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Van Gogh Tour - Cycling and walking Tours

Lake Walking Salzkammergut

From: $1,060 USD

8 Days / 7 Nights
Type: Self-Guided
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Imagine Yourself…

  • Hiking by stunning mountains and pristine lakes in a UNESCO region
  • Following streets through beautiful baroque and rococo architecture to a fountain dedicated to Mozart
  • Walking in the footsteps of Sissi on the Elisabeth Walking Path
  • Admiring views over villages, cliffs, and lakes from a summit

Overview

East of Salzburg, you find a breathtaking region dotted with many lakes called the Salzkammergut. The landscape includes fjord-like steep rocks and cliffs bordering lush, green mountains and pristine green-blue mountain lakes. This stunning panorama of natural beauty has drawn visitors for centuries and was the favored summer resort of the Habsburg monarchy. The Hallstättersee region has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site for its great natural and cultural heritage. The idyllic village of Hallstatt is “the jewel of this region” but Bad Ischl, Bad Goisern, St. Wolfgang, and St. Gilgen are some of our other favorite villages you will visit. Your tour will last 8 days and 7 nights. You’ll spend two nights each in Bad Ischl and Bad Goisern, and three nights in Abersee or St. Wolfgang.

Daily Itinerary

  • DAY 1 – Individual arrival in your hotel in Abersee near St. Wolfgang

    You’ll make your way to your first hotel, with time to explore the town.

  • DAY 2 – Wolfgang-St. Gilgen - 6.5 miles (10.5 km, 4 hours) +354 meters, -354 meters

    Your day will begin with a short boat ride from Abersee to St. Wolfgang. You’ll walk along the lake and then gently up the pilgrim’s path to “Falkenstein Mountain,” really a cliff with a very nice view over the lake and the small villages. The idyllic “Fürberg Walk” will bring you to the village St. Gilgen, where Mozart’s mother was born. Though it’s smaller than neighboring St. Wolfgang, just across the lake, Gilgen presents a unique baroque and rococo character with plenty to do. Colorful streets, lined with cafes, pubs, fascinating shops, and old frescoed houses lead to the enchanting Mozart fountain. You’ll return by boat to your hotel in Abersee.

  • DAY 3 – Schwarzensee and Strobl - 7.3 miles (11.8 km, 5.5 hours) +395 meters, -395 meters

    You’ll start with another boat ride to St. Wolfgang. First you’ll walk up to shimmering Lake Schwarzensee, where you can rest in a nice mountain hut with a terrific view over the surroundings and enjoy some tasty local specialties. You will walk down on a small footpath into the valley next to a gorge and around the Bürglstein, a rock outcrop jutting into the lake. In the afternoon you’ll end in Strobl and transfer to the “Emperor’s Town,” Bad Ischl.

  • DAY 4 – Rest Day in Bad Ischl

    Emperor Franz Joseph’s favorite town was Bad Ischl, the cultural and geographic centre of the Salzkammergut, where he and his wife Elisabeth (the captivating “Sissi” of the famous film) usually spent their summers. You can visit the Emperor’s Villa, Café Zauner, and the Hotel Austria.

  • DAY 5 – Bad Ischl to Bad Goisern - 7 miles (11 km, 4 hours) +260 meters, -180 meters

    Salt always has been an important raw material of the Salzkammergut. Today you’ll follow the “historic salt water path,” the world’s oldest pipeline, which was established in 1607. In order to make the brine flow, the pipeline (as well as the path) slopes down slightly, and therefore it’s a relatively easy walk to Bad Goisern. This lovely village was once known as the “Monarchy’s prettiest town” and retains all its charms today.

  • DAY 6 – Walk to Hallstatt - 9 miles (14.5 km, 4.5 hours) + 90 meters, – 90 meters

    First, you will follow the river trail to Lake Hallstatt where you will walk along the lake into the “Fjord”. After a while you will see the first houses from Hallstatt and the wonderful mountains with the Salt Mountain. Enjoy the ride with the ferry to Hallstatt center, walking around the little alleys or take the funicular up to the salt mine. Look around to see Mount Dachstein, the highest peak in upper Austria. The day ends with a pleasant boat and train ride back to your hotel in Bad Goisern.

  • DAY 7 – Bad Ischl to Lake Wolfgangsee - 12 miles (19.5 km, 6 hours) +210 meters, -140 meters

    You’ll transfer by train to Bad Ischl, where you’ll follow the “Elisabeth-Walking Path,” one of Sissi’s favourite hiking and riding tracks. You can admire the idyllic Lake Nussensee and then continue along the River Ischl to Strobl. From late medieval times to the 17th century, Strobl was a center for pilgrims. From the town you’ll have gorgeous views on St. Wolfgang, Schafberg, and the lake itself. Along the lake and through the Blinking moor you’ll walk to the peninsula of Abersee, admiring the beautiful views.

  • DAY 8 – Tour Ends

    Your tour ends today, with departure after breakfast.

Dates & Prices

Green = Open | Yellow = Limited | Red = Full

2024

Prices are per person in US Dollars

Choose your own starting date (From April 28th to October 13th) 

Dates

Accommodation

Double

Single

April 28 – June 30

3* & 4* Hotels

$ 1,060

$ 1,290

July 1 – August 31

3* & 4* Hotels

$ 1,090

$ 1,330

Sept 1 – Oct 13

3* & 4* Hotels

$ 1,060

$ 1,290

This tour can be guided upon request

Terms and Conditions

Accommodations

The accommodations listed below are examples of those usually used on the tour. Depending on availability, you may be booked in a different accommodation of equal quality.

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What’s Included

  • 7 nights of lodging in charming 4 star hotels or 3-star superior with private facilities
  • 7 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfer
  • Boat fares on the lakes Wolfgangsee and Hallstätter See
  • Train fare Hallstatt – Bad Goisern and Bad Ischl
  • Road book in English
  • Welcome meeting
  • GPS Device

Meals

Included in the tour price you’ll receive daily buffet breakfast. For the buffet breakfasts there’s an assortment of cold meats and cheeses, eggs, bread, jams, cereal, yogurt, fruit, coffee, and tea. For lunches you will be in a town so you can find lunch at a restaurant on your own. Dinner will be on your own, and you can choose one of many delicious restaurant options within easy walking distance from our hotel.

Not Included

  • Air fare
  • Tourist Tax (€1.50 – €2 per person will need to be paid upon arrival at each hotel)
  • Alcoholic and bar beverages
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Transportation other than scheduled VGT transfers
  • Trip cancellation insurance
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