Bad Hofgastein
Alpine walking from a traditional spa village
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Moderate
Austria
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7 nights
19th Jun 2021 – 26th Jun 2021
- See website for other dates
Tour code: 19680
Last Modified: 15th April 2021
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Bad HofgasteinAlpine walking from a traditional spa village ![]() ![]() Moderate
Tour code: 19680 Last Modified: 15th April 2021 ![]() ![]() Holiday HighlightsSee what's planned
Trip InformationIf you are looking at this one week holiday why not make your stay two weeks by joining us on Salzburgerland Alps. An hour south of Salzburg lies the small spa of Bad Hofgastein. Don’t worry that you may never have heard of it - we think it is set to become a star of our Austrian holidays as it has everything you could want from the Alps. There is a well marked system of paths both above and below the tree line whilst mountain rail and cable ways, combined with an efficient Post Bus network, enable us to wander up into this mountain region. Our walks takes us to high peaks, remote lakes and meadows flush with wild flowers where you can contemplate towering snow-covered and glacier-adorned alpine summits. Lower down we can explore the forests and pastures and catch glimpses of Gastein’s gold mining past and the thermal springs that attracted royalty and celebrities in the 19th century and still attract visitors today. Bad Hofgastein is located at the confluence of several valleys, so there are many and varied walks. Several of the walks take us along the ‘Salzburger Almenweg’, a long distance trail linking picturesque alpine farms where local cheeses and hams are produced. Peaks well over 2000m such as the Hüttenkogel can be reached as well as panorama paths and impossibly picturesque mountain lakes. At the end of the day we return to the spa resort of Bad Hofgastein with its vast spa complex of pools and green areas in which to relax. What's included?
What's not included?
Holiday GradeThis is a grade 4 walking holiday which includes half and full day walks with appreciable amounts of ascent up to 500m and total ascent/descent of up to 1100m in a day. One possible walk may involve an ascent and descent of 640m. Paths are generally good in the forest and on the alpine slopes. Walking can be between 3-6 hours a day. The highest point normally reached on our grade 4 programme is normally at the Hüttenkogel at 2231m. Our bottom line is happy travellers, and to that end we trust our tour leaders to use the itinerary below as a basis for providing you with a great holiday. We expect our leaders to make adjustments to the itinerary if the weather, group ability or other local conditions make that necessary. There are normally more options available to our leaders than those listed below and one or more of these options may well be chosen. All distances, heights & timings are approximate. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we may unfortunately need to withdraw a tour that is currently confirmed to operate and we therefore reserve the right to cancel your booking. We would always do our utmost to give you plenty of notice should we have to do this. Selected elements of this tour, including local attractions and restaurants, may change at late notice. Please ensure you have valid insurance cover before you travel. Proposed ItineraryDay 1Proposed ItineraryDay 1Bad HofgasteinMeals DinnerAccommodation Hotel CarinthiaOn arrival in Munich or Salzburg airport, we travel by road to Hotel Carinthia, Bad Hofgastein, for 7 nights. Transfer Time = 3 hours 30 minutes Munich or 1 hour 30 minutes Salzburg Day 2 to 7Day 2 to 7Bad HofgasteinMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Hotel CarinthiaDuring our time in Bad Hofgastein, we will explore the area through a variety of exciting walks which may include one of more of the following examples.
The Hüttenkogel. This walk is ideal for a clear day as we make our way to fantastic views at the Hüttenkogel view point by continuing upwards from the top of the Graukogel chairlift. A perfect photo opportunity to capture the beautiful lush rolling valleys and the dramatic mountainous back drop. We will then follow the trails through the pine forest to the middle station of the chair lift.
The Kaiserin Elisabeth promenade, the Naßfeldtal Weg and the Naturschauweg. An enjoyable walk linking two impressive hikes. We walk along the valley floor to Altbockstein where we can discover the remnants of the area's gold-mining past. We will take the easy ascent of the narrow and sheer Nassfeldtal. We will break for lunch at Sportgastein before following the Naturschauweg looped trail back towards the bus to return to Bad Hofgastein. The trail is dotted with information boards (in English and German) describing the area's natural and human history.
Schattbachalm and Angertal. This walk takes you through and below the tree line. We use the lift system to ascend to the summit of Stubnerkogel with it's spectacular 140m Skywalk suspension bridge (optional), Rock Trail and Glocknerblick panorama platform from which, on a clear day, it is possible to see across to Austria's highest mountain, the Grossglockner. We choose from a number of routes down from the Stubnerkogel which can be made easier by using the lift system for at least part of the way. After lunch at the Schattbachalm we follow a path to Angertal. There is the option of taking the bus back to Bad Hofgastein from Angertal or finish the day with the final hike along the Erzherzog Johann Promenade. There will be a rest day offered during the week. You can explore the local area or go further afield to places such as Salzburg (1 hours 18 minutes by train.) You can use the Almorama Card to receive free journeys on lifts in Gastein. You can also use the Gastein card for discounted bus rides around the local area. These cards are included in the holiday price. The tour leader will discuss the options available. Day 8Day 8Bad HofgasteinMeals BreakfastWe say goodbye to Austria and transfer by road to Munich or Salzburg Airport for our return flight to the UK. Walks & ExcursionsLocal Transport CostsAll local transport costs in conjunction with the advertised activity programme are included in the holiday cost. There may be occasions where additional visits or excursions are added to enrich your experience, these will be paid for locally by you if you choose to participate. Local transport can be a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses and ferries depending on the itinerary. Optional ExcursionsA range of local excursions and activities may be available to book at your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions. Spending MoneyHoliday BudgetingWhen budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day. Currency in AustriaThe currency in Austria is the euro. You may wish to take some euro cash with you until you reach an ATM. Credit cards may not be accepted in smaller towns and rural areas. TippingAlthough entirely at your own discretion, tipping is an important aspect of tourism and hospitality life and expectations are fairly high. In order to simplify tipping, we strongly recommend that you allow your leader to take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff and to local guides and drivers. This will be done using some funds provided by us together with, if you wish, a contribution from you, which he/she will collect during the holiday. Tour Leaders & Local GuidesTour LeadersYour tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible. Leader's Evening BriefingEach evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. This will be your opportunity to discuss the details and ensure the planned activities suit your walking ability. If you have concerns on clothing or equipment, this can be discussed then also. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know. Your Travel DetailsReturn fights are from London to Munich or to Salzburg. Regional flights from Manchester and Birmingham to Munich and return are available on some dates. Please be aware that there may be a wait at the airport as the transfers for all flights are combined on arrival and departure. Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements?If you wish to organise your own flights from a non-UK or provincial airport or travel by rail or car to your holiday destination, 'land only' reductions are often available. Please contact us for details. Before finalising any independent travel arrangements, please check with us first - especially if doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended date of travel. If you do intend to join your holiday locally please do tell us at least 14 weeks in advance. If you are joining and leaving your holiday overseas we assume, unless you advise us otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel. Although airport transfers are not included for those making their own independent travel arrangements, if you wish to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time, you may be able to be included on the group's transfer. Please contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details. Please note that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be able to join the group transfer. We also need your flight number, arrival time and departure point so that the group leader is able to meet up with you. Regional TransfersRegional Flights (R2). We offer regional flight options on this holiday but due to the location and travelling time to our resort we operate just one transfer vehicle between the airport and hotel. This may mean that there is a wait at the overseas airport in one or both directions. Luggage Allowance & Travel DocumentsFor all those booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure. Personal Details CheckTo ensure that we can accurately administer your holiday arrangements, please confirm that the personal details we hold for you are up to date and that you have provided the information we need to secure your holiday travel and accommodation arrangements. Please check your passport details, date of birth and any other important details necessary for us to properly manage your holiday booking. You can view and update information already provided, and add details not yet asked for, by using the Manage My Booking facility on our website www.ramblersholidays.co.uk, or by calling our Sales and Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. When you receive your booking confirmation please check the details as soon as possible. Passports and VisasGeneral Passport AdviceIt is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Brexit Passport AdviceYou should have at least 6 months validity left on your passport from your date of arrival. If you renewed a 10 year passport before it expired, extra months may have been added to your passport’s expiry date. These extra months will not count, so you should ensure that your passport is not older than 9 years and 6 months from the date of issue at the time of travel. You may wish to renew your passport sooner rather than later, in order to make sure you have it in time for your holiday or travel plans. Please ensure to regularly check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for updates on passport requirements leading up to and after Brexit or contact us for more assistance. UK Government Brexit Information for Passports can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/passport-rules-for-travel-to-europe-after-Brexit. The UK Government has published a website tool to check the validity of your passport under these rules which can be found at www.passport.service.gov.uk/check-a-passport. In the event the UK leaves the EU without a deal, UK citizens will be able to visit the EU for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. The UK Government also has information for travellers available at gov.uk/EUexit Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements. AccommodationWhere are we going to stay?Hotel CarinthiaDr. Zimmermannstrasse 2 5630 Bad Hofgastein Austria +43 6432 8374-0 Bad Hofgastein is a charming spa and market village located at the confluence of several valleys with access to 2000m of walking paths in the area. The village hosts many concerts and events throughout the year, especially in the busy months of August and September. The village includes a variety of facilities such as a train station, cafes, bars, restaurants, bakers and the supermarkets are a 10 minute stroll away. The train station is not in the village, but a bus service goes frequently along the 3 km route. We stay in the very comfortable and traditional 4 star Hotel Carinthia. The location is perfect – surrounded by extraordinary mountains and just a couple of minutes’ walk from the town centre, spa centre and cable car station. The hotel is decorated with traditional alpine and Austrian furnishings, bright decor and colourful flower exterior window boxes, The hotel has a garden, restaurant and bar area. There is a leisure area including a gym, indoor pool, sauna and steam room. Massage and spa treatments are also available at an additional charge. The rooms are traditionally furnished with en suite facilities and balconies. Facilities include a minibar, satellite TV and free WIFI. Most rooms also have fridges. Twin bedded rooms usually contain typical ‘Austrian type beds’ which consist of one bed frame fitted with two single mattresses and bed-packs with individual duvets. MealsBreakfast and dinners are included in the holiday and are taken in the hotel’s restaurant. Breakfasts are a delicious buffet with a selection of organic and local products including bread, cheese, sausages, eggs, cereal, fruit and yoghurt. Dinners are 4 courses and feature international and traditional Austrian cuisine. Lunches are not included but can be taken in local cafe's or as a picnic. Footwear & Kit ListFootwearLightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks. General Kit ListOutdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared. If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference. Travel Documents ChecklistDocuments and Information to take with you:
Electricity in AustriaIn Austria the electricity is supplied at 220 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/ Water To GoAn alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles. We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays. Maps, Guidebooks & Other InformationMaps, Guidebooks & MoreIn addition to books available, the internet is now an excellent resource for information about holidays in Austria. The local tourist office website www.gastein.com has pictures and information on the area and also information about the other areas in the Gastein Valley. This also includes some information on activities and hiking in the area. Cicerone guide to Alpine Flowers. We like this pocket-sized book on the 230 Alpine flowers you are most likely to come across on a holiday in the Alps. There’s a really interesting introduction to the properties flowers need to survive life at altitude and good clear photos with short descriptions arranged according to the predominant colour of the flower. Order it from Cicerone directly and quote code RAMBWH for a 25% discount. The Map ShopIf you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend: The Map Shop Tel: 01684 593 146 If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area. WeatherVisit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:
Useful InformationFind out moreAustria
Visas and Passports No Visa Required
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