Alpine Hiking - Austria’s Salzkammergut Lakes

Day 1: St. Wolfgang
Day 2: St. Wolfgang - St. Gilgen - St. Wolfgang (6.2 miles / 10km)
Day 3: St. Wolfgang - Bad Ischl (7.5 miles / 12 km)
Day 4: Bad Ischl (2.5 miles / 4 km)
Day 5: Bad Ischl - Bad Goisern - Hallstatt (6.8 miles / 11 km)
Day 6: Hallstatt (7.5 miles / 12 km)
Day 7: Hallstatt - St. Wolfgang (11 miles / 18 km)
Day 8: St. Wolfgang

All distances are approximate. The itinerary may change due to weather, local authorities' provisions, or unforeseen circumstances like roadwork. Temporary deviations may occur along the route, not reflected in maps. Follow local directions in such cases.

Day 1: Arrival in St. Wolfgang
Arrive in St. Wolfgang on the shores of Wolfgangsee and settle into your hotel. Spend the day exploring the iconic Pilgrimage Church of St. Wolfgang or ride the historic Schafbergbahn cogwheel railway, showcasing panoramic vistas. Swimming is available at beaches like Gschwendt and Abersee, where you can also rent paddle boats or kayaks. As evening arrives, savor local cuisine against the backdrop of the beautiful Lake. Get a good night's rest as tomorrow you'll begin your hiking adventure!

Sample Accommodations: Hotel Weisses Rössl St. Wolfgang (2025) or Bergrose Hideaway (2026)

Day 2: St Wolfgang - St. Gilgen - St. Wolfgang (6.2 miles / 10km)
Following breakfast, enjoy walking the scenic trail to Falkenstein rock wall for stunning views of Wolfgangsee. Follow a peaceful path along the lakeshore to reach the Mozart village of St. Gilgen, an idyllic village that combines Alpine tranquility with charm. Consider a visit to Mozart's mother's birthplace, or take a cogwheel railway up Schafberg Mountain for amazing sights. Your day concludes back in St. Wolfgang where you can enjoy sunset from the beautiful lakeside promenade. 

Elevation: +/- 250m
Duration: 3.5 hours

Sample Accommodations: Hotel Weisses Rössl St. Wolfgang (2025) or Bergrose Hideaway (2026)

Day 3: St. Wolfgang - Bad Ischl (7.5 miles / 12 km)
Today's hike follows the Saddle Walk to Schwarzensee. At the lake cabin of Lore, enjoy homemade snacks before continuing through Wirer Gorge into the valley and around Bürglstein to reach the lake promenade of Strobl, a small village known for its picturesque waterfront and alpine landscape. From there, take a bus to Bad Ischl, the historic Imperial summer residence, and explore its grand architecture and renowned thermal spas that once attracted Habsburg royalty.

Elevation: +/- 300m
Duration: 4.5 hours

Sample Accommodations: Hotel Villa Seilern Bad Ischl

Day 4: Bad Ischl (2.5 miles / 4 km)
Use your free time to visit the many attractions in Bad Ischl. This day is at your leisure with numerous opportunities to discover the city or simply relax. See the Kaiservilla, the summer residence of Emperor Franz Josef, or stop by the Hotel Austria, famous for the engagement of Emperor Franz Josef and Elisabeth of Bavaria. Enjoy a coffee break at Café Zauner, known for its delicious cakes and pastries, or unwind in the warm brine swimming pools at the Salzkammergut thermal baths.

Elevation: +/- 150m
Duration: 1.5 hours

Sample Accommodations: Hotel Villa Seilern Bad Ischl

Day 5: Bad Ischl - Bad Goisern - Hallstatt (6.8 miles / 11 km)
Salt has always been a vital source of income in Salzkammergut, with the oldest brine pipeline in the world running from Hallstatt’s salt mine to the salt works in Bad Ischl. Walk along the promenade into Kaltenbachau, once a favorite site for Imperial horse races and picnics. Follow the brine pipeline trail to Bad Goisern, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hallstatt. From there, catch the train for a quick transfer to Hallstättersee and hop on the ferry for a scenic crossing to Hallstatt. 

Elevation: +/- 50m
Duration: 3-5 hours

Sample Accommodations: Hotel Heritage Hallstatt

Day 6: Hallstatt (7.5 miles / 12 km)
Beginning in Hallstatt, cross the lake by boat to the train station and return to Bad Goisern where you’ll continue your hike along the historic brine pipeline trail. This scenic trail offers stunning views of Lake Hallstatt and the Dachstein massif as you make your way back to Hallstatt. Upon your return, ride the funicular to the Hallstatt Salt Mine on the Salzbergbahn. Explore the ancient mine, visit the excavation sites, and enjoy the panoramic views from Rudolf’s Tower. Conclude your day by returning to Hallstatt village to relax and enjoy the evening ambiance of this charming lakeside town.

Elevation: +400m/ -100m
Duration: 4.5 hours

Sample Accommodations: Hotel Heritage Hallstatt

Day 7: Hallstatt - St. Wolfgang (11 miles / 18 km)
Depart from Hallstatt and board the train back to Bad Ischl. Walk along the romantic Sissi-Path, named after Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) of Austria, leading to the picturesque Nussensee, a small, serene lake. Continue your hike along the Ischl River, winding back to Wolfgangsee. Pass through the Blinklingmoos nature reserve, known for its diverse flora, fauna, and tranquil lakeside scenery. Upon reaching Wolfgangsee, a boat will bring you back to St Wolfgang where you will spend your last evening.

Elevation: +300m/ -200m
Duration: 5.5 hours

Sample Accommodations: Hotel Weisses Rössl St. Wolfgang (2025) or Bergrose Hideaway (2026)

Day 8: Departure from St. Wolfgang
Your tour ends today following breakfast.

If accommodations in St. Wolfgang are unavailable, we will arrange a similar alternative in a neighboring lakeside town. The walking routes will remain unchanged and all transportation to the start and end of the route will be pre-organized and included in the cost.

All accommodations have been carefully chosen for their historic charm and scenic locations within this region’s natural beauty. While every effort will be made to secure rooms in the specified sample hotels, alternative accommodations of equal suitability will be provided if necessary due to availability.