Salzburgerland AlpsWhy not extend your stay in Austria by combining our Maria Alm holiday with our Bad Hofgastein holiday? _w=730_h=400_pjpg.jpg)
Moderate
Tour code: 19690 Last Modified: 15th April 2021 _w=622_h=622_pjpg.jpg)
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Holiday HighlightsSee what's planned
Trip InformationThis holiday is a combination of our one week holiday in Maria Alm and our one week holiday in Bad Hofgastein. One of Austria’s best kept secrets, Maria Alm is in the Hochkönig region of Austria, in the Salzburgerland close to the border with Germany. The valley is dominated by the rocky peaks of the Hochkönig Massif which provide the awesome backdrop for much of the walking. The main and side valleys boast 220 miles of hiking paths which are well marked and well maintained. The variety of walking is excellent, including forest paths, pastureland and higher mountain trails. Trails throughout the valley will appeal to those interested in butterflies and flowers. One of our regular clients says this is the best moderate grade alpine holiday we have ever run… and has returned every summer since 2015. There is a wealth of walking, from strolls through flower-filled meadows to more challenging walks to peaks over 2000m. We cover much of the 45 miles of the Königsweg long distance trail. We use the local Wanderbus which travels along the valley throughout the day and stops at all major walking trails and in all the villages. There are a number of ski lifts open throughout the summer, offering further possibilities to extend the walking to higher levels and with the opportunity to reach peaks such as Klingspitz at 1988m, Schneeberg at 1938m and Hundstein at 2117m. The local transport pass is included. The rustic mountain huts are one of the area’s particular charms, these are magical places which provide welcome rest stops along the way with beer, coffee and apple strudel. 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 and 6 walking holiday where you can choose the grade of walk you wish to participate in on a daily basis depending on the group ability and size. Our grade 4 walks include half and full day walks with appreciable amounts of ascent and descent up to 500-800m (1100m in Bad Hofgastein). Some of our walks involve chairlifts or gondolas plus the option of walking all the way down. Paths are generally good and we will find ourselves on small forest paths. Half day walks will involve approximately 3 hours of walking whereas full days can be up to 5 hours of walking. The highest point normally reached on our grade 4 programme is 1871m on the Langegg to Maria Alm walk during our first week and 2231m at the Hüttenkogel in Bad Hofgastein during our second week. Our grade 6 programme includes full days of walking which can be up to 6 hours of moderate walking. We will encounter good standard forest paths but these can become narrow and rocky at times. Some of the walks may contain areas where you will need to cross scree slopes. The walks have ascents of up to about 900m and descents of up to 1400m. The highest point we reach on our grade 6 programme is 2117m at the top of the Hundstein in Maria Alm during our first week. The highest point we reach on our grade 6 programme in Bad Hofgastein is at the Türchlwand at 2557m. See the itinerary section for more information. 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 1Maria AlmMeals DinnerAccommodation Hotel NiederreiterOn arrival we travel by road to Hotel Niederreiter, Maria Alm, for 7 nights. On arrival and depending on our flight arrival time, there may be an opportunity for a short walking tour of the village with a local guide who will outline the history of the area with particular emphasis on the ancient pilgrimage church. Transfer Time = 3 hours 30 minutes Munich or 2 hour 30 minutes Salzburg Day 2 to 7Day 2 to 7Maria AlmMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Hotel NiederreiterDuring our time in Maria Alm, we will explore the area through a variety of exciting walks which may include one of more of the following examples.
Maria Alm to Kronreith and Ramseiden (Grade 4). This walk allows us to explore the beautiful alpine area directly north from Maria Alm. The paths are well made and some tracks take us through shady forest areas. We can stop for refreshments at Kronreith – probably our first taste of Apfelstrudel and cream!
Langegg (Grade 4) We start with a bus journey to a chair lift which takes us soaring up to 1450m before a steady climb to 1850m with surreal panoramic views across to the Hundstein and over adjoining rolling green valleys. The gradual ascent will allow time to see many alpine flowers before taking lunch at the Griesbachalm. We return through good forest tracks either to the chair lift or on a longer steady descent to Maria Alm.
Massingsattel (Grade 6) We start our walk along the tranquil river towards Waldhaus and Rohrmoos. Our path climbs steadily through alpine forest until we reach Lechneralm with wide open views of the verdant valley and Maria Alm below. From the Massingsattel at 1344m, the highest point of the day, we follow a pleasant forest path gently downwards to Brimbachalm for a picnic lunch. After lunch we continue to the Natrun lift station and take the lift down to the hotel, or the more energetic can take the path down.
The Klingspitz (Grade 6) This high level walk takes us to one if the highest peaks in the area, the Klingspitz at 1988m. The views as you approach the summit are dramatic and impressive, stretching down the rolling lush valley as far as Saalfelden. A steady climb and many panoramic photo stops will see us at the summit just before lunchtime. We will drop down to a col to take a picnic lunch after which we will continue towards Reicheralm and onwards to reach Dienten for our bus back to Maria Alm. A long but rewarding day.
The Panoramaweg to Arthurhaus (Grade 4 and 6) This is a wonderful walk along the base of the dramatic Hochkönig massif range, undulating all the way to the top of the valley at the Arthurhaus. One of the best walks on the programme for wildflower lovers! From the Filzensattel car park we walk uphill to Pichalm and continue on the well marked path towards the Erichhütte, a good place for coffee and local cake. From the terrace on a clear day there are panoramic views as far as the Grossglockner. We continue to Vierhütten for our well deserved picnic lunch and a drink at the Alm, admiring the many wildflowers along the way. Mountain huts may be used for lunch – if you haven't tried Kaiserschmarren, then this would be a good opportunity! From our final destination, the Arthurhaus, we catch the bus back down the valley. Usually on one of our evenings we are able to enjoy a concert of Austrian Folk Music and alpen horns in the village square. There will be a rest day offered during the week; there are several options including a visit to Salzburg (2½ hours by bus and train) or Zell Am Zee (20 minutes via Saalfelden), or visit the stunning Weissbach Gorge and lunch in a local gasthof. Alternatively, use the included Hochkönig Card to take the bus up to the valley to any of the villages and use the lift to visit the many alms higher up, relax and have some lunch or take a walk. The Hochkönig Card is included and gives you free use of the local cable cars and buses in the Hochkönig area. The outdoor swimming pool in Maria Alm is also included. The tour leader will discuss the options available. Day 8Day 8Bad HofgasteinAccommodation Hotel CarinthiaToday we will say goodbye to Maria Alm before travelling to Bad Hofgastein by private transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to join the 7 night holiday in the Gastein Valley where we will stay in the Hotel Carinthia. You may be unaccompanied by your Ramblers leader for this transfer, however your leader for your second week in Bad Hofgastein will meet you at the Hotel Carinthia. Day 9 to 14Day 9 to 14Bad 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 (Grade 4) 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. We see over the top of the feature and have and a 360 view of a fantastic landscape.
The Kaiserin Elisabeth promenade, the Naßfeldtal Weg and the Naturschauweg (Grade 4) 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. Watch out for immense waterfalls cascading from the neighbouring hills.
The Wetterkreuz (Grade 6) The Schuhflicker is one of the few limestone peaks in the area, producing incredible scenery of spectacular cliffs and lush meadows. We will utilise the Fulseck Gondola to reach the dramatic ridge line for impressive views. Then this beautiful walk leads us up to the foot of the Schuhflicker onto a small peak called the Wetterkreuz, with panoramic views of the craggy peaks. We will return to an old wooden chapel passed earlier in the day and descend to the rolling valley from the mid-station before making our journey back to Bad Hofgastein.
Three Lakes Walk. This is a fine exploration over the Palfnerscharte visiting the much photographed Reedsee and the contrasting but equally scenic Windschursee. We walk the picturesque route from the Graukogelhütte to Palfnersee. The walk finishes on a long descent into Kötschachtal. 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 15Day 15Bad HofgasteinMeals BreakfastWe bid farewell to Austria and transfer by road to Munich Airport or Salzburg Airport for our return flight to the UK. Walks & ExcursionsTwo Grades, Two Leaders, Two WalksOn ‘2x Walks, 2x Leaders, 2x Grades’ departures, where we provide two tour leaders and offer a choice of easier or harder walks each day, we hope to be able to accommodate your choice of walk. However, safety considerations do govern the sizes of groups in each walking grade; the minimum number of participants for a guided walk at a given grade and the maximum group size will be as indicated for the walk grade. For safety reasons the minimum number of participants on a walk will be 4 plus the leader. Local 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 flights are from London to Munich Airport or to Salzburg Airport. Regional flights from Manchester and Birmingham to Munich and return are available on some dates. The transfer between Maria Alm and Bad Hofgastein are by road and will take approximately 45 minutes. Please be aware that there may be a wait at the airport as the transfers for all flights are combined on arrival and departure. Please be aware that your leader may be leading both weeks of our two week holiday so may require to leave on the morning of day 8 to return to the airport to bid farewell to our departing Maria Alm 1 week group and greet our arriving Bad Hofgastein 1 week group. This may mean that you require to travel by private coach from Maria Alm to Bad Hofgastein independently. Please ask your leader for details. 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 NiederreiterHans Neiderreiter Oberdorf 6 A-5761 Austria 0043 65847754 Maria Alm is a traditional resort located in the middle of the mountains of the Steinernes Meer, the Hochkönig and the Pinzagu grass mountains. The village is dominated by its church with its 76m needle-like-steeple, the tallest in the Salzburgerland and one of the pointiest in Austria! Maria Alm is a very traditional alpine picture perfect village and is an ideal place to experience nature as its location is perfect for hiking, climbing and cycling! The village band perform a live concert every Sunday and Tuesday evening (weather permitted) which is definitely worth a visit after an early dinner. The village includes a variety of facilities such as a small supermarket, sport shops, cafe's, bakeries, a post office, a village doctor, a bank and a tourist information centre. We stay in the very comfortable family run three-star superior Hotel Niederreiter in the centre of beautiful Maria Alm. Renovated in 2017, the hotel is designed with a mixture of traditional and contemporary furnishings, and its exterior is decorated with colourful flower boxes. This Alpine style hotel has a sauna, Jacuzzi, small natural outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi. It has its own ‘Konditorei’ or cake shop, serving their homemade cakes, tarts and their own ice cream based on an original Italian recipe. We stay in comfortable ensuite rooms. The bedrooms have Austrian style double beds which can be separated to make singles. Rooms usually include mountain and village views. All single rooms are double for sole use. Facilities include:
There are no coffee/tea making facilities or mini fridges in rooms. 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 at the hotel restaurants. Breakfast at both hotels are delicious buffets with a selection of organic and local products including yoghurt, fruit, cheese, meat, eggs, sausages, rolls and bread. Dinner at both hotels are four-course meals featuring international and traditional Austrian style cuisine. They typically start with a salad or soup buffet, a selection of three main courses to choose from, including 1 vegetarian option, and finish with delicious desserts. In Hotel Niederreiter in Maria Alm, once a week there is a buffet evening with traditional Austrian music. 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 & MoreApart from any books available in local libraries, the internet is now an excellent resource for information about holidays in Austria. The local tourist office websites www.mariaalm.at (in German) has pictures and videos of Maria Alm. Meanwhile www.hochkoenig.at/en/urlaubserlebnis/sommer/wandern (in English) is all about hiking in the area. There is also a link from this website to several live webcams. The local tourist office website www.gastein.com has pictures and information on Bad Hofgastein 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:
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Walk below and above the tree line through pastureland, high mountain trails and forest paths.
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