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Self-Guided Walking in Austria's Lake District

8 daysDuration
Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining
6 peopleMaximum group size
12 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Highlights

Snow-capped peaks, lush green meadows and forest trails

Luxury 4 star hotel

Crystal-clear lakes, babbling streams, tranquil shores, secluded bays

Picturesque waterfront villages, postcard-pretty castles and cobbled streets crammed with attractive frescoed houses

Varied rest day choices: water sports, mountain rail rides, lake cruisers and Mozart's fairytale city of Salzburg

Itinerary

Let Austria’s Lake District captivate you on the "Self-Guided Walking in Austria's Lake District" tour, an 8-day trekking and hiking escape ideal for experienced travelers seeking a moderate, scenic adventure. Starting and ending in Bad Ischl, this private journey winds along well-marked trails offering daily panoramic views of shimmering lakes, forested hills, and picturesque villages.

Dive into regional culture with unique experiences such as riding St Wolfgang’s antique cog railway, summiting Schafberg, and visiting Mozart’s museum in St. Gilgen. Each day promises new discoveries and opportunities for a refreshing swim or tranquil lakeside rest.

A highlight of this trip is the seamless blend of gentle hiking, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural gems—all at your own pace, ensuring a truly memorable walking holiday.

day 1 - Arrive at Bad Ischl

Arrive at your 4 star hotel in Bad Ischl. A typical itinerary is shown below, although you're free to pick and choose your walking each day as there are numerous options available Staying at Hotel Goldener Ochs for 7 nights.

Meals:Dinner

day 2 - Kolowratshohe or Jainzenberg

Two circular walk options direct from your hotel; one to Kolowratshohe, a lesser-known peak above Bad Ischl, with spectacular views and the added bonus of a mountain restaurant at Hoisenrad. Or, a picturesque walk to the summit of Jainzenberg, rising directly behind the Kaiserpark and the Kaiservilla. Staying at Hotel Goldener Ochs. Optional walk to Jainzenberg: 4hr, distance 11km/7mi.Premium Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Vormauerstein or Schwarzensee

Hop on a local bus to Wolfgangsee, with the option of walking up to the Vormauerstein and the breath taking views of the Schafberg and the Lake Attersee. Picnic on the shores of Monichsee. Alternatively, a leisurely route up to the stunning Schwarzensee for lunch at one of the restaurants and lake views. This option gives you more time to visit the charming village of St Wolfgang. Staying at Hotel Goldener Ochs. Optional walk to Schwarzensee: 2.5hrs, distance 9km/5.5mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Hallstatt Walk

Today visit 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. Staying at Hotel Goldener Ochs. Optional shorter walk: 3hrs, distance 8km/5mi.

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Free day

A bus ride brings you to the delightful village of St Gilgen. 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 go by bus to explore the fairytale city of Salzburg, or the train and tram to the pottery town of Gmunden to visit the ceramic factories or the impressive Schloss Ort. Staying at Hotel Goldener Ochs.

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Katrin

Walk (2km) or take the cable car from Bad Ischl and visit the three summits of Katrin, Hainzen and Elferkogel. Sure footedness is required, but from the peaks you are rewarded with an incredible 360° panorama as far as the snow-capped Dachsteins. Sit and take in the superb vistas from the two restaurants at the top cable car station. Staying at Hotel Goldener Ochs. Optional shorter walk: 5.5hrs, distance 15km/9.5mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Gschwendt

Today take the bus to Strobl, then you have a choice to head off on a low level lakeside walk, with views across Wolfgangsee to St Wolfgang and the Schafberg. Stroll through the Blinklingmoos nature reserve and on to a lakeside beach at Wassbad before heading to Gschwendt. The longer, more challenging route also takes you to Gschwendt but comes with some stiff climbs and descents and even more spectacular views of the lake and the Schafberg, Rinnkogel and Sparber mountains.

Meals:Breakfast

day 8 - Leave Bad Ischl

Your trip ends in Bad Ischl. Premium Hotel

Meals:Breakfast
Self-Guided Walking in Austria's Lake District

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What's Included

Accommodation
All accommodation
Meals
All breakfasts and dinner on first night
Others
Route notes and maps

What's Excluded

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