Hiking in the Austrian Alps is a great way to see the most breathtaking parts of Austria. In fact 62% of Austria is covered by the Austrian Alps. A fine network of hiking routes traverses the Austrian Alps, which are a dream for any walker. In this guide we review the very best walks on offer.
Pinzgauer Spaziergang, Zell am See-Kaprun
Our first Austrian Alp walk is a 17 kilometre trek from Saalbach to the peak of Schmittenhöhe. This route is referred to as the Pinzgauer Spaziergang route, and is found in the Zell am See-Kaprun region of the Eastern Austrian Alps.
Beautiful view of Zell am See, Austria.
The six hour hike is perfect for intermediate hikers who are on the hunt for mesmerizing views. The route runs along the ridge that seperates the Glemm valley from the Pinzgau valley, and the higher you go the more spectacular the views become. On clear days hikers will enjoy splendid views of the Grossglockner range to the south.
Kröndlhorn, Kitzbüheler Alpen
For those looking for a great Austrian hiking challenge taking on the Kröndlhorn will be very appealing. The mountain of Kröndlhorn stands 2,444 metres above sea level in the Kitzbüheler Alpen in Tirol, and will take around 7 hours to hike in total. There is a little chapel on the summit of the Kröndlhorn, and the surrounding green meadows, crisp alpine air, breathtaking views of the Austrian countryside undoubtedly make the challenge worthwhile.
The Eagle Walk, St Anton am Arlberg
The full Eagle Walk consists of 23 stages, covering over 300 kilometres from St. Johann in the Tyrolean Unterland via the Karwendel, and onto St. Anton am Arlberg. Known locally as the ‘Alderweg’, most hikers tackle a selected portion of the route, rather than taking on the full trail. For this reason there are routes perfect for every level of hiker, from beginner to the most advanced.
Karwendel.
Wildpark Aurach, Kitzbühel
For animal lovers the best walking route in the Austrian Alps has to be the Wildpark Aurach in Kitzbühel. Situated at an elevation of 1,100 meters, the Aurach Wildlife Park is home to 200 animals within a game enclosure. Visitors walk amongst deer, peacocks, lynx, yaks and monkeys. It’s a great destination for families and the celebrated interactive nature of the park is something children are certain to enjoy.
Alpine meadow in Austria.
Lünersee Circuit Trail in the Rätikon Alps
The Lünersee Circuit Trail is a stunning lakeside walk that routes walkers around the dramatic limestone mountains of the Rätikon. There are easy, moderate, and challenging trails to choose from. The 6.1 kilometre, 2 hour loop, is the easiest and very popular with families pursuing breathtaking views without the challenge of a strenuous hike.
The Austrian Alps are the physical backbone of the country of Austria. With such a vast array of awe-inspiring natural viewpoints and stunning rolling hills, it’s no surprise that they remain such a popular walking destination.
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