Salzalpensteig Trail | Eurohike Hiking Holiday

233 Kilometers

from Prien am Chiemsee to Obertraun

1.663 Meters

highest point at Hochfelln

18 Stages

from Bavaria into Austria

May to October

Best time to travel

Premium Hiking Path

certified by the German Hiking Institute

Route & Itinerary

The Salzalpensteig Trail stretches approximately 230 kilometers (143 miles) from Prien am Chiemsee in Germany to Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt in Austria. The route unfolds over 18 diverse stages, taking you through historic salt towns, idyllic alpine meadows and lakes, and soaring mountain ridges. Highlights include Hochfelln, the Alte Saline in Bad Reichenhall, the Königssee, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hallstatt.

The hiking path is well-marked throughout and mostly follows easy-to-walk paths. Our Salzalpensteig Trail tours are classified as "mountain hiking" and are designed for sure-footed hikers who want to immerse themselves in the history of “white gold” at every step.

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

All Tours on the Salzalpensteig Trail

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

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Questions and Answers about hiking the Salzalpensteig Trail

Where does the Salzalpensteig Trail start?

The Salzalpensteig Trail starts in Prien am Chiemsee and ends in Obertraun. The hiking path stretches across two countries, Germany and Austria, specifically from Bavaria to the Salzkammergut.

When is the best time to experience the Salzalpensteig Trail ?

The best time to travel for a hiking tour on the Salzalpensteig Trail is from May to October.

Who is hiking the Salzalpensteig Trail suitable for?

Our hiking tours on the Salzalpensteig Trail fall under our category "mountain hiking". The route leads over good hiking paths through the beautiful mountain world in southern Germany and Austria. With a good basic level of fitness and surefootedness, the hiking tours on the Salzalpensteig are guaranteed to be a wonderful active experience.

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

The Salzalpensteig Trail stretches over 230 kilometers and takes you through approximately 4,000 to 5,000 meters of ascent and descent along the entire route.

How long are the daily stages on the Salzalpensteig Trail?

On the daily stages of our hiking tours on the Salzalpensteig Trail, you cover between 11 and 23 kilometers of hiking per day.

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

On our hiking tours on the Salzalpensteig Trail you will spend the night in cosy hotels and accommodations.

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.

The Most Beautiful Places Along the Salzalpensteig Trail

Prien am Chiemsee

The starting point of the Salzalpensteig Trail, Prien am Chiemsee sits on the shores of the “Bavarian Sea” and offers a peaceful, idyllic setting—perfect for beginning your hike at a relaxed pace. Highlights include the scenic lakeside promenade and the charming Fraueninsel just offshore.

Bad Reichenhall

The spa town of Bad Reichenhall is famous for its historic Alte Saline and the Saltworks Trail, which showcases the region’s rich salt history. Nestled in the Berchtesgadener Alps, Bad Reichenhall offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and history.

Königssee

Königssee enchants with its emerald-green waters, framed by towering cliffs. Here, the alpine landscape reveals itself in all its clarity. A particularly striking sight is the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä, perched right on the lakeshore.

Gosau

Set amid alpine meadows and dramatic peaks, Gosau offers breathtaking views of the Dachstein. Its pristine landscapes and proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hallstatt make it an ideal stop for hikers seeking both scenery and tranquility.

Bad Goisern

On the shores of Lake Hallstatt, Bad Goisern exudes the classic charm of the Salzkammergut. Traditional accommodations, regional cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect place to rest and refuel before or after a stage of your tour.

Hallstatt

The cultural heart of the Salzalpensteig, Hallstatt is nestled between the lake and surrounding mountains, with saltworks dating back thousands of years. The village seamlessly blends history and nature — whether strolling through its historic center or a quiet pause by the lakeshore, every moment leaves a lasting impression.

The Most Beautiful Stages on the Salzalpensteig Trail

Grassau – Brachtalm

18 Kilometers | ↗ 1.100 Meters | ↘ 690 Meters

This varied stage takes you from Grassau, via Marquartstein, up into the Chiemgau Alps. The trail winds through forests and alpine meadows, offering breathtaking views of the Achental valley and Lake Chiemsee along the way. A highlight is the idyllic Schnappenkirche, which provides a wonderful panoramic view.

Brachtalm - Bergen

↔ 9 Kilometers | ↗ 1.040 Meters | ↘ 570 Meters

From Brachtalm, the route passes over alpine meadows and a high moor to Vorderalm, then descends steeply into the valley of the Weiße Achen. After a short stretch along the stream, the trail ascends through forest and rocky terrain to the Hochfelln summit. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of Lake Chiemsee and the surrounding Alps, before taking the cable car comfortably down to Bergen.

Ramsau – Königssee

↔ 19 Kilometers | ↗ 1.120 Meters | ↘ 1.160 Meters

From Ramsau, the path follows the historic Saltworks Trail, passing Gasthaus Gerstreit and Berggasthof Söldenköpfl with its stunning valley views. The trail then descends through forests and small settlements to Engedey before climbing to the Grünsteinhütte. From the summit, enjoy a remarkable panorama of Königssee. The stage concludes with a descent along the Klingerweg to the lakeshore, the destination of the day.

Abtenau – Annaberg

↔ 14 Kilometers| ↗ 1.210 Meters | ↘ 1.160 Meters

Starting in Abtenau, the trail ascends through forests and alpine meadows, passing the Karkogelhütte and winding through the nature reserve beneath the Kleiner Traunstein to reach Gsengalm. The route then descends between Schober and Großer Traunstein, crossing meadows and forested areas before arriving in Annaberg in the Lammertal valley. This stage offers stunning panoramic views and varied alpine scenery.

Annaberg – Gablonzer Hütte

↔ 11 Kilometers | ↗ 1.270 Meters | ↘ 520 Meters

From Annaberg, the trail winds over meadows and small paths, providing views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass sights such as the Kopflackenmann, Mutter Anna on Kopfberg, and early glimpses of the Gosaukamm. The path continues through forest trails, alpine pastures, and past a small waterfall before reaching the Gablonzer Hütte, where the stage concludes.

Gosau – Bad Goisern

↔ 14 Kilometers | ↗ 980 Meters | ↘ 1.220 Meters

This stage starts in Gosau and ascends via roads, forest, and woodland paths to Iglmoosalm, the Jadthütte, and finally the Goiserer Hütte, offering spectacular views. The trail then descends in switchbacks past Trockentannalm and the Schüttbach. Shortly before reaching Bad Goisern, you cross the Traun River and finish the stage at the Tourist Information center via the Kurpark.

Why choose to Hike the Salzalpensteig Trail?

Alps Up Close

Chiemgau, Berchtesgaden, and Dachstein Alps.

3 Regions

Discover the diversity of Bavaria, Salzburg, and Upper Austria.

3 Lakes

Breathtaking views of Lake Chiemsee, Lake Königssee & Lake Hallstatt.

Salt Regions

Hallstatt, Bad Reichenhall, and Berchtesgaden.

UNESCO World Heritage

Hallstatt–Dachstein/Salzkammergut.

Travel Stories on the Salzalpensteig Trail

Hiker in front of an autumnal mountain panorama

September 18, 2023

Team on Tour

Travel story: hiking the Salzalpensteig Trail in six stages

Finally, the waiting is over: I get to explore my first "Team Members on Tour" trip for myself on the long-distance hiking trail of the Salzalpensteig Trail, and on two different sections at once. I hike the first three stages of the Salzalpensteig Trail 1 from Lake Chiemsee to Ruhpolding together with my friend Hannes. With my mum I can discover the last three stages on the Salzalpensteig Trail 2 from Abtenau to Bad Goisern. I am happy to bring you closer to the hike on the Salzalpensteig Trail in my travel report!

SF_Kolarik

July 19, 2022

Lifestyle & Health

The most beautiful hiking holidays during the Salzburg Festival

When the flags of the Salzburg Festival fly on the Staatsbrücke-bridge in Salzburg, the gardens of the restaurants are wonderfully decorated and the historic centre wraps itself in a particularly festive outfit, it is finally that time again – the fifth season can begin. The festival program is packed with operas, plays and concerts – the Festival and UNESCO World Heritag City of Salzburg is ready for six weeks full of highlights and festival guests dressed up in wonderful attire. The Salzburg Festival is a fixed point in the cultural calendar not only for many international visitors, but also for numerous locals. What there is to experience at the world’s largest cultural festival in Salzburg, why hiking and culture can be combined so wonderfully and where an individual hiking holiday is particularly good at this time of year, we will tell you on our HikingBlog.

Panoramic views while hiking in the Altmühltal

Naturpark Altmühltal

December 9, 2020

Quality & premium hiking trails in Germany

Hiking tours with Eurohike are not only perfectly planned – from the travel documents, the maps or the carefully selected hotels and accommodation – but they also take you to the dreamiest places in Germany. For us at Eurohike, it is not only very important to lead you to the most beautiful places and dreamy hiking routes, the hiking paths should also be subject to a clear quality criteria. There are certified hiking trails in Germany that promise unlimited hiking pleasure and hiking quality at the highest level. With Eurohike you will experience perfect hiking quality and pure active pleasure in nature on your hiking holidays in Germany. You can now read all about the difference between quality hiking trails and premium hiking trails, what criteria these trails are subject to and what makes these routes so special on our blog.

Salzalpensteig 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.