On arrival in Bad Ischl make your way to the hotel, where you will receive your your detailed travel documents (hiking information and detailed maps). Ischl became a holiday home of European standing from the middle of the 19th century when Emperor Franz Joseph started spending time at his summer residence here. Bad Ischl, a health resort since 1906, is located in the heart of the Salzkammergut and is the starting point for this extraordinarily varied hike. You can visit the spacious thermal bath or visit the famous Café Zauner.

Meals:  Nil

Start your walk from Bad Ischl along the Ischl River following the "Dammweg" trail all the way to Russbach. From here you ascend to the mountain lake, Schwarzensee which you walk around before descending to Schwarzenbach on Lake Wolfgangsee. This evening's accommodation is on the lake shore in the town of Strobl. Named after a family of merchants, Strobl was a centre for pilgrims and carters in the 17th century. Walking: 23.5km/14.6mi, ascent 730m/2395ft, descent 652m/2139ft Note: you can shorten the walk by taking a bus to Russbach, in which case the walking will be 12.5km/7.7mi, ascent 511m/1677ft, descent 507m/1663ft

Meals:  B

There are two options for today. The shorter option offers a change of pace as you begin with a boat trip on Lake Wolfgangsee, the most famous lake of the Salzkammergut region. From St Wolfgang you can explore this charming lake-side village. Visit the church and take the cogwheel train to the summit of Schafberg (1760m) for magnificent panoramic views of the region. It's an easy walk to Berau and along the Bürgl Panoramic Walk to Strobl/ Weissenbach. Walking: 7.5km/4.6mi, ascent 164m/538ft, descent 141m/462ft Or for a challenging day rewarded by spectacular views, follow the hiking path between Sparber and Bleckwand Mountains up to the Postalm alpine pasture, the largest mountain plateau in Austria. There is a surprising variety of flora and fauna to be discovered in the area. Take a break in an original alpine hut and sample some alpine produce from the farmers. Return via the same route or descend to the Weissenbach Valley before reaching your accommodation in Strobl/Weissenbach. Walking: 22km/13.7mi, ascent 840m/2756ft, descent 970m/3182ft

Meals:  B

The path from Weissenbach to Bad Goisern, the so-called Bear trail (Bärenpfad), leads into a rather primeval landscape formed by the water. Gorges, deep ponds and gurgling streams characterise the path. Walking past the ‘Kammersbach’ hut you will climb up to the Bärenpfadsattel. Halfway down, you may be interested in the ‘Chorinsky Klause’, an industrial monument (a lock) built at the beginning of the 19th century to move logged timber downstream for milling. Continue to Bad Goisern and your accommodation. Walking: 21km/13.4mi, ascent 895m/2936ft, descent 977m/3205ft Note: if you would like to avoid today's steep descent, you can take a bus to Bad Ischl and walk an alternate route to Bad Goisern (10km/6mi).

Meals:  B

Today's walk from Bad Goisern to Hallstatt is along the historical 'Brine Trail' to Steeg. The following section on the eastern shore of Lake Hallstatt is panoramic, with views of Hallstatt, the lake and the Dachstein Alps. Hanging bridges give the impression of walking above the water. Continue to Obertraun and spend the night in Hallstatt. The almost perfect ensemble of narrow streets, historical houses, lake panorama and the cultural heritage from the Hallstatt era make this place world-famous. Walking: 19km/12mi, ascent 127m/416ft, descent 102m/334ft You can shorten today's walk by approx 8km/5mi by taking the ferry from Hallstatt train station to Hallstatt town (payable locally).

Meals:  B

There are a number of options today. You can visit the salt mines above Hallstatt, or the Dachstein Adventure World (cable car to 2000m with its viewing platform “5 Fingers” and the Ice and Mammoth Caves). Alternatively we recommend a walk through the Echerntal valley with its impressive waterfalls. Overnight Hallstatt. Optional walking approx. 2hrs, 6km/3.7mi, ascent/descent 258m/846ft

Meals:  B

Leave Hallstatt by boat and enjoy postcard views of the village then take the train to Bad Aussee (tickets for both are included). From Bad Aussee you walk past the Alpengarten (lovely Alpine garden well worth seeing) and the historic salt mountain of Aussee through a gorgeous mountain pasture area to Bad Goisern. Train or bus back to Bad Ischl (payable locally). Overnight stay in Bad Ischl. Walking 19km/12mi, ascent 500m/1640ft, descent 660m/2165ft

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast in Bad Ischl.

Meals:  B