This holiday brings to you an undiscovered treasure of Austria. The Inner Salzkammergut is an area that combines all the excitement of an outdoor lifestyle with astonishing natural beauty.

The holiday is based in the rural village of Obertraun on the shores of the Halstattersee Lake, approximately an hour and fifteen minutes from Salzburg. A warm and friendly welcome always awaits our guests at the Obertrauner Hof, set within the heart of this tranquil village.

Together with our local activity providers, the emphasis is on nature as our playground and how to preserve the environment whilst enjoying the numerous activities the mountains and lakes have to offer.

The main positive impact of this holiday is the effect it has on the local rural economy. We are able to accomplish this by employing local guides who are expertly trained and have an in-depth and invaluable knowledge of the mountains and the area.

The same philosophy applies at our accommodation which only provides Bed & Breakfast allowing our guests to support local businesses by dining at one of several restaurants or bars in the village. In addition, our accommodation suppliers only employ local people and sources most of its produce and services locally, hence supporting a number of suppliers.

The accommodation providers also adopt a positive attitude towards recycling cardboard, all cans, plastic bottles, glass, books, newspapers and magazines. They also have notices within each bathroom requesting guests to consider their use of water, a precious natural commodity.
 

Saturday: Flights, arrivals and welcome
On arrival at our guesthouse in Obertraun and, after settling in, there will be a welcome meal and an introduction from our guide.

Sunday: Mountain Picnic trek
A glorious introduction to your holiday as we travel by cable car up to Gosau and set off for a spectacular walk between the two Gosau Lakes. We will get magnificent views towards the glaciers on the Gosaukamm mountain and we have a picinic surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Monday: Forest adventure day
An adrenaline filled day spent in Obertraun's forests and mountains. The morning is spent rock climbing and bouldering. After lunch we visit a natural adventure playground with rope bridges, zip wires and via ferrata.

Tuesday: Canyoning
Today we'll head to one of the many fantastic canyons in the region and your guide will pick one that best suits the ability of the group. We spend time sliding, jumping and swimming as we make our way downstream through a natual water park.

Wednesday Free day
Today you can try an optional activity. For those with a head for heights we strongly recommend the via ferrata which allows adventurous walkers a safe passage into the domain of the climber. Alternatively you may like to visit the waterpark in Bad Goisern - a real favourite.

Thursday: Sea Kayaking and Raft Building
Today we will take to the waters of Lake Hallstattersee for a sea kayaking trip. This is a great way to see the full scale of the magnificent mountains. Then in teams you will be required to fashion a raft that will carry you back home across the lake, great fun. A lake side barbecue is included.

Friday: White water rafting
The River Traun offers a fine combination of scenic and white water stretches allowing you to enjoy the stunning surroundings and experience the challenge of negotiating the rapids. Lunch is followed by a free afternoon.
A farewell dinner will be served tonight.

Saturday: Depart or extend your stay
We transfer back to Salzburg for your return flight. If you wish to extend your stay we will be delighted to help you find flights which match your preferred travel dates.

Would you like this holiday tailor made especially for your friends and family?
If you have a group of at least 4 people then please contact one of our travel experts to discuss the options of a private or tailor made programme.

Please Note: This is a self drive holiday.  Due to concern regarding the 'ash cloud' and it's impact on flights, the vast majority of our clients have expressed a preference for self drive holidays.  In response to this we have amended all our prices to self drive only.  If you prefer to fly, we can arrange flights and car hire on your behalf.  Please contact our reservations team on 01670 785 072 to discuss your options.

In 1965 Julie Andrew's sang 'The Hills Are Alive' whilst overlooking Salzburg causing the Austrian Tourist Board a headache. Austria does not have hills, just glorious mountains at the heart of which we have designed a fabulous activity week.

The greater Salzkammergut region is an area of outstanding natural beauty characterised by crystal clear lakes and towering peaks. Our activities take place in the Dachstein-Tauern area known locally as the "Valley of a Thousand Springs". The abundance of mountains, rivers and lakes make this the perfect location for canyoning, rafting, kayaking and climbing amidst some of the most beautiful alpine terrain anywhere in Europe.

This holiday is based in the lovely Austrian village of Obertraun nestled in the majestic Dachstein mountains on the eastern shores of Hallstattersee Lake. Despite its small size, Obertraun has bars, restaurants and all the amenities you might need on holiday.

We find that many of our clients choose to extend their stay in Austria. In 2010 the world famous Passion Play will be performed in Oberammergau, just three hours drive away - this only happens once every 10 years so you might want to make the most of it. Alternatively you can visit the stunning city of Salzburg, it's a delight to explore and if your kids have seen a certain film they will absolutely love it.
 

Families with children aged 10 years and over (please note: that this does not preclude younger children but participation in the activities will be at the discretion of our instructors).