Salzkammergut Soleweg - 3rd stage: Bad Ischl - Ebensee

Experience "Salzkammergut Soleweg" (Brine Trail)
Stage 3:
Hiking from the imperial city of Bad Ischl to Ebensee on Lake "Traunsee"

The last stage on the "Salzkammergut Soleweg", one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the region, takes us from the spa and imperial town of Bad Ischl to Ebensee on Lake Traunsee. The tour to the visitor centre of the "Salinen Austria" is about 19 kilometres long. Depending on your walking speed, you can expect a walking time of between 4 and 5 hours. The trail to Lake Traunsee is well signposted and is referred to as "Soleweg" on the yellow hiking trail signs.

It starts at the Trinkhalle!

As with many tours, there are various entry points to the hiking trail on this hike. We have agreed on the following variant for the description: The 3rd stage along the oldest pipeline in the world begins at the Trinkhalle in the center of Bad Ischl. Directly at the bus stop "Trinkhalle". From here we walk in the direction of the train station, but leave it on the right and cross the Steinfeld bridge over the Traun straight ahead. Keeping to the left, we reach an information board of the Federal Forests before we cross the Rettenbach. At the following crossroads, we take the path on the far left and hike slightly off the Traun to the district of Roith.

There, after another information board, we have to use the factory bridge over the Traun, as it is not possible to continue through the factory premises of the lime plant.

The next 2 kilometres downstream lead on the footpath and cycle path next to the main road to the Traun bridge in Mitterweißenbach (bus stop). We also cross this bridge and walk on an initially wide road past Mitterweißenbach train station. This eventually becomes narrower and is not very busy. At the railway crossing of the Kößlbach group of houses (this is where our yellow signposts end) we walk straight ahead on a gravel road through a forest to Langwies train station. Attention: This station is closed, no train stops here. Therefore, it is only possible to return from this point by bus. The bus stop is located directly on the Salzkammergut main road (B145). Since there are hardly any places to stop for refreshments on the route, we recommend that you take enough drinks and a snack with you.

We continue: We cross the Traun (bus stop) again and walk 300 m to the right on the asphalt cycle and hiking trail until we have to cross the main road at an inconspicuous bridge in the village of "Langwies" and climb 70 m to the beginning of the actual Soleweg (information boards). This one to two metre wide and flat path now leads straight ahead for 9 km to the centre of Ebensee (railway station).

Attention: There are gates that can be passed! Always keep straight ahead for houses! Once the path leads 300 m on the old Langwieserstraße!

Finally,
Detour to the visitor centre of the Salinen Austria

There are two options for the grand finale on the "Salzkammergut Soleweg". Either you follow the path to the centre of Ebensee am Traunsee. As described above. Or you can end this hike at the visitor centre of the Salinen Austria. Also in Ebensee. Here you can go on a salty journey of discovery. In the new visitor centre, you will learn how salt is made from brine, learn about the many applications of salt and immerse yourself in the history of the Ebensee saltworks. From here, it is possible to return to the starting point of our tour, Bad Ischl, by bus and from the "Steinkogel" train station. Please inform yourself in good time about the respective return options!

Have fun hiking

Whichever variant you choose, an extended day hike on the "Salzkammergut Soleweg" is always an experience. No matter which section or stage of this unique trail across the Salzkammergut, from Hallstatt to Ebensee on Lake Traunsee. Each tour has its own charm.

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.

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!

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!

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!