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The Salzkammergut at a glance

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More about the Salzkammergut

Discover peaceful trails, lakeside views and alpine charm on a walking holiday in the Salzkammergut

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  • Gentle walks with glorious views
  • Charming villages & alpine culture
  • Tranquil lakes, boat rides and forest trails

Walking holidays in The Salzkammergut

The Salzkammergut is Austria’s lake district – and it’s every bit as beautiful as that sounds. A place of glistening lakes, rolling meadows and charming villages, it’s a dream setting for a walking holiday. Trails here range from easy shoreline strolls to forest paths and ridge walks with wide-open views. Add in fresh mountain air, peaceful countryside and just the right number of pit stops for coffee and cake, and you’ve got a destination that’s both refreshing and rewarding.

Main image: (copyright Daniel J Schwarz Unsplash)

This is an ideal region for gentle walks – the kind where the views keep changing but the gradients stay friendly. Many routes start right in the villages and wind through meadows, woodlands and along the water’s edge. They’re well marked, rarely too strenuous, and often lead to lakeside cafés or welcoming mountain huts, making it easy to get a real taste of the Salzkammergut at your own pace.

The lakes are the true stars of the Salzkammergut. Clear, calm and backed by mountain silhouettes, they offer the kind of peaceful beauty that encourages you to slow down and soak it all in. Fuschl am See is particularly tranquil – no motorboats are allowed – and many hotels have their own lidos with free boat hire. On Lake Wolfang, ferries and paddle steamers link St. Gilgen to the other main towns, so you can combine walking with a bit of scenic sailing too.

The region’s villages are as picturesque as the landscapes that surround them. St. Gilgen and Fuschl am See are picture-postcard perfect, with traditional chalets, flower-filled balconies and mountain backdrops. Nearby St. Wolfgang adds a little extra culture, with classical concerts in its medieval centre and a nostalgic cog railway that climbs up the Schafberg for one of the best views in the region.

The best of the Salzkammergut

  • A scenic view of a landscape
    Cycling near St. Gilgen (copyright Oberoesterreich Tourismus Wolfgangsee Moritz Ablinger)
  • A scenic view of a landscape
    Summit of Schafberg Mountain (copyright WTG)
  • A scenic view of a landscape
    Relax on the terrace at Hotel Seerose, Fuschl am See
  • A scenic view of a landscape
    View of Strobl from St. Gilgen (copyright Salzkammergut Tourism Katrin Kerschbaumer)
  • A scenic view of a landscape
    Schafbergbahn Cogwheel Train, St.Gilgen (copyright Salzburg AG)

Resorts in The Salzkammergut

  • Offers available
    St.Gilgen Zwölferhorn Cablecar Copyright Zwölferhorn Seilbahn

    St. Gilgen

    The Salzkammergut, Austria

    Panoramic views from the top of Zwölferhorn Cruises on Lake Wolfgang Exciting watersports
    Easy Walks Village Charm
    Properties available: 1 From £1,178 pp View accommodation More info
  • Offers available
    Fuschl Am See Fuschlsee

    Fuschl am See

    The Salzkammergut, Austria

    Leisurely lakeside strolls Rent a pedalo or rowing boat Drink with a sunset view
    Easy Walks Village Charm
    Properties available: 1 From £1,429 pp View accommodation More info

Recommended accommodation in the Salzkammergut

  • 4.5
    Offers available
    Hotel Hollweger St Gilgen Entrance

    Hotel Hollweger

    St. Gilgen, The Salzkammergut, Austria

    Beautiful gardens Private footpath to lake Sun terrace for sunbathing
    Indoor Pool Spa Facilities
    • Half Board
    • London Gatwick
    • Glasgow Int.
    • Birmingham Int.
    • Manchester Int.
    • Newcastle
    From £1,178 pp View details
  • 4
    Offers available
    Hotel Seerose Fuschl Am See Exterior

    Hotel Seerose

    Fuschl am See, The Salzkammergut, Austria

    Private lakeside lido Heated indoor swimming pool Lakeside setting
    Indoor Pool Spa Facilities
    • Half Board
    • London Gatwick
    • Glasgow Int.
    • Birmingham Int.
    • Manchester Int.
    • Newcastle
    From £1,429 pp View details

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Things to do in the Salzkammergut

In Fuchal am See, relax and unwind at the Fuschlseebad lido and wellness centre. Here you can release all your everyday stresses in the bio sauna that is heated to temperatures between 40° and 60° Celsius, or the Finnish sauna that's heated between 85° and 88° Celsius. There is also a steam sauna, infrared cabin and plunge pool - great for after a lake swim from its own beach.

Slide your way into the lake on the flume, or paddle your feet on the lakeside beach. More of a swimming pool fan? Then the heated outdoor pool gives the same views as the lake, but in your own comfort. There is also a large sun-bathing lawn, ideal for supervising the children or enjoying a sweet treat from the café.

St.Gilgen Wolfgangsee View Of Strobl

All aboard the paddle steamers and ferries of Lake Wolfgang. With six vessels and various routes, you can hop on and off at one of the seven docks to explore the surrounding villages and towns. You can sail all the way down to Strobl in just over one hour, where the largest boat on the lake holds 365 passengers.

Image: (copyright Salzkammergut Tourism Katrin Kerschbaumer)

Dive into nature and quietness - motorboats are banned on Fuschlsee - instead, the little Fuschlerin barge glides between the wooden jetties on the lakeshore. You can plot your own route between turquoise bays too - by kayak, rowing boat or pedalo. Any place is an excellent place for a swim – especially in the Fuschleseebad lido, where you can also rent a paddleboard.