Region sheet G-03
Austria gives us mountains without long flights. The Gastein valley has warm springs at the foot of high peaks, and the Salzkammergut lakes north of it are linked by boats that still run to old timetables.
When to go
Both protocols run in the warm months. The Gastein valley is best from June to early October, when the gondolas run and the high meadows are open. The lakes are good from May to September and warm enough to swim from July.
How it reads by season
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Winter | Ski season; no departures |
| Spring | Lakes waking up; Gastein snow on the tops |
| Summer | Both protocols, lake swimming from July |
| Autumn | Gastein walks to early October |
The drive from Mariánské Lázně to either valley takes most of a day, so we break it with lunch in Salzburg or a Bavarian town.
Protocols in Austria
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Onsen Towns of Kyushu
Nine days through the hot-spring towns of Kyushu, from the steam of Beppu to the black sand of Ibusuki, at a walking pace. From CZK 119,900 per person.
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Kusatsu and Nagano Snow Baths
Seven winter days in the Japanese Alps: the hot-water field of Kusatsu, the snow lanes of Shibu and the temple town of Nagano. From CZK 98,900 per person.
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Budapest Bath Circuit
Five days in Budapest, taking the city’s great baths one at a time, from the Ottoman domes of Buda to the yellow palace of Széchenyi. From CZK 24,900 per person.
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Hévíz Lake Weekend
Three days on the warm lake at Hévíz in western Hungary, where you swim among water lilies, with a morning on the north shore of Balaton. From CZK 13,900 per person.
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Bad Gastein Valley Week
Six days in the Gastein valley of the Austrian Alps: the waterfall town of Bad Gastein, high meadows and warm thermal pools. From CZK 38,900 per person.
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Salzkammergut Slow Lakes
Seven days around the lakes of the Salzkammergut in Austria, by boat, local bus and short walks, with Bad Ischl as the middle point. From CZK 42,900 per person.
Prices are indicative and per person; a manager confirms the final price when you send a request.