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    10 Reasons to Go Hiking in Austria

    Whether you’re exploring one of the national parks, experiencing the beauty of the Alps on a long-distance trail, or heading out on a family day hike - Austria offers unlimited opportunities.

    Whether you’re exploring one of the national parks, experiencing the beauty of the Alps on a long-distance trail, or heading out on a family day hike - Austria offers unlimited opportunities.

    Ice World / Eisriesenwelt / Ice Cave near Werfen
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    1. The landscape is incredibly varied.

    From the flat steppe landscape of the Pannonian lowlands in the East of the country to the high Alpine regions in the West, Austria offers an incredible topographic diversity.

    The wide range of landscapes includes rolling hills and gentle pastures, rugged mountain peaks and glaciers, wetlands and lake plateaus, as well as Mediterranean-like landforms in the South of the country.

    Visit Europe’s highest waterfall, walk along quiet rivers and lakes, hike an actual glacier, or see the largest ice caves in the world.

    Read more about Austria's Nature and Climate
    Signpost stone pine trail
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    2. Well-marked hiking trails allow for self-guided tours.

    Even inexperienced hikers can easily go on self-guided walks in the Austrian Alps. Paths are clearly and consistently tagged via red-white-red markings on trees or rocks, and signposts along the way indicate directions, durations and sometimes even the trail’s level of difficulty.

    Simply make sure to take all necessary precautions such as checking the weather, choosing the right trail for your fitness level, and taking a map with you.

    Tip: Get one at your local tourist office!

    How to find the right path
    Mountain hut at Duisitzkarsee
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    3. A break at an Austrian mountain hut is something special.

    On almost every sign-posted hiking trail in Austria, you will sooner or later come across a mountain hut offering local cuisine and sometimes accommodation for long-distance hikers.

    Have a glass of refreshing elderflower juice or a pint of beer before hiking on!

    If you stay the night, do not forget to get up very early the next morning to enjoy a most beautiful sunrise in the mountains!

    Visit one of our favourite huts
    A delicious snack at an alpine hut in the area of Grossarl
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    4. The home-made food is simply delightful.

    In the mountain inns, home-made Austrian dishes, regional specialities and even produce right from the Alpine pastures are served.

    Cold plates are popular (such as the famous Austrian “Brettljause” – a substantial snack consisting of bread, cheese, and speck) and breads with all types of spreads, but also traditional warm dishes such as Schnitzel, Schweinsbraten (pork roast), Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) or Kaiserschmarren (sweet shredded pancakes).

    Try our favourite recipes at home
    Aussichtsplattform 5fingers
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    5. Conquer any mountain with summer cable cars and chairlifts.

    In most Austrian regions, you’ll find summer cable cars or chairlifts that will take you up to panoramic trails and scenic summit platforms, allowing holiday-makers of all abilities to enjoy fantastic views.

    This is the most environmentally friendly way to conquer a summit, as Austria's cable cars are constantly investing in sustainability!

    Austria's Top 10 summit platforms
    Family Hike on the Schmittenhoehe / Kaprun
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    6. Austrian hiking trails are perfect for families.

    There are plenty of hiking trails in Austria suitable for the entire family.

    Discover adventure hiking trails with interactive stations, explore educational trails, or find easy, pushchair-accessible walking trails.

    You'll find many themed hikes in every region, and also short hikes for younger children.

    There are beautiful multi-day hikes for families, hikes along the water, as well as a multitude of panoramic trails offering breathtaking views over mountain ranges and lakes.

    Learn more about Hiking for Families in Austria
    Gesäuse National Park
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    7. You’ll find untouched natural landscapes.

    About 27% of the Austria’s surface is under natural protection. 6 national parks, 50 nature parks, 7 biosphere reserves, and a host of locally protected areas have been set up to protect unique species, cultural landscapes, and traditional ways of living.

    Many regions in Austria have also started to implement a sustainable tourism scheme which encompasses car-free holidays, promoting e-mobility or locally-sourced food and energy. The Austrian National Parks also offer dedicated educational programmes.

    Find out more about Austria's national parks
    Boots for hiking
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    8. Hiking in Austria has a long tradition and is part of the local culture.

    Hiking has a long tradition in Austria and is the country’s unofficial national pastime.

    Dedicated to hiking or mountaineering, Austria's “hiking villages” are a perfect base for a holiday with day hikes of varying difficulty levels.

    These villages offer special services for your hiking holiday, such as free help to plan your hiking tour and free guided hikes.

    Read more about Austria's hiking villages
    Salzburg city view
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    9. Easily combine nature and culture.

    There are several cities in Austria that make combining culture and hiking breaks easy.

    The best example is probably Innsbruck, sometimes dubbed the “capital of the Alps”. Take a stroll on its streets full of imperial elegance, and then take a cable car getting you up into the mountains from the city centre in just 20 minutes.

    Salzburg, the city of music and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a perfect base for a hiking holiday in the surrounding area, like the Untersberg Mountain, or the Golling Waterfall.

    Find out more about our top city breaks
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    10. Get the full Austrian experience.

    Austria offers a huge variety of different hiking options and themed walks. Conquering one of the countless mountain peaks, hiking from pasture to pasture, embarking on a multi-day hike, or just enjoying a leisurely day hike – all of it is part of the Austrian hiking experience!

    Unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in exciting adventures, natural beauty and traditions. Recharge your batteries, breathe in the clean air, enjoy the relaxing scent of a forest or a mountain meadow, and experience Austria like the locals to find out first-hand what makes the country to unique and authentic.

    Read more

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