Best Picnic Spots & Hikes in the Salzburg Lake District of Salzkammergut

Spring and summer transform the Salzburg Lake District into an outdoor paradise. Dramatic mountain ranges, Alpine valleys sprinkled with wildflowers, and pools of glistening water make this area attractive for travelers who seek moderate-level hikes with a high pay-off. Some of the world’s most beautiful views can be found among these hills. Much of this remote nature is accessible by public transportation and by car, making the Salzburg Lake District a suitable destination for solo travelers and families alike. 

This region, spanning 100 km across, contains a staggering 76 lakes, both big and small. Locals call it Salzkammergut, which comes from the German word Salz meaning salt or salt mine, and Kammergut, meaning a domain owned by the princes of the Holy Roman Empire. Evidence of salt mining in the mountains that make up this landscape go back as far as 2000 B.C.E., with the golden age of salt trade in Salzkammergut from 800 – 400 B.C.E. The most visited location in this region is the UNESCO world heritage site of Hallstatt Dachstein, but there are tokens of history in every town and village of Salzkammergut. 

The mountains offer a well-preserved sanctuary for active nature-lovers and anyone who needs a dose of fresh air and calm. Whether you are seeking a quiet picnic by the water or an invigorating hike with panoramic views, Salzkammergut offers countless opportunities for an unforgettable experience. Here are some of our favorites!

Fuschlsee: A Secluded Retreat

Fuschlsee, with its striking turquoise waters and forested shores, is a haven for those in search of peace and natural beauty. On the western shore, Ried Beach provides an ideal picnic setting with soft grassy areas and direct access to the lake’s crystal-clear waters. The gentle lapping of waves and the shade of nearby trees create a perfect ambiance for a leisurely afternoon. Kids enjoy skipping rocks or even dipping their toes into the cold waters. Unique stones can be found and collected on the lakeside. 

Fuschlsee is easily accessible by car via the B158 road from Salzburg, taking approximately 30 minutes. Visitors can also take Bus 150 from Salzburg towards Bad Ischl, stopping at Fuschl am See; from there it’s a short walk to the lakeshore and hiking trails. 

For those eager to go hiking, the Fuschlsee Loop Trail offers a rewarding hike around the entire lake. This groomed path winds through lush woodlands and along the lakeshore, revealing breathtaking viewpoints and small hidden beaches along the way (about 12 kilometers in total). With its moderate difficulty level, the hike is family-friendly and provides a wonderful opportunity to experience a variety of natural scenery outside Salzburg.

St. Gilgen Promenade at Wolfgangsee

One of the best lakes near Salzburg, and among the most famous in Salzkammergut, Wolfgangsee is framed by dramatic peaks and charming villages, one of which is St. Gilgen. In 2018, the municipality of St. Gilgen constructed a promenade along the lakefront, complete with a recreational area for locals and tourists alike. The promenade makes for a picturesque location for a picnic, situated directly in the heart of the village, where you can settle on the grass or a lakeside bench while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains. 

St. Gilgen is conveniently reached by car via the B158 and B154 roads from Salzburg in about 40 minutes or by Bus 150 from Salzburg. A scenic boat service operates between St. Gilgen, Strobl, and St. Wolfgang, offering a beautiful way to explore the area too! 

Insight Cities’ Lake District Tour takes you to the shores of Wolfgang Lake and into the charming town of St. Gilgen, where you’ll see the dramatic Alpine backdrop for yourself, and learn about the history of the region going back all the way to medieval times. In the summer months, you’ll also stop at Bad Ischl, where the Habsburg Emperor Franz Joseph I once lived and where his descendants live today. All along the way, your guide will regale you with tales that have emerged from the region, both recent and ancient. For this day trip, we can also arrange a picnic lunch where you drink in some of the region’s spectacular scenery. Contact us to arrange your Salzburg Lake District experience today.

Schafberg: a Bird’s-Eye View of Lake Wolfgangsee

For more adventurous travelers, the Schafberg Summit Trail presents a thrilling hike of approximately 3-4 hours. This steep yet rewarding ascent leads hikers to the 1,783-meter peak of Schafberg, where a panoramic vista unfolds, encompassing multiple lakes and distant alpine peaks, making it one of the best day hikes near Salzburg.

For those preferring a more relaxed journey, the historic Schafbergbahn Cogwheel Train provides a scenic ride to the summit, allowing visitors to take in the breathtaking views without the rigorous climb. This is the steepest steam-powered cog railway in Austria and has been running since 1893 from St. Wolfgang to Schafberg (don’t worry, the technology has been updated since then!). The journey up or down the mountain by cogwheel train takes 35 minutes. 

Mondsee: A Historic and Scenic Town

Known for its striking limestone cliffs and Neolithic pile dwellings (recognized by UNESCO), the town of Mondsee offers both cultural charm and natural splendor. The Alpenseebad (Alpine Beach), located on the northern shore, is a great place to bring the whole family to relax and picnic on a hot summer day. Here, you can leap from the dock into the lake or lounge on the grassy beach under the sun, all while enjoying the magnificent Drachenwand, a towering rock formation that looms on the horizon. 

If inspired by the view to do so, you may hike Drachenwand itself. This route varies in difficulty, with some sections featuring a via ferrata — a secured climbing route that requires confidence and a head for heights (not recommended for kids). For those seeking a more moderate alternative, the hiking trail through the foothills offers pleasant vantage points without the technical challenges of the ferrata climb.

Mondsee is easily accessible by car via the A1 motorway, taking about 30 minutes from Salzburg and therefore a great day trip from the city. For those relying on public transport, Bus 140 provides a direct connection from Salzburg to Mondsee in about 45 minutes. While passing through the center of the town of Mondsee, we recommend visiting St. Michael’s Basilica at the Mondsee Abbey, the beautiful Baroque church where the wedding scene in “The Sound of Music” was filmed.

Litzlberg am Attersee: A Known Retreat for Artists

Attersee, the largest lake in the region, has long been a retreat for artists, including one of Austria’s most beloved painters, Gustav Klimt. Klimt painted more than 50 landscapes featuring Attersee. He often stayed in Litzlberg Castle on Litzlberg Island and ventured around the lake. You can visit Klimt’s haunts for yourself by retracing his footsteps along the Litzlberg Peninsula on the western shore of Attersee Lake, more of a walk than a rigorous hike. Nowadays, the Litzlberg Peninsula features pleasant recreational areas to pause for a picnic on your stroll.

Litzlberg is accessible by car via the A1 motorway, exiting at Seewalchen and following local roads to the lake, which takes about 50 minutes from Salzburg. Alternatively, visitors can take a train from Salzburg to Vöcklamarkt and then transfer to a bus 561 or 562 to Seewalchen, and then walk to reach the lakeside. You can also cycle around the entire lake of Attersee via a well-marked cycling route, including a stop in Litzlberg. 

Weißenbach am at Attersee: a Magical Escape

On the Southern shore of Attersee, for a relaxed hiking spot near Salzburg, is the Nixenfall Waterfall Trail, an enchanting forest walk leading to a picturesque waterfall. The loop, which includes a gorge and the waterfall, is only 2 kilometers around and the trailhead can be reached by car from the B-152 road or by bus (Route 562) from Vöcklabruck to Weißenbach am Attersee.  

According to local folklore, the waterfall was once the home of mythical water nymphs (“Nixen”). These magical creatures are rumored to be beautiful, but elusive; their song can be heard on special occasions. This legend adds a layer of mystique to this serene natural attraction. The gentle trail is accessible to all ages, making it an excellent hiking trip for families as well as couples seeking a romantic outing. 

Exploring these secluded destinations is much easier with a local guide and driver, who have the local knowledge and savvy to find the best spots and the most scenic routes. Our team at insight Cities can set you up with a hiking guide and car to get you around to these more out-of-the-way destinations, whose beauty and wealth of stories make them well worth the excursion. Contact us to arrange your Salzburg hiking trip today!

Traunsee: A Landscape Fit for an Emperor

As Austria’s deepest lake, Traunsee is known for its striking alpine scenery and dramatic cliffs. The Traunstein Ascent is among the more formidable hikes near Salzburg. This demanding route requires stamina and careful footing, but those who reach the summit are rewarded with one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Salzkammergut. From the peak, Traunsee stretches out in all its glory, a vast blue mirror reflecting the grandeur of the Austrian Alps. 

Back on the ground, you mustn’t miss the 16th century lakeside castle, Schloss Ort, best known for its connection to the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I. The site was also the shooting location for the popular German-Austrian TV series “Schlosshotel Orth” (1996–2004). The park surrounding the castle provides a tranquil setting for a picnic, with sweeping views of the lake and the impressive Traunstein Mountain looming in the background. 

Traunsee is best reached by car via the A1 motorway, exiting at Regau and following the B145 road to Gmunden and the lake (about 1 hour from Salzburg). Travelers can also take a direct train from Salzburg to Gmunden, a town on the northernmost edge of the lake, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours. 

Gosausee: An Alpine Sanctuary

The area of Salzkammergut offers stunning views of the Dachstein mountains and hiking trails for outdoor adventurers of every age and ability. Vorderer Gosausee is by far the most accessible area, with postcard-perfect views of the lake and mountains and an easygoing 4-kilometer hiking loop featuring numerous picnic areas for stops with scenic views. More adventurous hikers can take the via ferrata route that runs directly above the water.

You can get to Gosausee by car via the A10 highway, about an hour’s ride from Salzburg. The 541 bus from Gosau can also take you there, although the 2-hour train and bus combination from Salzburg make this trip a bit of a trek for public transit users.

A Perfect Balance of Relaxation and Adventure

The Salzburg Lake District offers opportunities for both tranquil picnics and breathtaking hiking trails. Whether you choose to relax by the water’s edge or embark on a mountain hike, the landscape of this region provides an unforgettable escape into nature. So pack a picnic basket, lace up your hiking boots, and set out to explore the unique beauty of Salzkammergut.

If you’d like to explore some of these hiking and picnic spots around Salzburg, contact us at Insight Cities. We can set you up with a driver and an experienced hiking guide who knows the region like the back of their hand! We can also help arrange the perfect picnic. With prime hiking season just around the corner, don’t hesitate and arrange your Salzburg trip today!