Ten Lakes Trekking in the Salzkammergut: hiking between mountains and

From Lake Fuschl to Lake Mondsee

For this year’s hiking adventure, we opted for the 8-day version of the Ten Lakes Trekking Tour. The route covers six hiking stages that showcase the most breathtaking lakes in the Salzkammergut region. Some sections are connected by convenient bus, train, or boat transfers, making the entire journey seamless and stress-free. We felt fully prepared for our multi-day trek through Austria thanks to Eurohike’s comprehensive travel documents. The Eurobike & Eurohike on Tour app was a game-changer, providing detailed stage-by-stage descriptions and great recommendations for local spots to stop and eat.

Our hiking adventure begins on the shores of the emerald-green Lake Fuschl. Right from the start, a steep trail leads us up to the Wartenfels castle ruins. The climb is well worth the effort: once at the top, we are treated to a sweeping panoramic view of three lakes at once—Lake Fuschl, Lake Mondsee, and Lake Irrsee. After a hearty mountain lunch at the Wartenfels Forsthaus, our path heads downhill through forest trails and blooming meadows. In the distance, we can already see Lake Mondsee glistening in the sun. Reaching our destination for the day, we settle in with some ice cream on the lively lakeside promenade and soak up the wonderful vacation atmosphere of Mondsee.

Wooden boathouse with tower on Fuschlsee with turquoise water, boats underneath, and green mountains in the background under cloudy sky.

Two hikers sitting on stone wall at Mondsee with wooden boathouse, pier, and forested mountains in background under blue sky.

White passenger boat on calm Lake Mondsee with mountain backdrop. Blue sky with clouds reflects in the water.

Through Burggrabenklamm Gorge to Lake Wolfgang

The next morning, a quick bus ride takes us from Lake Mondsee to Lake Attersee, the largest lake in the region. A total highlight is the narrow Burggrabenklamm gorge, which we navigate via steep trails equipped with safety cables and wooden boardwalks. Beneath us, the water thunders through the breathtaking canyon. Once we reach the top, the rustic Moosalm hut awaits with cold drinks. Our journey continues through idyllic alpine meadows to Lake Schwarzensee, where we take a long lunch break and enjoy a "Brettljause"—a traditional wooden platter of local meats and cheeses. In the afternoon, we reach the famous town of St. Wolfgang. After a stroll through its charming, bustling alleys, we board a boat across the turquoise waters of Lake Wolfgang to our final destination for the day, Strobl.

Lakeside village on Wolfgangsee with church tower, traditional houses, and forested mountains under clear blue sky.

Via Lake Nussensee to Bad Ischl

Today’s stage is a more leisurely one. Leaving Lake Wolfgang, we follow the winding path of the Ischl River, famous for its abundance of fish, as it meanders through the picturesque landscape. We hike through small hamlets and uphill toward Lake Nussensee, a hidden gem of a mountain lake surrounded by dense forests.

After a short break, the trail leads us into Bad Ischl, the historic heart of the Salzkammergut. Here, we walk in the footsteps of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi, passing the Imperial Villa (Kaiservilla), the Kurpark, and grand historic squares. In the afternoon, we simply drift through the streets and enjoy coffee and cake in one of the city's legendary, old-world coffee houses.

Two hikers with backpacks standing on sandy shore of Nussensee, surrounded by forested hills under blue sky with white clouds.

Four hikers with backpacks standing in a stream before a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush green forest.

Hiker with blue backpack on wooden bridge over rushing Koppentraun river, surrounded by green forest and misty mountains.

Hiker with backpack walking through green meadow on Goiserer Almweg. Alpine huts and forest visible, mountains in background under cloudy sky.

Heading into the Styrian Ausseerland

On day four, we take the train from Bad Ischl to Steeg/Bad Goisern. From there, we join the Salzkammergut Trail, which leads us into the Styrian portion of the region—the beautiful Ausseerland.

Hiking along the Goiserer Almweg, we are treated to dreamlike views of Lake Hallstatt and the surrounding mountain ranges. The Römerweg (Roman Path) then leads us through mossy forests to the Pflindsberg ruins. From a wooden observation tower, we soak in the sight of the deep-blue Lake Altaussee before descending a steep trail alongside a rushing waterfall. As a thunderstorm begins to roll in, we pick up the pace and hop on a bus to reach our destination for the day, Bad Aussee.

Hiker with blue backpack at wooden fence viewpoint overlooking forested mountain near Bad Goisern on the Ten Lakes Trek.

Group of five hikers with backpacks posing at Hallstatt lakeside. Historic village and mountains visible in background under blue sky.

Female hiker with blue backpack viewing Hallstatt village across calm lake waters, surrounded by steep forested mountains under blue sky.

Hiker with backpack ascending stone steps on Burggrabenklamm Valerieweg trail beside a rocky cliff with safety rope, surrounded by green forest.

Hiker with backpack walking on narrow forest path lined with white wildflowers and lush green vegetation among tall coniferous trees.

Hallstatt: A UNESCO World Heritage Treasure

After a night of rain, we set out through the secluded Koppen Valley. This stretch of the trail truly lives up to its nickname, the "Path Through the Wilderness." The Koppentraun River is our constant companion as we venture deeper into the narrow, rugged valley.

Leaving the gorge behind through a historic railway tunnel, we hike toward Obertraun, where we’re met with magnificent views of the Dachstein Mountains. By afternoon, we reach the world-famous Lake Hallstatt, which sits framed by steep mountain massifs like a Nordic fjord. We board a ferry to cross over to the village of Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the oldest salt mine in the world.

Traditional alpine houses of Hallstatt reflected in calm lake waters, with forested mountains rising steeply behind the village under blue sky.

Along the Soleleitungsweg to Bad Ischl

On our final day, we take the boat back across Lake Hallstatt. Our closing stage follows the historic Soleleitungsweg all the way to Bad Goisern. Considered one of the most beautiful trails in Austria, it offers stunning views with very little incline.

At the Rassingmühle trail stop, we enjoy one last traditional platter of local specialties before hiking through the scenic Kaltenbachau meadows back to Bad Ischl. Our journey comes to a perfectly relaxed end—sipping coffee and enjoying a slice of cake in a historic coffee house on the banks of the Ischl River.

View of Bad Ischl with a green footbridge crossing a river, colorful buildings, and mountain ranges under a blue sky with clouds.

Our Final Take: A High-Reward Journey

The Ten Lakes Trekking Tour in the Salzkammergut leads you through a picture-perfect landscape and is hiking at its most enjoyable. The stages are diverse and consistently manageable for most hikers. Every day offers something new: crystal-clear lakes, adventurous gorges, dense forests, charming villages, and, of course, an imposing mountain backdrop.

Especially during the summer months, the many lakes of the Salzkammergut are incredibly tempting. Whether you stop for a quick dip mid-hike or jump in once you reach your destination, a swim in the lake is the perfect way to cool off.

Ten Lakes Trekking in the Salzkammergut: Hiking between mountains and lakes