Magic of cross-country skiing in the heart of the Salzkammergut

Arrival by car or public transport to Bad Ischl. The pretty town on the river Traun became very popular, when in the 19th century the town was opened. Emperor Franz Joseph regularly spent his holidays here. The stay of the imperial family favored the development of the city into an attractive holiday resort and it still offers an attractive mixture of leisure opportunities. In the hotel you will receive more information about your trip and all the important details about the trails in the region as well as a “welcome-Schnapserl”. (2 nights)

Overlooking the rocks of the Dead Mountains is one of the largest low pastures in Europe, the Rettenbachalm. A logging road takes you to the cross-country skiing center just six kilometers from Bad Ischl. Picturesque rustic huts spread out on the wide valley floor. Fans of cross-country skiing get their money's worth here. Ten kilometers of perfectly groomed cross-country trails of all levels of difficulty open up a varied and impressive sporting experience. Take the taxi transfer organized for you to the Rettenbachalm or drive your own car. Returning to Bad Ischl, relax in the Salzkammergut thermal baths.

In the morning, transfer including luggage or drive in your own car to the hotel in Bad Goisern, an ideal base for winter sports. For the ascent to the start of the cross-country ski run, use the six-kilometer panoramic road in the direction of the Predigtstuhl. From the high-altitude trail at 1,000 meters there is a splendid view of the Salzkammergut World Heritage Site with the Dachstein Glacier and Lake Hallstatt. A total of 27 kilometers of moderately easy to very demanding trails are available. Interesting attractions are the "World Cup Trail" - especially for experts in the sport - and an imposing suspension bridge that serves as a connection between two trails. (2 nights in Bad Goisern)

The elongated, idyllically situated high valley stretches from Lake Hallstatt to the west side of the Dachstein, where it finds its great conclusion with the rock needles of the wildly rugged Gosaukamm. Along this Alpine panorama, past snow-covered tops and peaks, stretches the wide, very sunny network of trails of all levels of difficulty. Thanks to the average altitude of the mountain valley of 780 meters and generally a high snow guarantee, cross-country skiing is a real pleasure. The ski bus takes you comfortably to Gosau and back to Bad Goisern.

A real gem is the Styrian part of the Salzkammergut with the spa town of Bad Aussee. Playful wooden buildings and lively customs characterize the pretty health resort. To get to the Ausseerland, the Pötschenpass with 993 meters must be overcome. Shortly afterwards, the valley opens up and the striking summit of the Loser comes into view.

Take a break from the sporting activities today and immerse yourself in traditional customs and old craftsmanship of the region. Worth a visit are, for example, fabric handprinting, hat makers and gingerbread makers. The fact that salt plays a major role in the Salzkammergut is already guaranteed by the name. Guests can experience this healing treasure of the region in the brine bath Bad Aussee. Treat yourself to this pleasure with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. (3 nights in Bad Aussee)

Today's excursion into the wide, fog-free valley of Bad Mitterndorf at the foot of the mighty Grimming makes the hearts of enjoyable cross-country skiers beat faster. The trails around the seaside resort are flat; the entire network of trails with its 120 km is one of the most extensive in Austria. The cross-country skiing circuit around the Ödensee in Pichl-Kainisch with beautiful floodplain and forest passages is very contemplative. Easy ascents and descents are offered by the Krungl trail, on which you pass the legendary ski flying hill on the Kulm, the largest natural flying hill in the world. Afterwards you head back to the hotel in Bad Aussee.

As one of the four cross-country skiing centers in the Ausseerland, Altaussee at the foot of the Losers inspires with its very own winter magic. The ascent via the panoramic road from the deep blue Altaussee Lake up to the Loser Ski Arena is already impressive. Wonderful the groomed trail through the forest and over meadows to the enchanted alpine area of the Blaa Alm. The tour is suitable for beginners and advanced riders alike, comfortable the possibility of refeshments on the Blaa Alm. Treat yourself to a breather with a coffee break with alpine coffee and cake. Afterwards you head back to the ski arena and by car or taxi back to Bad Aussee.

If you have the opportunity to extend your stay in the sun-drenched Ausseerland, the repertoire of discoveries is far from exhausted and additional nights can be booked. For example, the Gößler cross-country ski trail offers beautiful views of Grundlsee and Toplitzsee. If you want to go higher, the elongated alpine plateau of the Tauplitzalm is recommended. Here is the largest lake plateau in Central Europe and it invites you to winter hiking. Otherwise, a taxi brings you from the accommodation in Bad Aussee directly to the train station Bad Aussee or individual departure with your own car.