Austrian Lakes Hike & Bike

On arrival at Lake Wolfgangsee make your way to the joining hotel where check-in is possible from mid afternoon. We use a few different hotels in towns at the lake, subject to availability, from St Gilgen to Strobl. The afternoon is free to walk around the lake or relax at a cafe. At 6pm you will have a welcome meeting in the hotel.

This morning you first take a ferry to St Wolfgang then set out on foot along the Sattel (saddle) walk to Lake Schwarzensee, where Madame Lore of the lake hut waits to treat you with local specialities. Continue down into the valley by a gorge and around the Bürglstein to the lake promenade at Strobl. The lakeshore is perfect for a relaxing break and perhaps a strudel. Afterwards, follow the lakeside trail back to the peninsula of Abersee (or take the boat). Overnight Lake Wolfgangsee. Distance: 15.5 km/9.5mi, +354m/1162ft and –354m/1162ft

Spectacular views and breathtaking scenery make this an unforgettable day in the heart of Austria's Lake District. The cycle route takes you along Lake Wolfgangsee to the Mozart village of St Gilgen. Later you cross Lake Mondsee where at Mondsee you can visit the church where the wedding for the “Sound of Music” was filmed. The last stage is along the banks of Lake Mondsee (Moon Lake) to Lake Attersee, the largest of Salzkammergut's lakes. Overnight in Attergau. Distance: 55km/34mi cycle. Route: There is an ascent for about 2.5km/1.5mi or you can take the local train for about 10 minutes.

The cycle route today is gently undulating with some moderate climbs and descents. Along the way you will pass small villages and farmhouses as you head to Lake Traunsee. Enjoy the lovely lakeside town of Gmunden with its water castle. Afterwards follow the cycle trail along the lake until Ebensee, where you can take the train to Bad Ischl. To shorten the cycling, you can take the boat from Gmunden to Ebensee. Overnight Bad Ischl or Lake Traunsee. In Bad Ischl, take your time exploring this spa town, with its Emperor’s Villa and the delectable Zauner pastry shop. On Lake Traunsee, take a walk by the lake shore and enjoy the beautiful views. Distance: cycle 65km/40mi to Bad Ischl or cycle 45km/28mi + train to Bad Ischl. Route: One steeper ascent at the start (100m/328ft of altitude) and a small ascent between Lake Attersee and Lake Traunsee. Flat along Lake Traunsee to Bad Ischl.

A rest from cycling today. This morning you take the public bus from Bad Ischl to Gosausee, where your walking will start. It's a lovely walk to the three little Lakes Gosauseen. At the end of the valley an alpine hut invites you for a “Jause” – a typical Austrian lunch-break. Enjoy wonderful scenery with views to the Dachstein glacier. Return to Bad Ischl / Lake Traunsee by public bus. Distance 12.65km, +300m/984ft, -300m/984ft

Today with your bike you take the train to Tauplitz (included), where you will find a wide valley with mountain ranges on both sides. Enjoy cycling through meadows and alpine pastures. Depending on your fitness you can cycle over a little mountain pass to Lake Grundlsee, or follow the river cycle trail to Bad Aussee. The last part of the trail leads you along the river passing the nature reserve of Koppenvalley. Overnight Bad Goisern or Hallstatt. In Hallstatt we highly recommend visiting the salt mine/museum located above the town. *If the train is not running (ie due to railway works), you will cycle from Bad Ischl to Hallstatt.

Today's walk is in the World Heritage region around Hallstatt. Board the local bus or cycle to the cable car station in Obertraun (5km). Catch the cable car to the summit of Mt Krippenstein where you can jump off or if you prefer, continue to a station further along where you have the option to walk back up to the summit. After enjoying the wonderful views, catch the cable car down to the middle station to join a guided tour of the ice cave (included). Depending on your fitness you can choose from an easy round trip walk of 3 hours, up to a more demanding 8 hour hike. With the constant backdrop of Mt Dachstein, the highest in the region, the wonderful alpine vistas and viewpoints over the lakes far below are exhilarating. Overnight Hallstatt/Bad Goisern. Distance: 5-15km/3-9mi, +250m-1500m/820ft-4921ft and -250-1500m/820ft-4921ft. Choose from easy walking to alpine climbing!

With the ferry you cross Lake Hallstatt and continue along a dedicated cycle trail via the lakeshore and river to Bad Goisern, a charming alpine village set in the valley. Following the brine pipeline trail you come again to Bad Ischl, where you take the former Roman road to Lake Wolfgangsee. Continue along the lakeshore with wonderful views to St Wolfgang and the mountain. Overnight Lake Wolfgangsee. Distance: 35-45km/22-28mi

The trip concludes after breakfast.