Salt has been stored in the mountains of the Salzkammergut for over 250 million years. It not only gave this impressive region its name, but also contributed significantly to the economic upswing of the Salzkammergut in the 17th and 18th centuries - thanks to the flourishing salt trade. The WEG DES SALZES/SALT TRAIL - long-distance hiking trail follows the traces of this “white gold”. It focuses on the history, mining and production sites as well as the cultural significance of salt along this historic trade route.
The route leads from Altaussee and Bad Aussee via Hallstatt, Bad Goisern and Bad Ischl to Ebensee and Gmunden - an impressive hike through history and landscape in equal measure.
This journey forms the first part of the "Weg des Salzes - Salt Trail" – the second part continues on to Ceské Budejovice (Budweis) in the Czech Republic.
A warm welcome to the Styrian Salzkammergut.
Upon your arrival, you will have time to check in at your hotel at your leisure and explore the surroundings.
Detailed travel documents available for pickup at the hotel.
Outward route: ~ 8.7 km, 3–4 hours, difference in altitude ascent 335 / descent 90 m
Return route: ~9.5 km, 3–4 hours, difference in altitude ascent 125 / descent 400 m
From the charming spa town of Bad Aussee, the trail leads through idyllic landscapes to Altaussee, nestled between mountains and lake. There, a true highlight awaits you: admission and guided tour of the fascinating Salzwelten Altaussee, one of the most important salt mines in the region. Altaussee is Austria’s largest active salt mine. During the Second World War, the mine also served as a secret depot for invaluable artworks looted by the Nazis.
After this thrilling journey into the heart of the mountain, you return to Bad Aussee.
Our tip: Treat yourself to a refreshing break at the Gradier and Kneipp facility in Altaussee – a true delight for body and soul.
The brine, sourced directly from the Altaussee salt mountain, trickles over fir twigs in the graduation tower. As it drips, essential oils are released into the air, providing immediate relief especially for people with bronchial or asthma-related conditions.
Anyone with some extra time and energy can take a hike to the mysterious Toplitzsee – a place full of myths and stories.
Second overnight stay in Bad Aussee.
~ 22 km, 7 hrs, difference in altitude ascent 240 m / descent 400 m
This stage leads through the impressive Koppental Valley, a wild and romantic gorge with rushing streams, small bridges, and striking rock walls – a true nature experience!
Via Obertraun, you continue your hike along Lake Hallstatt all the way to the world-famous Hallstatt, where history, nature, and culture blend in a unique way.
Round off your day with a stroll through the historic lanes of Hallstatt or by taking in the world-famous panorama from the lakeshore.
Overnight stay in Hallstatt.
Our tip: Take some time for a short detour to the Koppenbrüller Cave or a relaxing break right by the water – perfect for unwinding. Visiting the Koppenbrüller Cave, the youngest of the three Dachstein caves, offers impressive insights into the underground waterways of the Dachstein interior.
~ 14 km, 4 hrs, difference in altitude ascent 70 m / descent 40 m
From Hallstatt, you take the ferry across Lake Hallstatt – a wonderful way to start the day.
Afterwards, the trail leads along the picturesque East Shore Trail, guiding you through gentle forests and past idyllic coves directly to Bad Goisern.
Overnight stay in Bad Goisern.
Our tip: While in Bad Goisern, visit the Hand.Werk.Haus, where you can experience traditional craftsmanship up close. Spread across three floors, you can see, touch, and learn more about local crafts and the people who practice them.
~ 11 km, 3-4 hrs, difference in altitude ascent 100 m / descent 110 m
Today’s hike takes you through gentle landscapes via Lauffen, known for its impressive pilgrimage church, to the imperial town of Bad Ischl. Here, a special treat awaits you: an imperial-style coffee break at the traditional Café Zauner, famous for its pastries and imperial flair.
Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel in Bad Ischl.
Our tip: Also visit the Kaiservilla, the former summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Sisi, and immerse yourself in the history of imperial life.
~ 19 km, 5-6 hrs, difference in altitude ascent 125 / descent 90 m
This stage leads you through the beautiful Ischl Valley and along the Traun River towards Ebensee.
Along the way, you will enjoy varied views of the surrounding mountains and discover the idyllic natural landscapes of the Salzkammergut.
Our tip: At the newly opened visitor center at the salt works in Ebensee, visitors can learn for free how salt is produced from brine, discover the variety of products, and immerse themselves in the history of the Ebensee salt works.
Overnight stay in Ebensee.
~ 20 km , 6-7 h, difference in altitude: ascent 300 m / descent 300 m
To round off your hiking trip, you follow the shore of Lake Traunsee northwards.
The trail passes picturesque coves, through forests and small villages, all the way to Gmunden, the charming ceramics town on the northern lakeshore.
Here the first stage of the Salt Trail ends, which continues all the way to Budweis in the Czech Republic.
Overnight stay in Gmunden.
Our tip: Visit the Seeschloss Ort or treat yourself to a stroll through the old town with views of the Traunstein – a worthy conclusion to the first stage of your journey along the Salt Trail!
After eventful days of hiking along the historic Salt Trail, today you will begin your individual journey home – taking with you unforgettable impressions, cultural discoveries, a good dose of Salzkammergut spirit, and of course the Bergkern natural salt soap from the Salzkammergut. This mineral-rich soap, made with regional salt and nourishing ylang-ylang oil, pampers your skin and senses in a luxurious way.
Daily stages are introductory to moderately difficult, hiking distances can be adjusted easily by public transport. A reasonable fitness level and basic hiking equipment like good hiking shoes, rucksack, rain and sun protection, functional clothing and also a warmer jacket or pullover are necessary to enjoy your trip.
Arrival by public transport is easily possible, making the trip especially sustainable and relaxing.
| 26.04. – 01.07.25 01.09. – 30.10.25 |
01.07. – 01.09.25 | |
|---|---|---|
| in double room with breakfast | 973,00 | 999,00 |
| Supplement half board per week | 243,00 | 243,00 |
| Supplement single room per week | 259,00 | 259,00 |
| Extra night in one of the villages | On request | On request |
| Arrival | daily | daily |
The local tax, also known as visitor's tax, is payable locally to the landlord; the amount depends on the resort and is between 1,00€ and 4,00€ per person per night. Children up to the age of 15 are usually exempt.
Information for arrivals by car:
Car parking is not always possible at specific locations, but on public parking lots (costs to be paid locally).
The standard terms and conditions of the Salzkammergut Touristik GmbH apply in the current version.
Rates and operating hours / timetables are subject to change
Our recommendations: Get a travel cancellation insurance.
For environmental reasons, we recommend arriving and departing by public transport (train/bus). We are happy to help you organise your train journey within Austria. Talk to us!
"A tree for your booking" – Cooperation project with Austrian Federal Forests
For every bike or hiking tour in the region booked with us, a tree is planted in the Weißenbach valley – near Bad Ischl. With this campaign we want to generate awareness for climate-friendly travel and take responsibility for a world worth living in.
The UNESCO World Heritage List currently lists 1,154 natural and cultural sites from 167 countries worldwide. The excellent cultural and natural monuments have an extraordinary universal value that must be preserved in the long term. Austria is represented with 10 World Heritage Sites.
The European Capital of Culture Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024 brought the diversity of historically rooted and contemporary art and culture to the forefront and raised it to an international level.
Level of difficulty
Daily stages with up to 600 metres of ascent - Ø 5-8 hours walking time - easy to difficult terrain: Trails with some smaller obstacles, suitable for sporty families.
Salzkammergut Touristik GmbH
Götzstraße 12
4820 Bad Ischl
Tel.: 0043 (0)6132 24000-51
office@salzkammergut.co.at