the summit of the Schober, at 1,320m you can gaze over to Lake Wolfgang and the Schafberg peaks. Treat yourself to a well-earned Viennese coffee and apfelstrudel in Mondsee's central square looking out over St Michael's Basilica, which was famously used in 'The Sound of Music' wedding scene.
You stay at Hotel Leitnerbrau.
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The Leitnerbrau Hotel can be found in the very heart of Mondsee, just a stone's throw from the famous church used in 'The Sound of Music' and a 5-minute stroll from the lakeside where there are frequent summer shows and events.
A 30-room, family-run property, it is broad, modern and spacious inside whilst retaining the typical Tyrolean architecture outside. Bedrooms are extremely spacious, with queen size beds and traditional wooden furnishings.
Room upgrades: Deluxe Room.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Markus Sittikus, Salzburg; Villa Carlton, Salzburg.
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The 4 star Markus Sittikus is a beautifully presented hotel, based in an 18th century building with a mustard facade located in a quiet side street not far from the Mirabell palace, just a 15 minute walk from the old city.
Inside the hotel the decor is attractive and individual, with bold colours like mustard yellow and red tartan in the comfortable bar area, and some colourful murals painted on the walls throughout the building. Public rooms have period furniture and the upbeat interior, combined with the personal attention you receive from the friendly staff, make a stay here particularly memorable.
The hotel has 39 rooms though it feels smaller, with television (CNN/BBC), direct dial phones and hairdryers. Each one is individually decorated with attractive colour combinations and solid wooden furniture, in keeping with the age and status of the building.
It is also one of the few hotels in Salzburg to have a garden to relax in, if you are looking for some respite after doing the sights.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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A 15-minute walk from Getreidegasse shopping street, this upscale hotel is 14 minutes from Mozart's Birthplace. Featuring elegant modern decor, the polished rooms and suites come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks and desks. Some upgraded rooms have balconies and/or in-room tubs, while suites have living areas.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.
Please contact our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
Printed route
directions
