Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Flights
available
10.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
The Salzkammergut lake district boasts 76 lakes and a beautiful mountain backdrop and is the perfect place to relax and let the calming atmosphere envelop you.
You'll enjoy a mix of spectacular scenic views on this 7 night self-guided tour combining gentle walking with places of interest. You'll follow lakeside paths and woodland trails and have time to explore some of the cultural and historical highlights of the region.
Starting from St Wolfgang, renowned for its beautiful 15th century church, follow the lake to St Gilgen, birthplace of Mozart's mother. You'll then spend 2 nights at the wonderful riverside spa town of Bad Ischl, leaving you time to explore the 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. Next stop is the UNESCO village of Hallstatt, a fairytale village of 16th-century Alpine houses and alleyways where you will also spend 2 nights. Visit the salt mines which are amongst the oldest in the world and which gave this region it's name.
You stay in 4 star luxury, family-run hotels, most with 'feel-good' wellness centres, plus high levels of quality and attention to detail, making them calm and relaxing places to spend time.
Read more about this holiday in Michelle's Austrian Adventure Blog.
Arrive at your lakeside hotel in St Wolfgang.
You stay at Hotel Weisses Rossl.
The family-led Hotel Weisses Rossl (White Horse Inn) is a legend, made famous by the operetta of the same name by Ralph Benatzky. Now in the 5th generation of the Peter family it is constantly defining itself anew. It has a lakeside position complete with spa area and heated pool in the lake. Each of the rooms in the hotel is unique and has its own style and there is an award-winning restaurant.
Take The Pilgrim's Way to the Falkenstein Chapel, built into the cliff face. An idyllic path continues along the lake to take you into St. Gilgen, birthplace of Mozart's mother. Return to St Wolfgang by boat.
You stay at Villa Seilern.
Villa Seilern Vital Resort consists of a classical villa built in 1881 and its modern and stylish annex building and is situated in the scenic spa town of Bad Ischl. The rooms are bright and modern with views of the surrounding mountains.
Today's walk takes you from St. Wolfgang to lake Schwarzensee. The lake cabin of Lore is worth a break with its delicious homemade snacks. Follow the Wirer gorge into the valley and around Burglstein to the lake promenade of Strobl from where you travel by bus to Bad Ischl.
You stay at Heritage Hotel.
Heritage Hotel is located in the historic centre of the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hallstatt, with striking natural-stone construction, wrought-iron window grilles and an elegant interior. This historic hotel has been carefully renovated, guests can enjoy superb views of the unique countryside. Rooms are all individually furnished with views of either the town or Lake Hallstatt.
Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Bad Ischl. Visit the Imperial Villa, the Hotel Austria, where the engagement of Emperor Franz Josef and Elisabeth of Bavaria once took place, or enjoy a coffee break in the famous Cafe Zauner with delicious cakes and pastries or visit the warm brine swimming pools in the Salzkammergut thermal baths.
From Bad Ischl walk along the riverside promenade into Kaltenbachau, a site of Imperial amusements such as horse races, picnics and rendezvous. Then, follow the oldest brine pipeline of the world to Bad Goisern, the gateway to UNESCO heritage Hallstatt.
From Hallstatt enjoy a scenic view of the lake and the Dachstein massif. Plan a visit of the salt mine, enjoy the views from the top of Rudolf's tower and visit the excavation sites.
After a train journey to Bad Ischl follow the romantic Sissi-Path to the tiny lake Nussensee. Continue along the river Ischl and through the Blinklingmoos nature reserve along the lake back to St Wolfgang.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £324.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Salzburg airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
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
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Flights
available
10.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App