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Slow Lane Magazine, May 2019
Insights and stories from across Europe and beyond
  • favourite (but oft-forgotten) festivals
  • Nepal's secret valley
  • boutique beauty in Drôme Provençale
  • carving out a future in southern Italy
  • Inntravellers' Tales – our new writing competition
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Austria's Lake District

The lakes & mountains of Salzkammergut
 
Enjoy leisurely self-guided, hotel-to-hotel walking amid magnificent lakes and mountain scenery, while your luggage is transported…highlights include visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easy access to gentle high-level walks.
Austria's Lake District. 4 nights
Austria's Lake District. 4 nights
 

Holiday information

 

A walking break in Salzkammergut

To the east of Salzburg, in the shadow of the mighty Dachstein (2,995 metres), dramatic mountains plunge into sparkling blue lakes, creating almost fjord-like landscapes made all the more enchanting by the idyllic villages which clamber up the slopes above the lakes. Inviting paths lead alongside the water at the foot of the mountains, and cable cars give easy access to the high mountains, for gentle walks across meadows, surrounded by dramatic peaks.
Of the region's many lakes, we have chosen Hallstättersee, which forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is crowned by the splendid village of Hallstatt, the jewel of the region. This is a traditional area, where the people continue to wear Lederhosen and Dirndls, and where typical Austrian fare, with an accent on fish from the lakes, is enjoyed.
 
Gallery
 

Itinerary

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights.
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C 2 4 8 13 18 21 23 22 19 14 7 2
    mm 74 71 78 97 126 167 176 157 99 79 84 88
  • Arrival in St Agatha 
    Night 1: at Agathawirt (the first of two nights here).
    As your first night’s accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of walking.
  • Choice of walks from St Agatha: 7.5km to 17.5km

    Recommended option to Hallstatt: 7.5km, 2.5hrs
    Our recommended, thoroughly enjoyable, route takes in Hallstatt, the real jewel of the region, offering a dramatic fusion of mountain and lake. You follow the historic Soleweg ('Salt Path'), an easy path that leads along the lightly wooded western shores of Hallstättersee, at the very foot of the mountains. A short but sharp ascent brings you to an old tower for superlative views across the lake before you zigzag downhill into historic Hallstatt, whose houses clamber up the slope, seemingly one on top of the other. To return to St Agatha you take the boat (pay locally) across the lake and then walk along the peaceful eastern shore back to your hotel.

    Circular walk via Ewige Wand: 17.5km, 5hrs
    More strenuous than the rest of the routes on the break, this is nevertheless a rewarding circular walk that takes you uphill through woodland and flower-filled meadows. You might like to pause for lunch at the Rathlucken Hütte before continuing to the breathtakingly panoramic balcony of the Ewige Wand, which commands spectacular views of the mountains and valley below. You walk back along the river or could hop on the bus if you prefer.

    Circular walk via Bad Goisern: 8.5km, 2.5hrs
    Follow the River Traun through woodland to the enchanting village of Bad Goisern, then return to St Agatha through meadows.
    Approaching Hallstatt on the route from St Agathawirt
  • Taxi to Gosau, followed by a walk: 6km or 13km

    Vorderer Gosauersee to Gosau: 13km, 3hrs; shorter option with bus: 6km, 1hr
    The day starts with a taxi transfer to Gosau, offering spectacular views of the Dachstein range. You drop off your luggage before continuing by taxi to Vorderer Gosauersee, where a scenic path leads along the lake's wooded shores and those of its neighbour. After walking round this beautiful lake, you can choose to return to Gosau by bus (pay locally) or descend beside the river to the Gosauerhof, your base for your final two nights.
    Walking around Gosauersee
  • Linear walk from Gosauersee: 11km, 3.5hrs
    Catch the bus back to Gosauersee and take the cable car (pay locally) up to the top of the broad ridge. From here, a fine path descends towards Gosau, offering wonderful views in clear weather back to the Dachstein Mountains.
    On the circular route from Gosauersee
 

Accommodation

A warm welcome and excellent local cuisine awaits.

Please note: most beds in Austrian hotels are normally one large base with two mattresses/duvets. We refer to these as 'Austrian Twins' and they are locally regarded to serve requests for both double and twin bedded rooms. Separate twin beds or traditional double beds with one large mattress are rare and cannot be guaranteed.
 

Extend your stay

 
Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter.
Currency converter

We can only accept payment in GBP, but you can use this converter to find out how much the holiday equates to in your own currency.

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NB: this should be used as a guide only. Fluctuations in exchange rates could result in significant variation by the time you come to pay.

  • 4 nights: 01 June - 19 October 2019

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    1 - 14 June £595 £60
    15 - 29 June £620 £65
    30 June - 31 August £645 £65
    1 - 11 September £620 £65
    12 September - 15 October £595 £60
    3rd & 4th person discount -£140
    Single traveller supplement £140

    Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    Included travel: return taxi from Salzburg Airport

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

  • Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Agathawirt (with dinner) Double room Single room
    01 Jun - 30 Jun 2019 £68 £80
    01 Jul - 17 Jul 2019 £72 £84
    18 Jul - 21 Aug 2019 £80 £92
    22 Aug - 11 Sep 2019 £72 £84
    12 Sep - 19 Oct 2019 £68 £80
    Gosauerhof (with dinner) Double room Single room
    01 Jun - 30 Jun 2019 £58 £70
    01 Jul - 31 Aug 2019 £72 £84
    01 Sep - 19 Oct 2019 £58 £70
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Salzburg

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Munich.  To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book flights and onward connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Aberdeen - Salzburg (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Belfast Intl. - Salzburg easyJet,  jet2 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Salzburg Eurowings,  jet2 
    Birmingham - Salzburg (via Düsseldorf) Eurowings 
    Birmingham - Salzburg (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Salzburg (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Salzburg (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Glasgow - Salzburg (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    London City - Salzburg (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Salzburg British Airways,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Salzburg Eurowings 
    Outward route Airline
    Stansted - Salzburg Eurowings,  jet2,  Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Salzburg TUI 
    Manchester - Salzburg (via Düsseldorf) Eurowings 
    Manchester - Salzburg (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Manchester - Salzburg (via Hamburg) Eurowings 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Munich.  To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you. We charge £30 per person for our flight booking service (£50 for India and Nepal). Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.

  • Prices below are based on 2 people travelling together. If you are travelling solo or as a party of 3 or more and our arrangements include a taxi, please contact us for prices; additional passengers often pay less.

    Connecting travel options - flying via Salzburg

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    direct taxi Salzburg airport to hotel (1h) included flexible
    taxi Steeg-Gosau to hotel (0h05) -£25 1600
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    direct taxi hotel to Salzburg airport (1h) included flexible
    taxi hotel to Golling-Abtenau (0h40), rail Golling-Abtenau to Salzburg HB (0h30) -£20 1200
What is included
  • 4 nights
  • 4 dinners
    4 breakfasts
  • luggage transported
  • route notes and maps
  • transfer on Day 2
  • taxi from/to Salzburg airport
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

All 11 reviews
  • Mr W Wright
    Australia
    04 June 2019

    The Julian Alps walk was wonderful, the scenery is breathtaking and the wildflowers in June were abundant and beautiful. Slovenia is so clean and the people are very friendly. 

    The Austrian Alps walks were also delightful. So much beauty around the lakes. Snow capped mountains, cows and gorgeous clear lakes with beautiful greenery everywhere was just gorgeous.

    INNTRAVEL NOTE: These customers combined our Lakes & Julian Alps week with the short break Austria's Lake District

  • Mrs S Ferguson
    Australia
    25 September 2018

    Best thing was that we decided to have 3 nights in both places. The weather gods were looking after us and we had five perfect days with five excellent and varied walks. 

  • Miss S Kirkland
    London
    13 August 2018

    Thank you - I was recommended to use you by a friend and I have come back singing your praises and hope one of my friends use you. I would recommend staying in Salzburg on way as it's a lovely place and made a great end to my holiday. The Salzburg card is excellent value for money and 2-day and 3-day cards are great value when you consider they cover all transport costs.

  • Mrs S Powell
    Bromsgrove
    11 August 2018

    A superb holiday, well organised and excellent walking routes. Well worth a trip on the cable car still if you are choosing a low level walk from Gosauhof as the views are superb. Loved going across the lake at Hallstatt and you can get the boat from Hallstatt to Ubersee at the top of the lake on the way back then dona short walk back to the hotel if you don’t wish to walk all the way back. 

  • Mrs J Young
    Norwich
    09 July 2018

    We were very happy to be able to combine four holidays into one glorious twelve day Austria experience. Every aspect of the holiday went to plan. The city breaks at the beginning and the end of the trip were a brilliant way to visit palaces and museums while during the middle section we hiked through the most incredible scenery. Throughout the holiday we had fabulous food and there was always a warm welcome at our accommodation. I recommend Inntravel holidays to everyone.

     

    INNTRAVEL NOTE: Mrs Young combined our city stays in Salzburg & Vienna with Austria's Lake District short walking break and a few nights for more walking at the Hotel Matschner in Ramsau

  • Mr P Wythe
    Kenya
    19 August 2017

    The selection of walks was excellent and we took all the options to extend, plus some not in the guide book. The hotels were wonderful rest places and the food excellent after long hard days of walking. The beauty of the lakes with the backdrop of the mountains provided an excellent setting for a fantastic holiday.

  • Mrs H Nicholas
    Northwich
    29 July 2017

    Excellent holiday. Staff very helpful and welcoming in the hotels.

  • Mrs E Taylor
    Fordingbridge
    21 July 2017

    We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday and the combination of walking and a stay in Munich worked really well.  We were particularly impressed with Landhotel Agathawirt - excellent service and wonderful food.  Hotel Torbraeu was a superb choice - comfortable spacious room and within easy walking distance of the main sights.

     

    [INNTRAVEL NOTE: Mrs Taylor combined 'Austria's Lake District' with our 'Lakes & Mountains' walk based at the Hotel Matschner in Ramsau, and also a city add-on in Munich.]

  • Mr A Saunders
    Winchester
    10 July 2017

    We loved sitting on the terrace of the Hotel Gosauerhof in the sun before evening meals, enjoying a drink and gazing at the Dachstein Mountains. Also the walk up to the Hinterer Gosausee was well worth the extra effort.

  • Ms C Berry
    USA
    19 June 2017

    Our personal highlights were the lovely remote cafes after a pleasant and sometimes challenging hike, and stunning views. We loved it all and wished we were staying longer! We loved our short walk around the village in the evening at Gosau. With a stunning sunset and music coming from the tiny church on the hill.  I recommend cautioning walkers about visiting Hallstatt. It was such a lovely walk along the lake to the boat but the town was completely, completely overrun with tourists. Almost got poked in the head with selfie sticks several times. 

  • Mr C Hassall
    Stroud
    16 June 2017

    A splendid short break walking holiday set in the glorious landscape of the lakes & mountains of Austria.

    Splendid 'local-flavoured' hospitality is most welcoming. The choices of routes makes every day enjoyable for you.
 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • We’ll send you route notes and maps 2-3 weeks before your holiday. The route notes not only contain directions to get from hotel to hotel, but also include practical information about places of interest and eateries along each route, plus cultural information about the area. If/when you are moving between hotels, you leave your luggage in reception as you leave, and it will be transferred ahead to your next accommodation, meaning that all you need to take with you are a camera, sun cream, drinks, food and waterproofs.

    For more detailed information, see our walking holidays in Europe page.
  • We can book a wide range of airlines and routes from the UK. As well as being more convenient for you to book all elements of your holiday together, it also means that we’ll accept liability for your travel arrangements, so if things go wrong, such as the airline going bust, we’ll make suitable alternative arrangements for you. For Europe and Morocco, there’s a £30 booking fee per person (£15 for children aged 2-11). For India and Nepal, the booking fee is £50 per person. More information on flights >
  • We can’t book flights that originate outside the UK, but if you wanted book your own flights to London (or elsewhere in the UK), we can make all onward travel arrangements (including flights) from there. Alternatively, if you are booking your own flights to an airport in continental Europe that’s appropriate for your holiday, we can book onward rail travel and/or taxis. More information about how we can tailor holidays for customers outside the UK >
  • Since our holidays are self-guided, we recommend calling us for a chat about your plans before making a booking, especially if it’s the first time you’ve booked with us.
    The price panel shows the supplement for a single room and also the single traveller charge (this covers (luggage) transfers and other costs which are usually shared between two people).
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

    You don’t have to buy our policy (if you live outside Europe you’ll definitely need to make your own arrangements, as the policy is only for UK and EU residents), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Austria, but not a visa (if you are travelling after 31 October 2019, see the Brexit question below for more information). If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found through the following NHS link: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/ You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). UK citizens should also obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) by applying at a Post Office or at www.ehic.org.uk. The EHIC allows reciprocal health care but should not be seen as a substitute for travel insurance. EHICs may cease to be valid in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
  • (Austrian) German is the most commonly spoken language. The currency is the Euro. Austrian time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • Even in the event of a no-deal Brexit, it’s been confirmed that flights will continue as normal and that you won’t need a visa to go on holiday (the limit on stays is 90 days). What you will need if there’s no deal is a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your arrival (extra months added because you renewed your passport early do not count) and adequate travel insurance to cover you for accidents and illness in case reciprocal health deals are suspended. If you are driving while on holiday, you will probably need an International Driving Permit (plus a Green Card if you are taking your own car to Europe). More information >
  • The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.
    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
Last fetch time is : 7/15/2019 3:26:16 PM