My ride into Austria is by a mini bus. There are no buses that do this route, so you get a mini bus which is shared with others going in a similar direction. I had to share with some Chinese going to Obertraun. The journey was very nice and comfortable. Plenty of green scenery along the way. Once we were in Austria the roads opened up into highways, and no doubt prices of everything will be a lot dearer in Austria than the Czech Republic.

I arrive at my hostel in Bad Goisern, where i have a huge 4 bed room all to myself. As the so called holiday season is over, the place is very quiet, including the little town.
Bad Goisern is such a lovely quiet town, with a river running next to the town. The mountains are lacking snow, but it is a little early for that.
The price of food here is double or more than on Czech, as i found out when getting some food from the supermarket. Cannot believe how much dearer it is here. Oh well, i have to eat.

I just love walking outside to be greeted by cold crisp air, and the sun bathing your face with warmth. It was a cold start to the day, but it did warm up to the mid teens. I took a train to the Hallstatt station. From there it was a ferry ride across the Hallstatt Lake. The water is almost a mirror, but the ever so slight breeze kills the perfect reflection. Hallstatt is a very small village on the edge of the lake, with mountains behind it. I chose to walk up the path to the lookout rather than take the Funicular. The lookout is 400 metres up the mountain, and is accessed by a path that zig zags up the face. Boy was it hard work. No wonder everyone took the funicular. The view was rather spectacular.
After making my way down back to the lake i decide to walk around the south of the lake to Obertraun. The head north back to Bad Goisern. Turns out to be over 20ks of walking. The path that follows the lake from Obertraun is beautiful and very scenic. Such a magnificent part of the world. Could stay here for a long time.

Today is another glorious day in Upper Austria. The sun is out, the morning air is crisp, and i am about to embark on a journey. The destination is the Goiserer Hut. It is a 10k hike one way with an altitude gain of 1,000 metres to the top. The first part is not too bad, but as the path starts to head up the side of the mountain, it gets rough, rocky and steep in parts. So after a few gruelling hours i make it to the hut. Seems i am not alone as there are other hikers here enjoying the stunning views. I take a seat, order a bowl of soup and sit back to enjoy the views. After talking to one of the hikers, he tells me there are even better views to be had, it just involves more climbing. So i take the challenge and yes the views of the Dachstein Mountains are just wonderful,

Now begins the descent, and i am not looking forward to this as i have some leg pains from yesterdays hiking. I manage to make it down without and mishaps, but my shin muscles are killing me. By the time i get back to my accommodation i am absolutely spent. I dont think i have ever been this physically drained before. Still it was worth every aching muscle.

My last day in Austria is spent in Bad Ischl, a little town not far from Bad Goisern. It is truly a beautiful place. Plenty of people walking around in traditional Austrian clothing. There is a band playing at the end of the pedestrian mall. The sun is shining and its lovely and warm. I could get used to this little piece of paradise. That is until winter comes.

Sunday is a travel day. 3 trains and 1 bus to get to the next destination which is Bled, Slovenia. I hope i have timed all the connections properly, or i will be in trouble.