Austria Hiking & Trekking Guide 2025
Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Austria.
Austria captivates visitors with its imperial cities, Alpine landscapes, and rich musical heritage. From Vienna's grand palaces to Salzburg's baroque architecture and the stunning Tyrolean Alps, this Central European gem offers world-class culture, outdoor adventures, and legendary coffeehouse traditions.
Top Hiking Trails
The best hikes Austria has to offer.
Wienerwald Lehrpfad (Vienna Woods Trail)
easyA beautiful forested trail through the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) biosphere reserve, winding through oak and beech forests with vineyard clearings. Passes through Grinzing and Neustift wine villages with Heurigen (wine taverns) for post-hike refreshment. Accessible by U-Bahn from central Vienna.
Rax Plateau Circuit
moderateThe Rax plateau sits at 1,800m above sea level and is one of the closest true alpine hiking destinations to Vienna. The high plateau features karst limestone terrain, alpine meadows, and dramatic cliffside views over the Höllental gorge. Cable car from Hirschwang reduces elevation gain for families.
Hallstatt Echerntal and Waldbachstrub Waterfall
easyA beautiful valley walk from the UNESCO World Heritage village of Hallstatt through the Echerntal gorge to the stunning 60-meter Waldbachstrub waterfall. The trail continues through alpine meadows with views of the Dachstein massif and Hallstättersee below. Easy enough for families with older children.
Nordkette Ridge Hike (Seegrube to Hafelekar)
moderateTake the Nordkettenbahn cable car from central Innsbruck to Seegrube at 1,905m and hike the ridge to Hafelekar at 2,256m. Panoramic views of Innsbruck, the Inn Valley, and the Karwendel Alps. Alpine terrain with some scrambling sections near the summit. Return by cable car.
Großglockner Edelweißspitze Circuit
moderateA rewarding hike around the Edelweißspitze (2,571m) peak on Austria's most famous alpine road with views of the Großglockner (3,798m — Austria's highest mountain) and the Pasterze Glacier. The route passes alpine meadows where edelweiss grows wild in July-August. Accessible by car via the toll Großglockner High Alpine Road.
Dachstein Hallstatt Skyline Circuit
challengingA demanding full-day circuit on the Dachstein plateau with access via cable car from Obertraun. The route traverses glacier-polished limestone karst, passes the Five Fingers viewpoint, and visits the Dachstein Ice Caves (separate admission). Stunning views over Hallstättersee and the Salzkammergut lake district below.
Krimml Waterfalls Trail
easyEurope's highest waterfalls (380m total drop in three stages) in the Hohe Tauern National Park. A well-maintained trail with viewing platforms ascends alongside the thundering falls, drenching hikers in cooling mist. The path through the gorge forest ends at the top of the falls with views into the high valley above.
Trails by Difficulty
Find trails that match your fitness level.
🟢 Easy
Flat or gentle terrain, well-marked paths, suitable for families and beginners. Examples: Wienerwald trails, Hallstatt valley walks. No special equipment needed beyond comfortable walking shoes.
🟡 Moderate
Some elevation gain, occasionally rocky terrain, marked alpine paths. Good fitness required. Hiking boots recommended. Examples: Rax Plateau, Nordkette ridge. Allow full half-day.
🟠 Challenging
Significant elevation, steep sections, exposed ridges or scrambling. Proper hiking boots essential, trekking poles helpful. Good fitness and experience required. Examples: Dachstein circuit. Allow full day.
🔴 Expert
Technical via ferrata routes, glacier crossings, or multi-day high alpine routes. Ropes, harnesses, and alpine experience essential. Guide strongly recommended. Examples: Großglockner summit routes, Dachstein via ferrata.
Complete Hiking Guide
Detailed trail descriptions, packing checklists, and route recommendations.
Hiking Preparation
What to bring and how to prepare.
Essential Gear
Day Hikes
- Sturdy hiking boots/shoes
- Plenty of water (2-3 liters)
- Snacks and lunch
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Rain layer/jacket
- First aid kit
- Navigation (map, GPS, phone)
- Flashlight/headlamp
Multi-Day Treks
- All day hike essentials plus:
- Backpack (40-60L)
- Tent or shelter
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Cooking equipment
- Water purification
- Extra clothing layers
- Emergency supplies
Physical Preparation
- Start training weeks before challenging hikes
- Build up endurance with regular cardio
- Practice on local trails with elevation gain
- Break in new boots before the trip
- Acclimatize to altitude gradually if needed
Hiking Safety
Stay safe on the trails.
Always tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time. Carry emergency communication device in remote areas.
Check weather conditions before setting out. Turn back if conditions deteriorate. Never underestimate mountains.
Stay on marked trails. Getting lost in unfamiliar terrain can be dangerous. Carry navigation tools.
Be aware of wildlife. Research local animals and know how to respond to encounters.
Start early to allow plenty of daylight. Always aim to be back before dark.
Local Hazards
- Rapid weather changes: Alpine weather can shift from sunshine to electrical storm in under 30 minutes above 2,000m — always carry waterproof gear and check the mountain weather forecast (bergfex.at or zamg.ac.at).
- Altitude effects: Elevations above 2,500m can cause headaches and shortness of breath for unacclimatized hikers — ascend gradually and stay hydrated.
- Sun exposure: UV radiation significantly stronger above 2,000m — wear SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat even on cloudy days.
- Ticks: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) risk in forested areas below 1,000m from April-October. Check for ticks after walks; TBE vaccination recommended for regular hikers.
- Loose rocks and scree: Alpine limestone terrain produces unstable rock debris — do not leave marked paths on rocky ground.
- Electrical storms: Seek shelter immediately at first thunder. Avoid ridge crests, lone trees, and summits — storm shelters marked on Austrian hiking maps.
- Water sources: Alpine spring water is generally safe to drink but glacier runoff may contain mineral sediment. Refill at marked mountain hut (Hütte) water points.
Best Time to Hike
Plan your hiking adventure for optimal conditions.
🌸 Spring
Snow-free lower trails from April; alpine routes open from late May-June depending on elevation. Wildflowers begin in valley meadows. Waterfall flows at maximum. Some high mountain huts still closed in April.
☀️ Summer
Peak season July-August for alpine routes above 1,500m. All huts open. Afternoon thunderstorms common in Alps — start early. Crowded on popular routes. Best for high altitude hikes and via ferrata.
🍂 Fall
Excellent hiking September-October with stable weather, autumn foliage, and fewer crowds. Alpine huts close from mid-October. Some high routes may get early snow by October. Best season for clear long-distance views.
❄️ Winter
Most trails below 1,000m remain hikeable in Lower Austria and Vienna Woods. Snowshoe hiking popular on Rax and Schneeberg. Avalanche risk on alpine routes; do not attempt without experience and avalanche gear.
Explore Austria's Trails
Get our complete hiking guide with GPS routes, difficulty ratings, and local tips.
Download Hiking Guide