Enjoyable Hikes in the Salzkammergut

In the course of salt production, many artists were drawn to Bad Aussee, also due to its charming scenic location. Music, literature, traditional costumes, jewellery and customs have a long tradition here. On various signposted paths, you can follow the artists who once lived here, supported by easels set up especially for this purpose. If time permits, one of these hikes is worthwhile - just because of the fantastic landscape scenery - to start the hiking week. At the hotel you will receive the travel documents as well as a welcome drink and a souvenir from the Salzkammergut.
(2 nights in Bad Aussee)

From Bad Aussee, the route continues along the promenade up the Traun in the direction of Lake Altaussee. Once there, they seem to have found a place of special quality. The unmistakable wooden houses from the 19th century in the style of the region and the distant view of the Dachstein glacier are breathtaking. This is where the circular trail around the lake starts, where pretty resting places and attractive lake accesses with bathing opportunities are lined up. Flowers, especially on the so calles Seewiese, delight the hiker just as much as the magnificent mountain framing through the ‘Totes Gebirge’. Lake Altaussee is considered one of the most romantic mountain lakes in the Salzkammergut. No wonder it was chosen as a popular film location, for example for the James Bond film "Spectre". The bus will take you back to Bad Aussee.
Hiking: 4 hours (approx. 13.5 km, ascent: 149 m in height / descent: 93 m in height)

After Bad Aussee is behind you, the hike begins through the gorge-like, wildly romantic valley of the crystal-clear mountain river, the Koppentraun. A number of well-signposted adventure stations, where interesting facts about natural features can be learned, can be viewed here. Fly fishermen can often be seen at work. After the old railway tunnel, you reach the Koppenbrüller Cave, a water cave that is still active, a visit to which is recommended. In spring or after heavy rainfall, the noise in the cave swells to a roar – hence the name (loosely translated Koppen roarer cave). Arriving in Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt, the journey continues by bus to the sun-drenched plateau in Gosau.
(3 nights in Gosau)
Hiking: 4 hours (approx. 14 km, ascent: 178 m in height / descent: 319 m in height)

The famous naturalist Alexander von Humboldt visited the city towards the end of the 18th century.  The mountainous region of the Dachstein was located in the 19th century. As enthusiastic as he was, he described the two deep blue Gosau lakes as the “Eyes of God". These gems at the end of the valley are the destination and starting point of today's hike.  The bus first crosses the pretty, remote high valley with its old farmhouses and fertile meadows. The hike now starts from the front of Lake Gosau with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains.
The forest path continues through the forest, past small clearings and the Gosaulacke until the rear Gosausee comes into view. With a view of the imposing Gosaukamm, you are already very close to the almost 3,000-metre-high Dachstein. The Holzmeisteralm offers a wonderful place to rest and stop for a bite to eat before returning to the starting point. The return trip to Gosau to the accommodation is again by bus.
Hiking: 4.5 hours (approx. 12.5 km, ascent: 326 m in height / descent: 336 m in height)

A day full of natural wonders begins with the ascent from Gosau Hintertal through a fairytale-like high forest and first leads to a place steeped in history in the Gosau Valley, the grindstone quarries that have been in operation for 400 years. The well-signposted path continues up to the edge of the ceiling high moor, which is unique in Austria. Take your time here to walk over the wooden footbridges, because due to the moor soil, the path would be too swampy to the quiet Löckernmoossee. Enjoy the special atmosphere of this natural jewel, the majestic view of the prongs of the Gosaukamm and the unique water reflections in the small mountain lake. On the way back, it is worth taking a leisurely break at the Badstubnhütte, which is often open in summer and autumn.
Hiking: 5-6 hours (approx. 15 km, ascent: 764 m in height / descent: 773 m in height)

Today we take the bus along the wild Gosaubach down to Lake Hallstatt, which lies like a large mirror between steep mountain flanks, to Bad Goisern Au. About 10,000 years ago, the lake, which was shaped by Ice Age glacial ice, received its present appearance and is very reminiscent of the fjord landscape of Norway. The hike along the east bank is unobstructed, the view of the Dachstein mountains is fantastic and the route is spectacular. The flank of the Sarstein plunges almost vertically into the lake here and the hanging bridge system floating above the water gives the impression of walking above the water. Continue to Hallstatt train station, where you will take the ferry to Hallstatt. A narrow strip of shore is crowded with town houses that seem to grow out of the lake. The almost perfect ensemble of narrow streets, historic houses, lake panorama and the cultural heritage from the Hallstatt period make this place world-famous. For the overnight stay, the bus will take you to Bad Goisern.
(2 nights in Bad Goisern)
Hiking: 2 hours (approx. 8 km, ascent: 34 m in height / descent: 26 m in height)

Bad Goisern was founded because of its rich wood deposits for heating the brine brewing pans in Hallstatt. On today's hike you follow the trail of salt and lead along the brine pipeline path from Bad Goisern to Bad Ischl. You will pass through the small village of Lauffen with its pilgrimage church. The name is derived from the rapids that the salt boatmen once had to overcome. At the same time, they asked the Madonna for protection from possible misfortune. On a narrow wooded road you leave the pilgrimage site again. After some time, you pass a bronze emperor's hunting statue, which announces the proximity of the emperor's former summer residence. Past the valley station of the Katrin cable car, the hiking route leads to the promenade on the turquoise-green rippling Traun. Shortly afterwards you reach the spa town and there is certainly still time for a stroll through Bad Ischl before you take the bus back to Bad Goisern. Finally, treat yourself to a visit to the world-famous Café Zauner!
Hiking: 3 hours (approx. 11 km, ascent: 137 m in height / descent: 157 m in height)

If you have the opportunity to extend your stay in sun-drenched Bad Goisern, the repertoire of discoveries is far from exhausted, such as a visit to the craftsman's house, where traditional, old craftsmanship is vividly conveyed. Additional nights can be booked additionally. Otherwise, the return journey will take place today.