Austria’s majestic mountains offer a brilliant backdrop to walking and hiking holidays, making this country a great destination for fans of the outdoors. While UK hikers will know that there are plenty of spectacular walking routes on offer at home, such as the beautiful Scottish borders, if walkers are going to travel to indulge their passion then why settle for flights to Edinburgh when Austria is also just a short hop away?
Travelling to Austria: Visitors heading for the amazing walking spots Austria has to offer, can choose to travel by air, road or rail – with self drive holidays one popular option allowing the visitor a higher level of independence on arrival.
Popular Hiking Areas in Austria: The Austrian countryside offers a plentiful supply of stunning scenery, which is criss-crossed by a number of well trodden walking routes, with something on offer to suit all skill levels. Popular areas for walking holidays in Austria include:
Alpbach Valley – Surrounding the picturesque alpine village from which it takes its name, the Alpbach Valley, just three quarters of an hour’s journey from Innsbruck, offers a great selection of well sign-posted routes for all walking levels taking in some stunning traditional alpine scenes, from snow fed streams to valley pastures – a must see area for the dedicated walker.
Hallstatt – The area around this village, that sits on the shores of the Hallstatter See in the popular Salzkammergut region offers a great combination of hiking and history. Now designates as a Unesco World Heritage Site the village offers great access to the Dachstein Mountain as well as nearby ice caves and salt mines.
Innsbruck – The Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck is a great base for those looking to discover Austria on foot. With a funicular railway on the doorstep offering speedy access to the great outdoors, Innsbruck is a real gem on the Austrian walking map. Hike the mountainside Pine Tree Trail for a true taste of the Tyrol.
Salzburg– Made famous by the classic Julie Andrews film, the hills that surround Salzburg are alive with more than just the “Sound of Music”. This area offers selection of amazing mountain lakes including the Fuschlsee and Wolfgangsee where a steam boat carries hikers across the waters to begin their adventures. The Salzburg area also offers easy access to the popular Saalach Valley.
Salzburg – Made famous by the classic Julie Andrews film, the hills that surround Salzburg are alive with more than just the “Sound of Music”. This area offers selection of amazing mountain lakes including the Fuschlsee and Wolfgangsee where a steam boat carries hikers across the waters to begin their adventures. The Salzburg area also offers easy access to the popular Saalach Valley.
Seefeld – sitting at more than three and a half thousand feet above sea level, Seefeld offers clean mountain air and amazing vistas over the surrounding area. Trails in the region are well marked and graded for difficulty and length, making it easy for all visitors to find a route that suits.
Vorarlberg – a lesser known treat for those wishing to travel off the beaten track, the region of Vorarlberg offers ample Austrian charms, with traditional mountain architecture and a high level of local hospitality this is a great destination for walkers of any level.
Wherever travellers choose to explore in Austria they can expect to uncover an amazing unspoiled outdoors as well as countryside that has been sympathetically signposted in many places to cater specifically to the hikers’ needs.