Guide: scenic hiking trails in Austria

Guide: scenic hiking trails in Austria

April 11, 2025

Austria, a country known for its majestic Alps, crystal-clear lakes and lush green valleys, offers unparalleled opportunities for hikers. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a family looking for a leisurely stroll, Austria's trails have something to offer for everyone. In this guide, we'll take you on a journey through three unique trails that showcase the diversity and beauty of the Austrian landscape. From quiet paths around picturesque lakes to challenging high mountain trails, each trail offers unique experiences and breathtaking views. Get ready to discover the hidden gems of Austrian nature, immerse yourself in local culture and create unforgettable memories in nature. Our guide will help you plan the perfect trip, providing information on the difficulty of the routes, major attractions and practical tips to make your adventure safe and rewarding. Embark with us on a journey through Austria's trails and let yourself be inspired by the beauty of this Alpine country.

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Hinterer Langbathsee Trail - a peaceful hike among the lakes

Start our adventure with the Hinterer Langbathsee Trail, a scenic route that is ideal for families and novice hikers. Located in the heart of the Salzkammergut region, this trail offers a peaceful hike around the Hinterer Langbathsee, known for its crystal clear water and surrounding mountains.

The trail is relatively easy and well-marked, making it accessible to people of all ages. A full lap of the lake takes about 30 minutes, but it's worth reserving more time to fully appreciate the beauty of the surroundings. The trail leads through a picturesque forest, offering numerous places to rest and enjoy the views along the way.

One of the biggest advantages of this trail is its accessibility all year round. In summer, you can enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters of the lake, while in winter, if the weather is good, the trail turns into a scenic cross-country ski trail. This makes the Hinterer Langbathsee Trail an excellent choice regardless of the season.

Note the variety of flora and fauna around the lake. While walking, you can observe water birds and, if you're lucky, see deer or foxes sneaking through the woods. For photography lovers, the reflections of the mountains and forest in the surface of the lake provide unique opportunities for beautiful photos.

The trail is also friendly to people with limited mobility, although some sections may require assistance. Benches are placed along the trail, allowing you to relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

To reach the starting point, it is best to head to the village of Ebensee. Parking is close to the start of the trail and is free, which is an added plus for visitors. However, it is advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends and during the summer season, as parking spaces can quickly run out.

The Hinterer Langbathsee Trail is an excellent choice for those looking for a quiet but scenic trail, perfect for a family outing or a relaxing walk surrounded by nature. It's a place where you can truly take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Austrian Alps.

High Taur National Park - a kingdom of wilderness

Let's now move to the heart of the Austrian Alps, the Hohe Tauern National Park (Nationalpark Hohe Tauern). This vast protected area, the largest national park in the Alps, offers countless opportunities for hikers, from easy walks to challenging high-altitude trails.

The High Taur National Park, established in 1981, covers an area of more than 1,800 square kilometers and is home to Austria's highest peak, the Großglockner (3,798 meters above sea level). It is a true kingdom of wilderness, where you can enjoy glaciers, waterfalls, alpine meadows and wild animals in their natural habitat.

One of the most popular routes in the park is the trail to Krimml Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Europe. This route, suitable for families with children, leads through scenic viewing terraces from which you can admire the power of the falling water. The total length of the route is about 4 kilometers, and it takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

For more experienced hikers, the park offers a number of challenging high-mountain routes. One of them is the route to Großglockner, which requires good physical preparation and appropriate equipment. This hike usually takes two days and offers unforgettable views of Alpine peaks and glaciers.

The High Taur National Park is also famous for its abundance of flora and fauna. While hiking, you can encounter chamois, marmots and even golden eagles. In spring and summer, the alpine meadows delight with a variety of flowers, including rare endemic species.

For those who want to combine hiking with nature education, the park offers numerous information centers and museums. We especially recommend a visit to the information center in Mittersill, where you can learn more about the park's geology, flora and fauna.

An important aspect of planning a trip to the High Taurus National Park is proper preparation. The weather in the mountains can change very quickly, so always check the forecast before setting out on the trail and bring appropriate equipment, including warm and waterproof clothing.

The park is accessible year-round, but the best time to hike is between June and September. During this time, most mountain refuges are open and conditions on the trails are most favorable. In winter, the park offers opportunities for cross-country skiing and skydiving, but this requires proper preparation and experience.

The High Taurus National Park is a place that impresses with its natural beauty and diversity. Whether you choose an easy walk or a challenging high-mountain route, the park offers an unforgettable experience and the opportunity to experience wild nature in its purest form.

Berliner Höhenweg - a challenge for experienced hikers

At the end of our journey on Austrian trails, we present the Berliner Höhenweg, a route that is a real challenge for experienced hikers and mountain lovers. Located in the Zillertal Alps, this high-altitude trail offers some of the most spectacular views in Austria and an unforgettable alpine experience.

The Berliner Höhenweg is a route of about 70 kilometers that is usually completed in 6-8 days. The trail leads over high passes, past glaciers and through wild alpine landscapes. The route begins and ends in the village of Finkenberg, forming a loop that allows you to return to the starting point without having to arrange additional transportation.

One of the Berliner Höhenweg's greatest assets is its diversity. Each day of the hike brings new sights and challenges. The route passes through different vegetation zones, from forests to alpine meadows and rocky terrain above the tree line. Hikers have the opportunity to admire majestic peaks, including Großer Möseler (3480 meters above sea level) and Schönbichler Horn (3134 meters above sea level).

The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, but requires good physical preparation and experience in high-altitude hiking. Some sections of the trail lead through steep slopes and narrow paths, where concentration and a sure step are necessary. There are also sections on the route protected by chains and ladders, which add excitement and adrenaline.

One of the key aspects of planning an expedition on the Berliner Höhenweg is to properly plan the stages and book accommodation. There are seven mountain huts along the route that offer accommodation and meals. These huts are usually open from late June to early October, but it is worth checking the exact dates before you go. Due to the popularity of the route, it is advisable to book places in advance, especially during peak season.

The weather on the Berliner Höhenweg can be changeable and unpredictable, so proper equipment is key. You should bring warm and waterproof clothing, sturdy trekking shoes, trekking poles, as well as a supply of water and food. It is also worth remembering a first aid kit and basic first aid equipment.

Although the route is demanding, the reward is amazing views and a sense of accomplishment. The hike over high passes offers panoramic views of the Zillertal Alps, while the descents into the valleys allow you to admire the lush alpine vegetation. It's also a great opportunity to observe wildlife, including chamois and marmots.

The Berliner Höhenweg is not only a physical challenge, but also a spiritual experience. The separation from civilization, the silence of the mountains and the majesty of the surrounding nature create ideal conditions for reflection and renewal. This is a route for those who are looking not only for adventure, but also for a deeper contact with nature and themselves.

All in all, the Berliner Höhenweg is a route for true mountain lovers, offering unforgettable views and challenges. It requires good preparation and experience, but will reward you with unparalleled experiences and the satisfaction of tackling one of the most impressive trails in Austria.

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