Nestled in the heart of Europe, Austria boasts a landscape that seamlessly blends picturesque valleys, lush meadows, and the majestic peaks of the Alps. For hiking enthusiasts, this alpine wonderland offers a diverse array of trails, each promising breathtaking vistas and a connection with nature.
In this guide, we unveil the 20 best hiking trails in Austria, inviting adventurers to embark on a journey through some of the most stunning landscapes the country has to offer.
1. Edelweiss Trail
Embark on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, a scenic drive that introduces hikers to alpine grandeur. The Edelweiss Trail, along this iconic road, weaves through alpine meadows, revealing views of the Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak.
Route 1: Edelweiss walk - Fluchtwand
Start point: Nauders
Endpoint: Fluchtwand
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 7 Hours
Distance: 17 kilometers
Highest point: 2,328 meters
Route 2: On the Edelweiss Way to Fluchtwand
Start point: Nauders
Endpoint: Nauders
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: 7 Hours
Distance: 14.6 kilometers
Highest point: 2,310 metersBest Time to Hike: June to September
Highlights: Alpine meadows, mountainous terrain, birdwatching opportunities
2. The Almweg 2000 Trail
Hohe Tauern National Park unveils the Almweg 2000 Trail, a high-altitude journey featuring glaciers, mountain lakes, and the Pasterze Glacier. This challenging trail rewards hikers with awe-inspiring landscapes and the chance to witness the park's rich biodiversity.
Start point: Kals am Großglockner
Endpoint: Stüdl Hut
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 6 to 8 Hours
Distance: 15 kilometers
Highest point: 2,135 meters
Best Time to Hike: From late June to early September
Highlights: Stüdl hut, alpine flora and fauna
3. Dachstein Circular Path
The Dachstein Circular Path winds through the UNESCO-listed Dachstein region, offering glimpses of the Hunerkogel Skywalk and the eerily beautiful Dachstein Ice Cave.
Start point: Dachstein
Endpoint: Dachstein
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 46 Hours
Distance: 141 kilometers
Highest point: 2,687 meters
Best Time to Hike: June till September
4. Lechweg
Traverse the Lechweg, a long-distance trail along the Lech River, taking hikers from Austria to Germany. With stunning views of the Lechfall, alpine meadows, and charming villages, this moderate trail offers a tranquil escape.
Start point: Lech
Endpoint: Lech
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Duration: 50 Hours
Distance: 125 kilometers
Best Time to Hike: June - September
5. Adlerweg Trail
The Adlerweg Trail in the Zillertal Alps is a long-distance trek traversing diverse landscapes. From flower-strewn meadows to rocky summits, hikers on this trail are treated to panoramic views of the Austrian Tyrol.
Start Point: St. Johann, Tyrol
Endpoint: St. Anton am Arlberg
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: 161 Hours 59 Minutes
Distance: 400 kilometers
Best Time to Hike: Late June to early September
6. Schladminger Tauern High Trail
The Schladminger Tauern High Trail unveils the beauty of the Schladminger Tauern mountain range. As hikers meander through alpine meadows, they are treated to views of glacial lakes, making this trail a serene and captivating experience.
Start Point: Schladming region
Endpoint: Schladminger Tauern mountain range
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 27 Hours
Distance: 42.69 kilometers
Best Time to Hike: July to September
7. The Ottohaus Loop
The Ottohaus Loop on the Rax Plateau is a moderate trail offering stunning panoramas of the Eastern Alps. Hikers traverse verdant meadows and rocky terrain, reaching the Ottohaus hut for a well-deserved rest and breathtaking views.
Start Point: Various Points in Rax Plateau
Endpoint: Various Points in Rax Plateau
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: 7 Hours 35 Minutes
Distance: 14 kilometeres
Best Time to Hike: July to October
8. Eisriesenwelt Cave Trail
For a unique hiking experience, explore the Eisriesenwelt Cave Trail near Werfen. This trail leads adventurers through alpine meadows to the largest ice cave in the world, a surreal underground wonder of icy formations.
Start point: Eisriesenwelt
Endpoint: Eisriesenwelt
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 7 Hours
Distance: 12 km
Best Time to Hike: May to October
Entrance Fee: EUR 35
9. Ennstaler Hütte Trail
The Ennstaler Hütte Trail in Gesäuse National Park is a challenging yet rewarding route. Hikers ascend through rugged landscapes, surrounded by limestone peaks and pristine wilderness, reaching the Ennstaler Hütte for panoramic views.
Start point: Gesäuse National Park Tailhead
Endpoint: Ennstaler Hütte
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: 8 Hours
Distance: 14 kilometers
Best Time to Hike: May to October
10. Wasserlochklamm Gorge Trail
Discover the Wasserlochklamm Gorge Trail in Gesäuse National Park, an enchanting route through narrow canyons and along wooden walkways. The trail leads to the Steirischer Bodensee, a glacial lake surrounded by towering peaks.
Start point: Wasserlochklamm Gorge Entrance
Endpoint: Wasserlochklamm Gorge Exit
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2 to 3 Hours
Distance: 5 kilometers
Best Time to Hike: April to October
Entrance Fee: EUR 48
From the majestic peaks of Grossglockner to the serene meadows of Tannheimer Tal, these trails invite adventurers to explore UNESCO-listed regions, traverse alpine plateaus, and witness the cascading majesty of waterfalls. Whether embracing the challenge of high-altitude paths or relishing the tranquility of gorge trails, Austria's hiking trails promise an unforgettable fusion of adventure, culture, and the pure beauty of the great outdoors.