Best Hikes In Austria

With thousands upon thousands of kilometers of the Alps, Austria feels like heaven on Earth for mountaineers, hikers, trekkers and all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts. It’s no secret that Austria is famous as a skiing destination, but hikers know that the Austrian Alps can be even more beautiful during the warmer months.  

From easy, 2-hour loop trails on level terrain to backpacking expeditions that will take you weeks to complete – there are some great hikes in Austria and many that are suitable for everyone. Read on to learn more about the best hiking trails in the country!

Before We Begin… 

Before we get into those incredible hiking trails, we have some quick tips for you that will help you really make the most of your hiking in Austria. 

Most of the hiking trails are public transport friendly – the busses will take you even to the tiniest and most remote villages precisely because they are popular with foreigners. 

Hiking in Austria is best done May through October – during the other months, the mountain are normally covered with snow. If you don’t want to ski at all and just want to hike in their amazing mountains, we highly recommend you plan your trip to Austria during the summer. July and August are probably the best months to go since the temperatures are nowhere near as harsh as they are in late spring or early fall. 

I will include a link to Austria’s mountain safety tips, but one of the things you should be aware of is the presence of wild and farm animals pretty much everywhere. Do not disturb them and let them do their thing in peace. Also, if you are thinking of bringing your dog on a hike, make sure that it’s allowed to do so. Some of the hiking in Austria passes through private property, and not all owners allow you to have an animal on their land. 

Some things are not even listed on their mountain guides because they are implied, but beginners might not be entirely aware of them – always check whether you need technical equipment, wear sturdy boots with good traction, bring your own food and water and be prepared for sudden weather changes. And obviously, do not attempt trails that are well above your skill level!

Also be aware that the hiking season in the Austrian Alps is quite short, running from June until October, depending on how snowy the winter months were. So, check the snow conditions before doing any hikes in Austria.

Wachau World Heritage Trail

The Wachau World Heritage trail is a hike with many different stages. You could make it a short 2-hour hike if you want to see just a few interesting spots, or you could turn it into a 180-kilometer backpacking trip, if you want to explore every single sight on the trail! It’s one of the epic long distance hikes in Austria.

The long version of the trail takes you through the Danube Valley and the entire Wachau Wine county. Along the way you will see over 20 different castles, ruins, fortresses and more scenic viewpoints than you can count. You will also hike across stone terraces, steep mountain hills and even cross several forest paths.

It is possible to pay for a guided tour of the entire trail. It is quire pricey, but it does include staying in hotels, bus tickets, wine tastings and more.

If you’re not in the mood for 8-10 days of backpacking, then just go on the trail stage that takes you from Maria Laach church to Aggsbach Markt. It’s just a 2-hour trail with multiple interesting landmarks and gorgeous landscapes.

Lünersee Circuit Trail

The Lünersee loop is an excellent easy day hike for families in the Austrian Alps. It’s suitable even for hiking beginners, and it only takes up to two hours max. If you want to enjoy the beauty of Austrian landscapes without act