Ebensee, located between the Totes Gebirge and Höllengebirge mountains, is a town with strong ties to salt production, where the 400-year-old brine pipeline ends and an active saltworks remains. The town's rich traditions shape its cultural life, and visitors can explore its history at the local museum (admission required) and along a historical themed trail.
Detailed travel documents are provided at the hotel for a one-night stay.
From Ebensee, you’ll follow the historic brine pipeline route to Bad Ischl, covering the longest stretch of the journey. The path offers views of the Höllengebirge cliffs and the Traun River, which is crossed multiple times. Along the way, you'll pass through forests with streams for a refreshing break. Before reaching Bad Ischl, the Katrin mountain becomes visible. Since the mid-19th century, Bad Ischl has been a famous holiday destination for European nobility, especially after Emperor Franz Joseph made it his summer residence.
A souvenir voucher can be redeemed at the Salzkammergut Touristik shop. (1 night)
Hiking: approx. 6-7 hours (19 km, ascent 542 m in height / descent 503 m in height)
In Bad Ischl, the stage begins along the Traun River, not far from the Katrin cable car station and a statue of Emperor Franz Joseph. You'll hike towards Lauffen, a town named for the rapids boatmen once navigated while transporting salt. This is also where the comedy Weißes Rössl was created. After Lauffen, the valley widens, revealing stunning views of the Kalmberg and the Dachstein Mountains. The "Eternal Wall," Hoher Sarstein ridge, and Krippenstein peak dominate the panorama. You’ll continue to Bad Goisern, a former woodworkers' settlement founded to supply wood for heating the brine boiling pans in Hallstatt. (1 night)
Hiking: approx. 3 hours (9 km, ascent 235 m in height / descent 224 m in height)
From Bad Goisern, you'll follow the brine pipeline path to Steeg, then continue along the eastern shore of Lake Hallstatt, offering panoramic views of the Dachstein Mountains. The route is dramatic, with the Sarstein mountain dropping steeply into the lake. The trail, including sections on hanging bridges, creates the sensation of walking above the water. You’ll then hike to Obertraun and finally reach Hallstatt for the night. If you'd like a shortcut, you can take a boat from Hallstatt train station to the market, saving about eight kilometers (ferry fare paid on-site). (1 night in Hallstatt)
Hyking: approx. 5 hours (19 km, ascent 127 m in height / descent 102 m in height)
Hallstatt, with its charming shingle-roofed houses, half-timbered buildings, pastel facades, church towers, and market square, beautifully blends into its stunning mountain and lake backdrop.
For those wanting to explore more of the Salzkammergut area, extra nights can be added, with Hallstatt offering options like visiting the world’s oldest salt mine and exploring its fascinating underground world.
For the return journey, enjoy a scenic morning boat ride from Hallstatt market to the station, followed by a memorable trip back to Ebensee on the Salzkammergut Railway, a delight for railway enthusiasts with its breathtaking landscapes.
(Remember to bring your own luggage.)
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You don't need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of fitness and some walking experience will help you enjoy the trip fully. Our routes range from gentle to more demanding, so we grade each holiday clearly and can recommend one that matches your current fitness and walking background comfortably.
Yes, on our self-guided walking holidays your main luggage is transferred between hotels each day, so you only need to carry a light daypack with water, snacks and essentials for the walk itself. It makes multi-day routes like the Alpe Adria Trail or the Amalfi Coast far more comfortable and enjoyable.
You'll receive detailed route notes, maps and often GPS tracks for your device, so you can follow each day's walk at your own pace without a guide. The paths on our chosen routes are generally well marked, and our team is on hand throughout should you have any questions along the way.
Difficulty varies from gentle valley and coastal walks to more challenging mountain stages with greater ascent and distance. We clearly grade every route and itinerary, and we're happy to swap in shorter or flatter days, or recommend an entirely different trail if you'd prefer a gentler pace.
Good, well worn-in walking boots, layers for changing weather, a light waterproof and a comfortable daypack are the essentials. Terrain and climate vary between destinations like the Salzkammergut and the Italian Alps, so once you've booked we'll send you a tailored packing list for your specific route and season.
Yes, alongside our self-guided routes we also offer guided walking holidays with a local leader accompanying the group throughout. This is a great option if you'd prefer expert commentary, added reassurance on more technical terrain, or simply enjoy the social side of walking with others. Just ask us when enquiring.