The pastoral Austrian Alps are like walking through the movie set of the Sound of Music. We spent two days hiking through the rolling mountains, lush with green grass and trees, which provide magnificent trails. There were hardly any other hikers in sight. We walked by old rail roads, wood chalets, along river banks, by small pristine lakes, and through private farms, making our way past roosters and cows feeding on the grass. It is truly breathtaking and so serene. 

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On our third day we went to Dachstein in the northern Austrian Alps. This rugged and rocky mountain is known for the expansive views from its peak and its glacier ice cave.

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Day 1

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Morning

We took the train to the Alps. It was very easy. I booked all the trains in advance, which was no problem. We took a train from Vienna to Attnang-Pucheim and then to Steeg-Goussau where we were picked up at the train station and brought to our hotel called Landhotel Agathawirt St. Agatha in Bad Goisem.

 

This hotel is a hiking and cycling hotel. They serve breakfast and dinner. It is a simple, clean hotel. Our room was upgraded to one with a balcony which was very nice as it had spectacular views. The food at the hotel is good. They have a choice of three options every dinner, including a vegetarian option.

 

Afternoon

Hike duration: 3 hours

We hiked to Bad Goissen. It was a nice hike. It took us a little while to understand the markings for the hiking trail and get on the correct trail but once we were on it, it was easy to follow. On the way there, we walked through a forested area and on the way back we walked through the pastures. It was very beautiful.

 

Day 2

Day hike

Hike duration: 6 hours

Today we walked to Halstatt. This was one of the highlights of our trip! Halstatt is so beautiful that the Chinese government built a man-made town to replicate the Austrian one. It is therefore filled with many Chinese tourists who have come to see the "real thing." The hike takes you through pastures, farms and along a river. Halstatt is on a small lake. The lake is pristine and the reflection of the town on the lake is picture perfect.

 

We took a ferry across the lake to the town. The ferry comes regularly. We wandered through the town for a couple of hours and had lunch. On our way back we stopped at a small café/restaurant which was on the route. There are several signs on the way for this restaurant. It was right on the river and it is a great place to have a beer and small snack in the afternoon.

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Day 3

Day hike

Hike duration: 3 hours

Today we went to Dachstein which is further in the Alps. It is located at a higher altitude with stunning Alpine views.  It has a glacier with an ice cave and is known for it's Skywalk, viewing platform. This is completely different from the pastoral walk of the previous day as it is much more rugged. They offer group tours into the ice cave which is the only way to get inside. The number of people who can enter at any one time is limited. The tour is interesting, although a little cold. At the end of the hike around the mountain, you take a cable car back down.  

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To get to Dachstein we took a bus, which was very easy and convenient. On the way back to the hotel, the bus was taking too long so we managed to get a taxi at the base of Dachstein.

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Day 4

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After breakfast we took the train to Salzburg. For ideas of things to do in Salzburg, see my Salzburg itinerary in 2 days.