Currently closed:Salzkammergut Soleweg Stage 1: Hallstatt to Steeg (Bad Goisern)
Hiking News
Note for hikers: "Salzkammergut Soleweg"
Hallstatt - Steeg section closed
Steeg - Ebensee open
Dear hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers, the "Salzkammergut Soleweg" between Hallstatt and Ebensee am Traunsee remains closed in sections. This means in detail: The path from the Salzberg (name of the mountain) in Hallstatt to the Bad Goiser district of "Steeg" is currently closed. The duration of the ban is not foreseeable. Please do not climb over the barrier. Walking on the path is life-threatening due to recurring rockfalls!
Steeg - Ebensee open
Good news for hikers: the path from the Goiser district of "Steeg" to Bad Ischl and on to the Traunsee to Ebensee is freely walkable.
Alternative Routen
If you would like to hike from Hallstatt to Bad Ischl, we can recommend the "East Bank Hiking Trail". Take the ferry to Hallstatt train station, then continue on foot on the trail in the direction of the Bad Goiser district of "Untersee" and from there in the direction of "Steeg". From here you will reach the "Soleweg". The walking time for this section is about 3 hours.
We hope you enjoy hiking in the Salzkammergut
Your Editorial Team
Experience "Salzkammergut Soleweg" (Brine Trail)
1st stage:
Hiking from Hallstatt to Steeg (district of Bad Goisern)
Some refer to it as the "Brine Pipeline Trail", others as the "Salzkammergut Brine Trail". But one thing is certain: the first stage between Hallstatt and the Bad Goiser district of "Steeg" is one of the most scenic hiking trails the region has to offer. Always along the steep rock, above the western shore of Lake Hallstatt and over the imposing Gosauzwang bridge - this makes this section of the trail an unforgettable hiking experience. And always on the oldest pipeline in the world, which was built as early as the 17th century of the last millennium.
A hiking experience in a class of its own!
As with many mountain tours in the Salzkammergut, there are various entry points to the respective hiking trail. We have concentrated on the variant "Salzberg Hallstatt - Steeg" in the description.
We start our tour directly at the valley station of the Salzberg cable car in the Hallstatt district of "Lahn". The ascent to the Soleweg begins right next to the funicular. The path leads over the asphalted Salzbergstraße to one of the first attractions on this path: the Mühlbach waterfall.
We follow the gravel road over the Mühlbach and then turn left after about 5 minutes of walking. Then it goes uphill directly onto the famous pipeline path.
Once at the top, we turn right. The brine pipeline path now leads gently downhill further north through the steep flanks of the Steingrabenschneid, crosses several ditches and finally reaches the Gosauzwang, the high bridge over the Gosaubach (before and after you can descend to the road near the Gosaumühle bus stop). The following section of the brine pipeline path was carved out of the rocks in places and leads through the steep flank of the Ramsau Mountains. Shortly before the power plant, we can descend to the right into the Bad Goiserer district of "Steeg". We get directly to the Pass Gschütt main road (B166), from here you can return by bus (OÖVV) from the "Kraftwerk" stop or the "Steeg Gosau" train station. Walking time to the train stop about 20 minutes. And if you feel like it, you can stop at the "Steegwirt" on the way to the train station. A quaint inn directly on the way to the train station. A good snack under the old chestnut tree gives this hike the perfect end to this hike.
Alternative starting point to the tour
If you want, you can of course also use the Salzberg cable car for the ascent. In less than 5 minutes you can comfortably go up the mountain. Once at the top, it is always worth taking a detour to the "Hallstatt Skywalk". The view to the eastern side of the lake is simply magnificent. Right next to the steps to the old fortified tower, the Rudolfsturm, the "Salzkammergut Soleweg" begins. The trail begins with a gravel path to the beginning of the entrance "to hell". On numerous steps it then goes along through the gorge and along the roaring Mühlbach. After about 300 meters we meet the footpath from Hallstatt to the brine pipeline path.
The history of the Camino
In 1607, the more than 30-kilometre-long brine pipeline between Hallstatt and Ebensee was opened. 13,000 tree trunks were needed for this, which were hollowed out and inserted into each other. A technical masterpiece that soon found its imitators. To this day, brine is led through the – of course modernised – pipeline to the salt works in Ebensee. This makes it the oldest industrial pipeline in the world.
Interesting facts along the way
Since the summer of 2024, the popular trail has been enriched by one attraction: On the trail between the Bad Goiser village of "Steeg" and the visitor centre of the Salinen Austria in Ebensee, exciting information about salt, wood, water and culture awaits. Short detours from the path, such as to nearby museums or natural monuments, are highly recommended and desired! The content can also be listened to as an audio file in German and English via the QR codes directly on the boards.
Good connection to bus and train
Due to the connection to public transport, only individual stages can be tackled (Steeg – Bad Ischl – Ebensee). Whether by bus or the trains of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) - nothing stands in the way of an easy return to the starting point of your hike.
Admittedly, the landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut is the absolute pinnacle for hiking fans, mountain enthusiasts and nature lovers—unforgettable tours to incredibly beautiful mountain lodges and meadows, panorama views as far as the eye can see and cherished moments that will last a lifetime! However, you should remember that while hiking you might find yourself in high-alpine terrain. We’ve put together some resources to assist you: how to best prepare for your tour, recommended items for your backpack and steps to take in an emergency situation. Remember to always play it safe and enjoy your hiking adventure in the Salzkammergut! Hiking trails in the Salzkammergut can be closed for various reasons. To help you prepare for your hike, we have set up a page with current road closures in the region. This will help you get to your destination without any detours or stress. Click here to visit the page...Safety Tips for Hikers
Warning: Closed trails
Better to know before you go
The Salzkammergut Brine Trail (Soleweg) - the stages at a glance
The historical Brine Trail
From Hallstatt to Ebensee on Lake Traunsee. Over a length of 30 kilometres along the oldest active pipeline in the world in several stages with lots of information about the Salzkammergut. Note: Currently closed between Hallstatt and the Bad Goiser village "Steeg" due to rockfall hazards!
Hiking on the "Salzkammergut Soleweg" - 2nd stage: Steeg (Bad Goisern) to Bad Ischl
The 2nd stage on the "Salzkammergut Soleweg" leads from the Bad Goiser village of Steeg in 4 to 5 hours over 15 kilometres to the spa and imperial town of Bad Ischl. The path always goes slightly downhill and is accessible with all-terrain prams. Numerous viewpoints are waiting for you!
Salzkammergut Soleweg - 3rd stage: Bad Ischl - Ebensee
3rd stage on the "Salzkammergut Solewg" from the imperial city of Bad Ischl to Ebensee on Lake Traunsee. A tour of about 19 kilometers with a walking time of about 5 hours. Easy to walk.
Booking - Free accommodation when hiking in the Salzkammerguit
Hotels and accommodation providers in Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau and Obertraun offer the ideal room or apartment for your holidays, no matter what your tastes. Aside from establishments rated according to the international "star" scale, you will also find around Lake Hallstatt in Austria businesses that have been awarded two to four "edelweiss". The more flowers, the greater comforts you can expect. Whether you eventually find your cozy nest in an elegant 5-star luxury hotel, at comfortable guesthouse, a family-friendly apartment, or on a traditional farm, the choice is always entirely up to you.