Description

This is about as easy as hiking gets and is a perfect way to introduce kids to the pleasures of moving under their own steam.

For those without kids, this is just a lovely, short hike in a peaceful part of the Austrian mountains. Start out in the middle of Goldegg am See village - we've drawn the line from the Hotel Der Seehof/Hotel Zur Post but the village is tiny and you can start the trip from anywhere.

The main parking area for the village is at the northern end of it, just below the beautiful church which dominates the local architecture. Begin by hiking south and making the gentle ascent of the small peak to the south of the Goldeggsee.

Traverse across this on a pleasant path through forests and then descend down to a field.

Cross this and then swing west and wander over to the north-east corner of the Goldeggsee.

Follow a gorgeous path which follows the shore of the lake around to the bathing area.

You need to pay to bathe in the lake but if you don't fancy a dip in the water you can just grab a drink at the bathing area cafe and soak in the view. Return easily back to the village.

The Hotel Der Seehof serves excellent coffee and the food is superb too, so consider ordering some refreshment and sitting on the beautiful terrace for a while.

There's also a lovely cafe at the northern end of the village main street so you might not get far from the Hotel before you stop for another drink!