Immerse yourself in the Austrian Salzkammergut, where majestic mountain ranges meet sparkling lakes and historical charm. Imagine watching the perfect reflection of the Dachstein glacier on the surface of the Gosausee in the morning mist, before taking a cable car to the Zwieselalm pastures, where only grazing cows accompany you on your walks. Visit the fairytale castle Schloss Ort and enjoy its unique atmosphere. This itinerary will guide you through unforgettable alpine scenery, where every day brings a new dose of breathtaking views, and there is much more to discover!
You'll arrive at Salzburg Airport, where you'll rent a car and head to your accommodation. You'll drive to the town, check in, and if you still have time, you can take a walk around and soak up the Austrian atmosphere.
Food is your responsibility, so I recommend going to the store.
You'll arrive at the airport, pick up your car, and head towards your accommodation. If you still have time, you can take a walk, go shopping, or have something good to eat at the nearby restaurants.
In the morning, you can head to the iconic Hallstatt. I recommend arriving early, as the town is very popular and there are fewer tourists in the morning. You can explore the town center, the church, the small streets, and have a coffee and a croissant with a view of the lake. If you like, there's a cable car from Hallstatt to Salzbergbahn, from where you'll have a bird's-eye view of Hallstatt.
In the afternoon, you'll head to Tressensteinwarte. A short hike to a viewing tower that offers stunning views of Altausseer See and Grundlsee, which is a larger lake often referred to as the "Sea of Styria."
Hallstatt is a picturesque Austrian town located on the lake of the same name in the Salzkammergut region, surrounded by the Alps. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. It is famous for its salt mining, which took place here as early as the Bronze Age. Thanks to its unique location and historical heritage, Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its narrow streets, traditional architecture and stunning views of the lake and mountains.
The Tressensteinwarte is an observation tower located above the spa town of Bad Aussee in the Austrian Salzkammergut region. The tower stands on the summit of the Tressenstein at an altitude of about 1,200 m above sea level and offers a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding Alps, lakes and valleys of the Ausseerland. The current modern steel and wood structure was opened in 2018 and has quickly become a popular destination for tourists and photographers.
Take the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car to the highest station. From there, it is a short walk to the iconic viewing platform "5 Fingers", which is five platforms in the shape of a hand hanging 400 meters above the abyss, with a magnificent view of Lake Hallstatt and the region.
From the highest station of Krippenstein, continue with the second (smaller) section of the cable car to Gjaidalm.
Gjaid Alm is a traditional mountain hut where you can have coffee, a snack or a full lunch.
The offer usually includes classic Austrian dishes, but you can always find vegetarian options (e.g. Käsespätzle - cheese noodles, soups or dumplings). Don't be afraid to ask, the service is very nice and you may even come across staff who speak Czech.
Obertraun is a picturesque village in the Austrian Salzkammergut region, located on the shores of Lake Hallstatt, near the famous town of Hallstatt. It is surrounded by the mountains of the Dachstein massif and is an ideal starting point for trips to the Dachstein caves and the 5 Fingers viewing platform. Thanks to its quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling Hallstatt, it is popular with tourists looking for nature, hiking and tranquility. In winter, Obertraun is also a popular center for skiing and winter sports.
Cable car ride
5 Fingers is a spectacular viewpoint consisting of five metal platforms protruding over a steep cliff. It offers breathtaking views of Lake Hallstatt and the surrounding Alps. Each "finger" has a different shape and function – for example, a glass floor or a photo frame. The place is a popular destination for tourists and photographers.
Gjaid Alm is a traditional mountain hut and alpine pasture in the Dachstein massif. It offers relaxation after hikes, local specialties and wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is popular as a starting or ending point for hiking and cycling tours in the region.
Take the cable car back to the original parking lot and then transfer to accommodation.
You'll start your morning with a leisurely walk around Lake Vorderer Gosausee, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and iconic views of the Dachstein massif, whose glacier is reflected on the surface.
The Gosaukammbahn cable car will take you directly to Zwieselalm, where you'll be surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and ideal terrain for walks, and you'll most likely encounter grazing cows or horses while wandering through the alpine pastures. This picturesque area with views of the imposing Gosaukamm massif is home to several traditional mountain huts, where you can relax after your hike and have a good coffee or taste local specialties.
Gosausee is a picturesque glacial lake in the Dachstein massif, surrounded by mountains and the Dachstein glacier. It is known for its crystal clear water and stunning panoramas that are reflected in the lake. It is popular for hiking, cycling, water activities and photography, especially at sunset.
Cable car ride.
The Gosaukammbahn cable car takes you from Lake Vorderer Gosausee directly to the top of Zwieselalm at an altitude of 1,475 meters above sea level. Here you will find an ideal starting point for hiking and tours around the alpine pastures, with wonderful panoramic views of the imposing Gosaukamm rock ridge and the entire Dachstein massif. From here you can easily walk to the Gablonzer Hütte, for example. You can buy a cable car ticket online here or buy it directly on site.
Transfer to the more northerly Traunsee. For all waterfall lovers, I have a beautiful stop here. Visit Traunfall, which are cascades and rapids on the Traun River. In the afternoon, you will visit the town of Gmunden with the Orth water castle. Here you can take the Grünberg Seilbahn cable car to Grünberg mountain with a walk along the Treetop Path (Baumwipfelpfad).
Traunfall is an impressive waterfall on the Traun River in Upper Austria, known for its immense power and beautiful natural scenery. The waterfall's surroundings offer hiking trails and viewpoints from which the waterfall can be safely admired and photographed.
Traunsee is the deepest lake in Upper Austria, surrounded by mountains and picturesque villages. It is known for its clear water and abundant opportunities for water sports, fishing and boating. The surrounding landscape is ideal for hiking, cycling and relaxing by the lake. The most famous landmark is Ort Castle, which stands on a small island in the lake.
Gmunden is a picturesque town on the shores of Traunsee in Upper Austria, known for its ceramics (Gmundner Keramik) and historic center with a lakeside promenade. The town offers a combination of culture, commerce, and tourism. Beautiful views of the lake and surrounding Alps, Ort Castle, and pleasant cafes invite relaxation and walks.
Schloss Ort is a historic castle situated on a small island in the Traunsee in Gmunden. Originally built in the 11th century, today it is known as a romantic landmark and cultural venue with tours, weddings, and exhibitions. It is accessible via a wooden bridge and offers picturesque views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
A relaxing day by the water. Relax on the beach (e.g., in Seewalchen or Attersee am Attersee), rent a boat, or enjoy a coffee overlooking the lake with breathtaking water color.
Lake Attersee is the largest lake in Upper Austria and a popular spot for water sports, boating, fishing, and swimming. Its clear water and surrounding mountains attract tourists and nature lovers alike. Along the lake, you'll find picturesque villages, cycling paths, and hiking trails with beautiful views.
Depending on your departure time, you can spend a day in Salzburg. Take a cable car ride to Hohensalzburg Fortress and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city below the Alps, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the unique atmosphere of Getreidegasse with its metal signs and end the day with a sweet treat in the form of a piece of real Austrian Sacher Torte. Let yourself be carried away by the city that inspired Mozart.
If you have time, you can visit Hohensalzburg Fortress (by funicular), which is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. The heart of the city is the historic center with the charming Getreidegasse alley, where you will find not only unique forged guild signs, but also the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A visit to Salzburg would not be complete without tasting traditional Austrian classics such as Sacher Torte.
At the airport, return the car and head towards your gate. Remember that you need to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance.
This itinerary combines active tourism with relaxation by the lake and cultural experiences in Salzburg. It is designed with optimal logistics for maximum experiences with minimum time spent in the car (thanks to the arrival in Salzburg). Get ready to be enchanted by Austria's beauty, where the mountains meet the water in perfect harmony.
Happy travels and unforgettable views!
Immerse yourself in the Austrian Salzkammergut, where majestic mountain ranges meet sparkling lakes and historical charm. Imagine watching the perfect reflection of the Dachstein glacier on the surface of the Gosausee in the morning mist, before taking a cable car to the Zwieselalm pastures, where only grazing cows accompany you on your walks. Visit the fairytale castle Schloss Ort and enjoy its unique atmosphere. This itinerary will guide you through unforgettable alpine scenery, where every day brings a new dose of breathtaking views, and there is much more to discover!
You'll arrive at Salzburg Airport, where you'll rent a car and head to your accommodation. You'll drive to the town, check in, and if you still have time, you can take a walk around and soak up the Austrian atmosphere.
Food is your responsibility, so I recommend going to the store.
You'll arrive at the airport, pick up your car, and head towards your accommodation. If you still have time, you can take a walk, go shopping, or have something good to eat at the nearby restaurants.
In the morning, you can head to the iconic Hallstatt. I recommend arriving early, as the town is very popular and there are fewer tourists in the morning. You can explore the town center, the church, the small streets, and have a coffee and a croissant with a view of the lake. If you like, there's a cable car from Hallstatt to Salzbergbahn, from where you'll have a bird's-eye view of Hallstatt.
In the afternoon, you'll head to Tressensteinwarte. A short hike to a viewing tower that offers stunning views of Altausseer See and Grundlsee, which is a larger lake often referred to as the "Sea of Styria."
Hallstatt is a picturesque Austrian town located on the lake of the same name in the Salzkammergut region, surrounded by the Alps. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. It is famous for its salt mining, which took place here as early as the Bronze Age. Thanks to its unique location and historical heritage, Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its narrow streets, traditional architecture and stunning views of the lake and mountains.
The Tressensteinwarte is an observation tower located above the spa town of Bad Aussee in the Austrian Salzkammergut region. The tower stands on the summit of the Tressenstein at an altitude of about 1,200 m above sea level and offers a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding Alps, lakes and valleys of the Ausseerland. The current modern steel and wood structure was opened in 2018 and has quickly become a popular destination for tourists and photographers.
Take the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car to the highest station. From there, it is a short walk to the iconic viewing platform "5 Fingers", which is five platforms in the shape of a hand hanging 400 meters above the abyss, with a magnificent view of Lake Hallstatt and the region.
From the highest station of Krippenstein, continue with the second (smaller) section of the cable car to Gjaidalm.
Gjaid Alm is a traditional mountain hut where you can have coffee, a snack or a full lunch.
The offer usually includes classic Austrian dishes, but you can always find vegetarian options (e.g. Käsespätzle - cheese noodles, soups or dumplings). Don't be afraid to ask, the service is very nice and you may even come across staff who speak Czech.
Obertraun is a picturesque village in the Austrian Salzkammergut region, located on the shores of Lake Hallstatt, near the famous town of Hallstatt. It is surrounded by the mountains of the Dachstein massif and is an ideal starting point for trips to the Dachstein caves and the 5 Fingers viewing platform. Thanks to its quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling Hallstatt, it is popular with tourists looking for nature, hiking and tranquility. In winter, Obertraun is also a popular center for skiing and winter sports.
Cable car ride
5 Fingers is a spectacular viewpoint consisting of five metal platforms protruding over a steep cliff. It offers breathtaking views of Lake Hallstatt and the surrounding Alps. Each "finger" has a different shape and function – for example, a glass floor or a photo frame. The place is a popular destination for tourists and photographers.
Gjaid Alm is a traditional mountain hut and alpine pasture in the Dachstein massif. It offers relaxation after hikes, local specialties and wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is popular as a starting or ending point for hiking and cycling tours in the region.
Take the cable car back to the original parking lot and then transfer to accommodation.
You'll start your morning with a leisurely walk around Lake Vorderer Gosausee, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and iconic views of the Dachstein massif, whose glacier is reflected on the surface.
The Gosaukammbahn cable car will take you directly to Zwieselalm, where you'll be surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and ideal terrain for walks, and you'll most likely encounter grazing cows or horses while wandering through the alpine pastures. This picturesque area with views of the imposing Gosaukamm massif is home to several traditional mountain huts, where you can relax after your hike and have a good coffee or taste local specialties.
Gosausee is a picturesque glacial lake in the Dachstein massif, surrounded by mountains and the Dachstein glacier. It is known for its crystal clear water and stunning panoramas that are reflected in the lake. It is popular for hiking, cycling, water activities and photography, especially at sunset.
Cable car ride.
The Gosaukammbahn cable car takes you from Lake Vorderer Gosausee directly to the top of Zwieselalm at an altitude of 1,475 meters above sea level. Here you will find an ideal starting point for hiking and tours around the alpine pastures, with wonderful panoramic views of the imposing Gosaukamm rock ridge and the entire Dachstein massif. From here you can easily walk to the Gablonzer Hütte, for example. You can buy a cable car ticket online here or buy it directly on site.
Transfer to the more northerly Traunsee. For all waterfall lovers, I have a beautiful stop here. Visit Traunfall, which are cascades and rapids on the Traun River. In the afternoon, you will visit the town of Gmunden with the Orth water castle. Here you can take the Grünberg Seilbahn cable car to Grünberg mountain with a walk along the Treetop Path (Baumwipfelpfad).
Traunfall is an impressive waterfall on the Traun River in Upper Austria, known for its immense power and beautiful natural scenery. The waterfall's surroundings offer hiking trails and viewpoints from which the waterfall can be safely admired and photographed.
Traunsee is the deepest lake in Upper Austria, surrounded by mountains and picturesque villages. It is known for its clear water and abundant opportunities for water sports, fishing and boating. The surrounding landscape is ideal for hiking, cycling and relaxing by the lake. The most famous landmark is Ort Castle, which stands on a small island in the lake.
Gmunden is a picturesque town on the shores of Traunsee in Upper Austria, known for its ceramics (Gmundner Keramik) and historic center with a lakeside promenade. The town offers a combination of culture, commerce, and tourism. Beautiful views of the lake and surrounding Alps, Ort Castle, and pleasant cafes invite relaxation and walks.
Schloss Ort is a historic castle situated on a small island in the Traunsee in Gmunden. Originally built in the 11th century, today it is known as a romantic landmark and cultural venue with tours, weddings, and exhibitions. It is accessible via a wooden bridge and offers picturesque views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
A relaxing day by the water. Relax on the beach (e.g., in Seewalchen or Attersee am Attersee), rent a boat, or enjoy a coffee overlooking the lake with breathtaking water color.
Lake Attersee is the largest lake in Upper Austria and a popular spot for water sports, boating, fishing, and swimming. Its clear water and surrounding mountains attract tourists and nature lovers alike. Along the lake, you'll find picturesque villages, cycling paths, and hiking trails with beautiful views.
Depending on your departure time, you can spend a day in Salzburg. Take a cable car ride to Hohensalzburg Fortress and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city below the Alps, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the unique atmosphere of Getreidegasse with its metal signs and end the day with a sweet treat in the form of a piece of real Austrian Sacher Torte. Let yourself be carried away by the city that inspired Mozart.
If you have time, you can visit Hohensalzburg Fortress (by funicular), which is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. The heart of the city is the historic center with the charming Getreidegasse alley, where you will find not only unique forged guild signs, but also the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A visit to Salzburg would not be complete without tasting traditional Austrian classics such as Sacher Torte.
At the airport, return the car and head towards your gate. Remember that you need to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance.
This itinerary combines active tourism with relaxation by the lake and cultural experiences in Salzburg. It is designed with optimal logistics for maximum experiences with minimum time spent in the car (thanks to the arrival in Salzburg). Get ready to be enchanted by Austria's beauty, where the mountains meet the water in perfect harmony.
Happy travels and unforgettable views!
We are a Czech companyWe are a Czech company
itinerary by Klára Budínová
Immerse yourself in the Austrian Salzkammergut, where majestic mountain ranges meet sparkling lakes and historical charm. Imagine watching the perfect reflection of the Dachstein glacier on the surface of the Gosausee in the morning mist, before taking a cable car to the Zwieselalm pastures, where only grazing cows accompany you on your walks. Visit the fairytale castle Schloss Ort and enjoy its unique atmosphere. This itinerary will guide you through unforgettable alpine scenery, where every day brings a new dose of breathtaking views, and there is much more to discover!
You'll arrive at Salzburg Airport, where you'll rent a car and head to your accommodation. You'll drive to the town, check in, and if you still have time, you can take a walk around and soak up the Austrian atmosphere.
Food is your responsibility, so I recommend going to the store.
You'll arrive at the airport, pick up your car, and head towards your accommodation. If you still have time, you can take a walk, go shopping, or have something good to eat at the nearby restaurants.
In the morning, you can head to the iconic Hallstatt. I recommend arriving early, as the town is very popular and there are fewer tourists in the morning. You can explore the town center, the church, the small streets, and have a coffee and a croissant with a view of the lake. If you like, there's a cable car from Hallstatt to Salzbergbahn, from where you'll have a bird's-eye view of Hallstatt.
In the afternoon, you'll head to Tressensteinwarte. A short hike to a viewing tower that offers stunning views of Altausseer See and Grundlsee, which is a larger lake often referred to as the "Sea of Styria."
Hallstatt is a picturesque Austrian town located on the lake of the same name in the Salzkammergut region, surrounded by the Alps. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. It is famous for its salt mining, which took place here as early as the Bronze Age. Thanks to its unique location and historical heritage, Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its narrow streets, traditional architecture and stunning views of the lake and mountains.
The Tressensteinwarte is an observation tower located above the spa town of Bad Aussee in the Austrian Salzkammergut region. The tower stands on the summit of the Tressenstein at an altitude of about 1,200 m above sea level and offers a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding Alps, lakes and valleys of the Ausseerland. The current modern steel and wood structure was opened in 2018 and has quickly become a popular destination for tourists and photographers.
Take the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car to the highest station. From there, it is a short walk to the iconic viewing platform "5 Fingers", which is five platforms in the shape of a hand hanging 400 meters above the abyss, with a magnificent view of Lake Hallstatt and the region.
From the highest station of Krippenstein, continue with the second (smaller) section of the cable car to Gjaidalm.
Gjaid Alm is a traditional mountain hut where you can have coffee, a snack or a full lunch.
The offer usually includes classic Austrian dishes, but you can always find vegetarian options (e.g. Käsespätzle - cheese noodles, soups or dumplings). Don't be afraid to ask, the service is very nice and you may even come across staff who speak Czech.
Obertraun is a picturesque village in the Austrian Salzkammergut region, located on the shores of Lake Hallstatt, near the famous town of Hallstatt. It is surrounded by the mountains of the Dachstein massif and is an ideal starting point for trips to the Dachstein caves and the 5 Fingers viewing platform. Thanks to its quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling Hallstatt, it is popular with tourists looking for nature, hiking and tranquility. In winter, Obertraun is also a popular center for skiing and winter sports.
Cable car ride
5 Fingers is a spectacular viewpoint consisting of five metal platforms protruding over a steep cliff. It offers breathtaking views of Lake Hallstatt and the surrounding Alps. Each "finger" has a different shape and function – for example, a glass floor or a photo frame. The place is a popular destination for tourists and photographers.
Gjaid Alm is a traditional mountain hut and alpine pasture in the Dachstein massif. It offers relaxation after hikes, local specialties and wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is popular as a starting or ending point for hiking and cycling tours in the region.
Take the cable car back to the original parking lot and then transfer to accommodation.
You'll start your morning with a leisurely walk around Lake Vorderer Gosausee, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and iconic views of the Dachstein massif, whose glacier is reflected on the surface.
The Gosaukammbahn cable car will take you directly to Zwieselalm, where you'll be surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and ideal terrain for walks, and you'll most likely encounter grazing cows or horses while wandering through the alpine pastures. This picturesque area with views of the imposing Gosaukamm massif is home to several traditional mountain huts, where you can relax after your hike and have a good coffee or taste local specialties.
Gosausee is a picturesque glacial lake in the Dachstein massif, surrounded by mountains and the Dachstein glacier. It is known for its crystal clear water and stunning panoramas that are reflected in the lake. It is popular for hiking, cycling, water activities and photography, especially at sunset.
Cable car ride.
The Gosaukammbahn cable car takes you from Lake Vorderer Gosausee directly to the top of Zwieselalm at an altitude of 1,475 meters above sea level. Here you will find an ideal starting point for hiking and tours around the alpine pastures, with wonderful panoramic views of the imposing Gosaukamm rock ridge and the entire Dachstein massif. From here you can easily walk to the Gablonzer Hütte, for example. You can buy a cable car ticket online here or buy it directly on site.
Transfer to the more northerly Traunsee. For all waterfall lovers, I have a beautiful stop here. Visit Traunfall, which are cascades and rapids on the Traun River. In the afternoon, you will visit the town of Gmunden with the Orth water castle. Here you can take the Grünberg Seilbahn cable car to Grünberg mountain with a walk along the Treetop Path (Baumwipfelpfad).
Traunfall is an impressive waterfall on the Traun River in Upper Austria, known for its immense power and beautiful natural scenery. The waterfall's surroundings offer hiking trails and viewpoints from which the waterfall can be safely admired and photographed.
Traunsee is the deepest lake in Upper Austria, surrounded by mountains and picturesque villages. It is known for its clear water and abundant opportunities for water sports, fishing and boating. The surrounding landscape is ideal for hiking, cycling and relaxing by the lake. The most famous landmark is Ort Castle, which stands on a small island in the lake.
Gmunden is a picturesque town on the shores of Traunsee in Upper Austria, known for its ceramics (Gmundner Keramik) and historic center with a lakeside promenade. The town offers a combination of culture, commerce, and tourism. Beautiful views of the lake and surrounding Alps, Ort Castle, and pleasant cafes invite relaxation and walks.
Schloss Ort is a historic castle situated on a small island in the Traunsee in Gmunden. Originally built in the 11th century, today it is known as a romantic landmark and cultural venue with tours, weddings, and exhibitions. It is accessible via a wooden bridge and offers picturesque views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
A relaxing day by the water. Relax on the beach (e.g., in Seewalchen or Attersee am Attersee), rent a boat, or enjoy a coffee overlooking the lake with breathtaking water color.
Lake Attersee is the largest lake in Upper Austria and a popular spot for water sports, boating, fishing, and swimming. Its clear water and surrounding mountains attract tourists and nature lovers alike. Along the lake, you'll find picturesque villages, cycling paths, and hiking trails with beautiful views.
Depending on your departure time, you can spend a day in Salzburg. Take a cable car ride to Hohensalzburg Fortress and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city below the Alps, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the unique atmosphere of Getreidegasse with its metal signs and end the day with a sweet treat in the form of a piece of real Austrian Sacher Torte. Let yourself be carried away by the city that inspired Mozart.
If you have time, you can visit Hohensalzburg Fortress (by funicular), which is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. The heart of the city is the historic center with the charming Getreidegasse alley, where you will find not only unique forged guild signs, but also the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A visit to Salzburg would not be complete without tasting traditional Austrian classics such as Sacher Torte.
At the airport, return the car and head towards your gate. Remember that you need to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance.
This itinerary combines active tourism with relaxation by the lake and cultural experiences in Salzburg. It is designed with optimal logistics for maximum experiences with minimum time spent in the car (thanks to the arrival in Salzburg). Get ready to be enchanted by Austria's beauty, where the mountains meet the water in perfect harmony.
Happy travels and unforgettable views!
Immerse yourself in the Austrian Salzkammergut, where majestic mountain ranges meet sparkling lakes and historical charm. Imagine watching the perfect reflection of the Dachstein glacier on the surface of the Gosausee in the morning mist, before taking a cable car to the Zwieselalm pastures, where only grazing cows accompany you on your walks. Visit the fairytale castle Schloss Ort and enjoy its unique atmosphere. This itinerary will guide you through unforgettable alpine scenery, where every day brings a new dose of breathtaking views, and there is much more to discover!
You'll arrive at Salzburg Airport, where you'll rent a car and head to your accommodation. You'll drive to the town, check in, and if you still have time, you can take a walk around and soak up the Austrian atmosphere.
Food is your responsibility, so I recommend going to the store.
You'll arrive at the airport, pick up your car, and head towards your accommodation. If you still have time, you can take a walk, go shopping, or have something good to eat at the nearby restaurants.
In the morning, you can head to the iconic Hallstatt. I recommend arriving early, as the town is very popular and there are fewer tourists in the morning. You can explore the town center, the church, the small streets, and have a coffee and a croissant with a view of the lake. If you like, there's a cable car from Hallstatt to Salzbergbahn, from where you'll have a bird's-eye view of Hallstatt.
In the afternoon, you'll head to Tressensteinwarte. A short hike to a viewing tower that offers stunning views of Altausseer See and Grundlsee, which is a larger lake often referred to as the "Sea of Styria."
Hallstatt is a picturesque Austrian town located on the lake of the same name in the Salzkammergut region, surrounded by the Alps. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. It is famous for its salt mining, which took place here as early as the Bronze Age. Thanks to its unique location and historical heritage, Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its narrow streets, traditional architecture and stunning views of the lake and mountains.
The Tressensteinwarte is an observation tower located above the spa town of Bad Aussee in the Austrian Salzkammergut region. The tower stands on the summit of the Tressenstein at an altitude of about 1,200 m above sea level and offers a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding Alps, lakes and valleys of the Ausseerland. The current modern steel and wood structure was opened in 2018 and has quickly become a popular destination for tourists and photographers.
Take the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car to the highest station. From there, it is a short walk to the iconic viewing platform "5 Fingers", which is five platforms in the shape of a hand hanging 400 meters above the abyss, with a magnificent view of Lake Hallstatt and the region.
From the highest station of Krippenstein, continue with the second (smaller) section of the cable car to Gjaidalm.
Gjaid Alm is a traditional mountain hut where you can have coffee, a snack or a full lunch.
The offer usually includes classic Austrian dishes, but you can always find vegetarian options (e.g. Käsespätzle - cheese noodles, soups or dumplings). Don't be afraid to ask, the service is very nice and you may even come across staff who speak Czech.
Obertraun is a picturesque village in the Austrian Salzkammergut region, located on the shores of Lake Hallstatt, near the famous town of Hallstatt. It is surrounded by the mountains of the Dachstein massif and is an ideal starting point for trips to the Dachstein caves and the 5 Fingers viewing platform. Thanks to its quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling Hallstatt, it is popular with tourists looking for nature, hiking and tranquility. In winter, Obertraun is also a popular center for skiing and winter sports.
Cable car ride
5 Fingers is a spectacular viewpoint consisting of five metal platforms protruding over a steep cliff. It offers breathtaking views of Lake Hallstatt and the surrounding Alps. Each "finger" has a different shape and function – for example, a glass floor or a photo frame. The place is a popular destination for tourists and photographers.
Gjaid Alm is a traditional mountain hut and alpine pasture in the Dachstein massif. It offers relaxation after hikes, local specialties and wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is popular as a starting or ending point for hiking and cycling tours in the region.
Take the cable car back to the original parking lot and then transfer to accommodation.
You'll start your morning with a leisurely walk around Lake Vorderer Gosausee, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and iconic views of the Dachstein massif, whose glacier is reflected on the surface.
The Gosaukammbahn cable car will take you directly to Zwieselalm, where you'll be surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and ideal terrain for walks, and you'll most likely encounter grazing cows or horses while wandering through the alpine pastures. This picturesque area with views of the imposing Gosaukamm massif is home to several traditional mountain huts, where you can relax after your hike and have a good coffee or taste local specialties.
Gosausee is a picturesque glacial lake in the Dachstein massif, surrounded by mountains and the Dachstein glacier. It is known for its crystal clear water and stunning panoramas that are reflected in the lake. It is popular for hiking, cycling, water activities and photography, especially at sunset.
Cable car ride.
The Gosaukammbahn cable car takes you from Lake Vorderer Gosausee directly to the top of Zwieselalm at an altitude of 1,475 meters above sea level. Here you will find an ideal starting point for hiking and tours around the alpine pastures, with wonderful panoramic views of the imposing Gosaukamm rock ridge and the entire Dachstein massif. From here you can easily walk to the Gablonzer Hütte, for example. You can buy a cable car ticket online here or buy it directly on site.
Transfer to the more northerly Traunsee. For all waterfall lovers, I have a beautiful stop here. Visit Traunfall, which are cascades and rapids on the Traun River. In the afternoon, you will visit the town of Gmunden with the Orth water castle. Here you can take the Grünberg Seilbahn cable car to Grünberg mountain with a walk along the Treetop Path (Baumwipfelpfad).
Traunfall is an impressive waterfall on the Traun River in Upper Austria, known for its immense power and beautiful natural scenery. The waterfall's surroundings offer hiking trails and viewpoints from which the waterfall can be safely admired and photographed.
Traunsee is the deepest lake in Upper Austria, surrounded by mountains and picturesque villages. It is known for its clear water and abundant opportunities for water sports, fishing and boating. The surrounding landscape is ideal for hiking, cycling and relaxing by the lake. The most famous landmark is Ort Castle, which stands on a small island in the lake.
Gmunden is a picturesque town on the shores of Traunsee in Upper Austria, known for its ceramics (Gmundner Keramik) and historic center with a lakeside promenade. The town offers a combination of culture, commerce, and tourism. Beautiful views of the lake and surrounding Alps, Ort Castle, and pleasant cafes invite relaxation and walks.
Schloss Ort is a historic castle situated on a small island in the Traunsee in Gmunden. Originally built in the 11th century, today it is known as a romantic landmark and cultural venue with tours, weddings, and exhibitions. It is accessible via a wooden bridge and offers picturesque views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
A relaxing day by the water. Relax on the beach (e.g., in Seewalchen or Attersee am Attersee), rent a boat, or enjoy a coffee overlooking the lake with breathtaking water color.
Lake Attersee is the largest lake in Upper Austria and a popular spot for water sports, boating, fishing, and swimming. Its clear water and surrounding mountains attract tourists and nature lovers alike. Along the lake, you'll find picturesque villages, cycling paths, and hiking trails with beautiful views.
Depending on your departure time, you can spend a day in Salzburg. Take a cable car ride to Hohensalzburg Fortress and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city below the Alps, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the unique atmosphere of Getreidegasse with its metal signs and end the day with a sweet treat in the form of a piece of real Austrian Sacher Torte. Let yourself be carried away by the city that inspired Mozart.
If you have time, you can visit Hohensalzburg Fortress (by funicular), which is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. The heart of the city is the historic center with the charming Getreidegasse alley, where you will find not only unique forged guild signs, but also the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A visit to Salzburg would not be complete without tasting traditional Austrian classics such as Sacher Torte.
At the airport, return the car and head towards your gate. Remember that you need to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance.
This itinerary combines active tourism with relaxation by the lake and cultural experiences in Salzburg. It is designed with optimal logistics for maximum experiences with minimum time spent in the car (thanks to the arrival in Salzburg). Get ready to be enchanted by Austria's beauty, where the mountains meet the water in perfect harmony.
Happy travels and unforgettable views!
