Hike through Austria’s lake district
About this Adventure
Fact File:
Duration: Customised
Price: Customised
The Dachstein is the very north of the Alps and this extremity is an excellent place for hiking.
The northernmost extent of the Alps is defined by beautiful green valleys and brilliant blue lakes which nestle in between the towering peaks and cascading glaciers. These are the conditions which confront the hiker in the Austrian lake district found around Salzburg and the Dachstein range, the northernmost high limestone range of the Alps, and we’re pretty sure no one has complained about those views yet!
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is filled with villages which, in some cases, have been inhabited for up to 7000 years, with this longevity of settlement it is, perhaps, unsurprising that the history on show is incredible. And this coupled with the amazing landscape make it a hikers’ paradise.
The quality of Austrian inn keeping is legendary, settle back in the charismatic accommodation and enjoy a beer or some schnapps in the mountain of Bad Goisern, the lush meadows of Gosau or the lake side hamlet of Hallstatt.
We recommend finishing the trip by spending some time in Salzburg itself, one of Europe’s truly great cities.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive and transfer to Bad Goisern, a historic market and spa town recognized by UNESCO for its culture and rural treasures. Overnight in a historic hotel surrounded by peaceful gardens and dine on delicacies prepared by an award winning Gaul Millau rated chef.
Day 2
Today you’ll climb through mountain pastures and enchanting forests before cresting with outstanding views of the distant Dachstein peaks and the Hallstattersee. Your exciting descent delivers you to the idyllic village of Gosau. First time visitors to Gosau are typically overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the natural surroundings. Rugged and majestic mountains encircle the village while rolling pastures and tranquil mountain lakes make the region feel like a fairy tale. It’s easy to understand why people chose to inhabit this picture perfect region more than 7,000 years ago.
Day 3
This is a land of mountain fjords. In fact, more than 70 crystal clear lakes provide perfect reflecting pools for the surrounding mountain peaks. You’ll hike past a number of these lakes en route to your simple, yet comfortable, mountain hut above treeline. This is a cozy place to spend the night when rolling blankets of clouds enshroud the hut and circle the surrounding peaks.
Day 4
Descend from your mountain hut and return to your peaceful accommodations in Gosau. Your hike includes lush valleys, bubbling streams, and the big walls of the Gosau Kamm Mountains. Return to Gosau and your cozy hotel.
Day 5
The triangular pinnacles of the Hoher Dachstein, surrounded by glacial tongues, provide a stark contrast to the well-watered valleys below. Descend to a lake side hotel in Hallstatt, considered by many people to be one of the most beautiful lake side villages in the world.
Day 6
A short transfer provides a boost to the Glacier Garden lying to the west of the village. You’ll hike to the Wiesbegshaus and Krippenegg and the most spectacular of the region’s world-renowned caves, the Reisenholen. You’ll enjoy more spectacular views of the Dachstein peaks and the surrounding glaciers before returning to Hallstatt.
Day 7
Today’s walk leads north above the Hallstattersee. There’s a chance that you’ll follow the ‘Solweg,’ the path by which early salt merchants pumped brine (liquid salt) towards the village of Bad Ischl. Between placid fjords, peaks, glaciers, and rolling hills, you’ll have a rough time keeping your eyes on the trail with all of the eye candy distracting you. Continue your hike into Bad Goisern and the charming hotel where you began the tour. Your chef will prepare a celebratory dinner.
Day 8
Depart. We recommend a transfer to Salzburg for an extended feast of culture and Austrian delights.
For more details or to book this adventure Visit Ryder and Walker.
