Current as of: April 26, 2024 - 06:36
Self-Guided Walking in Austria's Lake District Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Austria
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 8 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 12+
- Trip Code: W07SZ
Trip Overview
Enjoy well-marked routes with stunning lake views every day
The Austrian Lakes area offers a glorious mix of spectacular views, forest trails, picture-perfect villages and swimming opportunities galore! The walks are relaxed, following mainly well-marked routes, with stunning lake views every day. Every stop brings new discoveries such as St Wolfgang’s antique cog railway, the summit of Schafberg and Mozart’s museum in St. Gilgen.
At a Glance
- 7 nights in a 4 star hotel, all rooms en suite
- 5 days centre based walking
- Choice of walks each day
- Managed by your local Headwater-appointed agent
- Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs
Highlights
- Snow-capped peaks, lush green meadows and forest trails
- Luxury 4 star hotel.
- Crystal-clear lakes, babbling streams, tranquil shores, secluded bays
- Picturesque waterfront villages, postcard-pretty castles and cobbled streets crammed with attractive frescoed houses
- Varied rest day choices: water sports, mountain rail rides, lake cruisers and Mozart's fairytale city of Salzburg
Is This Trip for You?
The relaxed walking for this trip follows mainly well-marked routes with opportunities to extend each day. The walks are generally classed as easy but there are some forested sections where the terrain is inclined and loose underfoot.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route directions for each day, which begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by detailed instructions. The route directions contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotel is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference: http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf
Group
Although the minimum age of clients on this trip is 12 years, younger children may also be accepted on request; please enquire for details and child prices. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local agent is on hand to assist you and route directions and maps are provided. The route directions contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number. In an emergency, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Adult min age: 12
Min group size: 2
Max group size: 6
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Bad Ischl
- End City: Bad Ischl
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive at Bad Ischl
Arrive at your 4 star hotel in Bad Ischl. A typical itinerary is shown below, although you’re free to pick and choose your walking each day as there are numerous options available Staying at Hotel Goldener Ochs for 7 nights.
Kolowratshohe or Jainzenberg
Two circular walk options direct from your hotel; one to Kolowratshohe, a lesser-known peak above Bad Ischl, with spectacular views and the added bonus of a mountain restaurant at Hoisenrad. Or, a picturesque walk to the summit of Jainzenberg, rising directly behind the Kaiserpark and the Kaiservilla. Staying at Hotel Goldener Ochs.
Optional walk to Jainzenberg: 4hr, distance 11km/7mi.
Premium Hotel
Vormauerstein or Schwarzensee
Hop on a local bus to Wolfgangsee, with the option of walking up to the Vormauerstein and the breath taking views of the Schafberg and the Lake Attersee. Picnic on the shores of Monichsee. Alternatively, a leisurely route up to the stunning Schwarzensee for lunch at one of the restaurants and lake views. This option gives you more time to visit the charming village of St Wolfgang. Staying at Hotel Goldener Ochs.
Optional walk to Schwarzensee: 2.5hrs, distance 9km/5.5mi
Hallstatt Walk
Today visit the spectacular alpine village of Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest village in Austria. Take the panoramic funicular railway up the mountain and visit the historical salt mine. Use the ferry to cross the lake and follow a beautiful walk to Bad Goisern before returning to Bad Ischl by train. Staying at Hotel Goldener Ochs.
Optional shorter walk: 3hrs, distance 8km/5mi.
Free day
A bus ride brings you to the delightful village of St Gilgen. A thriving lace-making centre in the 1700s, today St Gilgen is a delightful village with a busy waterfront, lined with restaurants. Mozart’s mother was born here and you can visit her house, which now includes a small museum. Or go by bus to explore the fairytale city of Salzburg, or the train and tram to the pottery town of Gmunden to visit the ceramic factories or the impressive Schloss Ort. Staying at Hotel Goldener Ochs.
Katrin
Walk (2km) or take the cable car from Bad Ischl and visit the three summits of Katrin, Hainzen and Elferkogel. Sure footedness is required, but from the peaks you are rewarded with an incredible 360° panorama as far as the snow-capped Dachsteins. Sit and take in the superb vistas from the two restaurants at the top cable car station. Staying at Hotel Goldener Ochs.
Optional shorter walk: 5.5hrs, distance 15km/9.5mi
Gschwendt
Today take the bus to Strobl, then you have a choice to head off on a low level lakeside walk, with views across Wolfgangsee to St Wolfgang and the Schafberg. Stroll through the Blinklingmoos nature reserve and on to a lakeside beach at Wassbad before heading to Gschwendt. The longer, more challenging route also takes you to Gschwendt but comes with some stiff climbs and descents and even more spectacular views of the lake and the Schafberg, Rinnkogel and Sparber mountains.
Leave Bad Ischl
Your trip ends in Bad Ischl.
Premium Hotel
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Hotel
The Hotel Goldenes Schiff boasts a prime location in Bad Ischl’s pedestrianised town centre and sits on the banks of the Traun River. Inside, it’s modern and comfortable, with first-class facilities including a spa, with sauna and steam room.
Single supplement from £ 182
Food & Drink
All breakfasts and 1 evening meal are included.
Austria is renowned for wholesome, robust food. The cuisine is a reflection of the culinary exchange that went on during the time of empires – French, Spanish, Dutch, German and Croatian cuisine have all contributed to the flavours, to name just a few. You will be set up for the day with a breakfast of cold meats and cheeses, traditional bread, jam and coffee. Austrians tend to eat heartily at lunch time and less in the evenings, but you will be well catered for at dinner. Local specialities include the ever present ‘Wiener Schnitzel’ (breaded veal cutlet) and various stews of beef and pork. Dumplings, potatoes or noodles are all regular accompaniments along with vegetables. Of course, the fresh fish found in the lakes like rainbow trout, brown trout and whitefish will be a feature of many menus, often grilled with butter and herbs, or stuffed with local mushrooms.
Desserts are often fruit based – such as ‘apfelstrudel’ or cream pastries. ‘Rehrucken’ is a traditional chocolate and almond cream cake. ‘Linzertorte’ is a flaky cake lined with currant or raspberry jam, encased and covered by a lattice of cake dough. Mozart’s home town’s speciality is ‘Salzburger Nockerln’, which is a very light dessert souffle dusted with vanilla sugar and sometimes served with strawberries on the side.
Plum brandy is a popular post dinner drink, or you could try one of the various types of schnapps. Austrian wine tends to be white and fairly sweet in the manner of German Mosel wines. Beer is a better known product of the country and you will find a wide variety of local brews. The best known are Gosser and Augustiner Brau and come in light or dark forms.
Transport
The local agent is often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it in an emergency, but may wish to charge you for this service.
Weather & Seasonality
Salzburg and the surrounding area is at the Northern edge of the Austrian Alps and as such has a typical Central European climate with hot summers and cold winters. However, Salzburg actually experiences relatively moderate weather making it a good year round destination. Being in the mountains, it can rain at any time in this area so be prepared for this at any point!
Weather Charts
Joining Instructions
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Bad Ischl in the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Arrival/departure transfers from/to Salzburg airport (approx. 60 mins) are included for flight inclusive bookings clients at standard times (usually approximately 13:35 on arrival, and 11:30 on departure) subject to prior arrangement.*
If you are arriving/departing at different times then we can also arrange private transfers by car from Salzburg (at additional cost – please enquire at the time of booking for prices).
Please note all transfers prices are based on 2 people travelling therefore for single travellers supplements may apply.
Flights:
We can also book flights for you if you wish. The standard flights we usually use are with Lufthansa from London Heathrow to Salzburg via Frankfurt 08:30/13:35, (transfer to hotel, 60 mins, provided). Return: Salzburg to London Heathrow via Frankfurt 14:25/17:40.*
Full details of how to reach the start point (including local emergency numbers) will be sent to you as part of your Final Joining Instructions approximately two weeks before departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
*Please note that standard flight and transfer times are subject to change throughout the season so please enquire for up-to-date details.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Bad Ischl
Location end: Bad Ischl
Transfer Details
For flight inclusive bookings transfers are included from Salzburg airport at 13:35, and back to Salzburg airport at 11:30. For land only bookings transfers are available for a supplement.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Sturdy and comfortable walking boots (with good ankle support)
Windproof jacket and warm layers
Sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses
Daypack large enough to carry personal items, like spare clothing and lunch
Water bottle (2 litres)
Warm hat and gloves
Waterproofs
Optional Equipment
Walking poles
Swimming costume
Reading List
– Frommer’s Austria
– Rough Guide to Austria
– Lonely Planet Austria
– DK Eyewiness Travel Guide: Austria
Practical Information
Visa
Austria
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Austria. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/austria
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/austria
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/austria/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Austria.html
Vaccinations and Health
Austria
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Austria's time zone: Europe/Vienna (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
Austria's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Austria's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
You will need money for the lunches, snacks, drinks, evening meals, some transport and entry for any sites you wish to visit. Lunches can be inexpensive if you buy produce from local markets or shops and make up a picnic. However, if you stop at a café you can easily spend €15. We would recommend budgeting for €5-15 for lunches, €25-45 for evening meals and allow an additional €10 a day for any extras. On day 4 the cable car will cost around €3 per person, payable locally. An additional €25 per person will cover trains and ferries required on your itinerary.
Responsible Travel
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.