Have you always wanted to visit Austria and enjoy the country’s diverse nature? Then you should consider our recommendations in your planning, because Austria has special places to offer that are located in the heart of the Alps and will make any nature enthusiast’s heart beat faster.
The Karwendel Alpine World invites you with a wide variety of hiking trails and has a wonderful experience to offer every hiking enthusiast. From short hikes to multi-hour adventures, the Karwendel Alpine World leaves nothing to be desired! Enjoy a short hike (approx. 2 hours) to the Schwarzkopf viewpoint and admire the magnificent view of the village of Krün as well as the surrounding mountains. You can use this moderately difficult route from April to October.
If you’d like to climb higher into the mountains, you should choose the hiking trail over the Wörnersattel to the Hochland Hut near Mittenwald (approx. 7.5 hours). From there, you will get an incredible view of the alpine mountains. Marvel high up in the mountains as you take in the panoramic view. This hiking route can be undertaken from June to October and is one of the more difficult ascents. If you are also interested in climbing, this is also possible in the mountains of the Karwendel Alpine World.
The Lechquellen Mountains attract hiking enthusiasts with routes ranging from easy to difficult and give you the freedom to enjoy multi-day hikes! This part of the Northern Limestone Alps has much to offer, including various lakes such as Formarinsee, Spullersee, and Körbersee. The Formarinsee in particular is well worth a visit! In 2015, it was voted Austria’s most beautiful spot together with the so-called Rote Wand (“Red Wall”). The Rote Wand is located near Lech and makes one curious about the origin of its name — it is the second-highest mountain in the Lechquellen range. It owes its name to a distinctive band of red limestone embedded in the mountain. Thus, Lech is not only beautiful in summer but also in winter. If you are interested in skiing in Lech in addition to hiking, feel free to browse further in our guide. Besides hiking, you can also explore the Lechquellen Mountains more closely with demanding mountaineering or a climbing excursion.
The Zillertal is probably the most famous hiking area in Austria and is located in the west of the country. In particular, the Gerlos Alpine Road offers you the fantastic opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view over the Zillertal and take in the beauty of nature. If you would like to drive the Gerlos Alpine Road, please note that this road is subject to a toll (also called a special toll). You can read more about what exactly a toll section is in our guide.
The High Alpine Road also offers breathtaking views of the magnificent Zillertal Alps and enchanting nature at an altitude of 2,020 meters that will take your breath away. But be careful, this road is also subject to a toll!
Especially charming is the hiking route with the "Water World" theme trail in Hintertux, perfect for families. Along the way, there are many hidden adventures for children, such as a water wheel or a faucet that seems to float on its own water jet. This way, the hiking holiday becomes enjoyable not only for the adults but also for the little ones. In addition to simple hiking routes like this, there is a much greater variety of trails for every level. There are also attractive offers such as the yodeling hike in Königsleiten. Along the route, there are various stations inviting you to yodel. This path is considered an easy hiking route, always open in summer, and can be combined with a yodeling course — fun for everyone!
Another special experience away from hiking is the Spannagel Cave on the Hintertux Glacier. There, you can descend into the cave together with a professional guide and admire the natural monument up close.
The Hohe Tauern National Park is a high mountain landscape adorned with a great diversity of plants and animals, such as the protected edelweiss plant or bearded vultures. There you will find many rare treasures of flora and fauna, making it a particularly special place for nature lovers. Due to the enormous size of the park, hiking trails for all levels are guaranteed, spanning across Carinthia, Salzburg, and Tyrol.
In particular, you should visit Carinthia! Experience the unique nature while hiking on the Mölltal Glacier. You reach the mid-station at 2,234 meters via Europe’s longest underground funicular — the Glacier Express. Afterward, you can begin your hike, and from mid-July to the end of August, this route rewards you with cold-resistant flora impressing with its splendid colors.
Since you are already in Carinthia, you should not overlook the Carinthian Lake Region! Admire the spectacular gorges such as the Rabisch Gorge and discover the Land of 1,000 Waters. Carinthia is known for its excellent bathing water quality, which you can enjoy all year round — whether in selected cold bathing spots in summer or heated lakeside baths in winter. Particularly inviting is the Wörthersee, where you can plan your entire holiday. The turquoise-blue water is reminiscent of the beauty of the sea and gives you absolute relaxation. The largest lake in the Carinthian Lake Region delights its many visitors year after year. In addition, this location offers the perfect refreshment between your hikes. Take the opportunity to cool off in one of the many lakes along your hiking routes.
Don’t forget the welcoming huts you will encounter on your hikes. There you can enjoy traditional Austrian dishes and recharge your energy. It is important to always carry enough water and pack some snacks despite the huts. Also, wear sturdy footwear and use hiking socks to prevent persistent blisters. Of course, adequate sun protection is essential, and even better, you should also wear a sun hat or cap to protect yourself from sunburn.
In general, note that you need a certain level of fitness depending on the hiking route. Therefore, please inform yourself in advance about the difficulty levels of the countless trails. If you want to take a dog with you on holiday, you should also consider this when choosing hiking routes! The hiking areas are best enjoyed in the milder months of the year, but you should always check the weather forecast. Thunderstorms, in particular, pose a special danger in alpine regions!
In conclusion, it can be said that all locations invite you to hike and will inspire you. Would you also like to admire Austria’s beautiful Alps by car? Then the Zillertal with the Gerlos Alpine Road and High Alpine Road is especially recommended. Do you want to put a smile on your children’s faces? Then don’t forget the “Water World” theme trail in the Zillertal!
Do you long for a holiday feeling combined with strenuous but rewarding hikes? Then the Hohe Tauern National Park, especially Carinthia, is the right choice for you.
All hiking areas offer their own special charm and will enhance your time off. Leave the stress of everyday life behind and enjoy the pure air of the Alps!
We wish you a pleasant trip to Austria and lots of fun on your exploration of the hiking areas. Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the country’s toll regulations. You can find more information on the toll in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to plan your trip better and view the corresponding toll products. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us via email.
