Austria | The Heart of Austria
Visit the most beautiful lakeside village in Europe.
Trip Highlights:
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Hiking past glacially carved lakes in the rugged Gosaukamm mountains.
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Views of more than 100 limestone peaks in the Dachstein mountain range.
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Two nights in Hallstatt, one of the most beautiful lakeside villages in Europe.
Brilliant blue lakes, lush meadowlands, and hundreds of limestone peaks with cascading glaciers are the hallmarks of our eight-day hiking tour through the Salzkammergut region of Salzburg, Austria. While the history runs deep in the Salzkammergut, with evidence of human habitation going back 7,000 years, it is the blend of spectacular mountain scenery and impeccable Austrian innkeeping that makes the region legendary.
Starting out from the historic town of Bad Goisern, recognized by UNESCO for its outstanding cultural treasures, we hike to Hallstatt, a pint-sized jewel of a village lying at the bottom of steep, wooded slopes on the fjord-like Hallstättersee. There is a reason why people refer to Hallstatt as “the most beautiful lakeside village in all of Europe.” Lovingly decorated gasthauses and cobbled alleyways make the secluded gem of Hallstatt feel like a storybook fantasy. Spend two nights at our hotel in Hallstatt enjoying the best of two worlds — stunning mountain scenery and a fairytale village on one side, and delicious lakeside views with glacially carved waterways and steep cliffs on the other. From there we hike to Gosau, and our luxurious four-star estate surrounded by the dramatic walls of the Gosaukamm Mountains. Climb into the rugged Dachstein Mountains, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Alps’ northernmost high limestone range. Our final hike to the Goiserhütte offers stunning views of the distant Dachstein peaks. We end up our trip back in our charming hotel in Bad Goisern.
Trip Itinerary
Independently travel to Bad Goisern, an historic market and spa town recognized by UNESCO for its culture and rural treasures.
We spend the day following the scenic Panoramaweg, an idyllic lakeside trail running along the Hallstättersee, leading to the picturesque town of Hallstatt. Be sure to bring your swimsuits—if the weather is warm, you can take a refreshing dip in the lake! If the group is game, there’s an option to continue on to Obertraun. Alternatively, there is a choice for a shorter route by catching a ferry across the lake to Hallstatt. We spend the night at a charming lakeside hotel in Hallstatt.
Distance: up to 8.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: none.
Today begins with a transfer on the Krippenstein cable car up to the high karst terrain beneath the Hoher Dachstein, where the largest caves in the Alps are found. Our hike traverses the stunning plateau on a well-marked trail with synoptic informative stations, making our way to the Wiesberghaus. Be sure to try their delicious homemade dumplings (Knödel)—a must! There is an option to return via the same route or descend on foot back to our hotel in Hallstatt.
Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: none with lift. By foot is a descent of 4000 ft.
Today, we set off for a scenic wander up the Echern Valley, surrounded by stunning limestone peaks and cascading waterfalls. After returning to town, we’ll take the Salzbergbahn Funicular to visit the historic Hallstatt Salt Mine, the oldest in the world, with a history spanning 7,000 years. We’ll then transfer to our hotel in Gosau for the evening.
Distance: up to 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1850 ft.
Today begins with a transfer by van to the nearby village of Rußbach, located at the foot of the Gamsfeld, which we will hike today. Gamsfeld is an impressive yet accessible summit. For those of us seeking a more moderate outing, we have the option to hike along the flanks of the peak. The Gamsfeld is renowned for its well-preserved and diverse fossil beds, considered the best in the Alps. We spend another night in Gosau.
Distance: up to 6 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1600/3500 ft.
We depart directly from our hotel and head to the end of the valley, where we explore the picturesque area around Gosausee, the region’s most famous lake. After a scenic walk along the lake and a delicious lunch by the water, we return to our hotel in Gosau.
Distance: up to 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1150 ft.
Today, we hike through lush mountain pastures and enchanting forests, eventually reaching the Goisererhütte, where we are rewarded with stunning views of the distant Dachstein peaks and Hallstättersee. Afterward, we descend back to where we began this trek, and our charming hotel in Bad Goisern.
Distance: up to 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2600 ft.
Trip Rating
Guided Tour
September 5-12, 2025
Pricing
*$5,400 per person double
Single (+$620)
*Minimum of two people required to run this tour
Private Guided Tour
June 15-September
Pricing
**$6,675 per person double
Single (+$620)
**Price based on a group of four
Please contact us to schedule a private guided tour.
Self-Guided Tour
Trip Map
Trip Profile
Duration
7 nights/8 days
Hiking up to 10 miles
Ascents up to 2600 ft with possibilities for easier options.
Accommodations
7 nights in charming hotels & country inns
Breakfast + Dinner
Breakfast and dinner included daily.
Luggage Transfer
Daily. Limit one bag per person, 50 lbs or less. This limit is strictly enforced. Additional bags must be booked in advance, and extra charges will apply.
Transportation
All lifts and transfers incidental to itinerary beginning in Bad Goisern are included on guided and private guided tours.
Gateways
Salzburg, Austria
Munich, Germany
