"Via Artis Bad Aussee"

The Via Artis Bad Aussee follows in the footsteps of important personalities through the center of cultural life in the Ausseerland region. This hike combines the beauty of the landscape with the spiritual depth of the artists who made the Salzkammergut their place of inspiration. The trail is part of the three Via Artis routes (Bad Aussee, Grundlsee, Altaussee) and connects self-contained stages to form a harmonious whole.

Stations I + II: Bad Aussee Spa Gardens

The starting point is at the main entrance to the spa gardens, where Station I is dedicated to Alfred Komarek. Just a few steps further on, at the Archduke Johann Monument, is Station II, which marks the geographical center of Austria—a central location in the hiking paradise of the Ausseerland region.

Station III: Gustav Mahler

After the Postbrücke bridge, the trail passes the Wach hand printing shop and continues up the steps of the Sixtleite. At the top, a narrow path branches off to the right to Station III, dedicated to the composer Gustav Mahler.

Station IV: Wilhelm Kienzl and Richard Eybner

The route continues from Villa Martens to Sommersbergseestraße, past the Ameos Clinic to the Reitern fire station. This is where Station IV begins, with a view of the Dachstein, dedicated to Wilhelm Kienzl and Richard Eybner.

Station V: Nikolaus Lenau

Across meadows and paths through the Graumoos, the route leads to Brennerlacke. At the end of the marshy pastureland, it climbs up to Lenauhügel with Station V, which commemorates the poet Nikolaus Lenau. From here, there is a fantastic view over the hiking area in Ausseerland.

Station VI: Sigmund Freud and Hofmannsthal Lime Tree

Those who still have energy can climb the Emil-Ertl-Weg to Obertressen. Sigmund Freud spent many summers there. The trail continues to the Hofmannsthal lime tree, through meadows and past farms to Frank-Thiess-Gasse. The way back leads either via the alley or via the legendary Himmelsleiter (sky ladder) back to the village.

This stage of the Via Artis makes the interplay between culture and landscape particularly noticeable during a hiking vacation in Ausseerland. Historical sites, places associated with poets, and the quiet power of the Salzkammergut merge to create an impressive hiking experience.

The free Ausseerland hiking map is available free of charge on the tourism association's website when ordering brochures. For detailed map material, we recommend visiting the hiking map shop.

• Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB)
• www.busbahnbim.at