BergeSeen Trail Stage 28
From Bad Ischl to the Rettenbachalm (2 ½ hours)
The route begins from the tourism office in Bad Ischl, located in the historical Trinkhalle just south of the parish church. The trail heads along the Traun River to the Kreuzersteg Bridge, where the route crosses to the other side of the river. From there, the trail turns left, continues downriver and then turns right along the Kochstraße to a bridge which crosses the main highway. The trail then ascends to the well-known ‘Sterzen’s Abendsitz’ with its beautiful views underneath a group of trees.
The route heads downhill until reaching the Rosenkranzgasse, which is followed a short distance to the left. The trail then continues along the street to a marker just before a bridge. At this point, the route turns right along an access street and just before the first houses turns left into the forest. The trail descends into the wild chasm of the Rettenbach Stream which is also called the Rettenbach Wilderness. The route crosses over a wooden bridge to reach the other side of the stream. The trail then ascends to the Rettenbach Road and turns right. The Rettenbach Road is open to the public and can sometimes be quite dusty. The trail follows the road into the valley and after 6 kilometres reaches the car park of the Rettenbachalm Meadow. Access to this point is also possible via taxi or private car.
From the Rettenbachalm to the Ischler Hut (2 ½ hours)
The trail heads straight on into the valley across meadow terrain to the old and new ‘Solestube’ (brine measuring stations) and arrives at a junction. To the right, a trail leads through a gorge to the well-known Blaa-Alm. However, our route goes left along the forest road for another 500 metres and then ascends to the right on a well-built path along a mountain ridge to the Schwarzenberganger Mountain, crossing the forest road twice on the way. From the Anger, the trail ascends for a short time to the Beeren Saddle (1428 m). From there, the route descends to reach the Schwarzenbergalm Meadow with its numerous small alpine huts, one of which is our destination—the splendid Ischler Hut.
Many prominent figures have explored this region: nobles like Archduke Johann and Empress Elisabeth, scientists such as Friedrich Simony, poets and authors like Nikolaus Lenau, painters like Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, musicians and composers such as Johannes Brahms. Did they ever think that hiking in the Salzkammergut might have no end? That they could tramp from one lake to the next and then onward to yet another? Day by day along the shores of crystal-clear waters? Week-long excursions through quiet valley forests, over sunny alpine meadows and up mountains fuelled by the anticipation of the next destination? Further information…
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...