The BergeSeen Trail | Eurohike Walking Holidays

374
Kilometers

across the Salzkammergut

23 stages

through mountain and lake landscapes

13.400

total meters of ascent and descent

Tauplitzalm

highest point at 1.630  meters

May - October

best time to travel

Route & Itinerary

The BergeSeen Trail stretches 374 kilometers across the Salzkammergut, connecting clear mountain lakes, hidden gorges, and expansive highlands into a route full of surprises. Each section has its own character: from narrow paths along rocky ridges to flat stretches through tranquil moorlands.

Well-marked signposts – the yellow “S” on a black background – reliably guide the way, making the route easy to follow even without prior local knowledge.

Depending on the stage, the hiking path caters to different difficulty levels and to everyone who wants to experience Austria’s nature in all its diversity – from ambitious long-distance hikers to relaxed explorers seeking peace off the beaten tourist paths.

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

All tours on the BergeSeen Trail

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

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Questions and Answers about hiking the BergeSeen Trail

Where does the BergeSeen Trail start?

The Bergeseen Trail starts in Gmunden and leads through 23 stages across the impressive mountain and lake landscape of the Salzkammergut.

When is the best time to experience the BergeSeen Trail?

We recommend the months of May until October as the ideal hiking season to experience the BergeSeen Trail.

Who is hiking on the BergeSeen Trail suitable for?

Whether you enjoy moderate walking or trekking, you can expect a varied selection of hiking tours for every difficulty level. Those who love the diverse landscape of the Salzkammergut are guaranteed to find their own personal dream route here. For carefree hiking days, we recommend a good level of fitness and suitable hiking equipment.

How long is the BergeSeen Trail and how much elevation gain does it include?

The total length of the BergeSeen Trail stretches 374 kilometers and over 14,000 meters of elevation gain.

How long are the daily stages on the BergeSeen Trail?

The daily walking time on the BergeSeen Trail is between 4 and 6 hours, depending on your choice of route. Particularly convenient: many of the sections can also be shortened easily by public transport.

What types of hotels or accommodations are included on the BergeSeen Trail?

On our hiking tours on the BergeSeen Trail, you will stay in beautiful hotels and accommodations. Even more comfort and that little bit extra in feel-good and relaxation options await you on our hiking tours with charm.

How does luggage transfer work with Eurohike?

Your luggage is collected from your accommodation each morning between 8 and 9 a.m. and will be waiting for you at the next hotel in the evening (between 4 and 7 p.m.), allowing you to hike completely relaxed, carrying only light day packs.

Hikers enjoy the Dachstein view at Lake Gosau

Panoramic view of the Dachstein from the Neustattalmen

Two hikers on the Elisabeth Bridge in Bad Ischl

The Most Beautiful Places Along the BergeSeen Trail

St. Gilgen on Lake Wolfgang

St. Gilgen is located on the northern shore of Lake Wolfgang and is a small, well-kept community. Here, you’ll find quaint shops, cafés, and restaurants right by the lakeside. The Zwölferhorn Cable Car offers a convenient ride up the mountain of the same name, providing stunning views of Lake Wolfgang and the surrounding hills.

St. Wolfgang in the Salzkammergut

St. Wolfgang lies on the western shore of Lake Wolfgang and is famous for its pilgrimage church and the iconic “Hotel Weißes Rössl”. Numerous cafés and restaurants line the lakeside promenade. For panoramic views, visitors can take the Schafberg Railway to the Schafberg – from the top, it’s easy to see why the town is so well-known.

Hallstatt & Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt

Hallstatt naturally captures the eye: this market town sits right on the lake, snugly nestled between cliffs and water. Its historic houses and narrow streets give it a charming, timeless character. Across the lake, Obertraun is quieter, making it an ideal base for mountain adventures, from exploring the Dachstein Caves to taking in the views from the 5fingers platform.

Altaussee & Grundlsee in the Ausseerland

Altaussee, nestled at the foot of the Loser mountain, is a small, nature-oriented village with access to the lake. Visitors can stroll, swim, or go boating here. Nearby Grundlsee is larger and more open, also great for strolls and water sports. Both villages offer a peaceful, authentic experience.

Tauplitz

Tauplitz in Styria is known for the Tauplitzalm. The high plateau, dotted with small lakes, meadows, and hiking trails, is perfect for summer exploration, while in winter it transforms into a ski resort. Tauplitz offers a convenient base for enjoying nature without the crowds.

Grünau in the Almtal

Grünau lies quietly in a valley surrounded by mountains and forests. The Almsee and Offensee lakes are crystal-clear and perfect for walks, paddling, or a refreshing swim. In this small village, you can feel the relaxed atmosphere of the region – simple, friendly, and close to nature.

The Most Scenic Stages on the BergeSeen Trail

Gmunden - Windlegern/Hochsteinalm

16 Kilometers | ↗ 720 Meters | ↘ 330 Meters

This first stage of the BergeSeen Trail leads from Gmunden via Altmünster and Neukirchen to the Windlegern Mountain Inn. The route begins leisurely along Lake Traunsee and through gently rolling farmland, before a steeper climb near Neukirchen. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of Lake Traunsee, Traunstein, and the Höllengebirge. The stage is mostly easy but requires surefootedness and stamina in the final section.

Fuschl am See – Faistenau

↔ 16 Kilometers | ↗ 660 Meters | ↘ 530 Meters

This stage runs from Fuschl am See over the Filbling to Faistenau, offering impressive views of Lake Fuschl, the Schafberg, and the Dachstein. The path first follows the southern shore of Lake Fuschl, passing Schloss Fuschl, before climbing the wooded Filbling. After reaching the summit with its beautiful views, the trail descends via the Sattelalm to Faistenau.

Bad Ischl – Bad Goisern

↔ 15 Kilometers | ↗ 950 Meters | ↘ 900 Meters

From Bad Ischl via the Katrin, this stage leads to Bad Goisern and marks roughly the halfway point of the BergeSeen Trail. The ascent follows forest and woodland paths to the Katrinalm, offering impressive views of Lake Hallstatt and the Dachstein. The long descent into the Traun Valley to Bad Goisern is challenging but can be shortened using the cable car.

Gosau-Hintertal– Hallstatt

↔ 20 Kilometers | ↗ 830 Meters | ↘ 1.090 Meters

Starting in Gosau-Hintertal, the path passes through Löckernmoos and the Plankensteinalm to reach Hallstatt. Along the way, hikers encounter natural and cultural landmarks such as the Schleifstein quarries, the Löckernmoos peat bog, and the prehistoric salt mining area beneath the Plassen. The route offers spectacular views of the Dachstein and Lake Hallstatt, ending at the famous World Heritage viewpoint above Hallstatt.

Bad Mitterndorf – Tauplitzalm

↔ 16 Kilometers | ↗ 890 Meters | ↘ 50 Meters

This stage of the BergeSeen Trail leads from Bad Mitterndorf up to the Tauplitzalm, one of the most beautiful high plateaus in the Eastern Alps. After an easy start through the wide valley floor with views of the mighty Grimming, the path climbs through forests and alpine pastures, offering stunning panoramas of the Totes Gebirge mountains. At the top, an idyllic lake landscape with meadows, larch groves, and several mountain inns awaits – a truly impressive high-alpine destination.

Gößl – Appelhaus

↔ 15 Kilometers | ↗ 1.280 Meters | ↘ 390 Meters

From Gößl on Lake Grundlsee, the path climbs over the scenic Lahngang Lakes into the wild Totes Gebirge. Amid rocks, dwarf pines, and alpine meadows, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. The goal is the cozy Albert-Appel-Haus, nestled in a larch forest – a peaceful resting spot in the midst of pristine high-mountain nature.

Why Choose to Hike the BergeSeen Trail?

35 Lakes

including Wolfgangsee, Hallstätter See & Grundlsee

20 Mountains

With views of Dachstein, Traunstein, Loser, and more

Panoramas

Mountains reflected in alpine lakes – especially stunning in the early morning

Historic Towns

Hallstatt, Bad Ischl, Gmunden, and Fuschl am See

Salinen Paths

Walkable historic salt transport paths near Hallstatt

Travel Stories on the BergeSeen Trail

July 29, 2025

Let the Power of Water Awaken Your Senses

Some places hold a unique kind of energy, radiating calm, clarity, and sometimes even awe. The moment you arrive, you feel it: this is a place that stays with you. Our hiking tours take you to unforgettable destinations and hidden gems — places that leave a lasting impression. Time and again, true places of power reveal themselves when your gaze falls on sparkling lakes, rushing rivers, or the vast sea. The opportunities to hike along or with views of water are nearly endless. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of our favorite tours where water takes center stage.

May 20, 2025

Following the Trail of Precious Salt

Salt, once incredibly precious, now a staple in every kitchen. Tracing its legacy through the Salzkammergut means stepping into thousands of years of history—and discovering one of Austria’s most breathtaking hiking regions. The BergeSeen Trail weaves together spectacular natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, leading hikers from shimmering lakes to storybook towns like St. Wolfgang, Gmunden, and Hallstatt—the birthplace of salt mining. Follow the path of the “white gold” through dramatic alpine landscapes, past rustic mountain huts, towering peaks, and silent witnesses of the past. Join us on a journey of discovery along the BergeSeen Trail, a one-of-a-kind long-distance route through the most beautiful corners of the Salzkammergut.

BergeSeen Trail: Your Benefits with Eurohike

Perfectly organized hiking tours

In Eurohike hiking vacations, you enjoy that extra level of service and comfort. From start to finish, our Eurohike travel specialists plan and organize your active vacation, giving you even more time to enjoy your active getaway. During your hiking tour, you can focus worry-free on what truly matters: the joy of hiking with your loved ones.

Comprehensive guidance from our travel specialists

Our experienced travel specialists are available to assist you at any time, both during the selection of your tour and throughout the booking process. Your wishes and concerns are our top priority, ensuring that your journey becomes the most beautiful time of the year.

Well-prepared travel information and route descriptions

All guests receive a comprehensive information package with detailed walking maps and travel documents including tips and information on culture, cuisine, country and people - tailored to the respective region and requirements of the individual walking tour. Every year, we review the route meticulously, and continually develop new variations that provide even more insights into the land and culture.

Accommodations with feel-good factor

After a wonderful day of cycling, you will be welcomed in our carefully selected accommodations in the evening. We choose our accommodations with care and consideration, always with a focus on their special orientation towards active vacationers and opportunities for evening relaxation. You'll experience that extra level of comfort on our charming hiking tours, where you can enjoy even more feel-good facilities and an added touch of indulgence.

Hiking without luggage

With us, you'll enjoy the most comfortable form of active vacation. Eurohike transports your luggage to the next accommodation every day. Leave the hotel in the morning with ease, and by evening, your bags will already be waiting at the next lodging. Experience a completely carefree hiking adventure across Europe with our luggage transfer!

Personal on-site support

Our Eurohike original tours are characterized above all by the personal touch for which we have been known for many years. For our original tours, you will be personally welcomed by our team members at the arrival destination. In an informational meeting, all details about the tour and the itinerary will be explained. Our on-site team is also available for tips and recommendations.

Exploring the most beautiful routes with our on Tour-App

We invest a lot of time and effort in crafting our routes and meticulously review them regularly. Thanks to the Eurobike & Eurohike on Tour app, navigating the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe becomes child's play, ensuring you don't miss any of the highlights along the way.

Travelife-Certification

We are certified as a sustainable tour operator! Our green actions have been officially confirmed by Travelife - an international certification programme for sustainability management in the travel industry. We had to fulfil over 260 criteria in various areas: from environmental protection and energy-saving measures to emissions management and consumer protection.