Salzkammergut S-Trail section IV: Hiking in the Ausseerland
9 lakes, 1 summit
On this tour the S-Trail leads through the Ausseerland region, the south-eastern part of the Salzkammergut. Renowned for its crystal-clear lakes and dramatic mountain landscapes, the region was and still is especially popular with artists and bohemians. Lakes Grundlsee, Altaussee and Ödensee each discharge into separate rivers, each called the Traun, and all meeting in Bad Aussee – the starting point of this trip.
The Salzkammergut region is magnificent even by Austrian standards, with towering snow-capped peaks, wooded mountain slopes, lush green valleys and ice-blue lakes. Its defining feature has always been the dramatic visual effect created by its countless lakes framed by the immense peaks of the Northern Alps. This newly established long-distance trail links these highlights in a comprehensive way, never seen before.
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A tree for your booking
Respect for our planet’s limited resources and climate-friendly mobility are two major challenges of the 21st Century. We are therefore delighted to cooperate with the Austrian Federal Forest Authority on the “tree for your booking” project; a new tree planted for each hiking tour booked through us in the Salzkammergut region! Along with your travel documents, you will receive a photo of “your” tree, which you will even have the chance to visit during your trip. |
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8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS | From €940 per person sharing.*
*Discounts available for children (under 14) sharing their parents’ room |
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ACCOMMODATION | 7 nights with breakfast in ***inns (3x) and hotels (2x ****, 2x ***superior). All rooms are en suite.
*Note: Twin-bedded rooms in Austrian resorts are normally one large base with two mattresses/duvets. These are also known as ‘Austrian Twins’ and are regarded as two beds. Separate twin beds are rare and cannot be guaranteed as available. The hotels are located close to the walking trails. |
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AVAILABILITY | You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, from June 1st to October 4th | ||||||||||||||||||
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OPTIONAL EXTRAS |
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DIFFICULTY | This trip is graded easy to moderate overall. Hiking distances can be adjusted easily by public transport. A reasonable fitness level and basic hiking equipment like good hiking shoes, rucksack, rain and sun protection, functional clothing and also a warmer jacket or pullover are recommended. |
Day 1: Arrival in Bad Aussee
Bad Aussee is the largest town in the Styrian part of the Salzkammergut lakes region and is easily accessible by public transport from Salzburg or Vienna.
You will receive your travel documents at your accommodation.
Overnight stay in Bad Aussee.
Day 2: Bad Aussee – Steinitzenalm – Bad Mitterndorf
Distance: 19 km | Ascent: 470 m | Descent: 350 m | 6½ hrs approx.
The first part of the tour follows the Kainischtraun River toward Lake Ödensee. At the lake you will find the Kohlröserl hut where a regional fish snack is included in the price of your trip. Fishing naturally is a big part of the local tradition. Nowadays the Austrian Federal Forests manage the cultivation of high-quality fish in the local rivers and lakes, which are among the best Austria has to offer.
Continue via the limestone springs “Strumern” to the Steinitzenalm – another lovely place for a break – before descending to the spa village of Bad Mitterndorf.
Overnight stay in Bad Mitterndorf
Day 3: Free day in Bad Mitterndorf
Choose from several activities, suggestions include: a challenging mountain hike, wellness at the local spa “Grimmingtherme”, canoeing on Lake Salzastausee, cycling tour with rental bikes or visiting the UNESO World Heritage village Hallstatt.
Overnight stay in Bad Mitterndorf.
Day 4: Bad Mitterndorf - Tauplitzalm
Distance: 16 km | Ascent: 870 m | Descent: 50 m | 5½ hrs approx.
The first part of the tour leads past the Kulm ski jump arena to Tauplitz. Here you can choose to ascend the Tauplitz plateau by bus or by chair lift (only in fair weather). Otherwise you follow the winding walking trail to the Tragwenghütte.
Overnight stay at Tauplitzalm.
Day 5: Choice of walks at Tauplitzalm
The Tauplitzalm is a true walker’s paradise and one of the most beautiful lake plateaus in Europe. Choose from numerous walking trails ranging from introductory to challenging.
Overnight stay at Tauplitzalm
Day 6: Tauplitzalm - Grundlsee
Distance: 18 km | Ascent: 318 m | Descent: 1194 m | 5-6 hrs approx.
Today you descend to Lake Grundlsee. The lake is especially popular with surfers and sailors which you can observe while following the lakeside trail to Grundlsee village.
Overnight stay in Grundlsee.
Day 7: Grundlsee – Toplitzsee – Kammersee - Altausseersee
To start the day, we highly recommend enjoying an extended, leisurely breakfast on the lake-view terrace. Especially rewarding day tours can be done to the neighbouring lakes (Toplitzsee, Kammersee, Altausseersee) either on foot or with a rental bike.
Overnight stay in Grundlsee
Day 8: Departure
Your trip comes to and end this morning, unless you have booked additional nights. You can take the local bus back to Bad Aussee to collect your car or catch a train for onward travel.
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