Salzkammergut Rivers & Lakes for Families

Hotel example: Goldenes Schiff

Your week of walking in the Salzkammergut starts very leisurely. After a hearty breakfast you gleefully ascend onto the Siriuskogel, the popular viewpoint in the middle of Bad Ischl, where you use all your senses, since as you ascend on the ‚Adventure for the Senses‘-trail as 15 exciting stations await. At the top further adventures are in store: an adventure playground, a petting zoo and a accessible observation tower situated right next to the comfortable inn. For the afternoon plenty of time remains to either run riot in the Salzkammergut-thermal springs or enjoy a swim in the public pool ‚Parkbad Ischl‘.

Hotel example: Goldenes Schiff

There is a reason why the word ‚Salzkammergut‘ contains the word ‚salt‘ (Salz) – salt has always played an important part in this region. Hence the oldest ‚brine-pipeline‘ in the world can be found in the Salzkammergut! Today you walk along the historic ‚brine-path‘ as far as Bad Goisern. You walk along easy trails from the promenade in Bad Ischl continuously along the river Traun into the Kaltenbachau-area. Past rapids and roaring waves you proceed to Lauffen and onwards to Bad Goisern. Info boards frequently give you an insight into life in this region. If you want to cut the route in half, you take the train to/from Lauffen.

Hotel example: Goisererhof

Your day starts with a comfortable train ride to Bad Aussee followed by a walk to Altaussse. This is the location of Lake Altausseer See, nestling in the mountain world of the ‚Dead Mountains‘ (Totes Gebirge). Crystal clear water and a uniquely shimmering colour turn this lake perhaps into the most stunning Alpine lake ever. Marvel at unforgettable views onto the mighty rock faces of the ‚Trislwand‘ and the peak of Mount Loser. The marvellously designed walking path leads you continuously along the lakeside. Numerous spots for swimming always offer an opportunity to take a break. For sure one of the most beautiful circular walks of the Salzkammergut region.

Hotel example: JUFA Bad Aussee

Today you leave the Ausseerland region. You follow the lively river Traun to the ‚Austeg‘. There the wilderness of the Koppental-valley awaits you. You walk across an impressive suspension bridge over the roaring river and you proceed along a former railway track next to the crystal clear river Koppentraun, accompanying your route roaring noisily all the way to the inn ‚Koppental‘. After a short break you continue with renewed energy to the entrance of the cave ‚Koppenbrüllerhöhle‘, which is well worth a visit. Then you descend to Obertraun, where you take the boat ride across to Hallstatt.

Hotel example: Gasthof Hirlatz

By salt mine train you roll up to the Skywalk and enjoy the ‚World Heritage View‘ – on the 360-metre high, free-floating viewing-platform it is hard to get enough of the view. Nevertheless your hiking adventure continues. Afterwards we strongly recommend you visit the salt mine. Only there will you experience the air and touch of days gone by up close and get to slide down fun wooden slides just like the miners used to do! You walk back along the ‚brine-path‘ downhill past the roaring waterfall with stunning views onto Hallstatt headed to your accommodation.

Hotel example: Gasthof Hirlatz

Today you walk along probably the most beautiful hiking path in the im Salzkammergut region called the ‚Ostuferwanderweg‘ along the eastern shores to Untersee. You walk through fjord-like lake scenery and enjoy one more time the picturesque view onto Hallstatt, however this time from the opposite side. At the suspension bridge towards the defensive ditch you get to look down into the deepest part of the lake glistening in blue. En route you walk through jolly wooded areas, along gravel paths across meadows and along easy walking paths it is vital that you pack your swimming things – the marvellous, fresh lake invites again and again to take a break and have a swim. From either Untersee or Steeg you take the train back to Bad Ischl.

Hotel example: Goldenes Schiff

Ice cave, ‚Five Fingers‘ on Mount Krippenstein, waterfall ‚Wildbachstrub‘ with glacier-educational trail... there would be so much more to discover in the Salzkammergut – perhaps you decide to stay one or two extra nights in one of the pretty villages of the Salzkammergut region.