Introduction 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 region, where the people continue to wear Lederhosen and Dirndls, and where typical Austrian fare, with an accent on fish from the lakes, is enjoyed.
Terrain: lakeside paths, high meadows, broad ridges Accommodation: three 3-star hotels Meals: breakfast each day, dinner on 5 nights Climate: Austrian summers are warm and sunny, with pleasant mountain breezes – perfect walking conditions. Temperatures average 16.5°C in June, rising to around 20°C in July and August.
Travel Starting point: Agathawirt (3*), St Agatha. The centuries-old Agathawirt is full of Austrian charm and carved wood furniture. The Schenner family offers a warm welcome and good, traditional cuisine. There is an attractive terrace and a small covered pool.
Itinerary Day 1: for your day at St Agatha we suggest circular walk uphill across lush alpine pastures with spectacular views of the mountains. Have lunch (pay locally) at the restaurant at Hütteneckalm, overlooking the Bad Ischl area where the emperors holidayed in the 19th century, before returning to St Agatha across more meadows. If this walk doesn't appeal (it is more strenuous than the rest of the routes on the holiday), you can enjoy our other suggested walk, a gentler option to the enchanting village of Bad Goisern. (14.5km, 5hrs or 8.5km, 2.5hrs) Accommodation: Agathawirt, as above.
Day 2: with its dramatic fusion of mountain and lake, this is a splendid and thoroughly enjoyable walk. You follow the Ostuferweg, an easy path that leads alongside the edge of Hallstättersee, at the very foot of the mountains, sometimes along boardwalks. The day ends with a delightful journey across the lake on the steamer from Obertraun to historic Hallstatt (pay locally). Approaching via the lake, you get the best views of the village and can appreciate how the houses clamber up the slope, seemingly one on top of the other. (8km, 2.5hrs) Accommodation: Grüner Baum (3*), Hallstatt. This former salt merchant's house enjoys an excellent location in the village – it opens out onto the market square yet to the rear has an idyllic terrace by the water's edge. As there are several atmospheric restaurants in the town besides the hotel's own, your stay here is on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 3: there are plenty of options for your day at Hallstatt. Choose to spend the day exploring this charming village, or take the funicular (pay locally) to the salt mines to which the village owes its prosperity. Alternatively, you can return to Obertraun and take the cable car into the high mountains for a gentle stroll through the panoramic meadows at an altitude of 2,000 metres, perhaps visiting the caves with their superb ice formations. (8km, 2.5hrs) Accommodation: Grüner Baum, as above.
Day 4: the day starts with a taxi transfer to Gosau, offering spectacular views of the Dachstein range. After dropping off your luggage you continue by taxi to Vorderer Gosauersee, where a scenic path leads along the lake's wooded shores and those of its neighbour. After walking round the two lakes, you can return to Gosau by bus (pay locally). (10km, 3hrs) Accommodation: Gosauerhof (3*), Gosau. With the warm hospitality and locally renowned cuisine of sisters Anni and Brigitte Laserer, this is the perfect place to unwind and appreciate the mountain scenery.
Day 5: 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. (9km, 3.5hrs) Accommodation: Gosauerhof, as above.
Day 6: we suggest a final walk that ascends steadily through a forest in which you may see tree-creepers, woodpeckers and squirrels. You reach a popular walkers' café in a clearing and from here descend gently back to Gosau. (9km, 4hrs) Accommodation: Gosauerhof, as above.
Recommendations for extra nights: Grüner Baum (Hallstatt) so that you can do all the options available to you, or Agathawirt (St Agatha) so that you can enjoy both walks there.
Recommended destination airports: Munich & Salzburg Latest flight arrival time: Munich 1430; Salzburg flexible Earliest flight departure time: Munich 1500; Salzburg flexible Extra nights can be booked at any hotel Start: any day
