May 2, 2022
On our second hike day, our local representative picked up our luggage and transported them to our next hotel while we headed out to visit Lake Schwarzensee on our way to Strobl. Part of the hiking tour company’s appeal is that we don’t have to tote all our gear with us: they take the luggage from inn to inn!
The sun was beginning to show its face with this hike, and we were happy to see it! The early portion of the hike took us through large pine tree forests and up graveled paths. This portion of the hike was less demanding in the ascent compared to Sunday’s climb.
Halfway through the hike, we were rewarded with a pit stop at Lake Schwarzensee. This serene Schwarzlake, like a Schwarzbier, translates to “black lake”. There is a fairly large cafe on the lake, so we stopped for a beer and the best apple strudel of the trip!
After a 20-minute stop, we were off again. Our guide had given us two options for the second portion on the hike: add an hour or two to the hike and go around the lake for an easier hike or take a shorter hike through a ravine overlooking the river. We were warned that the ravine hike was rather complicated and steep, but the 4 of us weren’t deterred.
This portion of the hike was indeed intense as we had a cable rope keeping us up the 1000 feet to the hillside. Between wet leaves, a very narrow pass, tree roots and then many steel grated steps, the 30 minute ravine trek was treacherous.
We eventually made it out of the forest and traveled into the village of Strobl, walking on paths that rung the Wolfgansee Lake.
After taking a few photos, Mary’s new prescription glasses fell out of her hand, bounced on her hiking boot, and landed in Lake Wolfgansee!! With the elevated walkway, they could not be reached.
Once in Strobl, we took a local bus to the next town we are staying in, Bad Ischl, a very pretty larger and more city-like town. Our hotel is very modern, nothing like the last two authentic Austrian inns, but is located on the Traun River. Tomorrow is our “off day” so no hiking! Our legs will be happy for the rest!
