Hiking in Austria

Hiking in Austria: 10 reasons to head out into the Austrian Alps

Hiking in Austria offers you a healthy, fun and active holiday. There is a wide range of activities, whether you are exploring one of the national parks, enjoying the beauty of the Alps on a long-distance trail or taking a shorter hike in Austria with your family. Explore a national park or enjoy an affordable day trip with your family in Austria.1. Huge variation in the landscapeAustria's topography varies from the flat steppe landscape of the Pannonian Lowlands* (say what, yes that's what they're called) in the east to the high alpine regions in the west. There is a wide variety of landscapes in the country, including rolling hills and gentle pastures, rugged mountain peaks and glaciers, wetlands and lake plateaus, and Mediterranean-like landforms in the south. You can hike on a glacier, see the largest ice caves in the world, or see Europe's highest waterfall.*The Pannonian flora region includes the Hungarian Plain and the adjacent areas of Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Slovakia, Moravia and Austria.

2. Self-guided tours are possible when hiking in Austria.

In the Austrian Alps, even inexperienced hikers can easily go hiking without a guide. Signs along the trail indicate directions, durations and sometimes even the level of difficulty, and trails are clearly marked with red-white-red markings on trees or rocks. Take all necessary precautions, such as checking the weather, choosing the right mountain trail for your fitness level and bringing a map.

3. There's something very special about a break in an Austrian mountain hut.

Almost every trail when hiking in Austria has at least one mountain hut that offers local cuisine and sometimes overnight accommodation for long-distance hikers. Enjoy a refreshing elderflower juice or half a liter of beer before you go hiking! Get up very early the next morning to see a beautiful sunrise in the mountains if you stay overnight!

4. On a hike in Austria, there is homemade food in a mountain hut with a mother behind the pots

Austrian dishes, regional specialties and even produce from Alpine pastures are served in the mountain inns. Among the popular cold plates are the famous Austrian “Brettljause” – a large snack of bread, cheese and specks – and bread with all kinds of spreads, as well as traditional hot dishes such as Schnitzel, Schweinsbraten (roast pork), Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) and Kaiserschmarren (sweet pancakes with grated fruit).

5. With summer cable cars and chairlifts you can conquer any mountain effortlessly

Many Austrian regions offer summer cable cars and chairlifts that take you up to panoramic trails and scenic summit platforms, offering stunning views to holidaymakers of all levels. Because Austria's cable cars are constantly investing in sustainability, this is the most environmentally friendly way to reach the top!

6. Families will enjoy hiking in Austria on trails.

Austria offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all ages. They are safe, we did them as a family with our two-year-old son on our backs. He claims he can remember it. Explore adventurous hiking trails with interactive stations, educational trails or easy hiking trails that are accessible for strollers. In each region there are many themed hikes, as well as short hikes for younger children. A wealth of panoramic trails offer breathtaking views of mountain ranges and lakes, as well as multi-day hikes for families.

7. Here you can find untouched natural landscapes.

A total of 27% of Austria's surface is under natural protection. Six national parks, 50 nature parks, seven biosphere reserves and countless local protected areas protect unique species, cultural landscapes and traditional lifestyles. Austrian national parks also offer educational programs dedicated to sustainable tourism, including car-free holidays, e-mobility and locally sourced food and energy.

8. Hiking in Austria has a long tradition and is considered part of the local culture.

Austria's unofficial national pastime is hiking, which has a long tradition. Austria's "hiking villages" are known for hiking or mountaineering, and are ideal starting points for day trips of varying difficulty. In these villages you can plan your hike and get guided hikes for free, as well as get free help planning your hiking holiday.

9. Combining nature and culture is easy.

Culture and hiking in Austria can be combined in several Austrian cities. You can stroll along the streets full of imperial elegance and then take a cable car to reach the mountains in just 20 minutes from Innsbruck, sometimes referred to as the “Capital of the Alps”. In addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salzburg is a perfect base for hiking in Austria while on vacation. The surrounding area, such as the Untersberg mountain or the Golling waterfall, is simply breathtaking.

10. The full Austrian experience with hiking in Austria awaits you.

Conquering one of the countless mountain peaks, hiking in Austria from pasture to pasture, embarking on a multi-day hike or simply enjoying a leisurely day hike – all can be enjoyed. Take a break from your daily routine and immerse yourself in exciting adventures, natural beauty and traditions. Experience Austria like a local to discover what makes the country so unique and authentic, breathe in the clean air, enjoy the soothing scent of a forest or mountain meadow, and recharge your batteries.Go to the Austrian Tourist Office

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