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.
Salt Trail - mountains, water, salt
Hike along the historic salt transportation route in the Salzkammergut region
- relaxed hiking with luggage transfer
- 7 overnight stays in selected hotels
- daily arrival
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.
Highlights
- Admission and guided tour of the Salzwelten Altaussee “The Mountain of Treasures in Rock Salt”
- Visit to the Gradier and Kneipp facility in Altaussee
- Ferry ride across Lake Hallstatt
- Hike along the picturesque East Shore Trail
- Enjoyable stopover in Bad Ischl with regional cuisine
The course of your tour
Day 1: Individual arrival in Bad Aussee
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.
The detailed travel documents will be handed over to you at the hotel.
Day 2: Stage 1 - Bad Aussee - Altaussee with visit of the Salt mines - Bad Aussee
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.
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.
Second overnight stay in Bad Aussee.
Day 3: Stage 2 - Bad Aussee - Hallstatt
~ 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.
Day 4: Stage 3 - Hallstatt - Bad Goisern
~ 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.
Day 5: Stage 4 - Bad Goisern - Bad Ischl
~ 11 km, 3-4 hrs, difference in altitude ascent 100 m / descent 110 m
Today’s hike takes you through gentle landscapes and charming villages all the way 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.
Day 6: Stage 5 - Bad Ischl - Ebensee
~ 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.
Overnight stay in Ebensee.
Day 7: Stage 6 - Ebensee - Gmunden
~ 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.
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 fitting finale to your journey along the Salt Trail!
Day 8: Individual departure
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 St. Wolfgang. This mineral-rich soap, made with regional salt and nourishing ylang-ylang oil, pampers your skin and senses in a luxurious way.
General Informationen
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.
Arrangement
7x
Overnight stays with breakfast buffet in 3* hotels/inns and 4*hotel in Bad Ischl
1x
Admission and guided tour of the Salzwelten Altaussee
1x
Ferry ride from Hallstatt Market to Hallstatt Train Station
1x
Imperial-style coffee break in Bad Ischl
1x
Hiking starter package with
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Bergkern salt soap from the Benedictine soap manufactory in the Salzkammergut
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Welcome video with explanations and all the information you need for this tour
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Hiking map of the Salzkammergut area + detailed routing (per room)
+
Daily luggage transfer – max. 2 pcs./person and max. 25 kg/case
+
Daily service hotline provided by our office in Bad Ischl
+
‘A Tree for your booking’ – for every hiking tour booked with us a tree is planted
Prices per person and arrangement in €:
| 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 |
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.
Informationen
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.
