Walk through the Echern Valley in Hallstatt
Dear Hiking FriendsImportant information for hikers in Hallstatt's Echerntal
Please note that the path (ascent) to the "Waldbachstrub" waterfalls is currently closed due to forestry work. The path to the Schleierfall, also a waterfall, is passable. All other hiking trails in the Hallstatt Echern Valley are also open. We wish you a relaxing time in this romantic nature area. Your editorial team
Brief information in advance
The Echern Valley (in German "Echerntal") offers everyone a break far away from the tourist crowds and is also a hot tip for all those who want to take beautiful landscape photos with their mobile phone. The tour is easy and can be done with strollers.
Enjoy Hallstatt in a relaxed way
Whether on long hikes or leisurely walks - the Echerntal in Hallstat is just the right thing for all those who are looking for peace and relaxation in the hectic everyday life. And especially the relaxed round from the Grabfeldweg via the Brandbachweg and Echerntalweg is one of the most beautiful routes through the Echerntal for guests and hosts. Also ideal as an evening circular route, or as a cool walk.
From the P1 car park in Echerntal
We start our tour at the small "Calvary Church" above Hallstatt. Below is the central car park P1. From here, the shady grave field path leads us, especially on hot summer days, past the Vesperbild Chapel through the impressive nature.
The small forest chapel was built between 1700 and 1710 in the course of the construction of the "Kalvarienbergkirch!e" by Franz and Maria von Sumating (k.k. court clerk). The chapel was destroyed in 1802 by a rockslide from the Hirlatzwand and rebuilt in the same year. When the chapel fell victim to another rockfall in 1855, it was not rebuilt until three years later, in 1858.
Through the shady forest
The "Grabfeldweg" from the Vesperbild to the "Mariedlerwiese" (now the municipal building yard) was built in the 1930s, at the time of the Great Depression, by the then "Beautification Association" in cooperation with the Hallstatt Museum Association. During this time, the museum association also employed unemployed people for the research excavations on the Salzberg. At the beginning and end of the path, piggy banks were attached to the trees for donations for the maintenance of the path and to finance the excavation on the Salzberg. The name Grabfeldweg is misleading, because the famous burial ground is located on the Salzberg. The name "Hallerwaldweg" would be more appropriate. At the end of the path we get back on the asphalt road and follow the Malerweg straight ahead for about 100 meters. Now you have to keep to the left, because this is where the Brandbachweg begins.
Along the stone stream
The mostly dry stream bed of the "Brandbach" only carries water during extreme amounts of precipitation on the Dachstein high plateau. For the locals, this is a sign of flood danger. Several springs at the foot of the Hirlatzwand act as an overflow for the water-bearing karst cavities of the mighty mountain called "Hirlatz". The upper and lower Brandbach caves are connected to the neighbouring Hirlatz cave. The "Hirlatz Cave" (Hirlatz cove) is the second longest cave in Austria (as of 2014), more than 100km have been surveyed so far.
Return via the "Echerntalweg"
At the end of the Brandbachweg we turn right a few meters down the road. Now we are parting ways. We follow the road to the left over the Waldbachbrü
Tips: Hiking in spring
The days in the Salzkammergut are getting longer. The temperatures are finally getting warmer, more and more hikers are heading to the mountains. But be careful: Especially in spring, there are a few things to consider: There is often still a lot of snow on the mountains, so be careful when crossing snowfields. After winter, you are usually still a bit "rusty", so warm up accordingly in advance and plan your tour carefully. Let your host know the planned route. This can lead to quick help in an emergency. But there's more to consider:
Tips: Hiking in spring
The days in the Salzkammergut are getting longer. The temperatures are finally getting warmer, more and more hikers are heading to the mountains. But be careful: Especially in spring, there are a few things to consider: There is often still a lot of snow on the mountains, so be careful when crossing snowfields. After winter, you are usually still a bit "rusty", so warm up accordingly in advance and plan your tour carefully. Let your host know the planned route. This can lead to quick help in an emergency. But there's more to consider:
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...
More offers from the Hallstatt Echerntal
Themed trail Hallstatt Echerntal
Past beautifully designed information boards. On the trail of naturalists and landscape painters. Short and easy, but hugely rewarding and interesting themed hike. Walking time for the circular hiking trail: 3 - 4 hours. Enjoy the "Themed trail Hallstatt Echerntal" in Hallstatt.
Hiking to the "Waldbachstrub" Waterfall in Hallstatt
Family-friendly hike of about 2.5 hours to the most beautiful waterfalls of the Salzkammergut. With numerous information boards and unforgettable photo motifs. An enjoyable tour!
The “Cross Stone” in the Echern Valley
A large stone in the middle of the wildly romantic landscape of the Hallstatt Echerntal (Echern Valley) . Broken off a boulder or a remnant of the ice age? Puzzling – isn’t it?
The “Ebenhoch” Stone in the Echern Valley
On the Echerntalweg, in the direction of the waterfall, is a slightly hidden stony witness from the last Ice Age. A prominent Hallstatter by choice gave it his name.
"Jewellery" of the Echern Valley
Geschichten rund um kuriose Kleinigkeiten am Wegesrand. Erfahren Sie mehr über Land & Leute und die kleinen Geschichten rechts und links vom Wegesrand.
The powder tower “Pulverturm” in Echerntal
A small depot in the middle of the forest as a rejuvenation place for nature lovers and relaxation seekers. A detour from the Malerweg and an insider tip for Echerntal explorers.
San Marco memorial
When the first tourists came to Hallstatt, in the middle of the 19th century, they were enchanted by the wildly romantic beauty of the Echerntal. Here is the story of one of these unusual visitors
Hiking to the Glacier Garden in Hallstatt
Hallstatt | This romantic hike through the picturesque Echern valley to the Glacier garden is a relic of the last ice age. A wonderful hiking route for the whole family.
Waldbachstrub Waterfall
Hallstatt | Waldbachstrub: Impressive waterfall in the romantic Hallstatt Echerntal. ‘Glücksplatz’ with cult status!
Hiking through the Echern Valley
Hallstatt | A hike possible for all and in all seasons. The spectacular view puts a spell on all hikers. The Goal: The breathtaking Waldbackstrub Waterfall.
The steep track “Gangsteig” steep track in Echerntal
A Challenge for mountaineers. A steep track, blasted out of the mountain, over the Waldbachstrub waterfalls in Hallstatt. Walking time about 30 minutes. Only for experienced hikers with hiking boots.
Hiking to the "Waldbach" origin in Hallstatt
A hike for nature lovers. 5 to 6 hours walking time. Lots of silence and great views. Hikers with mountain experience. Don't forget hiking shoes! Endurance and sure-footedness are prerequisites.
Free accommodations 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.