This is an exploration of the Lake District found around Salzburg, one of Europe’s most amazing cities. The Dachstein is the northernmost high limestone range in the Alps. It is characterized by beautiful verdant valleys, brilliant blue lakes, and towering peaks with cascading glaciers. These attributes earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The villages have been inhabited in some cases by up to 7000 years. The history is incredible. Also known as the Salzkammergut, this region has been the playground and vacation destination for Monarchs and Noblemen for centuries, if not millennia.
Austrian inn keeping is legendary and we stay in truly charismatic accommodations in the mountain town of Bad Goisern, the lush meadowlands of Gosau, and the mythical lake side hamlet of Hallstatt.
Ryder-Walker recommends that our guests finish the trip with a night or two in Salzburg. This is one of Europe’s most engaging “pedestrian” cities. Incredible architecture and people-watching make this a wonderful city to explore.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrive and transfer to Bad Goisern, a historic market and spa town recognized by UNESCO for its culture and rural treasures. Meet your guides for a warm welcome and evening orientation. We’ll overnight in a historic hotel surrounded by peaceful gardens and dine on delicacies prepared by an award winning Gaul Millau rated chef.
Day 2 Today we’ll climb through mountain pastures and enchanting forests before cresting with outstanding views of the distant Dachstein peaks and the Hallstattersee. Our exciting descent delivers us to the idyllic village of Gosau. First time visitors to Gosau are typically overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the natural surroundings. Rugged and majestic mountains encircle the village while rolling pastures and tranquil mountain lakes make the region feel like a fairy tale. It’s easy to understand why people chose to inhabit this picture perfect region more than 7,000 years ago.
Day 3 This is a land of mountain fjords. In fact, more than 70 crystal clear lakes provide perfect reflecting pools for the surrounding mountain peaks. We’ll hike past a number of these lakes en route to our simple, yet comfortable, mountain hut above treeline. This is a cozy place to spend the night when rolling blankets of clouds enshroud the hut and circle the surrounding peaks.
Day 4 We’ll descend from our mountain hut and return to our peaceful accommodations in Gosau. Our hike includes lush valleys, bubbling streams, and the big walls of the Gosau Kamm Mountains. Return to Gosau and our cozy hotel.
Day 5 The triangular pinnacles of the Hoher Dachstein, surrounded by glacial tongues, provide a stark contrast to the well-watered valleys below. Descend to our lake side hotel in Hallstatt, considered by many people to be one of the most beautiful lake side villages in the world.
Day 6 A short transfer provides a boost to the Glacier Garden lying to the west of the village. We’ll hike to the Wiesbegshaus and Krippenegg and the most spectacular of the region’s world-renowned caves, the Reisenholen. We’ll enjoy more spectacular views of the Dachstein peaks and the surrounding glaciers before returning to Hallstatt.
Day 7 Today’s walk leads north above the Hallstattersee. There’s a chance that we’ll follow the ‘Solweg,’ the path by which early salt merchants pumped brine (liquid salt) towards the village of Bad Ischl. Between placid fjords, peaks, glaciers, and rolling hills, we’ll have a rough time keeping our eyes on the trail with all of the eye candy distracting us. We’ll continue our hike into Bad Goisern and the charming hotel where we began our tour. Our chef will prepare a celebratory dinner.
Day 8 Depart. We recommend a transfer to Salzburg for an extended feast of culture and Austrian delights.
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