Austria - Thematic Rambling

8 days, Self-Guided, Minimum 2 People, Daily May to October.

Salzkammergut has been a centre of European culture for thousands of years with centuries old pilgrimage routes leading to charmingly traditional (as opposed to overly commercialised) towns such as Bad Ischl, Bad Aussee and Hallstatt. Surrounded by a real paradise of mountain peaks over 3000 metre high, this unusual walking trip leads you at a leisurely pace on various ancient paths following different themes. On a circular route from the charming lakeside town of St Wolfgang (setting for the Sound of Music!), it combines relaxing lakeshore trails with forest tracks, lake crossings and gentle mountain ascents.

You will discover some of the most enchanting places in Salzkammergut including pilgrim chapels, salt mines, royal villas and ice caves. This was the favoured area of Emperor Franz Josef and many renowned artists have taken a holiday here so follow in historical footsteps through this natural playground for walkers!

Day 1. Outbound to St Wolfgang

Fly to Salzburg, Innsbruck or Munich where you will be met and transferred to St Wolfgang on the shores of the Wolfgangsee, one of the loveliest lakes in the area.

Days 2 to 3. The Pilgrim Path and Brine Trail

Follow the Pilgrim Path to St Gilgen, the birthplace of Mozart's family. Take a cable car to Zwolferhorn (1521 metres) for stunning views of the surrounding lakes and mountains before continuing by ferry or bus to the charming spa town of Bad Ischl, the gem of Salkammergut. Follow the Brine Trail, an historical saltwater path, past the Katrin cable car and pilgrimage centre of Lauffen to Bad Goisern.

Days 4 and 5. Hallstatt

The picturesque town of Hallstatt, clinging to the hilly lakeshore, is your next goal. Follow the lakeside to the ferry which brings you over the waters of the Hallstattersee to this bustling centre, home to the famed salt mines. There is also the opportunity to visit Europe's largest cave system filled with fantastic natural ice sculptures. Follow the Wood Track past Obertraun and on through the beautiful secluded wilderness of the Koppen Valley to Bad Aussee.

Days 6 and 7. Alpine Pastures and Empress Trails

Wander round the rocky salt mountain of Altaussee to two of the most beautiful alpine pastures of Salzkammergut. Return to Bad Ischl with time to visit the Royal Villa and walk along the Empress Elisabeth's favourite track, the Elisabethwaldweg. The pilgrim's church 'Maria in the Shadow' is a particularly fitting end to your walk here, bringing you back to St Wolfgang for one final evening.

Day 8. Homeward

Transfer back to your departure city for your flight home.