Exploring Austria's Best Hiking Trails

Austria is a country of mountains and lakes, with incredible mountain valleys, alpine meadows, deep coniferous forests, craggy peaks, glaciers, crashing waterfalls, and exquisite nature reserves. The vast majority of hikes in Austria lie within its mountains, valleys and hills, simply because much of the nation is part of the Alps.

Austria has something for everyone, from gentle climbs to challenging trails. Here are some of the must-do hikes in Austria:

- The Eagle Walk in Tirol: a 413-kilometre trail that traverses the heart of the Alps and offers breathtaking views of Tirol's beauty, individuality and character.

- The Three Lakes Tour: awarded the Tyrolean Mountain Trail Seal of Quality, this trail takes you from the Ehrwalder Almbahn valley station to the Seebensee lake.

- The Hintersteiner See: located in the Wilder Kaiser Mountain nature reserve, this lake is known for its clear and transparent water, offering a refreshing treat for swimmers.

- The Zireiner See in the Rofan Mountains: a challenging route for medium to high ability hikers, with an ascent of 1,500 metres and some difficult areas.

- The Halltal Salt Mining Trail: a family-friendly hike that weaves through the stunning landscape of the salt mines in Halltal, northern Tyrol.

- The Wachau World Heritage Trail: a 180-kilometre long-distance hiking trail in the Wachau Valley, known for its sweeping views of the Danube River and terraced vineyards.

- The Lünersee Circuit Trail: a picturesque mountain lake in the Rätikon Alps, offering a starting point for interesting day hikes and multi-day treks.

- The Stone Pine Path: a blissfully easy walking path in the Tux Alps, running at a high altitude of 2,000 meters with minimal elevation gain/loss.

- The Glacier Trail Pasterze: a spellbinding trail located in Hohe Tauern National Park, offering unbeatable views of Austria's highest mountain, Grossglockner, and the receding Pasterze Glacier.

The Austrian Alps

The Heart of the Alps

The Heart of the Alps in Austria opens up to reveal a fascinating mountain world. The Tirolean Mountains contain around 24,000 kilometres of marked hiking and mountain trails. The region is known for its marvellous mountain hikes, leading hikers and climbers through gentle uplands, long-distance trekking trails, and mountain peaks. The Eagle Walk, traversing the heart of the Alps over 413 kilometres, is an excellent demonstration of the beauty, individuality, and character of the Austrian Alps.

Lake Gosau

Lake Gosau is a picturesque destination in the Austrian Alps. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear waters, and lush green alpine pastures. The area offers a range of hiking opportunities, from leisurely walks to challenging trails along high-altitude routes.

Hohe Tauern National Park

Hohe Tauern National Park is home to the spellbinding Glacier Trail Pasterze and the Innergschlöss Glacier Trail. The park offers unbeatable views of Austria's highest mountain, Grossglockner, and the rapidly receding Pasterze Glacier. The trails wind past rivers, waterfalls, and lakes, providing a truly magnificent alpine experience.

Zillertal Alps

The Zillertal Alps, located in the south of Tyrol, offer a diverse range of hiking options. From the challenging summit hike to Gamsjoch, with its sweeping views of the Hinterautal-Vomper-Kette mountain chain, to the Olpererhütte and Friesenberghaus loop trail, this region has something for experienced hikers seeking rugged terrain.

Lechquellen Mountains

The Lechquellen Mountains provide an outstanding hiking experience, with the day hike from Lake Formarinsee to Lake Spullersee being a particular highlight. This trail offers an overview of the enchanting mountain landscape, including the origin of the River Lech and the impressive "Stone Sea" karst landscape.

Tyrol

The Eagle Walk

This challenging 413-kilometre trail is divided into 33 stages, with a total ascent of nearly 31,000 metres. The route traverses the heart of the Alps, offering stunning views of Tyrol's beauty, individuality and character. It is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience and takes in some of Austria's most spectacular scenery.

Hintersteiner See

Located in the heart of the Wilder Kaiser Mountain nature reserve, this lake is the perfect spot for a refreshing swim after an afternoon trek. The water is renowned for its clarity, and the circular route that begins and ends at the Seestüberl car park is a popular choice.

Zireiner See in the Rofan Mountains

This route, starting at Kramsach, is suitable for hikers of medium to high ability, with an ascent of 1,500 metres and some challenging sections. The Zireiner Lake is considered one of the most magical in the region, nestled in the valley of the Rofan Mountains, which reflect beautifully on its waters.

Drei-Seen-Rundwanderung

This trail takes hikers past three lakes: Ampervreilasee, Selvasee and Guraletschsee. It is a nature-immersive experience, with mountains on all sides, including the mighty Frunthorn. A stop at Alp Selva, a region famous for its award-winning cheeses, is highly recommended.

Halltal Salt Mining Trail

This family-friendly hike in northern Tyrol weaves through the stunning landscape of the Halltal valleys, which are famous for their salt mines, dating back to the 13th century. Information boards detail the history of the area, and along the way, hikers can discover gems such as the Bergerkapelle chapel and the Ladhütten huts.

Zirbengweg – Stone Pine Path

The Stone Pine Trail is a relatively easy walk, running at a high altitude of 2,000 metres with minimal elevation gain/loss. It leads through one of the oldest and largest stone pine stands in Europe and offers panoramic views of the Inntal Valley. This trail is a great option for those hiking with children or seeking viewpoints of the valley and surrounding areas.

Carinthia

• Erzberg - Lower Gailtal: This hike takes you through the beautiful Lower Gailtal region, known for its picturesque landscapes and traditional villages.
• Oswaldiberg circular hike: A moderately challenging hike that takes you through lush forests and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• 17-Kräuter-Weg Rundweg: This hike gets its name from the variety of herbs that grow along the trail. It's an easy walk that's suitable for hikers of all ages and fitness levels.
• Mirnock via the Hochalm hut: A challenging hike that takes you to the summit of Mirnock, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Carinthian landscape.
• Seebachtal and Stappitzer See: This easy hike takes you through the Seebachtal valley to the Stappitzer See, a beautiful green lake surrounded by majestic mountains.
• Krimmler Wasserfälle: Krimmler Waterfall is the highest staged waterfall in Europe, with a total height of 380 meters. The 4-kilometer hiking trail that runs along the falls offers impressive views of the immense water violence.

Salzburg

Lake Tappenkarsee Hike

This hike takes you to Tappenkarsee, a mountain lake nestled in the Radstädter Tauern Mountains. The route includes rugged mountains, alpine pasture huts, and mountain huts. The trailhead is at Lake Jägersee in Kleinarl Valley, and the distance is 19.9 km with an elevation gain of 985 meters. The hike is moderate in difficulty and usually takes around 7 hours.

Hofpürgl Hut to Sulzenalm Circuit Trail

This circuit hike runs along the base of Bischofsmütze and Gosaustein in the Dachstein Mountains. The trailhead is at Hofalm, located at the end of the Hofalm toll road north of Filzmoos. The hike includes a steady ascent to Hofpürglhütte and continues through boulder fields and pastures with stunning views of the limestone walls. The distance is 12.9 km and it takes about 5 hours and 15 minutes. The elevation gain is 912 meters, and the difficulty level is moderate to moderately difficult.

Rötelstein/Rettenstein Summit Hike

Rötelstein is a mountain northeast of Filzmoos, offering riveting views of the Gosaukamm and Dachstein South Face. The summit hike is thrilling and demanding, involving scrambling and navigating broken rock and scree terrain. The trailhead is at the Rettensteinhütte car park in Filzmoos, and the distance is 9.8 km. The elevation gain is 937 meters, and the hike is rated as difficult. It usually takes about 5 hours to complete.

Bachlalm and Neustattalm Circuit Trail

This easy circuit trail meanders through forests and across pastures at the foot of the Dachstein Südwand, in the border area of Salzburg and Styria. The trailhead is at the Bachlalm car park, located along the Filzmooser Strasse between Filzmoos and Ramsau am Dachstein. The distance is 10.4 km, and it takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes. The elevation gain is 588 meters.

Mühlbach High Trail: Arthurhaus to Erichhütte

The Mühlbach High Trail runs along the foot of the Hochkönig mountains, passing through mountain pastures and forests, and connecting several alpine pasture huts. The trail can be started at either Arthurhaus or the Erichhütte car park in Dienten am Hochkönig. The distance is 11.2 km, and it takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. The elevation gain is 226 meters, with a loss of 377 meters. The trail is rated as easy to moderate.

Taghaube Trail

The Taghaube Trail takes you to the summit of Taghaube (2159 m) in the Hochkönig Mountains. The trailhead is at the Erichhütte car park, between Dienten am Hochkönig and Mühlbach am Hochkönig. The hike involves ascending to Erichhütte, crossing a meadow, and then a steep climb through dwarf pine and rock passages to the summit. The distance is 6.4 km, and it takes about 3 hours. The elevation gain is 810 meters, and the trail is rated as moderately difficult.

Krimmler Waterfall Trail

This trail takes you to Krimmler Waterfall in Hohe Tauern National Park, the largest waterfalls in Europe with a drop of 380 meters. The trail is accessible by bus and train, and it takes about 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete. The distance is 4.8 miles, and it is rated as moderately challenging.

Gaisberg from Gersbergalm

This popular summit hike near Salzburg takes you up Gaisberg, with plenty of shade and benches along the way. The summit can be reached in about 2 hours, and there are restaurants and bus stops at the top. The trailhead is in Koppl, Salzburg, and the distance is 3.6 miles. It takes about 3 hours and 2 minutes, and it is accessible by bus and train.

The Sound of Music Trail (Werfen Picnic Park)

This panoramic walk in Salzburger Land starts in Werfen and takes in Lake Windermere and Werfen Picnic Park, offering spectacular views. This trail is where "Do-Re-Mi" was sung in "The Sound of Music". It is accessible by bus and train, and the distance is 1.6 miles. The trail is rated as easy and usually takes about an hour.

Leitenkammerklamm to Zittauer Hut

This hike in Hohe Tauern National Park leads you along the beautiful Leitenkammerklamm gorge tucked away in a forest, and then through a meadow with stunning views of the mountains, pasture, and pine trees. The trailhead is at Alpengasthof Finkau Parking Lot, and it takes about 4 hours. The level is moderate, and there is a ridge line on this trail that is exposed on both sides, followed by a steel ladder across a steep section.

Krimml Waterfall Trail

The Krimml Waterfall Trail in Hohe Tauern National Park takes you to the Krimml Waterfalls, which are the highest waterfalls in Austria with a drop of 385 meters. The trail is a varied circular route that returns via the Alter Tauernweg, a historic path that is less crowded and offers glimpses of the waterfalls. The trailhead is in Krimml, and the distance is 5 miles. It takes about 3 hours and 9 minutes, and it is rated as intermediate in difficulty.

Vorarlberg

Hiking in Vorarlberg

The state of Vorarlberg has initiated the campaign “Natural diversity in Vorarlberg” to ensure that the region's astounding natural diversity, from moors to shorelines and high mountains, is conserved for future generations. The campaign is a coalition of like-minded stakeholders that stands for integrated nature conservation, with a focus on the 40 Natura 2000 protected areas.

The approximately 6,000 km of hiking trails in Vorarlberg are uniformly signposted and divided into three levels of difficulty. Many trails provide insight into the local way of life or lead to spectacular natural features.

• Brand – A 3.7-mile, family-friendly circular hiking trail at the foot of the Schesaplana. The route offers breathtaking views of the mountain lake and the Rätikon Mountains.
• Rappenloch, Alplochschlucht und Karren – A 6.7-mile hike through the Rappenloch and Alploch Gorges. Enjoy excellent views while hiking on wooden walkways through impressive gorges. The hike ends with a great view of the cart over Lake Constance.
• Sportliche Talwanderung: Pfänderbahn - über Gschliefweg - Bregenz – A 2.3-mile descent from Bregenz's local mountain to Lake Constance. Highlights include magnificent panoramic views of Lake Constance, the Swiss mountains, Bregenzerwald, and the Rhine Valley.
• Körbersee Rundweg – A 5.7-mile picturesque circular hike in the Lechquellengebirge southwest of the Hochtannberg Pass. The magical Körbersee, framed by a breathtaking mountain backdrop, is considered one of the most beautiful places in Austria.
• Silvretta-Stausee – A 4-mile, family-friendly, spectacular glacier experience in the Montafon. The route offers breathtaking views of the Piz Buin glacier and 18 other 3000-meter peaks in the Vorarlberg Silvretta.
• Schellenberg Felsbandweg – A 4.9-mile circular hike near Feldkirch, characterised by bizarre rock formations and magnificent views. The route leads from the car park at St. Cornelli Church along the rock band path to Mauren and back to the starting point via the Neu Schellenberg castle ruins.
• Bürser Schlucht und Kuhloch – A 3.2-mile, family-friendly circular hike from Bürs that provides insights into recent geological history. The route takes you through an almost jungle-like stock of trees in one of the most beautiful gorges in the Alps.
• Wasserfall Alberschwende – A 4.5-mile circular hike south of Lake Constance in the Bregenzerwald. The entertaining route leads from Alberschwende via Fischbach to an idyllic waterfall and back via Dresslen.
• Bregenzerwald Cheese Road – A scenic hike through one of the villages of Lingenau, featuring a storehouse for cheese.
• The Green Ring – A 3-day literary hiking tour around Lech-Zürs, featuring art installations about local people, culture, and stories.
• Lake Formarinsee to Lake Spullersee – A day hike in the Lechquellen Mountains that includes a trail across wildflower-carpeted slopes and alpine pastures to Steinernes Meer (“Stone Sea”), an impressive karst landscape.
• Rätikon High Trail Circuit – A 4-day, moderate hut-to-hut hike that wraps around the Rätikon Alps, starting and ending at Lünersee. The trail includes a dramatic ascent to Schesaplana, the highest peak in the Rätikon.
• Montafon Hut Circuit – A 10-day hut-to-hut trail that traverses the Verwall, Silvretta, and Rätikon Alps in a giant U-shaped arch around the Montafon Valley. Highlights include staying in the Wiesbadener Hütte, below Piz Buin, the highest mountain in Vorarlberg.
• Hohes Rad Circuit Trail – A day hike in the pristine and wild Silvretta Alps that starts at Silvretta Bielerhöhe. The trail ascends gently up the Bieltal Valley to Radsattel, with dazzling views of glaciated, crystalline peaks.

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