Blogger story: Ten lakes trekking with Travelinspired

Framed by mountains: Lake Fuschl

As soon as we step off the bus in Fuschl am See—the starting point of our hiking adventure—we’re instantly captivated. Lake Fuschl stretches out before us, framed by mountains and as picturesque as a postcard. A few vacationers are out paddling across the water or taking a refreshing swim. What a dream—this is the Salzkammergut in all its glory! We’ve had a multi-day trek through this breathtaking region on our wish list for years, and now we can’t wait to lace up our boots and set off on our first hike.

Beach promenade in Fuschl with a view of Lake Fuschl

Hiker with rain gear in front of bench with umbrella

Hiking trail in the forest with mountain river

From Lake Fuschl to Lake Mondsee

Our first stage takes us from Fuschl up to the Wartenfels castle ruins and onward to Lake Mondsee. Clouds hang low in the valley as the sun slowly begins to break through. In this magical morning light, we follow the marked trail leading us from Fuschl up to the ruins of Wartenfels. Suddenly, we spot three chamois grazing in a meadow below the imposing Schober peak. Not even an hour into our hike, and we’ve already had our first wildlife sighting—we’re thrilled!

After a fairly steep climb, we’re rewarded with a phenomenal view from the Wartenfels castle ruins. The idyllic Salzkammergut landscape, with Lake Fuschl and Lake Mondsee below, stretches out at our feet. It’s the perfect spot for a well-earned break. We then make our way down through lush forests and across alpine meadows toward Lake Mondsee. At the beautifully designed lakeside promenade, we cool off with some ice cream and watch the swans and tour boats glide by. What a fantastic and varied day on the trail!

Mondsee with boat and view of the Schafsberg

Through the Burggraben Gorge

On our second day trekking in the Salzkammergut, adventure calls as we take on the challenging Valerie Trail through the Burggraben Gorge. The clear skies from the day before have given way to rain, so we carefully navigate slippery roots and slick rocks. The powerful roar of the Klausbach stream accompanies us as we cross narrow bridges and pass cascading waterfalls, fully immersed in the wild beauty of this dramatic landscape. Eventually, the trail leads us out of the gorge and onto a high plateau blanketed with lush, green alpine meadows. The grazing cows are unfazed by the rain. We’re already looking forward to a hearty meal at the mountain hut by Lake Schwarzensee. Moving steadily along the wide path, we soon reach the beautiful mountain lake, shrouded in mist and clouds, giving it an almost mystical feel.

A bit wet and chilled to the bone, we finally arrive at the hut where a crackling fire offers a warm welcome. Wrapped in the cozy glow, we dig into delicious topfen schmarrn—fluffy curd cheese pancakes—and savory spinach dumplings, replenishing our energy. Feeling revived, we head down toward St. Wolfgang on Lake Wolfgang, where a small ferry takes us across to Abersee on the far shore—marking the end of a day full of contrasts and unforgettable moments.

Hiking through the Burggrabenklamm gorge with a view of a waterfall

Hiker hikes through the Burggrabenklamm gorge on a narrow hiking trail

Boathouses on the misty Lake Wolfgang

The third stage of our trekking journey through the Salzkammergut takes us from Abersee to Bad Ischl. We follow the trail along Lake Wolfgang, heading toward Strobl. Along the way, we pass the beautiful Blinklingmoos nature reserve, where informational signs reveal fascinating details about the local plants and wildlife. Rustic boathouses line the lakeside promenade in Strobl. Because the water temperature is warmer than the air, steam rises gently off the surface of Lake Wolfgang, creating a mesmerizing, misty atmosphere. We’re completely captivated by the mystical mood.

From there, we continue following the trail along the Ischler Ache stream. Low-hanging branches form a natural canopy above us, making it feel like we’re walking through a leafy tunnel. After several kilometers beside the river, our hiking luck runs out—the path has turned into a rushing stream itself thanks to the heavy rain. Where are our rain boots when we really need them? Reluctantly, we turn back and catch the bus from Strobl to Bad Ischl, where we find comfort in Salzburger Nockerl at the famous Café Zauner.

Boat on Lake Attersee in rainy weather and with a view of fishermen's houses

Exploring Lake Altaussee

On the fourth day, rain pounds against our hotel window and shows no sign of letting up. On top of that, it’s questionable whether our hiking route in the higher elevations is even doable because of the snow. So, taking a tip from the Eurohike app’s bad-weather suggestions, we hop on a train and bus straight to Altaussee. The Altaussee lake is framed by steep, snow-covered mountains. It must be absolutely stunning here on a clear day! Despite the rain, we explore the village and the lake, admire the wooden boathouses, and visit the salt graduation tower in Altaussee. Salty water trickles down walls made of fresh fir branches — a real treat for the respiratory system.

Quaint restaurant on the banks of the Traun in Bad Ischl

Hallstatt: a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hooray — the next morning dawns a bit brighter. With just a light drizzle falling, we hit the trail, eager for today’s hike. Following the Altausseer Traun River, we make our way toward Bad Aussee, a charming town known for its beautifully landscaped spa park and the striking Mercedes Bridge. This spot marks the geographic center of Austria. Continuing along the river, we hike toward Bad Aussee train station. By now, the rain has picked up again, so we decide to shorten our trek by taking the train from Bad Aussee to Obertraun, then continue hiking from there to Hallstatt station. At the pier, we discover that the ferry across Lake Hallstatt isn’t running due to high water levels—what bad luck! So, we hike the three kilometers back to Obertraun and catch a bus to our stage destination: Hallstatt. Even under gray skies, Hallstatt captures our hearts. Brightly painted houses frame the market square, adding color to the overcast day, while along the lake shore, rustic boathouses and weathered wooden cabins welcome us with their quiet, timeless charm.

The Soleleitungsweg: A Hike Through Alpine History

Our sixth and final stage in the Salzkammergut takes us along the historic Soleleitungsweg to Bad Ischl. In the morning, we visit the fascinating Salt Mines in Hallstatt—well worth the stop—before setting off from Bad Goisern, following the Traun River toward Lauffen. The trail winds through small villages and along a steep rock face high above the river, where we spot several fire salamanders. We’re delighted by the striking black-and-yellow creatures! In Lauffen—the smallest municipality in the Salzkammergut—the Traun thunders dramatically through narrow rapids, adding a final dash of adventure to our trek. From here, we hop on public transport back to Fuschl am See, where our eventful hiking journey through the Salzkammergut comes to a close.

Our conclusion

We thoroughly enjoyed the Ten Lakes Trekking Tour in Austria. The Salzkammergut region, with its countless lakes, charming towns, and breathtaking mountain scenery, is truly a hiker’s dream. We especially loved spending each night in a different idyllic spot, usually near the water. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side this time, and we weren’t able to complete all the stages as planned. A real pity—but we made the most of it! Thankfully, the bad-weather tips in the Eurohike app were a real lifesaver and helped us turn even the rainiest days into memorable adventures. Head over to Travelinspired for the full story.

Ten lakes trekking in the Salzkammergut