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Austria > Walking

1 Walking in the Vorarlberg area

1General information
1.1The Arlberg Hiker
1.2Bregenzerwald cheese hike
1.3From Bregenzerwald to Klostertal

2 The Salzkammergut Lake District

2General information
2.1Lakes Walking Tour
2.2Lake and High country trail
2.3The route of caves and gorges
2.4Historical Salzkammergut "Sole path"

 

1. The Vorarlberg Area
 

The province of Vorarlberg reveals great scenic variety:

* the plain of the Rhine Valley
* the impressive Lake Constance
* the rolling hills of the Bregenz Woods
* the Alpine valleys and glaciers of the Silvretta massif.

In this area mass tourism is unkown and Nature has been left unspoilt. Vorarlberg is a symphony of human and natural serenity.

 
 

1.1 The Arlberg Hiker
 
A superb hiking holiday in a unique Alpine setting, devised and presented by local hosts who are at home here, who know and love their surroundings. A healthy culinary experience in the mountain landscape of Lech am Arlberg

Ref: Au/w/1.1 Bürg

Unguided hiking tour
3 or 7 nights

Departure
6 July - 15 September

A wonderful opportunity to have a walking experience in the Austrian mountains while staying in the 4-star Bürg Hotel. The rooms are comfortably furnished in the Austrian style. Each room has a TV, radio, mini-bar, safe and hair drier.

During your stay you will be served many homemade regional products at the large buffet breakfasts, and in the evenings you will enjoy the 5-course dinners from the regional and international kitchen. One typical regional dinner will be served in an Alpine hut, and there is also a "mountain breakfast". The "Lecher Sommer Card" allows free use of all lifts and cable cars, the hiking bus and many outdoor and indoor activities in town

The Arlberg Hiker Weekend offers the same service for 3 nights, Thursday to Sunday.

INCLUDED

  • 3 or 7 nights in a 4-star hotel on half board basis
  • Daily guided hiking programmes
  • Hiking map with route description
  • Arlberg Hiking Club cap
  • Lecher Sommer Card

RATES

Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za for rates and specials.

3 Nights: per person sharing
7 Nights: per person sharing

 
     
 

 

 

1.2 Bregenzerwald Cheese Hike
 
The "Cheese Road" in Bregenzerwald leads and attracts visitors to a part of the countryside marked by centuries of rural labour where cheese is almost a cultural possession. We have expanded our normal hiking tour with some interesting programme highlights: spend the night at inns specialising in cheese, visit traditional handicraft workshops and enjoy all sorts of Bregenzerwald cheese.

Ref: Au/w/1.2/Wog (tour 1)

Unguided hiking tour
4 days / 3 nights

Departure
Daily 26 May - 10 October

PROGRAM

Day 1 Arrival
Arrive by train in Dornbirn. Transfer to Schwarzenberg. Dinner and overnight stay in the Romantikhotel Hirschen ****.

Day 2 Schwarzenberg - Mellau (16 km)
Ascent 280 m, descent 825 m
Hiking time 5 hours
In the morning, after a tour of the village, you can admire all kinds of gems from many areas at the heritage museum. Afterwards, you embark on a tour on the Bödele 1140 m north of Schwarzenberg. The trail runs past cultivated alpine pastures, opening up a view of Lake Constance, the Swiss mountains and of the Aligäu. The first leg of the tour is Mellau. Dinner and overnight stay in the Gasthof Sonne ****.

Day 3 Mellau - Au (8 km)
Ascent 250 m, descent 850 m
Hiking time 3,5 hours
Cable car ride from Mellau to Rossstelle (1390 m). From there the hike heads towards the Kanisalps (1463 m) where a typical "Walder snack" awaits you. Once refreshed, the tour continues along the bank of the Kanisfluh to Alpengasthaus Edelweiss. Via Ahornen, you reach Au, the last leg of the tour. Dinner and overnight stay in the Hotel Krone ****.

Day 4 Departure
After breakfast, a visit to a shingle craftsman is on the agenda. Pick up by transfer bus and return trip to Dornbirn. [Suggested extra night.]

INCLUDED

  • 3 nights on half board basis in 3* & 4* hotels
  • Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
  • Transfer to/from Dornbirn
  • Hiking maps, route descriptions and timetables
  • Bregenzerwald inclusive Card*

    * Free use of public bus, cable car and the swimming pool in the Bregenzer
    forest.
    Cable Car In:
    Chair lift Brueggelekopf in Alberschwende, Andelsbuch, Bezau, Mellau, Diedamskopf in Au-Schoppernau, Uga-Express in Damuels, Steffisalp Express in Warth, Grosswalsertaler in Sonntag, Faschina.
    Swimming pools in:
    Indoor pool Lingenau, Hittisau, Egg, Schwarzenberg, Bezau, Mellau, Au, Schoppernau.

RATES

Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za for rates and specials.

Child Reduction: Sharing a room with parents:
00 - 12 years 50%
13 - 16 years 30%

 
     
 

 

 

1.3 From Bregenzerwald to Klostertal (Tour 3)
 
This tour takes you through the Bregenzerwald and the Lechquellgebiet down to the valley in Klostertal. This tour will reveal the beauty of the low mountain range as well as the Bregenzerwald with its vast, romantic alpine pastures. The Lechquellgebiet with its majestic peaks like the "Rote Wand" and the "Braunarispitze", and its impressive high alpine scenery awaits you. The overnight stays in the alpine chalets, Biberacher Hütte and Freiburger Hütte, offer an exciting alternative to our comfortable hotels in the villages along the route.

Ref: Au/w/1.3/Vor

Unguided hiking tour
7 days / 6 nights

Departure
Daily from 1 July - 1 October

PROGRAM

Day 1 Arrival
Arrive in Dornbirn. Tranfer to Bezau. Dinner and overnight stay in the Hotel Post - 4-star.

Day 2 Bezau - Au (15 km)
The hike begins at the Sonderdach middle station at about 1200 metres above sea level. Continue on over the Schreibersartel and down via the Kretzboden to Schönenbach. From Schönenbach the trial runs uphill again on the Stoggersattel. Descent to Au from there. Dinner and overnight stay in the Hotel Krone - 4-star.[Ascent 940 m, descent 1,390 m. Hiking time 6 to 7 hours]

Day 3 Au - Biberacher Hütte (10km)
The tour begins at the eastern end of Au towards the Bergkristalhütte. Continue on the long-distance hiking trail no 650, past the Töbelalpe way up to the Töbelejoch. Descent from there towards the Biberacher Hütte, the last section along the Northern Alpine long-distance hiking trail no 601. Dinner and overnight stay in the Biberacher Hütte. [Ascent 1,320 m, descent 270m. Hiking time 5 hours]

Day 4 Beberacher Hütte - Lech (12km)
Follow the trail from the Biberacher Hütte towards the Braunarispitze. With the mighty mountain, massif of the Braunarispitze on the right, you reach the so-called Braunari Fürkele. Now the trail runs downhill towards Köbersee. North of the lake, follow the signs towards Oberlech/Lech. Dinner and overnight stay in the Hotel Bergheim - 3-star. [Ascent 830 m, descent 950 m. Hiking time 5 to 6 hours]

Day 5 Lech - Freiburger Hütte (10 km)
This leg of the hike with gentle slopes runs from Lech via Zug along the Lechfluss and later along the Formarinbach to the Freiburger Hütte. On this day you can enjoy the wonderful mountains all around Lech. Dinner and overnight stay in the Freiburger Hütte. [Ascent 500 m. Hiking time 3,5 to 4 hours]

Day 6 Freiburger Hütte - Dalaas (8 km)
Today, conquering the summit of the Saladinerspitze is the perfect way to complete the tour. Afterwards, descent to Dalaas. Dinner and overnight stay in the Gasthof Post - 3-star. [Descent 1,000 m. Hiking time 2,5 to 3 hours]

Day 7 Departure
Pick up by transfer bus and return trip to departure point in Durnbirn.

INCLUDED

  • 4 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels / inns on half board basis
  • 2 nights in an alpine cottage on half board
  • Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
  • Hiking maps, route descriptions and timetables
  • Bergenzerwald inclusive card*

    * Free use of public bus, cable car and the swimming pool in the Bregenzer
    forest.
    Cable Car In:
    Chair lift Brueggelekopf in Alberschwende, Andelsbuch, Bezau, Mellau, Diedamskopf in Au-Schoppernau, Uga-Express in Damuels, Steffisalp Express in Warth, Grosswalsertaler in Sonntag, Faschina.
    Swimming pools in:
    Indoor pool Lingenau, Hittisau, Egg, Schwarzenberg, Bezau, Mellau, Au, Schoppernau.

RATES

Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za for rates and specials.

Per person sharing
Single room

Child Reduction: Sharing a room with parents:
00 - 12 years 50%
13 - 16 years 30%

 
     
 

 

 

2. The Salzkammergut Lake District
 
The Salzkammergut - the country of sound and music - is one of the most charming regions in Austria: blue lakes, high mountains, green meadows and forests - a storybook landscape. Mondsee, Attersee, Traunsee and Wolfgangsee are the most well-known lakes. Not to forget the ancient emperor's residence, Bad Ischl, and the music and festival town Salzburg. Discover the unique beauty of the Salzkammergut Lake District without a strict timetable and with plenty of time to visit the countless sights in the area. More than 76 lakes and mountains like Dachstein - 3000 m high - are awaiting you!
 
 

2.1 Lakes walking tour
 
Discover the country of "Sound of Music". Enjoy the unique beauty of the Salzkammergut Lake District with plenty of time to visit the countless sights. The daily stages demand average fitness but are not strenuous.

Ref: Au/w/2.2/Tou

Unguided hiking tour
6 walking days / 7 overnights

Departure
Daily: 5 May - 6 October

PROGRAM

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in the Lake Wolfgangsee area. Overnight in St. Gilgen, Strobl or St. Wolfgang

Day 2: St. Wolfgang - Boat to Abersee - St. Wolfgang Approx. 4 hours
Go with the ferry to the peninsula Abersee. Follow the lovely path along the lake shore way into the nature reserve Blinklingmoos. Walk along the promenade to Strobl and then to the Bürgisteig which offers a splendid view of the surroundings.

Day 3: St Wolfgang - Unterach Approx. 5 hours
You will cross a very nice Alpine pasture on your way to the Schwarzensee where you can take a rest in a pleasant beer garden. Continue walking through the Eisenau into the Burggraben canyon.

Day 4: Unterach - Egisce - Nugdorf - boat /coach to Unterach Approx. 5 hours
An easy walk through a beech forest to the protected area of Lake Eglsee. Here one can find insect-catching flowers and at least 12 different orchid species. Follow the path along the western shore to the village Nussdorf, where you will take the boat back to Unterach.

Day 5: Coach to Mondsee - Fuschl am See Approx. 4 hours
By coach you will pass the beautiful market place of Mondsee. The lovely pin church is well known through the movie "Sound of Music". Afterwards you travel along the lake and meadows towards the mountain "kite wall", where you can see the remnants of the castle Wartenfels. Take a rest at the mountain restaurant at the foot of the castle. From here Lake Fuschl is already in view.

Day 6: Around Lake Fuschlsee Approx. 3,5 hours
The walk around the lake is good for the soul and a cup of coffee on the terrace of Castle Fuschl will long remain in your memory. Enjoy the flat way along the lake shore! The water in lake Fuschlsee is of drinking quality, like the water in all the other lakes in the Saizkammergut. A swim before dinner is most invigorating.

Day 7: Fuschl - Hochlackenhof 774m - St. Gilgen - Ufierweg Firberg - Boat tour Wolfgang - Railway up to the mountain Hotel on the Schafberg Approx. 4,5 hours

Walk along the river into the Ellmau Valley until you reach the guesthouse Hochlackenhof [774m]. The so-called Mozart view will inspire you to take photos. From here you have a panorama of Lake Wofgangsee and the surrounding mountains. Walk along the lakeshore before you take the boat back to St. Wolfgang. With the cogwheel railway you will reach your hotel on the summit of the Schafberg mountain [1,780 meters]. Here you can enjoy a view over the entire Lake district.

Day 8: End of tour

INCLUDED

  • 7 nights accommodation in 3-star hotel or guesthouse on half board basis
  • Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
  • Coach transfer to Mondsee
  • Rucksack and maps for every room
  • Boat journey on the lake Attersee and Wolfgangsee
  • Rrailway ticket to the Schafberg mountain

RATES

Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za for rates and specials.

Low season:
5 May - 15 June and 1 September - 6 October
Per person sharing
Single room

High season:
16 June - 31 August
Per person sharing
Single room

Half board supplement

Reduction: 3 rd person sharing with 2 full paying adults:
00 -06 years 100%
07 -11 years 50%
12 -14 years 25%
15 - 99 years 10%

 
     
     
 

 

 

2.2 Lake and high country trail
 
Starting in Fuschl, 20 km by bus from Salzburg, you hike from village to village, across meadows and through forests along easily manageable paths in the scenic Salzkammergut lake district. Pass by farmsteads, mills, inns and resting places to admire the beautiful views. This sunny location offers scope for easy walking as well as mountain trails. Total walking distance 48 km. [about 18 hours].

Ref: Au/w/2.3/FuschlAS

Unguided hiking tour
5 hiking days / 6 overnights

Departure
Daily from April to October

PROGRAM

Day 1: [By bus from Salzburg to Fuschl]. Overnight in Fuschl.

Day 2: Hike round Lake Fuschl [4 hours, 12 km]

Day 3: Hike to Thalgau [32 hours, 9 km]

Day 4: In the morning a choice between a walk on the "Ecology Trail" or an excursion on a rented bike. In the afternoon continue to Hof [3 hours, 8 km]

Day 5: From Hof to Faistenau along the "Nature Trail" [3 hours, 8 km]

Day 6: From Faistenau back to Fuschl. A day with the most contrasting scenery. [42 hours, 11 km]

Day 7: Departure [to Salzburg or other destination.]

INCLUDED

  • 6 overnights on bed & breakfast basis in guest houses with shower & WC
  • Transfer of one piece of luggage per person between the guest houses
  • Detailed hiking maps

RATES

Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za for rates and specials.

Rates from:

Per person sharing
Per person sharing (July and August)
Single supplement

 
     
 

 

 

2.3 The route of caves and gorges
 
Starting in Lofer near the city of Salzburg, this route will take you up to alpine pastures and along the river Saalach, along cascades and through woodlands, across the German border [a valid passport is necessary].The route includes altogether 8 gorges. The total walking distance is 95 km [about 31 hours].

Ref: Au/w/2.4/Lofer

Unguided hiking tour
6 days hiking / 7 overnights

Departure
Daily from May to October

PROGRAM

DAY 1
Travel to Lofer [regular busses from Salzburg].

DAY 2
Take the Salzburger Trail to the pilgrimage church Maria Kirchental and hike back to Lofer on the Tiroler trail. With the Loferer cable car up to Loderbichl. Hike to Loferer Alm. [4-5 hours, elevation difference: 650 m gain, 250 m loss.]

DAY 3
Walk from Loferer Alm to Schwarzberg Alm, down to the Unkenbach valley, through Eiblklamm [gorge] and on to Friedlwirt. Overnight in Unken. [5 hours, 17 km , a descent of 900m.]

DAY 4
Along the Wilde Weg on the right bank of the Saalach river to Kesslersteg. Walk through the Saalach gorge to the German border [passport]. Your are now in Bavaria. Walk from Haiderhof uphill through Aschauer gorge to the Austrian border. You are back on Salzburg territory. Walk along the Reither Mähder and through the Innersbachklamm to Reith. Overnight. [5 hours, 13 km, 300 m elevation gain and loss.]

DAY 5
Around the northwestern side of Lenzenkogel to the Au meadows. Follow the high country road to Knappenstadl and Kematsteinalm. Descend Pechtbauer via Jochingalm and Hundalm. Walk along the high country road through Wildenthal to St Martin near Lofer. [7 hours, 18 km, elevation difference 550 m gain, 500 m loss]

DAY 6
Walk from St Martin up the Wildenbach canyon to Mülgraben Chapel. Then along the Möserwald forestry road to Eibl Chapel and Hufnagei. From Litzlalm to Hirschblichl and then down to Stockklaus and Gasthof Lohfeyer. Through the Seissenbergklamm [gorge] to Weissbach to overnight. [6 hours, 18 km, elevation difference 700 m gain and loss.]

DAY 7
Visit the cave in Lamprechtshöhle. Walk to the Saalach bridge and the natural pool Vorderkaser. Then follow the circular gorge trail and walk along the Saalach bank down-stream to Scheffsnoth. Along the Hubertus Trail to the centre of Lofer. Overnight. [52hours, 22 km, no changes in elevation.]

DAY 8 Departure.

INCLUDED

  • 7 nights on bed and breakfast basis in rooms with private facilities
    OR 7 nights with breakfast and dinner in inns and guest houses
  • Transfer of one piece of luggage per person between the guest houses
  • Detailed hiking maps

RATES

Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za for rates and specials.

Private rooms:
Per person sharing/ breakfast
Single room / breakfast
Extra day on BB basis

Guesthouses:
Per person sharing / half board
Single room / half board
Extra day on HB basis

 
     
 

 

 

2.4 Historical Salzkammergut Brine Trail
 
This tour isn't difficult to do. The path is newly adapted and very interestingly shaped for adults and children. The hiking tour for families. You have plenty of time to use the Salzkammergut Card. Minimal hiking equipment like hiking shoes, a rucksack, sunglasses, rain protection, jacket, pullover are recommended. The daily route is fixed at 10 km for the whole day. No hills make this easy hiking.

Ref: Au/w/SalzGT

Unguided hiking tour
5 days / 4 nights

Departure
1 May until 27 October arrival every day

PROGRAM

Day 1 Individual arriving to Ebensee.
Welcome drink, Salzkammergut Card, and hiking info with hiking map etc. Overnight (Perhaps have you some time to visit the "Heimatmuseum" in Ebensee)!

Day 2 Ebensee to Bad Ischl
Very interesting and informative about the history of this region is the town museum in Bad Ischl - with your Salzkammergut Card you receive a reduced entrance.

Day 3 Bad Ischl to Bad Goisern
Our culture tip: the "Holzknechtmuserum" in Bad Goisern is interestingly shaped and is open in the morning.

Day 4 Bad Goisern to Hallstatt
Have a break and try the typical Hallstatt pastries and a pint of Hallstatt beer. Hallstatt is full of cultural highlights: a salt mine, prehistoric museum, etc. Enjoy a snack in the restaurant "Rudolfsturm"!

Day 5 Hallstatt to Ebensee
Boat tour in the morning from Hallstatt to the bus station - with the train you come back to Ebensee. Today you leave our wonderful Salzkammergut!

Individual longer stay is possible.

INCLUDED

  • 4 night stay in a *** or guest house with half board
  • Welcome drink
  • Salzkammergut Card (for adults. Until 25 % reduction at all entrances)
  • Sole path hiking map with detailed Salzkammergut information
  • Ticket from Hallstatt to Ebensee
  • 1 Hallstatt roll, 1 Hallstatt beer or a soft drink
  • Snack coupon for Rudolfsturm (restaurant in Hallstatt)
  • Daily luggage transfer
  • 1 Salzkammergut rucksack (per room 1)

RATES

Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za for rates and specials.

Per person in a double room (low season)
Per person in a double room (high season)
Single supplement/per week
Bike Rental included in rate (per week)

Extra night at end:
Per person in double room
Single supplement

Children reduction
(in room with parents with extra bed)
General :
Children under 6 : free of charge
6-11,9 years : 50% reduction
12-14,9 years: : 30% reduction

 
         

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268 Broderick Street, Groenkloof, Pretoria, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)12-460-8382 Fax: +27 (0)12-460-1843

info@bikeandhike.co.za

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