Walking Holiday in Austria

Wind your way along forested trails, through alpine meadows, past mountain lakes and through ancient villages, all cradled in broad, glacier-carved valleys beneath awe-inspiring peaks. Drink in the air and the views on six-day self-guided walking tours.

The Salzkammergut region takes its name from the historical importance of the area’s salt mines, which have made the area prosperous until recent times. The Traun River basin, dappled with attendant lakes, is a walkers’ paradise, offering hundreds of kilometres of trails through breathtaking scenery. Explore the Mammoth Cave network- 48km of which have been explored so far (hence the name!) or visit the Gletschergarten, a landscape where riverbeds were sliced across by glaciers in prehistory, leaving sheer waterfalls in their place.

Climb the imposing Feuerkogel mountain, at 1,625m, offering superb sweeping views of the surrounding scenery; take in a panoramic view of the lakes before descending again (by cable car if you wish!) to explore. Sample the historic brine spa baths at Bad Ischl, or tour the world’s oldest salt mine, in the tiny village of Hallstatt, where archaeological evidence has been found of human habitation dating back to 5000 B.C! Take in the view from Krippenstein mountain, made even more vertiginous by the famous five fingers viewing platform, or experience a small slice of timelessness as the cattle are driven through the village of Obersdorf on their way to be milked! This self-guided walking tour allows you the freedom to choose your own pace and visit the sights that most inspire you.

The flexibility of this tour means it’s suitable for just about anyone with a moderate level of fitness who enjoys walking. For more experienced hikers, and those eager to take in as many sights as possible, your hosts will be happy to suggest alternative or extended routes. Those content with a more leisurely pace, on the other hand, are sure to find the scenery breathtaking enough to fill their days to bursting! Also definitely suitable for families with active children!