Immerse yourself in Austria’s nature – 8 great hiking areas you need to know

NEW GUEST POST by Lisi from Escaping Worlds..

Austria is a fantastic place to enjoy the scenic landscapes. Outdoor lovers will find their honey-coloured dreams in the country where nature rules. Let this guide take you to the most amazing hiking routes in Austria. Thanks so much Lisi for this guest post.

Hiking in Austria means immersion in a land rich in water, endless forests, and magnificent views, along rivers, valleys, lakes, and mountain ranges. The following 8 hiking areas in Austria show the diversity as well as the endless nature of the country. You can choose from a wide selection of natural areas within Austria. Those recommended 8 hiking destinations should make your choice easier.

Geography of Austria

Let’s start by briefly covering Austrian geography. There are nine federal states in Austria, and each of them has a state capital that is easily accessible via train and/or airport. Two-thirds of the nation is covered by the alps, and the Grossglockner, at 3789 amsl, is the tallest mountain.

The alps are disappearing in the country’s north and east. The north of Upper and Lower Austria is rather a flat terrain as well as towards the east, Vienna and Burgenland.

You can go hiking in Austria even if you don’t have much experience if you choose a location that isn’t in a mountainous alpine setting or uses the infrastructure. Cable cars can take passengers to many lofty summits in the Alpine region.

1. Nationalpark Hohe Tauern – the largest protected area in the Alps

If you want to experience the alpine landscape of Austria, this National Park is a must! The area of 1.856 km2 is home to 15.000 animal species and many glaciers. Furthermore, Austria’s highest mountain the Grossglockner is in the area. The Nationalpark Hohe Tauern is one of the natural wonders in Austria, it is the perfect place to discover the high mountain landscapes while hiking. You can get a lot of interesting facts about the national park at the Mittersill Nationalpark Center.

Recommended hikes and excursions: Krimmler Waterfalls and Tauernhaus, Glacier trail to the Pasterze, Europe Panorama Trail in Matrei, Fusch Waterfall trail in Ferleiten

Possible starting points for hikes: Heiligenblut, Kals am Großglockner, Matrei in Osttirol, Bad Gastein, Mittersill, Zell am See, Kaprun

Public Transportation Accessibility: all the major towns are accessible by train or bus. Train stations: Zell am See, Taxenbach-Rauris, Mittersill, Bad Gastein, Mallnitz.

See also: Zell Am See, the famous Austrian ski centre & its landscapes

2. Seewinkel Nationalpark – bird watching and easy hikes

For away from the alps at the very east of Austria, you will find a very different kind of landscape. Seewinkel Nationalpark is one of the best regions in Austria for easy hikes. The natural reserve has an area of 9.673 hectares and also spreads to the neighboring country Hungary. The Seewinkel National Park is located on Lake Neusiedl, an endorheic steppe lake (meaning there is no water outflow). This hiking area is located in the Pannonian lowlands and is a very important region for many migratory birds. North of the town of Illmitz is the Nationalpark Center Illmitz. Here you can find lots of information about the nature region.

Recommended hikes and excursions: Illmitzer Naturlehrpfad, Illmitzer Zicksee, Bernstein Trail

Possible starting points for hikes: Illmitz, Rust, Mörbisch am See

Public Transportation Accessibility: You can reach all the towns by public transportation (train and bus), it is easily accessible from Vienna.

3. Salzkammergut – lakes and mountain region

The name translates to a salt domain. Back in the day, this region was wealthy because of its salt mines. Nowadays because of tourism, popular with national and international guests. Within the lake region, Salzkammergut you can discover over 70 lakes. The region is located on the edge of three federal states (Salzburg, Upper Austria, and Styria). It is the ideal location for summer hikes and swims in those lakes. You can find many medium-level hikes and walks along the lake shorelines, but also difficult hikes where you need climbing equipment (Traunstein).

Recommended hikes and excursions: Salzkammergut BergeSeen Trail (multiple days), Schafberg, Fibling See from Fuschl, Schoberstein, Wildensee or/and Rinnerkogel

Possible starting points for hikes: St. Wolfgang im Salzkammergut, Strobl, Traunkirchen, Fuschl, Bad Ischl (historically important town);

Public Transportation Accessibility: all the major towns are accessible by bus. Remote lakes can only be reached by car. However in summer there are hiking busses (check with the local tourism office).

See also: Obertauern & Radstadt, picturesque places in the Salzburg region

4. Achensee – a natural jewel embedded in the Alps

Another natural wonder of Austria is the Achensee, the biggest lake in Tyrol. Situated between the two mountain ranges of the Karwendel Mountains and the Brandenberg Alps. At an altitude of 929 meters, the lake is even in summer very refreshing for swimming. The limestone gives the water a beautiful turquoise-blue color. Hiking in the surrounding mountains reveals breathtaking views of the lake from above. The Achensee is reachable also from the German side, where the next bigger town is Bad Tölz.

Recommended hikes and excursions: Seebergspitze (difficult), Hochiss, Dalfalzer Waterfall, easy hike along the west shore Achenkirch Pertisau, Seekarspitz.

Possible starting points for hikes: Maurach, Achenkirchen, Buchau

Public Transportation Accessibility: by bus from Innsbruck, or from the nearest train station Jenbach.

5. Kaiser Gebirge – for the mountaineers

A mountain is massive in Tyrol, its name translates to the Emperor Mountains. Often only named Wilder Kaiser (Wild Emperor), a name of one of the mountain peaks. This stand-alone mountain ridge is very picturesque. This hiking area of Austria is for experienced mountaineers. The steep mountain peaks have a stony terrain, not made for easy hikes. The most popular hike at the Kaiser Gebirge is the Ellmauer Halt. Around this Austrian mountain massive, you’ll find the famous upper-class tourism town Kitzbühl, the Schwarzer See, and multiple other bathing possibilities.

Recommended hikes and excursions: Hintersteiner See Circular Hike, Kaiserkrone, Ellmauer Halt (difficult, helmet and alpine hiking experience needed), Rehbachklamm, Wochenbrunner Alm

Possible starting points for hikes: Scheffau am Wilden Kaiser, Going, Ellmau

Public Transportation Accessibility: the villages mentioned above are only accessible by bus from the nearest train station St. Johann in Tirol

6. Ötscher Nationalpark – for gorge lovers

The Ötscher is the highest mountain in Lower Austria, given that this state is rather flat towards the east and north. The peak of the Ötscher is 1.893 meters and is considered a difficult hike. A cable car is going up to the peak which makes it more accessible. On the south side of the Ötscher, you can find the Ötschergräben, 12 kilometers long a gorge landscape. Also called the Grand Canyon of Austria. An ideal Austrian hiking destination for hot summer days.

Recommended hikes and excursions: Ötscher (difficult), Hinterer Tormäuer, Tropfsteinhöhle & Schindelhütte, Kleiner Ötscher

Possible starting points for hikes: Wienerbruck, Mitterbach, Lackenhof, Puchenstuben

Public Transportation Accessibility: not very well established in the region however there is a railway passing through Wienerbruck, Erlaufklause, and Mitterbach

7. Gesäuße Nationalpark – hiking adventures and water action

The Gesäuße Nationalpark is Austria’s youngest Nationalpark. The name Gesäuße translates to buzz or roar and refers to the river Enns that roars through the steep granite walls. A famous destination for wild water kayaking. This national park covers an area of 12,118 hectares and is home to many endemic species. At this nature area in Austria, you can find a gorge landscape, wild water, and many hikes, ranging from easy to difficult. There are two national park centers where you can gain more knowledge about it, in Weidendom and Admont.

Recommended hikes and excursions: Peternpfad (difficult), Johnsbacher Sagenweg, Wasserfallweg Hesshütte (difficult), hut-to-hut hike Gesäuße hike, Ennstaler Hütte, walks along the river Enns, Gsengscharten-Runde

Possible starting points for hikes: Laken, Gstatterboden, Hieflau

Public Transportation Accessibility: a railway passes through the narrow valley and makes the remote villages more accessible

8. Rosental – an ideal destination for relaxed hikers

Carinthia is in the very south of Austria and is known for its mild climate. A famous lake destination and domestic holiday region. Hiking, cycling, and various other outdoor sports can be enjoyed in this sunny region of Austria. The Rosental (Rose Valley) is located at the very south of Carinthia, to the border of Slovenia. Here are many street signs in two languages, German and Slovenian. The river Drau flows through the 40-kilometer-long valley and to the south you can find the mountain range Karawanken.

Recommended hikes and excursions: Sinacher Gupf, Jakosweg Kärnten (multiple-day hike), Bergkappelle Maria Elend, Ferlacher Sptize, Matzen, Sechter

Possible starting points for hikes: St. Magareten, Feistritiz im Rosental, Ferlach,

Public Transportation Accessibility: railway passing through St. Magareten, St. Johann im Rosental, Maria Elend im Rosental, Rosenbach bei Villach; bus connection to Ferlach from Klagenfurt

Nature in Austria is endless there are many other national parks or hiking destinations for instance: Kalkalpen (Limestone Alps), or the Thayatal Nationalpark at the very north of Austria bordering the Czech Republic. Then there is the Waldviertel, the Mühlviertel, Zillertaler Alpen, Schladminger Tauern, and much more. Austria might seem small but believe me, there is so much to see!

Hiking Events in Austria

Great opportunities to hike and meet others are hiking events. Either guided hikes, events organized via meet up, or by the Austrian hiking association. In Austria, you can find many events around the mountains. Some showcase the Austrian traditions, while others are informative, herbal hikes, historical hikes, or relaxing combined with Yoga. Here are some tips for 2023. The following hiking events are held annually:

Alpine Peace Crossing – hike for refugees

Alpine Peace Crossing is a hike near the Krimmler Waterfalls with historical meaning. It is addressing the Jewish who flew the country to South Tyrol, Italy to reach Genova and then Palestine. The hike is addressing refugees worldwide.
Date: 2^nd July 2023

Kulinarischer Jakobsweg – for culinary enjoyers

This hiking event combines good food and nature adventure. Star chefs of Tyrol cook in different alpine huts during the summer months. The chefs, locals, and visitors alike hike together to those huts. Where guests can enjoy the surrounding nature and the delicious meal from the star chefs.
Date: throughout July, August, and September 2023

Almabtrieb – traditional Austrian autumn festival

Almabtrieb means that the cows, which stay in the mountains for the summer, return to the stables. This is celebrated with a festival in many alpine villages. It is not in specific a hike event, but a cultural event connected to the mountains. This traditional festival usually takes place in September/October throughout valleys in Austria. Especially in Tyrol, the Brixen Valley, this is a huge celebration.
Date: 23^rd of September to 1^st of October 2023

Alpbachtal 24-hour hike – endurance challenge

The restless hikers that want a real challenge, can join a 24-hour hike in the beautiful region of the Alpbachtal in Tyrol. This hike encompasses 3000 altitude meters and 42 kilometers of various mountain peaks. It’s a challenging hike that requires surefootedness, a high fitness level, and endurance. It includes breathtaking views, sunset and sunrise, and culinary offers along the way.
Date: 15^th to 16^th of July 2023

Carinthia Hiking Opening – in the Lesachtal

The Lesachtal promotes itself as Europe’s most natural valley. It is the perfect destination for everyone who wants to support sustainable tourism. The valley preserves the traditional way of life and is the world’s first Slow Food Travel Region. The hiking opening event includes guided hikes, culinary offers, traditional music, and of course slow food production.
Date: 10^th of June 2023

Final thoughts

Now that you are more familiar with some of Austria’s hiking areas, choosing where to begin your adventure should be simpler. Whether it is in the Kaiser Gebirge’s jagged mountain peaks, the alpine scenery of the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, or the area surrounding the Achensee. Or the breathtaking setting found in the Salzkammergut, the Gesäuße, the Ötscher, and the chilly valleys encompassing them. Alternatively for the leisurely hikers in the Seewinkel and Rosental, which have level terrain.

Austria’s hiking regions offer something for every desire and taste. Prepare for your hiking adventure in Austria by choosing the best option for you.

PIN IT FOR LATER: