Austria | Mozart Alpine Lakes Walk
Tour several of the most beautiful lakeside villages in Europe.
Trip Highlights:
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Sweeping views of Wolfgangsee and the medieval Falkenstein Wall.
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Hike the historic Salzkammergut Salt Trail to Bad Goisern.
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Spend an evening in Hallstatt, one of the most beautiful lakeside villages in the world.
The hiking on our Austria: Mozart Alpine Lakes Walk is some of Ryder-Walker’s most gentle. Many of the hikes follow either pilgrim’s routes, which have been well traveled for centuries, or the historic Salzkammergut Salt Trail. Much of the hiking here follows the idyllic shores of the Wolfgangsee and Hallstättersee, as well as a charming section out of Bad Ischl along the river Traun.
Highlights include journeys up above the lake to stunning lookouts which throw the lakes into contrast with the steep mountain walls above them, a hike to the Schwarzensee, a remote alpine lake above St. Wolfgang, and a hike along the pilgrim’s route to the medieval Falkenstein Wall. The hikes on this tour are designed to leave time and energy in the afternoons to enjoy yourself in luxurious lakeside hotels, which often have private beaches! While the walk is still hiking, with ascents up to 1000 feet and distances up to 8 miles, they are never particularly strenuous and are always rewarded by an afternoon near the water.
This is a fantastic tour if you are looking for a less demanding Ryder-Walker experience. The Salzkammergut region could not be more beautiful, defined by the magnificent alpine lakes you hike between, as well as the historic villages and views of the higher Dachstein Alps, which unfold as you travel towards Hallstatt. The food and lodging on this trip are always luxurious, as you stay in mostly four-star hotels, all with excellent kitchens. Our Austria: Mozart Alpine Lakes Walk is all about comfort and relaxation!
Trip Itinerary
Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days.
Arrive in Salzburg and independently transfer to St. Gilgen. St. Gilgen is a lively and traditional Austrian village that was the home of Mozart’s mother and is also referred to as the Mozartblick. As you arrive in the town you will find a number of interesting stores and there are frequent musical performances in the village’s main square.
Today you travel out of St. Gilgen and follow an old pilgrim’s route up above the lakeside to visit a beautiful panorama view of the Wolfgangsee as well as the medieval Falkenstein Wall. On the way you pass through multiple pastoral villages, and spend a good amount of time walking along the idyllic lakeside.
Distance: 6 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1000 ft.
Today’s hike follows a popular route to an alpine lake named the Schwarzensee. The Schwarzensee is a fantastic location and supports multiple traditional restaurants. From The Schwarzensee you have the choice of descending along the beautiful gorge trail or along a peaceful country road into the lakeside village of Strobl.
Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 800 ft.
Start the day with a short transfer and then spend the morning relaxing in the spa town of Bad Ischl. After lunch join the first leg of the historic salt trail to Bad Goisern. Bad Goisern is a UNESCO village, known for its historic market.
Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 100 ft.
The final day of the trip completes your journey along the salt trail which ascends above the village of Hallstatt. Hallstatt is a stunning UNESCO world heritage town and has been named by many as the most beautiful village in Austria. Enjoy your final evening in this magical village on the shore of the Hallstättersee.
Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 300 ft.
