Walking, hiking and refuelling with some of life’s energy
Situated in the heart of Austria, the Salzkammergut region is an area of outstanding natural beauty characterised by crystal clear lakes and towering mountains. It is a walker’s paradise for people of every walking ability, from rambling along country paths to high altitude trekking.
Nordic walking or “pole walking” combines the positive training effects of walking combined with the total-body exercise advantages of cross-country skiing. The result is a total body workout that burns more calories than in plain walking or running. The new Nordic walking parks in Attergau and Ausseerland-Salzkammergut offer an ample choice of routes.
Stroll along the romantic lakeshore paths, climb the trekking peaks, or enjoy to the full the unique experience of theme trails which combine both nature and culture. The new “Artist’s Trail” in Attersee, the “Celtic Tree Trail” in Attergau or the “Hof theme Trail” in Hof near Salzburg are just three of the new theme trails.
The four townships of Goisern, Hallstatt, Obertraun and Gosau in the Inner Salzkammergut region cater especially for walkers and hikers. The “Wanderfreunde” (the Walkers’ Friends) offer attractive self-guided and guided walking tours of all degrees of difficulty and at different altitudes and pass on a wealth of information and experience about the rambling network of hiking trails. Choose between interesting theme trails and trails that are suitable for the fit and experienced walker or hiker. On the World Heritage hiking tours you walk in the footsteps of the Celts, the Romans and the people of Hallstatt, right into the oldest salt mine of the world.
Cycling in the Salzkammergut region
The Salzkammergut region has much to offer the cyclist. There is a vast network of well-signposted quality cycle paths suitable for families and experienced cyclists alike. There are 76 beautiful lakes to cycle to, along or around, with breathtaking views of stunning mountains and mountain ranges such as Dachstein, Totes Gebirge, Sengsen and Höllengebirge.
The Salzkammergut cycle path is 345 km long and passes through the provinces of Upper Austria, Salzburg and Styria. The Dachstein mountain bike Loop Tour (Dachsteinrunde) is a technically challenging tour covering a distance of 195 km and variations in altitude of up to about 5,000m. There are numerous yellow and red routes which are suitable for families, where you can stop on the way to relax and enjoy the Austrian hospitality at the rural inns and mountain huts.
The Salzkammergut calls itself “The Mountain Bike Competence Centre” – mountain biking has become an extremely popular leisure and holiday sport and this has led to the founding of an attractive competence centre offering technical training, workshops, individually designed guided tours and bike taxis that will transport your bikes for a small fee.
GPS data is available on the entire mountain bike route network and GPS equipment is also available for hire. Hotels, guesthouses and specialist bike shops cater especially for cyclists. State-registered bike guides offer advice and hints and accompany the tours to the most beautiful look-out spots, ensuring your safety on the most difficult ascents and the longest descents and leading you to cosy inns and cabins which are charming and personal and will welcome you with open arms.
Here are just a few of the mountain bike routes in the Salzkammergut region:
- Ausseerland (Sandling Route)
- Traunsee (Fahrnau / Offensee)
- Wolfgangsee (Zwölferhorn „mit Verzierung“)
- Fuschlsee (Sonnberg)
- Mondseeland (Mondseeberg-Runde)
- Bad Ischl (Hoisnrad 3)
- Attersee (Gahberg – Krahberg)
- Inner Salzkammergut (Panorama Nova Route 2)
