Austria - Mountains and Lakes Track

8 days, self-guided, Minimum 2 People, Daily May to October.

Salzkammergut is known as Austria's Lake District, packed full of a stunning mix of dramatic mountain peaks, deep blue lakes and pockets of charming spa towns. It is a storybook landscape. This superb itinerary leads you between various traditional alpine towns, over high mountain passes and down to the panoramic lakeshore scenery this area is so renowned for.

Longer days are interspersed with more relaxed walking that can be foreshortened if necessary using bus, ferry or even steam train. But why 'cheat' when you can wander to your heart's content over hills that are alive with the sound of happy walkers! Enjoy the challenge of traversing the peaks, away from the busier lower level routes and the satisfaction of arriving on foot.

Day 1. Outbound to Bad Ischl

Fly to Salzburg, Innsbruck or Munich where you will be met and transferred to the charming spa town of Bad Ischl - summer home to the former Austro-Hungarian monarchy.

Days 2 and 3. Moors and Shores

Follow the Empress Elisabeth's favourite track and ascend through the woods to the Moosbach a wonderful highland moor where you can spot rare flora and fauna. Take a dip in the idyllic waters of the Schwarzensee before making your way to Unterach. Ascend to the Buchberghutte (1015 metres) with fabulous views of both Mondsee and Attersee before descending to the shores of one of the most gorgeous lakes in the area, and setting of the opening scene of 'The Sound of Music', Wolfgangsee. Continue to St Gilgen and Abersee.

Days 4 and 5. High Places

Take the ferry to Strobl and walk between the mighty peaks of Sparber and Bleckwand to Postalm, Austria's largest alpine pasture. Here you can spot stag, take a break in a traditional shepherd's hut and try some local cheeses. Alternatively you can visit St Wolfgang or take the cog train to the summit of Schafberg (1782 metres). From Weissenbach you climb to your high point, Barenpfadkogel at 1333 metres. In the lap of the alpine gods! A steep descent via the extraordinary Chorinskyklause, hewn from sheer limestone, brings you back to civilisation at Bad Goisern.

Days 6 and 7. Valleys and Ravines

Visit Hallstatt, famed for its salt mines before continuing through the peaceful wilderness and dramatic ravines of the Koppental Valley to Bad Aussee with its spectacular ice caves. A final day of walking takes you through the delightful wooded tracks of the Rettenbachtal ending at the raging waters of the Rettenbach-Wildnis Gorge, just outside Bad Ischl.

Day 8. Homeward

Transfer back to your departure city for your flight home.