Bad Goisern is a small town that packs a punch when it comes to outdoor activities. Its location in Austria’s Salzkammergut region means you’re never far from a mountain stream, a rugged canyon, or a scenic trail. Unlike busier tourist spots, Bad Goisern offers a more authentic experience—perfect for those who want adventure without the crowds. We especially enjoy the canyoning tours, such as the Bad Ischl: Canyoning Adventure for Beginners, that bring you into the wild water and let you slide, splash, and rappel through beautiful mountain landscapes. For those interested in exploring hidden caves and taking in panoramic views, the Caving & Scenic Hiking Adventure offers a relaxed but satisfying way to combine underground exploration with mountain vistas.
If you’re trying to decide which tour best matches your style, whether it’s a gentle hike, an adrenaline-filled canyoning trip, or a vertical rappel adventure, this guide will give you all the details to choose confidently. Each offers something unique, so read on for our top picks in Bad Goisern.
1. Bad Ischl: Canyoning Adventure for Beginners and Families
This beginner-friendly canyoning tour is a great way to introduce yourself to Austria’s rugged beauty without prior experience. For around $128, you’ll spend 2.5 hours sliding, splashing, and rappelling through a scenic mountain canyon in the Salzkammergut region. The tour emphasizes safety and fun, making it perfect for families and first-timers. A professional guide leads you through waterfalls, natural rock slides, and crystal-clear pools—there’s no jumping or swimming required, so even less confident adventurers can enjoy it.
What sets this tour apart is the focus on safety and the inclusion of free photos and videos. You’ll have plenty of chances to capture your adventure, making it a great family memory. The itinerary includes a safety briefing, a scenic hike into the canyon, and about 100 minutes of guided fun. The small group size means you get personalized attention, and the guides’ enthusiasm makes the experience even more memorable.
Bottom Line: This is an excellent introduction to canyoning—easy, safe, and packed with fun. Suitable for families and those new to adventure sports, it offers great value for a half-day outing.
2. Bad Ischl: Canyoning Adventure for Beginners EXTENDED
The extended canyoning tour in Bad Ischl is perfect if you want to step up your adventure. For about $144 and 3.5 hours of activity, this tour lets you explore two separate canyons in Salzkammergut, with more involved slides and higher drops. It’s ideal for those who have already tried canyoning or want a more comprehensive experience. The tour begins with a safety briefing and a scenic hike, then moves into two guided canyon sections, including jumps into crystal-clear pools from up to 10 meters and rappelling waterfalls.
One of the standout features is the opportunity to face more challenging terrain and enjoy the thrill of exploring a second canyon. The tour includes free photos and videos of your entire adventure, which are a nice bonus for reliving the experience later. Guests often comment on the professional guides’ expertise and encouragement, making the challenge accessible for beginners willing to push a little further.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a longer, more varied canyoning experience, this tour offers a great balance of adventure and safety, with enough excitement to satisfy your craving for adrenaline.
3. Bad Ischl: Canyoning Tour With Epic Rappels in Salzkammergut
This vertical-focused canyoning trip ups the ante with rappels of up to 35 meters in a stunning alpine canyon. Priced at $115 for 3.5 hours, it’s perfect for those who want to experience the thrill of controlled descents in a scenic, non-swimming environment. The tour is specially designed to teach you how to rappel confidently, with no experience needed, so you can conquer four to five rappels, each more impressive than the last.
What makes this tour truly special is the spectacular scenery—you’ll end with a 35-meter waterfall view over Dachstein, one of Austria’s most iconic peaks. Guests consistently praise the professional guidance, noting that the guides are patient and thorough, making sure everyone feels comfortable. The tour is limited to smaller groups, ensuring lots of individual attention.
Drawbacks? Since there’s no swimming involved, it’s less about water fun and more about vertical mastery. Still, the adrenaline of rappelling down waterfalls makes it worth considering.
Bottom Line: This is a top choice for adrenaline junkies and those wanting to master rappelling in a safe, awe-inspiring environment.
$115 per person
4. Bad Goisern: Caving & Scenic Hiking Adventure
Looking for a mix of underground mystery and mountain views? This 4.5-hour tour balances easy hiking above Bad Goisern with a visit to the Schwarzenbachloch Cave. Starting at the Lesehotel, you’ll hike along panoramic trails with sights of the Dachstein mountains, then descend into the cave with a helmet and headlamp. The experience combines meadows, rocky outcrops, and sheltered forest paths, making it accessible and suitable for most fitness levels.
The highlight is exploring the cave’s underground chambers, offering a touch of adventure without technical climbing or swimming. The certified guide shares interesting facts about the region’s geology and history, making it both fun and educational. Many visitors appreciate the variety of terrains and the chance to see a different side of Austria’s landscape.
Drawbacks? The cave visit is relatively short and easy—if you’re after intense spelunking or vertical rappels, this isn’t the tour for you. But if a scenic hike paired with underground exploration appeals, it’s a fantastic choice.
Bottom Line: For a relaxed outdoor experience that combines mountain vistas and underground discovery, this tour hits all the right notes.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your fitness level, taste for adventure, and how much time you want to spend outdoors. If you’re traveling with family or new to adventure sports, the Bad Ischl: Canyoning Adventure for Beginners offers a great introduction. For those seeking more challenge, the Extended Canyoning Tour or the Epic Rappel Trip provide more thrills. If you prefer a mix of land and underground exploration, the Caving & Scenic Hiking Adventure is a relaxed but rewarding option.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak summer months, as these tours tend to fill up. Think about your preferred pace and whether you want scenic, adrenaline, or a bit of both.
Final Thoughts
In Bad Goisern, options range from gentle hikes to adrenaline-packed canyoning and vertical rappels. If you’re a family or a first-time adventurer, the beginner canyoning tours are perfect and offer great value. For those craving height and thrills, the epic rappelling tour delivers some of the most memorable moments. And if underground mysteries appeal, the caving and hiking combo provides a nice balance.
Each tour promises a different way to experience Austria’s stunning natural beauty. Be sure to book early, and you’ll ensure a memorable, active trip through the Salzkammergut’s wild side.