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Theme trail "Salzkammergut Brine Trail" ("Salzkammergut Soleweg")

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

An adventure trail for the whole family

Some say "Salzkammergut Soleweg", others call it the Soleleitungsweg. One thing is certain, however: the popular theme and hiking trail is the oldest pipeline in the world. And this popular path has been enriched by an attraction since the summer of 2024: 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 brine pipeline - a success story

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. Today, an incredible 1.2 million tons of salt are produced in the saltworks.

An experience for the eyes and ears

The content can also be listened to as an audio file in German and English via the QR codes directly on the boards.

In one go or piece by piece

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.

Everything you need to hike the Pipeline Trail

If you would like to learn more about the hike on the Salzkammergut Brine Trail, then we have summarized all the information about this tour for you in our large hiking section. Please note that the section between the towns of "Hallstatt" and "Bad Goisern/Steeg" is currently closed due to the risk of falling rocks. We wish you an interesting and relaxing hike in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

Additional information - good to know!

  • The brine pipeline path is about 32 km long.
  • In some cases, the path is not open to cyclists and is not suitable for prams.
  • Pay attention to the signposts with the lettering "Soleleitungsweg".
  • Disclaimer
  • Before each tour, please observe the weather and the resulting restrictions on accessibility and stay on the official paths. Please respect official closures, which can be found on the homepage of the tourist office. The use of the paths is at your own risk. Liability for personal injury, property damage or financial loss is excluded.

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...

Read more: Everything you need to hike on the oldest pipe

The historical Brine Trail

Available accommodation for your hiking holiday in the Salzkammergut

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.