Self-Guided Walking in Austria's Lake District

8 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
The Austrian Lakes area offers a glorious mix of spectacular views, forest trails, picture-perfect villages and swimming opportunities galore! The walks are relaxed, following mainly well-marked routes, with stunning lake views every day. Every stop brings new discoveries such as St Wolfgang's antique cog railway, the summit of Schafberg and Mozart's museum i...
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Snow-capped peaks, lush green meadows and forest trails
    • Luxury 4 star hotel.
    • Crystal-clear lakes, babbling streams, tranquil shores, secluded bays
    • Picturesque waterfront villages, postcard-pretty castles and cobbled streets crammed with attractive frescoed houses
    • Varied rest day choices: water sports, mountain rail rides, lake cruisers and Mozart's fairytale city of Salzburg

What's this trip about?

    The Austrian Lakes area offers a glorious mix of spectacular views, forest trails, picture-perfect villages and swimming opportunities galore! The walks are relaxed, following mainly well-marked routes, with stunning lake views every day. Every stop brings new discoveries such as St Wolfgang's antique cog railway, the summit of Schafberg and Mozart's museum in St. Gilgen.Enjoy well-marked routes with stunning lake views every day

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 6 people
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBad Ischl
End CityBad Ischl

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Activities

  • Hiking

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 2

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 6

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts and dinner on first night
    • All accommodation (see accommodation section)
    • Route notes and maps

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrive at Bad Ischl

Arrive at your 4 star hotel in Bad Ischl. A typical itinerary is shown below, although you're free to pick and choose your walking each day as there are numerous options available Staying at Hotel Goldener Ochs for 7 nights.

Day 2 Kolowratshohe or Jainzenberg

Two circular walk options direct from your hotel; one to Kolowratshohe, a lesser-known peak above Bad Ischl, with spectacular views and the added bonus of a mountain restaurant at Hoisenrad. Or, a picturesque walk to the summit of Jainzenberg, rising directly behind t...

Day 3 Vormauerstein or Schwarzensee

Hop on a local bus to Wolfgangsee, with the option of walking up to the Vormauerstein and the breath taking views of the Schafberg and the Lake Attersee. Picnic on the shores of Monichsee. Alternatively, a leisurely route up to the stunning Schwarzensee for lunch at o...

Day 4 Hallstatt Walk

Today visit the spectacular alpine village of Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest village in Austria. Take the panoramic funicular railway up the mountain and visit the historical salt mine. Use the ferry to cross the lake and follow a beautiful wal...

Day 5 Free day

A bus ride brings you to the delightful village of St Gilgen. A thriving lace-making centre in the 1700s, today St Gilgen is a delightful village with a busy waterfront, lined with restaurants. Mozart's mother was born here and you can visit her house, which now inclu...

Day 6 Katrin

Walk (2km) or take the cable car from Bad Ischl and visit the three summits of Katrin, Hainzen and Elferkogel. Sure footedness is required, but from the peaks you are rewarded with an incredible 360° panorama as far as the snow-capped Dachsteins. Sit and take in the s...

Day 7 Gschwendt

Today take the bus to Strobl, then you have a choice to head off on a low level lakeside walk, with views across Wolfgangsee to St Wolfgang and the Schafberg. Stroll through the Blinklingmoos nature reserve and on to a lakeside beach at Wassbad before heading to Gschw...

Day 8 Leave Bad Ischl

Your trip ends in Bad Ischl. Premium Hotel

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,105
Price per day$263
Last Updated: 11/27/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
05 May 2025
12 May 2025
$2,360
$2,909
06 May 2025
13 May 2025
$2,360
$2,909
07 May 2025
14 May 2025
$2,360
$2,909
08 May 2025
15 May 2025
$2,360
$2,909
09 May 2025
16 May 2025
$2,360
$2,909
11 May 2025
18 May 2025
$2,360
$2,909
12 May 2025
19 May 2025
$2,360
$2,909
13 May 2025
20 May 2025
$2,360
$2,909
14 May 2025
21 May 2025
$2,360
$2,909
15 May 2025
22 May 2025
$2,360
$2,909

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request) - compulsory single supplement
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

The Hotel Goldenes Schiff boasts a prime location in Bad Ischl's pedestrianised town centre and sits on the banks of the Traun River. Inside, it's modern and comfortable, with first-class facilities including a spa, with sauna and steam room.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts and 1 evening meal are included. Austria is renowned for wholesome, robust food. The cuisine is a reflection of the culinary exchange that went on during the time of empires - French, Spanish, Dutch, German and Croatian cuisine have all contributed to the flavours, to name just a few. You will be set up for the day with a breakfast of cold meats and cheeses, traditional bread, jam and coffee. Austrians tend to eat heartily at lunch time and less in the evenings, but you will be well catered for at dinner. Local specialities include the ever present 'Wiener Schnitzel' (breaded veal cutlet) and various stews of beef and pork. Dumplings, potatoes or noodles are all regular accompaniments along with vegetables. Of course, the fresh fish found in the lakes like rainbow trout, brown trout and whitefish will be a feature of many menus, often grilled with butter and herbs, or stuffed with local mushrooms. Desserts are often fruit based - such as 'apfelstrudel' or cream pastries. 'Rehrucken' is a traditional chocolate and almond cream cake. 'Linzertorte' is a flaky cake lined with currant or raspberry jam, encased and covered by a lattice of cake dough. Mozart's home town's speciality is 'Salzburger Nockerln', which is a very light dessert souffle dusted with vanilla sugar and sometimes served with strawberries on the side. Plum brandy is a popular post dinner drink, or you could try one of the various types of schnapps. Austrian wine tends to be white and fairly sweet in the manner of German Mosel wines. Beer is a better known product of the country and you will find a wide variety of local brews. The best known are Gosser and Augustiner Brau and come in light or dark forms.
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information
  • 7 nights in a 4 star hotel, all rooms en suite
  • 5 days centre based walking
  • Choice of walks each day
  • Managed by your local Headwater-appointed agent
  • Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs
Trip ID
exodus-W07SZ

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