Discover the best hiking trails in Austria. From the Tyrol to Salzburgerland, find tips, routes, and the best travel times for your hiking vacation.
Austria is a paradise for hikers. With its soaring Alpine peaks, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and lush green valleys, the country offers thousands of kilometres of well-marked trails for every level. Whether you are an experienced mountaineer looking for a challenge or a family wanting to enjoy nature, you will find the perfect route here. A hiking vacation in Austria is more than just walking; it is an experience where nature, culture, and gastronomy come together.
When you think of hiking in Austria, you often think of Tyrol and Salzburgerland. These two states are the heart of the Austrian Alps and offer a wealth of hiking opportunities. Tyrol, with its famous Zillertal and Ötztal valleys, is known for its impressive glaciers and challenging high-altitude tours. Here you can take multi-day hut-to-hut treks, such as the famous Eagle Walk (Adlerweg), which crosses the entire state. For day-trippers, the area around Innsbruck, the "Capital of the Alps," offers countless routes with breathtaking views. You can take a cable car up and walk back to the valley, or explore the gentle alpine meadows of the Karwendel Nature Park.
Salzburgerland, the region around the city of Salzburg, is just as beautiful but has a slightly gentler character. The area is famous for its combination of mountains and lakes. The Salzkammergut region, with iconic lakes like Wolfgangsee and Hallstätter See, is perfect for hikes that combine walking with a refreshing dip. For more serious hiking, head to the Hohe Tauern National Park, home to the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain. Here you will find spectacular trails along glaciers and waterfalls, such as the Krimml Waterfalls trail.
If you want to escape the biggest crowds, consider the regions of Vorarlberg and Carinthia. Vorarlberg, in the far west of Austria, is a pioneer in sustainable tourism and offers a unique blend of modern architecture and traditional alpine culture. The Bregenzerwald is a fantastic area with well-marked trails through rolling hills and picturesque villages. For a more rugged experience, the Montafon valley offers challenging peaks and via ferratas. A special tip is the Lünersee, a beautiful reservoir at high altitude that was once named the most beautiful place in Austria.
Carinthia, in the sunny south, offers a different kind of hiking experience. With its mild climate and countless warm lakes, this region is ideal for a hiking vacation from spring to autumn. The Nockberge Biosphere Park is a unique area with gentle, grassy mountains (the 'Nocken') and is perfect for long, relaxing hikes. Another highlight is the Alpe-Adria-Trail, a long-distance path that starts at the foot of the Grossglockner in Carinthia and runs through Slovenia to the Adriatic coast in Italy. You can walk parts of this trail and enjoy the southern flair of the region.
What sets a hiking vacation in Austria apart is the perfect infrastructure and culture. The trails are exceptionally well-marked with yellow signs indicating destinations and walking times. This makes it easy and safe to explore on your own. Moreover, you will find a 'Hütte' (mountain hut) or 'Alm' (alpine pasture) on almost every route where you can rest and enjoy local specialities. Imagine a break with a large glass of Almdudler, a hearty Brettljause (a platter of cold cuts and cheese), and a homemade Apfelstrudel. This culinary reward is an essential part of the Austrian hiking experience.
Austria caters to everyone. For families, there are special themed trails and alpine playgrounds that make hiking fun for children. For adrenalin junkies, there are challenging 'Klettersteige' (via ferratas) where you can climb rock faces secured by steel cables. And for those seeking peace and quiet, the extensive network of trails means you can always find a quiet path, even in high season. Whether you choose a comfortable hotel in a valley as your base or opt for a multi-day trek from hut to hut, Austria offers an unforgettable nature experience.
Getting to the Austrian Alps from the Netherlands or Belgium is straightforward. The most common way is by car. The journey is approximately 900-1100 kilometres and can be done in a single day (10-12 hours without major traffic). Remember to purchase a 'Vignette' (toll sticker) for the Austrian motorways, which you can buy at petrol stations near the border or online in advance. For destinations in Tyrol and Vorarlberg, the route via Germany (A3, A9, A99, A8) is fastest. For Carinthia and Styria, you might also travel via the A3 and A9 towards Graz.
Alternatively, the train is a comfortable and sustainable option. The ÖBB Nightjet offers overnight trains from Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Arnhem directly to Innsbruck and Vienna. You wake up rested in the heart of the Alps, ready to start your adventure. For daytime travel, high-speed connections via Germany (e.g., with the ICE to Munich) are also available, from where you can take a regional train to your final destination.
The Zillertal in Tyrol is a perfect example of a classic Austrian hiking destination. Here’s what a typical week could look like, based in the town of Mayrhofen.
Many first-time hikers in Austria make a few avoidable mistakes. First, underestimating the weather. Never trust a sunny sky; always pack rain gear, a warm layer, a hat, and gloves, even in summer. Second, overestimating your fitness. Walking times on signs are for experienced local hikers and do not include breaks. Add at least 20-30% to the indicated times. Start with easier tours and build up. Third, wearing the wrong footwear. Sneakers are not suitable for red or black mountain trails. Invest in proper hiking boots. Finally, forgetting to bring enough water and snacks. While huts are common, they might be further apart than you think. Always carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person and some energy-rich snacks.
Not at all. Austria has trails for every fitness level, from easy valley walks to challenging summit ascents. The use of cable cars can also help you skip steep climbs and start your hike at a higher elevation.
It can be, but it doesn't have to be. Using mountain huts, self-catering apartments, and regional guest cards for free transport can significantly lower your costs. The main expenses are accommodation, food, and cable cars.
Yes, Austria is very family-friendly. Many regions have special themed trails, playgrounds on the mountain, and easy, accessible paths that are perfect for families with children.
The main hiking season runs from June to September when most trails are snow-free and the mountain huts are open. Spring and autumn are also beautiful but some higher trails might be inaccessible.
Generally, the water high up in the mountains above grazing pastures is very clean and safe to drink. However, to be completely safe, it's better to only drink water from designated springs or to use a water filter.
In the more touristy areas, you can usually get by with English. However, learning a few basic German phrases like 'Guten Tag' (Hello), 'Danke' (Thank you), and 'Was kostet das?' (What does this cost?) is always appreciated.
You have a good chance of seeing marmots, chamois (a type of goat-antelope), and ibex, especially if you are quiet and patient. Golden eagles also circle the peaks. Remember to always keep a respectful distance from wild animals.
For most marked trails, you do not need a guide as the signposting is excellent. However, for high-alpine routes, glacier crossings, or if you are an inexperienced hiker, hiring a certified mountain guide is highly recommended for your safety.