Genusswandern im Salzkammergut: Die 9 schönsten Wanderungen rund um Bad Ischl

Pleasure hiking in the Salzkammergut: discover nature, culture and culinary highlights

The Salzkammergut is not only known for its breathtaking lakes and majestic mountains, but is also a paradise for pleasure hikers.
Here you will find hikes that not only offer exercise and nature experiences, but also space for culinary discoveries and moments of pause.
As enthusiastic pleasure hikers, especially in the fall, when our forests are bathed in soft shades of red and yellow, we would like to introduce you to the most beautiful hikes for connoisseurs in the area!
Whether high up on the mountain peaks, along picturesque alpine pastures or in the footsteps of the Empress – every hike in this region invites you to unwind and discover the treasures of the region.
As a guest at the Hubertushof, you are the perfect starting point for these unforgettable pleasure hikes – let yourself be inspired!

1. the Katrin cable car hike – a pleasure on the mountain

One of the most famous hikes in the Bad Ischl region is the tour up the Katrin mountain.
If you want to take it easy, take the Katrin cable car, which takes you up to 1,400 meters above sea level.
From the mountain station, there are several hiking trails with a moderate level of difficulty and magnificent views.
A special recommendation is the Katrin circular trail, which takes around 1.5 hours to complete at a leisurely pace.
The panoramic view over the Salzkammergut and Lake Hallstatt is breathtakingly beautiful.
The enjoyment continues in the Katrin alpine hut, where Roland, the charming landlord, spoils you with regional specialties – from hearty snacks to homemade roasts and pastries.
A cool drink with this view tastes twice as good!

2. the Rettenbachalm – idyll and tranquillity

For hikers who appreciate the peace and seclusion of nature, the Rettenbachalm is a true paradise.
The hike starts directly in Bad Ischl and leads along the picturesque Rettenbach stream through lush forests to the alpine pasture settlement.
The route is easy to walk and takes around two hours there and back.
If you don’t like walking on the forest road, you can drive directly to the alpine pasture by car and start your hike there.
Traditional alpine huts await you at the Rettenbachalm, where you can enjoy homemade products from the region – from fresh alpine cheese to hearty bacon.
Enjoying these delicacies in the midst of untouched nature makes the hike an experience for all the senses.
In Anita’s alpine hut you will be spoiled with the farm’s own products and enjoy the view of the Loser.

3rd Blaa Alm tour – the pleasure hike for nature lovers

Another highlight for pleasure hikers is the tour to the Blaa Alm near Altaussee.
This hike offers an ideal mix of scenic beauty, gentle climbs and leisurely rest stops.
The trail is easy to walk and suitable for hikers of all fitness levels.
The walking time is around three hours.
The hike takes you through dense forests and across wide alpine pastures, past sparkling streams and with impressive views of the Tote Gebirge mountains.
The highlight is a stop at the Blaa-Alm hut, where you can enjoy typical alpine specialties such as cheese dumplings or homemade Kaiserschmarrn pancakes.
After a long day of hiking, there is hardly anything better than settling down here to relax and unwind.

4. the Sissi trail – hiking in the footsteps of Empress Sisi

For hikers interested in history and fans of Empress Elisabeth, better known as Sissi, the Sissi Trail offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the monarch.
The hike starts in the center of Bad Ischl and takes you to the empress’s favorite places.
The trail is easy to walk and takes around two hours.
You walk past the famous Imperial Villa, the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph and Sissi, and continue through the magnificent Imperial Garden.

5. the panoramic trail on the Siriuskogel

If you are looking for a shorter hike that still offers impressive views, you should tackle the Siriuskogel.
This local mountain of Bad Ischl can be climbed in around an hour and offers a fantastic panoramic view of the entire Salzkammergut from its observation tower.
After the short ascent, the Siriuskogel restaurant with its sunny terrace invites you to take a leisurely break.
Here you can enjoy the view with a good cup of coffee or a slice of apple strudel.
For pleasure hikers, this is the perfect way to round off a relaxing day of hiking.

6. the brine pipeline trail – along the history of salt

A hike for culture and nature lovers alike is the Brine Pipeline Trail, which leads from Bad Ischl to Hallstatt.
This route follows the historic brine pipeline that brought the salt from the Hallstatt salt works to Bad Ischl.
The hike is well developed and takes you through shady forests and along old paths with numerous information boards on the history of the region.
Halfway along the route, you can take a break in Lauffen, where you can sample the region’s culinary specialties in one of the inns.
If you want to walk the whole route, you should allow around five hours.

7. the tolerance path – thought-provoking and enchanting with a cave

The Tolerance Trail is an impressive themed trail that focuses on the historical significance of tolerance.
It leads along a picturesque route through the Salzkammergut and offers hikers not only breathtaking nature experiences, but also a deeper examination of the concept of religious and social tolerance.
The trail was established to commemorate the Tolerance Patents of Austrian Emperor Joseph II (1781), which led to religious freedom for Protestants and other minorities.
The Schwarzbach Cave is also located on the Tolerance Trail and has a special historical significance.
During the Counter-Reformation, this cave served as a secret meeting place for Protestant Christians to practice their faith.
The cave thus symbolizes an important chapter of religious freedom and tolerance in the region.
There are several information boards along the Tolerance Trail which provide information about the history of tolerance, religious persecution and the role of the Salzkammergut in this development.
The trail offers a unique combination of nature, culture and history that is thought-provoking and emphasizes the importance of openness and acceptance in today’s society.
For visitors, the Tolerance Trail is not just a hike, but also a spiritual and historical journey.

8. the Jainzen – a sporting path of the empress

The Jainzen is a picturesque mountain near Bad Ischl, which Empress Sisi (Elisabeth of Austria) often hiked.
The empress was known for her love of nature and her long walks, which she also enjoyed during her stays in Bad Ischl.
The Jainzen offers the ideal backdrop for this: gentle hills, dense forests and wonderful views of the Salzkammergut.
For Sisi, the path up the Jainzen was not only a sporting challenge, but also a retreat to escape the rigors of court life.
Her hikes were part of her intensive fitness routine, which was unusual for a woman of her rank at the time.
Today, the mountain path is popular with hikers who want to follow in Sisi’s footsteps.

9 Via Salis – on the paths of the salt trade

The Via Salis is a historic hiking trail that highlights the importance of the salt trade in the Salzkammergut.
“Via Salis” means “salt road” and is a reminder of the time when the “white gold” had a strong economic impact on the region.
The trail follows old routes that were once used to transport salt from the salt mines in Hallstatt and the surrounding area.
The hiking route impressively combines the scenic beauty of the Salzkammergut with its cultural and economic history.
There are numerous information boards along the way that give hikers an understanding of the history of salt mining and trade.
The Via Salis leads through idyllic forests, past historical sites and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The Via Salis is not only a scenic hike, but also a journey through time into the history of the salt trade, which has had a lasting impact on the region to this day.