During our holiday in Austria, we enjoyed walking tours with Headwater that took us through the beautiful Gaistal Valley, up to the peak of Seefelder Spitz, and even allowed us to witness the traditional Rifleman’s parade in Seefeld.

On our last day of hiking, my friend Julia and I discovered that the best was yet to come. We explored the rugged landscapes of the Leutasch Valley and admired the charming painted houses in Mittenwald. Our day ended with a serene lakeside walk surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

Starting from Hotel Xander, we took a short taxi ride to the entrance of the Leutasch Gorge, which straddles the border between Austria and Germany. The information signs hinted at a mystical world of fairies and goblins, with water rushing through the gorge’s high rocky cliffs.

We followed a wooded path into the gorge, walking along metal walkways that offered views of the foaming, milky-green water below. These walkways, completed in 2005, are an impressive engineering feat. We crossed a bridge to the other side, where the rushing water formed a green ribbon far below, and tall pine trees towered above us.

As we walked in the dappled sunlight, we paused to read information boards that shared stories of mountain fairies and the dramatic names of the gorge’s features, like Hell’s Bridge and the Devil’s Cauldron.

At the end of the main gorge, the path led us to a café and kiosk, where we found the entrance to a smaller gorge. Unlike the main gorge, this one had a €3 entry fee, but it was worth it to see the waterfall at the end. The narrow gorge was refreshingly cool, and we zig-zagged along the walkway just above the green-blue water. After about 10 minutes, we reached the waterfall, a deafening torrent that created a misty spray. I was glad to have my waterproof jacket to stay dry as I took a quick photo from a small alcove.

Retracing our steps, Julia and I stopped for a picnic lunch by a flower-filled meadow. Following our printed notes from Headwater Holidays, we walked along the river past pretty Alpine houses, aiming to reach Mittenwald in Germany.

In Mittenwald, we admired the town’s famous painted houses, which often depict religious stories. We strolled along the pedestrianized main street, passing charming pavement cafes, and reached the painted church tower of St. Peter and Paul. After enjoying a beer at a shady café, we inquired at the tourist office about the bus to the lakes of Lautersee and Ferchensee.

Other hotel guests had recommended these lakes, and since I had injured my ankle earlier in the trip, we opted for a gentle walk. We took the number 1 bus from the train station up to the lakes, starting at Ferchensee, where we couldn’t resist stopping for apple strudel and iced coffee at a lakeside café.

As the afternoon sun cast a golden glow across the lake, we reluctantly continued along the lakeside path, knowing we needed to catch the last bus back to our hotel. We reached a grassy swimming spot where Julia took a swim while I waited on a bench. The path then led us through a forest past a small shrine and on to the second lake, Lautersee. We continued down a steep track back to Mittenwald, passing several cascades and waterfalls.

By 6:30 PM, we were back in Mittenwald, with the evening sun lighting up the grey crag above us. We caught the bus back to our hotel in Leutasch, ending a wonderful day exploring the landscapes of Austria and Southern Germany.

This was a fantastic finale to our four days of walking with Headwater Holidays. I hope you’ll enjoy reading about the other walks from this trip:

– Day 1: A high mountain walk in the Gaistal Valley, where we planned to sample local food in mountain huts but had to change plans after I took a tumble.
– Day 2: Hiking in Austria with views from the cross at Seefelder Spitze, accessed via a cable car.
– Day 3: A Rifleman’s Parade and Mental Power Walk in Seefeld, featuring a traditional parade and a forest trail with relaxation stations.

Heather’s walking holiday in Austria’s Leutasch Valley was provided by Headwater Holidays. This 7-night walking holiday is based at the 4-star Hotel Xander in Kirchplaztl. The holiday includes a full program of self-guided day walks, detailed walking guides and maps, breakfast and dinner at the hotel, a packed lunch on walking days, and flights/transfers via Innsbruck. Prices start from £669 per person.

Headwater Holidays specializes in self-guided walking, cycling, and relaxed activity holidays, allowing you to travel at your own pace and get closer to the places you visit. For more information, check their website and social media channels.

Heather flew from Bristol to Munich with BMI Regional, which offers 12 flights per week on this route. Transfers from Innsbruck airport to Leutasch take less than an hour, while transfers from Munich Airport take around 2 hours and can be arranged through your hotel or holiday provider.

Heather stayed at Sporthotel Xander in Leutasch, a comfortable 4-star hotel ideal for summer walkers or winter cross-country skiers. The hotel offers rooms, suites, and apartments, and features an indoor pool and spa. The hamlet of Kirchplatzl, where the hotel is located, is mainly residential, with shops a 15-minute walk away in Weidach. The bus to Seefeld stops right by the hotel.

Hotel Xander is perfect for keen walkers seeking a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. For a livelier atmosphere, shopping, or evening entertainment, Seefeld is a good alternative base. Check prices and book your stay here.