Salzalpensteig 2

This hiking tour takes you on a journey from Bavaria to Upper Austria, following the trail of salt, which has been integral to the regions in and around the Salzkammergut. Along this adventure, you can expect to be surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges, verdant forests, meadows, and pristine lakes.

Your route follows ancient salt paths steeped in legends, leading you from one highlight to the next. It all begins at the stunning Lake Königssee, nestled within the Berchtesgaden National Park, and then continues through the shadow of the formidable Tennengebirge mountain range, ultimately reaching the World Heritage region of Dachstein. You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely boat ride to the world-famous St. Bartholomä church before venturing on to the renowned salt towns of Berchtesgaden and Hallein.

During your journey, consider visiting one of the salt mines along this extensive border-crossing walking path. You can choose between Dürrnberg, a site that has a history dating back to the Celts for salt harvesting, or the prehistoric salt mining town of Hallstatt. In between these destinations, you'll hike along winding high-altitude trails and experience awe-inspiring mountain scenery with incredible vistas. Along the way, immerse yourself in the authentic Bavarian-Austrian atmosphere, with numerous charming alpine huts nestled amidst lush, flowery alpine pastures inviting you to take a well-deserved break.

Details about the hiking holiday in the Salzalpensteig 2

You will travel on well-marked hiking trails from the beautiful Königssee in Bavaria, through the Tennengebirge mountains, over the Dachstein region to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hallstatt. After a scenic boat trip to the legendary pilgrimage chapel of St. Bartholomä, the salt mines in Dürrnberg and Hallstatt are next on the agenda.

The highlights of this walking holiday at a glance:

• Unique views: See the Tennengebirge, the Dachstein Glacier, the Krippenstein and many other imposing mountain ranges.

• Salt pipeline and salt mines: The historic mines on the Dürrnberg or in Hallstatt – choose one or visit both!

• Romantic huts: These can be found in Abtenau and Annaberg. Enjoy delicious regional delicacies on the rustic ‘Gsengalm’.

Worth knowing about the hiking tour on the Salzalpensteig 2

Start your eight-day hiking holiday in Schönau am Königssee in the Berchtesgadener Land. From there, you hike to Bad Dürrnberg, Hallein and Golling. Along the Salzach, the paths then lead through the breathtaking Lammeröfen on the Pass Lueg. Finally, you arrive in Scheffau, where you can see the Tennengebirge up close.

Other idyllic places on the tour plan are Annaberg, Abtenau, and Gosau with Lake Gosausee and Bad Goisern. On the penultimate day of the mountain hiking tour, you can stroll through the world-famous town of Hallstatt. The trails are good but require good basic fitness on some climbs.

Route summary

Beautiful and well-maintained hiking paths, a few longer ascents require a good basic fitness level and in parts surefootedness. If you like alp scenery, views far into the distance and some altitude, you will really enjoy this tour. You will be enchanted by the high-altitude paths with views of the fascinating mountain world!

This tour has been graded as Challenging. Find out more about our walking holiday difficulty levels.