Salzkammergut BergeSeen Trail

In the course of salt production, many artists were drawn to Bad Aussee, also due to its charming scenic location. Music, literature, traditional costumes, jewelry 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. You will receive the travel documents at the hotel.(Overnight stay in Bad Aussee)

The spa town owes its origin to the flourishing salt industry and the confluence of two mountain rivers. Today's hiking day begins in the Styrian part of the Salzkammergut, along the Kainischtraun, in the middle of Austria, so to speak. On a forest path, past the "Vogelhütte", you walk flat across open meadows to the natural lake Ödensee, a beautifully situated forest moor lake with magnificent views of the Tauplitzalm and the Grimming, ideal for swimming and resting. When stopping at the Kohlröserl Inn, we recommend the +Genuss Mayer ́s pesto of your choice (except truffles) with pastries. Our tip: take a homemade pesto with you – Ausseerland to go!

Then follow the signs to karst springs, the so-called "Strumern", romantically located in the middle of an idyllic forest. On days of great snowmelt or after long periods of rain, powerful springs emerge there in a confined space, forming a torrent after just a few meters. Mostly, however, the stream bed with its green mossy stream stones is dry. From the Steinitzenalm, the descent follows over the Almgraben to the overnight stay.
(2 nights in Bad Mitterndorf)

Hike: approx. 6-7 hours (20 km, ascent: 470 m in height / descent: 350 m in height)

In the center of a vast sunny plateau lies the spa town of Bad Mitterndorf. In the small spa park, a graduation facility invites you to inhale brine outdoors, because Bad Mitterndorf is also closely connected to salt. For all those who are in the mood for peace and relaxation, a visit to the nearby Grimmingtherme is a good idea; in addition, you could choose between wonderful cycling or mountain bike tours or varied mountain hikes.

At the foothills of the Totes Gebirge spreads a high plateau that is second to none. On an elongated alpine plateau, six lakes were created, which shine like gemstones between the larch trees that are widespread here. The ascent from Bad Mitterndorf leads past the Kulm ski jump. It is one of the four largest ski jumps in the world and is still the venue for important competitions. The Salzkammergut BergeSeen Trail crosses the "pasture balcony" in the south of the Totes Gebirge with the ascent to the Tauplitzalm. Alternatively, this could be made easier from Tauplitz by using the chairlift (only in good weather) or by bus. Otherwise, you have to tackle the ascent via the rustic Trawenghut, where culinary alpine delicacies and excellent pastries are served.
(2 nights at the Tauplitzalm)

Hike: approx. 5-6 hours (16 km, ascent: 870 m in height / descent: 50 m in height)

The 1600-meter-high hiking paradise offers numerous tour options in all levels of difficulty. Between Lawinenstein and Schwarzensee are rustic mountain and alpine huts, which together form the Tauplitzalm village and invite you to stop for a bite to eat. A classic among the local hikes is the 6-lake-hike; even a summit could be included. Mountain spring and summer transform the alpine pasture into a veritable sea of flowers, royal blue gentian, red alpine roses as well as orchid and lily species make the alpine flora resident here even richer. Look forward to this very special day on a high alpine pasture.

At the transition from the Tauplitzalm to the Grundlsee, the landscape changes. Starting from the Totes Gebirge - at the same time the largest karst plateau in Europe without any water - the descent continues through little-frequented areas. From the Tauplitzalm on the western edge of the Totes Gebirge, you climb over the Ödernalm and the Rechenplatz down to Gößl a. Grundlsee. First, you pass three of the lakes on the high pasture and reach the Ödernalm via the saddle of the Öderntörl. Now follow the Salza, which flows out of the valley, and continue on a path to the Schneckenalm. Via the Gößlwiesen it is not far to the Grundlsee. In summer, it invites you to swim after a long day of hiking. On the last part of today's stage, you can also watch the sailors and surfers, because the lake is particularly popular with them.
(2 nights at Grundlsee)

Hike: approx. 5-6 hours (18 km, ascent: 318 m in height / descent: 1,194 m in height)

After a hearty breakfast with a view of the lake, today there is a wide range of possibilities to enjoy the day in nature. If you want to take it a little easier, the circular trail " breathe deeply" is recommended. It not only connects the Grundlsee with the Toplitzsee, but also allows you to immerse yourself with all your senses in the fascinating landscape between the two lakes. Or you can choose the boat with the so called ‘Plätte’ over the mysterious Toplitzsee to the secluded Kammersee and at the same time reach the source of the Traun. Another worthwhile destination - possibly by rental bike - is Altaussee on the lake of the same name. A picture-book place in which rock faces are reflected, with unmistakable wooden houses and distant views of the Dachstein glacier.

Public transport will take you back to the starting point of your trip to Bad Aussee (bus to be paid on spot). If you have booked an extended stay, you could visit the saltmines 'Mountain of treasures' or the Alpine Garden, where about 2,000 species of alpine plants as well as plant rarities from all over the world thrive. In specially built themed gardens, medicinal plants, aromatic herbs and much more are presented. In the case of an extended stay, your luggage will be brought directly to the hotel.