Hiking Austria: Bad Ischl – Katrinalm

Whew, this hike is steep. For this, one of the closest difficult routes in Bad Ischl, ready your best hiking shoes, carry more water than you think you need, and be kind to yourself as the path winds ever higher with no real flat or downhill sections to break up the climb. 

Of course, if it’s views you’re after, Katrinalm is here to deliver.

Here’s the hike and the views from the cable car station.

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Want to experience the hike for yourself? Here are some relevant details: 

Hiking times and local transportation

Estimates online say this trek takes two hours from the cable car station at the base of the hill to the cable car station at the top, but that’s only if you’re very fit and not stopping for photos. We made it in about 2.25 and if I’d been by myself and not trying to match someone else’s quick pace, I’d probably have clocked in around 2.5. If you plan to stop for photos, food, or rest breaks, expect the route to take longer. 

The cable car station (where the hike begins) is southwest of Bad Ischl. From town, I’m guessing it’s a 30 minute walk. There’s also plenty of parking at the station and most people seemed to be there by car (we walked from our place southeast of town). The cable car costs 15 euros per person one-way if you want to hike up and cable car down (or vice versa). 

Dogs on trails

As with all trails in this area, dogs are no problem. Make sure to bring water for your pooch and expect to see other dogs on the trail.

Is the trail crowded?

Moderately. We passed or were passed by maybe a dozen people in our couple hours of hiking. Most were clustered around the bottom or top (at the top, plenty of folks arrive by cable car and hike the trails up and around the cable car station). 

What to bring

Good shoes and sunscreen are (as always) a must. And carry plenty of water. This trek is difficult (read: sweaty) and there are no water fill-up stations along the way. The restaurant at the top was happy to refill my bottle, but it was bone dry once we got there. 

For the dog, I carry a small carrier backpack just in case she needs to be carried. She’s still hiking like a champ, but I’d rather have it and not need it than not have it if I ever do need it. 

Oh, and don’t forget your camera. All the photos above were taken with my Sony a6000.

Happy hiking!