Hiking on the "Salzkammergut Soleweg" - 2nd stage: Steeg (Bad Goisern) to Bad Ischl
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)
2nd stage:
Hiking from Steeg (district of Bad Goisern) to Bad Ischl
On this long hike to the north, we follow the historic brine pipeline from Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt to Bad Ischl. Always within sight of the Traun. Always downstream.
There are many ways to get on the "Salzkammergut Soleweg". In describing the second stage from Bad Goisern to the spa and imperial town of Bad Ischl, we have concentrated on the following route description.
Along the world's oldest pipeline through nature
We start our 2nd stage on the north shore of Lake Hallstatt in the Bad Goisern village of "Steeg". We can arrive by bus or via the train station "Steeg - Gosau". The walking time from the train station to the entrance to the trail is about 20 minutes. The bus stop "Kraftwerk" is just below the path.
Near the power plant, the ascent to the popular hiking trail begins. Once at the top, continue to the right. We follow the yellow hiking trail signs marked "Soleweg" in the direction of Ebensee. From here it is a good 1.5 hours until the centre of Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt lies at our feet. The trail continues through meadows and fields always above the Traun River to the "entrance" to the Weißenbachtal. If you feel hungry now, you should stop at the "Weißenbachwirt". Because here delicious traditional dishes await the hiker. And we continue past old typical Salzkammergut houses and picturesque gardens. At Lauffen you can see the "roaring" Traun River, a place where many salt ships capsized in the rapids. After a hike in tranquil woods, you reach the large "Kaiser hunting statue". Bad Ischl, famous for salt cures, the "Salt Princes" and the love story between Emperor Franz Josef I and his "Sisi".
Plenty of places to stop for refreshments
Fancy a rest? For a snack or cool cooling for the thirsty throat? On the 2nd stage of the "Salzkammergt Soleweg" there are numerous places to stop for refreshments. Either right on the side of the trail or a few minutes' walk from the trail. For example, you can eat well in the pilgrimage town of "Lauffen" on river "Traun" around the center, or you can continue to the spa and imperial town of Bad Ischl, which welcomes hikers in the historic center not only with cult cafes, but also with excellent restaurants. Have a good time!
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,
Safety Tips for Hikers
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!
Warning: Closed trails
Better to know before you go
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...
This might also interest you
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!
Currently closed:Salzkammergut Soleweg Stage 1: Hallstatt to Steeg (Bad Goisern)
1st stage on the "Salzkammergut Soleweg" from the Hallstatt Salzberg along the oldest pipeline in the world to the Bad Goiser village of "Steeg" on the northern shore of Lake Hallstatt. Easy to walk. About 7 kilometers. Note: The path on this section is currently closed due to rockfall vehicles!
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.