Hiking in Austria is far more than exercise; it’s a window into Austrian culture. As you journey on foot into the Austrian Alps, you can experience mountain pasture culture, culinary traditions, and historic mountain huts. The Austrian Alps stretch across most of the country, with the highest peaks in the states of Tyrol, Carinthia, and Salzburg.
With so many ranges to choose from, it can be a bit daunting to figure out where to go. The mountains of Austria require lifetimes to explore.
We’re determined to uncover the best hiking trails in Austria, one summer at a time. So, below you’ll find our favorite day hikes in Austria to date, including hikes in the Zillertal Alps, Rätikon Alps, Lechquellen Gebirge, Lienz Dolomites, Dachstein, Schaldminger Tauern, Silvretta Alps, and the Hohe Tauern.
This post will continue to grow, so do check back in at the end of summer, or even next year.
If you’re interested in hut-to-hut hikes in Austria, read Trekking Austria and Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria.
The Best Day Hikes in Austria
Easy Day Hikes in Austria
- Dürnstein to Krems: Wachau World Heritage Trail Stage 1, Lower Austria
- Lünersee Circuit Trail in the Rätikon Alps
- Stone Pine Path in the Tux Alps
- Giglach Lakes in Schladminger Tauern
- Sulzenalmen in the Dachstein Mountains
- Five Huts Trail in the Dachstein Mountains
Moderate Day Hikes in Austria
- Formarinsee to Spullersee in the Lechquellen Mountains
- Salzburger Almenweg Stage 2 in the Hochkönig Mountains
- Margaritzenstausee and Sandersee in Hohe Tauern National Park
- Hohes Rad Circuit Trail in the Silvretta Alps
Moderately Difficult Day Hikes in Austria
- Lake Drachensee Circuit Trail in the Mieming Range
- Spuller Schafberg Peak Hike in the Lechquellen Mountains
- Innergschlöss Glacier Trail in Hohe Tauern National Park
- Olpererhütte and Friesenberghaus Loop Trail in the Zillertal Alps
Difficult Day Hikes in Austria:
- Gamsjoch Peak Hike in the Karwendel Mountains
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Best Hikes in Austria Map
Getting Around Austria
The most efficient way to travel between hiking destinations in Austria is with your own car.
We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Austria. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your can rental as early as possible.
1. Dürnstein to Krems: Wachau Word Heritage Trail
Wachau Valley
- Where: Lower Austria
- Starting Point: Dürnstein
- Ending Point: Krems
- Distance: 12.5 km point-to-point
- Time Needed: 4 – 4:30 hours
- Elevation Gain: 357 meters
- Elevation Loss: 361 meters
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to Hike: All-year-round
- Where to Stay: Gästezimmer Rolea (budget), Bioweingut Schmidl (midrange) in Dürnstein or Hotel Unter Den Linden (midrange), Klinglhuber Suites (luxury) in Krems
The Wachau World Heritage Trail is a 180 km long-distance hiking trail along the Danube River Valley, which is broken down into 14 stages.
The first stage (Krems – Dürnstein) is particularly scenic, because of its sweeping views of the Danube River and the terraced vineyards.
It’s an easy, undulating trail, suitable for everyone. The trail leads initially up to the Dürnstein castle ruins and then through vineyards, pockets of forest, and ultimately through the wine cellar alleys of Stein and Krems.
We love this point-to-point hike because it’s picturesque, easy and you can walk it anytime of year.
It’s also an excellent day trip from Vienna.
Learn More: Dürnstein to Krems Day Hike
2. Lünersee Circuit Trail
Rätikon Alps
- Where: Vorarlberg
- Trailhead: Douglashütte, Brand Valley
- Distance: 6.1 km circuit
- Time Needed: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to Go: late May – late October
- Where to Stay: Hotel Lün (budget), Pension Bergkristall (midrange), or Bike and Board Lodge (luxury) in Brand
Lünersee is a large alpine lake high above Brand Valley in the Austrian State of Vorarlberg.
Set amidst the striking limestone mountains of the Rätikon, this beautiful lake is a scenic destination for casual walking as well as strenuous hiking.
The Lünerseebahn cable car connects Brand Valley to Lake Lünersee. It’s typically open from late May until late October. See Opening Times and Prices here.
This circuit hike around Lünersee is suitable for everyone, including families with small children. If you want to extend your hike into a full-day adventure, we recommend hiking to Schesaplana (2964 m), the highest mountain in the Rätikon Alps.
This stunning lake is also the starting point for the Rätikon Circuit Trail, a 4-5 stage hut-to-hut hiking trail.
Learn More: Lünersee Hiking Guide
3. Stone Pine Path
Tux Alps
- Where: Tirol
- Distance: 7 km point-to-point
- Starting Point: Patscherkofelbahn cable car mountain station, Igls
- Ending Point: Glungezerbahn II mountain station, Tulfes
- Time Needed: 2:30 hours
- Elevation Gain: 200 meters
- Elevation Loss: 90 meters
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to Hike: Late May – Early October, when cable cars are operating
- Where to Stay: Am sonnigen Waldrand in Lans (budget), B&B Appartements Glungezer in Tulfes (midrange) or Gasthof Walzl in Lans (luxury)
The Stone Pine Path (“Zirbenweg” in German) is a blissfully easy walking path in the Tux Alps, high above the Inntal Valley in Tirol.
Lined by Europe’s largest and oldest stone pine trees (Zirben), this undulating forest trail invites you to breathe deeply, slow down, and contemplate your next Zirbenschnaps.
This easy walk is a perfect activity if you’re:
- Hiking with children
- Hunting for bird’s-eye views of Inntal Valley and Innsbruck
- Visiting Hall in Tirol, or Innsbruck
- Craving some fresh air, but you don’t want to break a sweat
Learn More: Stone Pine Trail
4. Giglach Lakes
Schladminger Tauern
- Where: Styria
- Trailhead: Ursprungalm
- Distance: 8.2 km lollipop-circuit
- Time Needed: 3 hours total
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 415 meters ascending/descending
- When to Hike: June – Mid-October, depending on snow conditions.
- Where to Stay: Winzig Apartment (budget), TUI Blue Schladming (midrange), or Thalers Mariandl (luxury) in Schladming
This delightful hike takes you to and around the Giglach Lakes: Oberer Giglachsee (Upper Giglach Lake) and Unterer Giglachsee (Lower Giglach Lake) in the Schladminger Tauern mountains.
From the high alpine pasture Ursprungalm (1601 m), accessible by bus, or by car via a toll road (18 EUR per car), it only takes 1 hour to hike to the Giglach Lakes.
We highly suggest taking the bus from Schladming or Rohrmoos to Ursprungalm. If you stay in a hotel like Thalers Mariandl, you’ll receive a complimentary Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card, which gives you free use of regional hiking buses, including the bus to Ursprungalm.
Depending on the weather and snow conditions, this toll road will open by mid/end of May and closes for the winter by mid-October. In 2021, they didn’t open the road until mid-June, because of snow.
From the enchanting Ursprungalm, follow the wide gravel track uphill to the lakes. The trail isn’t difficult, but it’s continuously uphill.
You’ll first arrive at Giglachseen Hütte, a mountain hut located just above the Upper Giglach Lake. You can take a break there, or continue 20 minutes to Ignaz-Mattis Hütte, a mountain hut perched above the Lower Giglach Lake. This is an ideal location for lunch.
From here, you can continue hiking to the end of the Lower Giglach Lake and then circuit the lake in the direction of Giglachseen Hütte. This route marks the first (alternative) stage of the multi-day Schladminger Tauern High Trail.
Learn More: Schladming Summer Hiking Guide
5. Sulzenalmen Alpine Pasture Huts
Dachstein Mountains
- Where: Salzburg
- Trailhead: Hofalmen, Filzmoos
- Distance: 4.4 km out-and-back
- Time Needed: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 300 meters ascending/descending
- When to Hike: June – September
- Where to Stay: Haus Ratgeb (budget), Bauernhof Krahlehenhof (midrange), or Hotel Neubergerhof (luxury) in Filzmoos
From the town of Filzmoos in the state of Salzburg, take the toll road to Hofalmen (5.50 EUR per car).
From Hofalmen, follow signs to Sulzenalmen, which is a high alpine pasture with two Almhütten (alpine pasture huts). You can begin the hike by following the trail to Unterhofalm and around Almsee lake. Or, you can access the trail from Oberhofalm and save the small lake for later.
The initial 30 minutes are steep. As you ascend, you’ll have splendid views of the Gosaukamm mountains, which are part of the Dachstein range.
The last stretch of the trail meanders gently through pastureland. As you near Sulzenalmen, you’ll have to choose between having lunch at Krahlehenhütte (the lower hut) and Wallehenhütte (the upper hut). Or, perhaps eat at both, as we did.
It’s easy to extend this hike into a full-day circuit hike, heading in the direction of Sulzenhals (1824 m), Rinderfeld (1760 m), Kesselwand (1750 m), and ultimately Hofpürglhütte (1705 m), before descending back to Hofalmen.
6. Five Huts Trail
Dachstein Mountains
- Where: Styria
- Trailhead: Ramsau am Dachstein
- Distance: 14 km circuit
- Time Needed: 5 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 887 meters ascending/descending
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
- When to Hike: May – October
- Where to Stay: Reitercamp Ortnerhof (budget), Der Brückenhof Ramsau (midrange), or Rittis Alpin Chalets Dachstein (luxury) in Ramsau am Dachstein
The 5 Huts Trail (“5 Hüttenweg” in German) is a highly enjoyable day hike in Ramsau am Dachstein in Styria. With very little effort, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the southern slopes of the Dachstein massif, as you traverse alpine pastures, larch forests, and meadows.
Learn More: 5 Huts Trail in the Dachstein
7. Lake Formarinsee to Lake Spullersee
Lechquellen Mountains
- Where: Vorarlberg
- Trailhead: Lake Formarinsee, Zugertal Valley
- Distance: 11.4 km point-to-point
- Time Needed: 4:30 – 5:00 hours
- Elevation Gain: 637 m
- Elevation Loss: 673 m
- Difficulty: Moderate – Difficult, depending on weather conditions
- When to Hike: Late June – Late September, when the hiking buses are operating
- Where to Stay: Lech Hostel (budget), or Haus Braunarl (midrange), or Hotel Auenhof (luxury) in Lech
The day hike from Lake Formarinsee to Lake Spullersee gives you an outstanding overview of the enchanting Lechquellen Mountains in Vorarlberg. The River Lech originates within the range at Lake Formarinsee, which is why it’s called “Lech Source Mountains.”
From the village of Lech am Arlberg, you’ll take bus 7 to Formarinsee. These buses don’t run very frequently, so make sure to plan ahead. From the bus stop, you’ll hike around Lake Formarinsee to the mountain hut Freiburger Hütte. Enjoy the views of Rote Wand, the “red wall” mountain.
Starting at Freiburger hut, the trail ascends gently through wildflower-carpeted slopes and alpine pastures to Steinernes Meer (“Stone Sea”), an impressive karst landscape. After traversing the Stone Sea, you’ll continue your ascent to the Gehrengrat mountain ridge. Next, you’ll follow the ridge downhill in the direction of Spullersee.
Romantic scenery coupled with interesting, varied terrain makes this our favorite day hike in Austria.
Learn More: Formarinsee to Spullersee Day Hike
8. Salzburger Almenweg Stage 2
Hochkönig Mountains
- Where: Salzburg
- Starting Point: Erichhütte Car Park
- Ending Point: Arthurhaus (1503 m)
- Distance: 11.3 km point-to-point
- Time Needed: 3:30 hours
- Elevation Gain: 566 meters ascending
- Elevation Loss: 405 meters descending
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to Hike: June – October
- Where to Stay: Hotel Sonnhof (budget), Berghotel Arthurhaus (midrange), or Hotel Bergheimat (luxury) in Mühlbach am Hochkönig.
The Salzburger Almenweg is a 31-stage long-distance hiking trail in Salzburg. As the name suggests, this is a thematic hiking trail linking the region’s alms, or high alpine pastures. The entire circuit is 350 km and connects 120 alpine mountain huts. You can hike different stages of the trail as thru-day-hikes, like stage 2, which traverses the slopes of the Hochkönig Mountains.
The hike begins at Erichhütte Parkplatz (1340 m), a parking lot close to the Dienten Saddle along Hochkönig Strasse.
The hike starts with a quick ascent to Erichhütte mountain hut (1540 m). From Erichhütte, continue right along an easy, mostly flat path in the direction of Vier Hütten (Trail No.436/401A).
As you walk along the slopes of the Hochkönig peaks, you’ll be treated to marvelous views of the Alpenhauptkamm and Südwände des Hochkönigs. You’ll pass a few mountain huts along the way, including Brandstätthütte, Schartenhütte, and Molterauhütte (Windraucheggalm).
The end of the hike is marked by the large lodge and restaurant Arthurhaus (1503 m), which is accessible by car and bus. Near Arthurhaus, you’ll find the charming mountain hut Sennerei Schweizerhütte and its many furry residents, including goats, pigs, bunnies, and marmots.
More Info and Transit Instructions: Best Hikes in Salzburg
9. Margaritzenstausee and Sandersee
Hohe Tauern National Park
- Where: Carinthia
- Starting Point: Glocknerhaus (2132 m), Grossglockner High Alpine Road
- Ending Point: Lake Sandersee, or Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe
- Distance: 4.1 km to Sandersee (one-way), 5.5 km to Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe (one-way)
- Time Needed: 4 – 5 hours out-and-back
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 470 meters ascending/descending
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: June – September, when the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is open
- Where to Stay: Wallackhaus RegioJet Hotels (budget), Hotel Kaiservilla (midrange), or Nationalpark Lodge Grossglockner (luxury) in Heiligenblut am Großglockner
This spellbinding day hike is located in Hohe Tauern National Park, just off the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
Well-marked and easy-to-follow, the hike delivers unbeatable views of Austria’s highest mountain, Grossglockner, and the rapidly receding Pasterze Glacier. This route is also the first stage of the Alpe Adria long-distance trail, which starts at Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe and ends in Heiligenblut.
Though you can hike in either direction, we recommend starting in Glocknerhaus, because the views unfold spectacularly as you near the foot of Grossglockner.
Initially, the trail descends from Glocknerhaus to the Margaritzenstausee reservoir and then continues left along the water and over two reservoir cement walls. The water of Pasterze Glacier feeds Margaritzenstausee.
Next, the trail ascends to Lake Sandersee, where there’s an impressive view of Pasterze and Grossglockner.
You can either continue all the way up to Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe or turn back here. If you continue to Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, it’s possible to take a shuttle back to Glocknerhaus. However, these shuttles are very infrequent (max 3 per day). Inside Glocknerhaus, there’s a timetable for the shuttle bus, which you can check before you set off.
10. Hohes Rad Circuit Trail
Silvretta Alps
- Where: Vorarlberg & Tirol
- Trailhead: Silvretta Bielerhöhe (2037 m)
- Distance: 14.8 km circuit
- Time Needed: 5 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 720 meters ascending/descending
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Late June/early July – Late September, when the Silvretta High Alpine Road is open.
- Where to Stay: TUI Blue Montafon (budget), Gasthof Löwen (midrange), Amrai Suites (luxury) in Schruns-Tschagguns
Hohes Rad (“High Wheel”) is a mountain in the Silvretta Alps. The peak straddles the border between Tirol and Vorarlberg.
A wonderful hiking trail wraps around Hohes Rad (2934 m), starting at Silvretta Bielerhöhe (2037 m), a high mountain pass connecting Montafon Valley in Vorarlberg with Paznaun Valley in Tirol.
From the Silvretta Reservoir, the trail gently ascends Bieltal Valley to the Radsattel mountain saddle. From the saddle, you can detour to the summit of Hohes Rad (3 hours out-and-back) – a challenging peak hike best undertaken by experienced hikers.
The circuit trail continues over the Rad saddle, ultimately descending to Wiesbadener Hütte (2443 m), a mountain refuge set amidst a frozen world of ice, water, and rock. From this impressive mountaineering hut, the trail descends the Ochsental Valley back to the Silvretta Reservoir.
Learn More: Hohes Rad Circuit Trail
11. Lake Drachensee Circuit Trail
Mieming Chain
- Trailhead: Ehrwalder Almbahn mountain station
- Distance: 14.9 km lollipop-circuit
- Time needed: 5:30 min
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 909 meters ascending/descending
- Difficulty: Moderate – Moderately Difficult
- When to Hike: June – October. Try to avoid peak season (July – August).
- Where to Stay: Haus Tirol Ehrwald (budget), Hotel Alpen Residence (midrange), or Der Grüne Baum Mountain Boutique Hotel (luxury) in Ehrwald
This outstanding circuit trail around Tajakopf mountain links together three mountain lakes: Lake Brendlsee, Lake Drachensee, and Lake Seebensee.
Starting at the Ehrwald Almbahn gondola mountain station, the trail meanders gently through forest before ascending the Ganghofersteig trail to the Brendlkar cirque and then eventually up to the Tajatörl saddle.
This long ascent is somewhat taxing, but there’s no technical difficulty. Hikers should nonetheless be sure-footed and confident in scree.
With the hard part behind you, the trail descends to Lake Drachensee and Coburger Mountain Hut. You’ll face Lake Drachensee the whole time – which is why it’s critical to hike this circuit clockwise.
Form the managed Coburger mountain hut, the trail steeply descends to Lake Seebensee and then returns to the Ehrwald Alpine Pasture along easy, forest trails.
Learn More: Lake Drachensee Hike
12. Spuller Schafberg Peak
Lechquellen Mountains
- Where: Vorarlberg
- Starting Point: Lake Spullersee
- Ending Point: Zug
- Distance: 12.3 km point-to-point
- Time Needed: 5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 980 meters ascending
- Elevation Loss: 1291 meters descending
- Difficulty: Moderate/Moderately Difficult (Vorarlberg Blue Trail)
- When to Hike: Late June – Late September
- Where to Stay: Lech Hostel (budget), or Haus Braunarl (midrange), or Hotel Auenhof (luxury) in Lech
Spuller Schafberg (2679 m) is a popular summit hike, starting at the high-altitude reservoir Lake Spullersee in the Lechquellen Mountains, easily accessible by bus from Lech am Arlberg.
The hike begins with an easy hike to Ravensburger Hütte (45 minutes). From the hut, it’s a 2:15 hour ascent to the peak. The hike to the summit is straightforward, though definitely requires stamina. The terrain is mostly tussock slopes, though there’s some karst pavement to contend with.
The highlight of this hike is the long ridge path to Spuller Schafberg. Along the ridge, views extend to the Verwall and Rätikon Alps.
Learn More: Spuller Schafberg Peak
13. Innergschlöss Glacier Trail
Hohe Tauern National Park
- Where: East Tyrol
- Trailhead: Matreier Tauernhaus
- Distance: 9.1 km lollipop-circuit
- Time Needed: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 600 meters ascending/descending
- When to Hike: June – September
- Where to Stay: Zedlacherhof (budget), Matreier Tauernhaus (midrange), or Naturhotel Outside (luxury) in Matrei in Osttirol
This secret day hike in Hohe Tauern National Park is hands down one of the best hikes in Austria.
From the Matreier Tauernhaus hotel and restaurant, take the Venediger Taxi to Innergschlöss (5 EUR one-way).
The glacier trail begins in the storybook hamlet of Innergschlöss. From here you’ll follow a loop trail past rivers, waterfalls, and lakes and ultimately to a spectacular glacier lookout point.
You’ll be able to spot the prominent peaks of the Venediger Group, including Austria’s second-highest mountain: Grossvenediger.
The Innergschlöss glacier trail marked the final stages of our Venediger High Trail trek, a multi-day hike in the Venediger Group. And, it was the absolute best part of the entire trek.
Learn More: Innergschlöss Glacier Trail
14. Olpererhütte and Friesenberghaus
Zillertal Alps
- Where: Tirol
- Trailhead: Schlegeis Stausee
- Distance: 13 km circuit
- Time Needed: 7 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 820 meters ascending/descending
- Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
- When to Hike: mid/late June – early October, when the Schlegeis Alpine Toll Road is open.
- Where to Stay: Hotel Garni Glück Auf (budget), Der Siegeler B&B – this lifestylehotel rocks (midrange), or Alpenhotel Kramerwirt (luxury) in Mayrhofen
This excellent loop trail begins at the Schlegeis Reservoir (1785 m), accessible by car, or bus.
While most Olpererhütte visitors will hike the short, direct route to the hut, we recommend hiking first to Friesenberghaus. From here, you’ll join the Berlin High Trail and hike along a breathtaking balcony trail to Olpererhütte.
Learn More: Olpererhütte Hiking Guide
15. Gamsjoch Peak
Karwendel Mountains
- Where: Tirol
- Trailhead: Die Eng – Alpengasthof und Naturhotel, Hinterriß, Großer Ahornboden
- Distance: 13.8 km round trip, or 18 km out-and-back via Hohljoch
- Time Needed: 6:30 – 8:30 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1324 m, or 1390 out-and-back via Hohljoch
- Difficulty: Difficult. You need stamina, a head for heights, and good trail intuition.
- Where to stay: Die Eng – Alpengasthof und Naturhotel (midrange), or Gasthof zur Post (midrange) in Hinterriss
Gamsjoch (2452 m) is a three-headed mountain in Karwendel Nature Park in Tirol. The summit rewards hikers with sweeping views of Hinterautal-Vomper-Kette, which is the largest mountain chain in the Karwendel Mountains.
The western summit of Gamsjoch (2438 m) is a popular peak hike in the Eastern Karwendel Mountains because of its proximity to the Eng Almdorf (Eng alpine pasture village) and Grosser Ahornboden (Great Maple Floor), a large plain studded with 2,300 sycamore maple trees.
This day hike begins at the Eng Alpine Pasture at the end of Hinterisstal Valley, accessible via a toll road from Vorderrisstal Valley Bavaria, Germany. Hikers have the option to ascend to Gamsjoch via Hochljoch saddle (the easier, but longer option), or via the unmarked Gumpenkar stream bed/cirque (unmarked and painfully steep, but shorter option).
Learn More: Gamsjoch Peak Hike
More Austria Hiking Trails
Karlsbader Hütte
Lienz Dolomites
- Where: East Tyrol
- Trailhead: Dolomitenhütte, Lienz
- Distance: 8.6 km out-and-back
- Time Needed: 3 – 4 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 660 meters ascending/descending
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Late June – October
- Where to Stay: City Zimmer – Appartement Dina Mariner (budget), Apartmenthaus Nr 1 (midrange), or Parkhotel Tristachersee (luxury) in Lienz
Overlooking Laserzsee Lake, Karlsbader Hütte (2260 m) is an undeniably scenic mountain hut in the Lienz Dolomites. This mountain group is part of the Gailtal Alps and is situated on the southern border of Austria, close to Italy. The name is rather misleading because these mountains are limestone and actually do not contain any Dolomite rock, despite their appearance.
To begin this hike, drive up the toll road to the mountain hut Dolomitenhütte (1616 m), an upscale refuge located high above the town of Lienz.
There’s a parking lot very close to Dolomitenhütte. From here, follow the road. After about 20 minutes, you’ll reach an intersection, where a hiking path continues straight (signed “Steig”) and the road continues left. Follow the trail.
The views get increasingly more riveting as you near the limestone crags and pinnacles framing Karlsbader Hütte. It’s a paradise of stone. During the hiking season, Karlsbader Hütte is open for overnight guests and serves food and refreshments. You’ll likely see mountaineers gathered here, as this is a popular starting point for climbing.
When we arrived in mid-June, Laserzsee was still mostly ice. The snowfall made it difficult to explore the area more extensively. If you visit later in the summer, definitely follow the trail around the lake for the best viewpoints of the hut.
Austria Hiking Essentials
Hiking Gear
- Day Hiking Backpack: Osprey Tempest 30 Women’s Backpack / Osprey Talon 33 Men’s Backpack
- Grade B/C high-cut hiking boots: Meindl Schuhe Island Lady (Kati’s Boots), Women’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX (Sabrina’s Boots), Men’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX (men’s equivalent)
- Hiking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
- CAT 4 Sunglasses: Julbo Shield Mountain Sunglasses
Photography Gear
- Camera Body: Sony Alpha a6400
- Mid-range Zoom Lens: Sony Vario-Tessar 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS ZEISS
- Wide angle Zoom Lens: Sony – E 10-18mm F4 OSS Wide-angle Zoom Lens
- Backpack Camera Clip: Peak Design Camera Clip
Guidebook
- Hiking Guidebook: Cicerone: Walking in Austria
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Hiking Austria:
Trekking in Austria:
2-Day Hikes in Austria:
Austria Travel:
- Best Places to Stay in Austria in Summer
- Best Places to Visit in Austria
- Autumn in Austria: Top Destinations
- 2 Week Austria Road Trip
- 1 Week Austria Road Trip
European Alps:
There are 25 comments on this post
What a great resource! Thank you for sharing. I'm eager to go hiking in November as well (next weekend). I see your suggestions mostly end in October. Would you recommend any in November? I have crampons.
Hi JC,
It's already snowing in the Alps. I don't recommend hiking this time of year. Try reaching out to your destination's local tourist board for additional help.
This is so so helpful! My family is planning to rent a car from Salzburg in early June 2020 and spend three nights exploring and hiking in Austria. Aside from knowing we want to drive through grossglockner for sure, if you were going again for 2-3 days where would you stay and what hikes would you chose? Many thanks for any help in advance!
Hi Alexis,
Glad you find this post helpful!
Our road trip itinerary might help as well (starting on day 6)
I would give yourself 5 days, but you could potentially do something like this in 4 days.
Day 1: Experience some very wonderful Alm huts / Alm restaurants in Salzburg (around Filzmoos, Werfenweng, Hochkönig) - culinary hiking
Day 2: Drive Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Stay in Matreier Tauernhaus
Day 3: Hike the Innergschlöss Glacier Trail, Continue to Mayrhofen. Stay in Mayrhofen.
Day 4: Hike to Olpererhütte (get an early start), Stay in Mayrhofen (if you have time), or late drive to Salzburg.
Day 5: Head back to Salzburg
Thank-you so much for your time and generous advice, Sabrina!! This is a once in a lifetime vacation for my parents from Canada so I'm really trying to make it extra special. I think we will have to cut out one activity... either the alm huts, Innergschlöss Glacier Trail or the hike to Olpererhütte which would you skip? They all look amazing so I am having a hard time deciding and would greatly appreciate your experience!
Hi Alexis,
Very happy to help! I'm going to send you an email with a few more ideas. If you didn't get an email, check your spam.
Are your parents very active? Do they like challenging hikes?
Mayrhofen/Zillertal Alps (Olpererhütte) is an impressive destination, but it's a bit out of the way. I think you should concentrate your time around Salzburg (visiting alms/Northern limestone alps), then do the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, and then Innergschlöss in East Tyrol. One thing to be aware of: early June can be a bit tricky, because of snow. Last summer, there was tons of snow until the end of the month (but that just depends on how long the winter is). It can impact mountain hut / alm huts opening times.
Hi!
Thanks for a great post!
We are going to be in Salzburg during July 2020 for 2 days.
We will do the interrail throughout Europe, and therefore we will not have a car.
Is it possible to stay in the citycentre of Salzburg, then take public transportation and do the Salzburger Almenweg Stage 2 and then head back by public transportation in the afternoon? I see that you have written that it is close to a bus stop, but I cannot find which bus from Salzburg that goes to Erichhütte, or back from Arthurhaus for that matter... Thank you!
Hi Andrei,
We updated our best Salzburg trails post with details on how to get to the Almenweg Stage 2 trailhead with public transit. It's definitely easier with a car, but possible (if you're determined) without one.
Best of luck! - Kati
Hello, I am thinking of going hiking in April 2020 around Easter. Is the ground still snow covered then? I am an experienced hiker from Australia, however not in an Alpine environment - just in coastal Australia in spring / summer. I would be hiking solo, so would prefer to find some day hikes to do, or do some walks which are popular and thus have other hikers on them (although not too many!). I've looked at hiking tour companies however they're very expensive. Many thanks!
Hi Justine,
April isn't a great month for hiking in Austria. It's the tail-end of the ski season. There may be low-elevation walks you can do, but I don't recommend planning a hiking trip for April. "The Alps" hiking season is from (mid-June) July until end of September. If you're determined to go hiking in April, I recommend heading to Portugal. Here's a summary of some great hikes in Portugal.
-Sabrina
This is such fantastic information, and incredible photos.
I'm going to be travelling to Bavaria/Austria/Switzerland in late May / early June. Do you think this will be too early to do most of these? Does it just depend on weather at the time? Do you have any other recommendations for this time of year?
Hi Pete,
Late May is too early for these hikes. In early June, it may be possible to hike to Sulzenalmen, Ursprungalm to Giglach Lakes, and Salzburger Almenweg Stage 2. But, it really depends on how long the winter is. Last summer, we were hiking in snow until the end of June. But, hopefully, this year's winter is shorter. Definitely bring crampons.
- Sabrina
Hi. I’ve just came across your website and you are sharing some amazing information. Thank you. At the beginning of May, myself and another 3 guys are planning to travel to Vienna for a long weekend. In one day we would like to go hiking and I was wondering if this is a good time to do this and if you have any recommendations. Based on what I have read so far here, the hiking season seems to start towards the end of may. Looking forward for your advise. Cosmin
Hi Cosmin,
The best time to hike in Austria is from mid/late June until the end of September. However, it really depends on how long the winter is. It's difficult to say now what's possible this May. Also, Vienna is a good 3 hours away from good hiking.
-Sabrina
Hi Sabrina, Kati,
Your blog is amazing and very inspiring! Thanks for that!
I am expecting to spend a few days this summer in Osttirol and chosing 3 out of these 4 hikes before? Which ones would you recommend? I am thinking about doing all 4 but at Innergschlöss just stop by the village instead of going up the glacier. How would you ranke these 4 hikes below? Also, is it worthile stopping at the Krimml Waterfalls?
Margaritzenstausee and Sandersee in Hohe Tauern National Park
Karlsbader Hütte in the Lienz Dolomites
Innergschlöss Glacier Trail in Hohe Tauern National Park
Olpererhütte and Friesenberghaus Loop Trail in the Zillertal Alps
Best,
Dima
Hi Dima,
Thank you!!
I'd prioritize these three hikes:
1 Olpererhütte and Friesenberghaus Loop Trail in the Zillertal Alps
2. Innergschlöss Glacier Trail in Hohe Tauern National Park
3. Margaritzenstausee and Sandersee in Hohe Tauern National Park (only as a day hike when driving the Grossglockner High Alpine Road)
Karlsbader Hütte is a beautiful destination, but the actual hiking trail isn't as exciting as the others.
While you're in the area, also check out the hiking trails starting in/near Kals am Grossglockner (on our bucket list).
I don't think there's any point in going to Innergschlöss without hiking the glacier trail.
We haven't visited the Krimml Waterfalls.
All the best,
Sabrina
Thank you for this information! These hikes look beautiful and I will be sure to visit some of these places this summer.
I have a specific request for a recommendation. I live in Vienna, and I'm looking for the best/most beautiful hike that I can complete in a 24 hour period. I guess this would be a day trip, but I'd also consider driving out the day prior, camping or staying in a mountain house, so we can get an early start the day of the hike, with enough time to drive back home. Any tips?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Morgan,
How about doing a 2-day hike closer to Vienna in the Hochschwab Mountains. I would head to Alpengasthof Bodenbauer, park there, and hike to the Schiestlhaus Mountain Hut, where you can spend the night. Complete the circuit the next day. Follow this Hochschwab guide.
Note: wild camping or any camping outside of official campgrounds is not permitted in Austria.
All the best,
Sabrina
Hi Sabrina, Kati,
thank you for this lovely and inspiring blog! I really enjoy going through your posts.
Me and my boyfriend are going to spend prolonged weekend in Mayrhofen by the end of July/beginning of August and we would really appreciate 2 or 3 one-day hike recommendations. We will have a car and we are both experienced hikers (we mainly hike in Slovenian mountains), so we are looking for a few demanding hikes. However, if there are some easy beautiful hikes I will be more than happy to hear about them too. So far, I'm the most excited about Olpererhütte and Friesenberghaus.
Thank you in advance,
All the best,
Katka
Hi Katka,
Thank you! I'd prioritize Frieserberghaus - Olpererhütte.
You can also check out the Speicher Zillergründl to Plauener Hütte and Hohenau Alm hike, we described in our Mayrhofen Summer guide.
All the best,
Sabrina
Hey, just wanted to say thanks - your posts really helped me plan my trip and helped organize all the info that’s our there! Great job and thank you!
Hi Hany,
Thanks for the feedback! Have a great time hiking in Austria.
All the best,
Sabrina
There is some great info on this site. Thanks!
Where would be a good base location to do day hikes from in early May?
Hi Kipp,
May is in between seasons. We've only hiked in the Vienna Mountains in May. I would reach out to a few tourist offices in Salzburg, Styria, and Upper Austria, for their recommendations.
All the best,
Sabrina