Walking in the Salzkammergut : Holiday Rambles in Austria's Lake District

The Salzkammergut, Austria's Lake District, contains some of the most spectacular scenery and some of the most delightful walking country in the whole of Austria. It is composed of three Austrian Lander or federal states: Upper Austria the greater part, Land Salzburg and Styria in western Austria and having southern Germany (Bavaria) as its western boundary. Astonishingly, it remains little known to most English-speaking ramblers but it offers opportunity for every kind of walking from the toughest mountaineering to lakeside strolls. The purpose of this book is to provide an introduction to what we believe is one of Europe's loveliest areas, one which, unlike many areas of the Alps, is admirably suited to novice walkers. It is a collection of walks which are in essence 'Holiday Rambles' - relatively easy and, for the most part, straightforward routes which can be completed in less than a day, and in some cases a morning or afternoon, to allow for sightseeing in an area which is so culturally rich. Part One is 'Before Your Trip' and gives a brief background to the area and its history as well as some practical information to help you plan your trip and get the most out of your visit. Part Two is devoted to walking the 'Salzkammergut Way' - the author's purely unofficial name for a suggested 80km long-distance route through the centre of the Salzkammergut which can be walked in easy day or half-day stages between stations and halts (or boat landing stages). Part Three takes a selection of seven other 'lakeland' walks in different parts of the Salzkammergut. Several of these can be combined with boat trips on the lakes themselves, providing a very civilised way of enjoying the scenery.