If you’re looking for a walking holiday that combines stunning Alpine scenery, charming villages, and a rich cultural experience, Austria is the perfect destination.
For those of you who love a challenge, Austria’s dramatic mountain routes provide jaw-dropping views and a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to beat. Prefer a gentler pace?
Meandering paths through lush meadows and storybook villages will make it super easy to soak up the beauty without breaking too much of a sweat. Along the way, you’ll encounter historic castles, cozy alpine huts, and a chance to experience Austria’s legendary hospitality.
Then there’s the food. After a day on the trails, there’s nothing better than indulging in hearty dishes like schnitzel, käsespätzle, or a slice of Sachertorte, paired with a cold Austrian beer or a crisp Grüner Veltliner. What is there not to like?
The Top Destinations in Austria For a Walking Holiday
Some of the best destinations in Austria for a walking holiday include:
Alpine Hikes
Austria is perhaps the most famous for its alpine hikes, which include:
The Tyrolean Alps
The Tyrolean Alps are a perfect starting point for an unforgettable hiking adventure. The Eagle Walk (Adlerweg) is a highlight that stretches across 413 kilometers (256 miles) and weaves through Tyrol’s most stunning landscapes.
While the full trail is a long-distance challenge, sections like the route from Innsbruck to Zirbenweg are ideal for day hikes, as it offers panoramic views of the Inn Valley and surrounding peaks. Villages in this area like Alpbach, which is known as one of Austria’s most picturesque, only add charm to the journey.
If you’re planning your next hiking Austria adventure, be sure to check out our featured article for more amazing trails and tips.
Hohe Tauern National Park
For those of you drawn to Austria’s highest mountains, Hohe Tauern National Park is unmissable. This region is home to the Grossglockner, Austria’s tallest peak, as well as trails that lead past glaciers, waterfalls, and meadows bursting with wildflowers. The Gamsgrubenweg near the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is particularly spectacular, featuring tunnels carved into the mountainside and breathtaking views of towering peaks.
Silvretta Glacier Trails
For a quieter, more remote Alpine experience, head to the Silvretta Alps in western Austria. Known as the “Blue Silvretta” because of its shimmering glaciers, this region offers serene trails away from the crowds. The Silvretta Glacier Trail combines moderate hiking with incredible views of ice fields and crystal-clear mountain lakes.
Lake and Valley Walks
If you’d prefer a more serene walk, you’ll want to check out the trails that meander along any of Austria’s many lakes or through the lush valleys. The best places for this are:
Salzkammergut Region
The Salzkammergut region is a picture-perfect destination for walkers who love serene lakes and charming alpine villages. Trails around Lake Wolfgang (Wolfgangsee) offer a mix of easy strolls and more challenging hikes, and all with stunning views of the crystal-clear water and lush hillsides.
The walk to St. Gilgen is particularly rewarding, and it ends in a quaint lakeside town with traditional Austrian cafés. Nearby, Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage village, is surrounded by trails that wind through quiet forests and along the lake’s edge.
Zillertal Valley
The Zillertal Valley is a walker’s paradise, with trails for every level of fitness. Gentle valley routes take you through rolling meadows, passing traditional Tyrolean farms and wildflower-covered fields. For those looking for more of a challenge, mountain paths like the trail to Olpererhütte provide breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding peaks and alpine reservoirs. The region’s network of mountain huts makes it easy to pause for a refreshment as well.
Achensee (Lake Achen)
Known as the “Fjord of the Alps,” Lake Achen is a stunning turquoise lake that is nestled between dramatic mountain ranges. The Gaisalm Trail, a gentle lakeside path, is perfect for those of you who want to enjoy the beauty of the water while taking a leisurely walk.
Wachau Valley
The Wachau Valley, which is located along the Danube River, offers a different kind of valley walking experience. This region is famous for its vineyards, medieval castles, and charming villages. Trails like the World Heritage Trail Wachau wind through terraced vineyards, with stops at historic towns like Dürnstein, where you can visit castle ruins with panoramic views of the Danube. Along the way, you’ll find opportunities to taste local wines and apricot delicacies, making this region a feast for the senses.
Family Friendly Walks
Austria is a fantastic destination for walking holidays with the whole family. Some of the best family friendly walks include:
Kitzbühel Alps
The Kitzbühel Alps are a favorite for families, with plenty of easy and scenic trails to choose from. The Panoramaweg is a popular option, because it offers gentle terrain with stunning views of rolling hills and snowy peaks in the distance.
Many trails here can be accessed via gondolas, which kids will love, and some lead to alpine playgrounds, petting zoos, and mountain huts that serve delicious local snacks. For those seeking more incredible trails, the best hiking in Austria offers a variety of must-see destinations.
Bregenzerwald Cheese Trail (AKA the Käsestraße)
In the Bregenzerwald region, the Cheese Trail (Käsestraße) offers a unique walking experience that’s great for kids and adults alike. These routes wind through green pastures and picturesque villages, with stops at local dairies to see how traditional Austrian cheeses are made. It’s an interactive way to mix walking with a cultural experience.
Zillertal Valley
The Zillertal Valley is another excellent choice for families thanks to its variety of gentle paths and kid-friendly amenities. Walks like the Zillergrund Reservoir Trail offer a fun mix of nature and adventure, with turquoise alpine waters and plenty of spots for family photos. Many trails here are dotted with interactive stops like educational boards or themed routes, which will help make the walk engaging for kids.
What Can You Expect on a Walking Holiday in Austria?
Here’s what you can really expect from a fun walking holiday in Austria:
Adventures Beyond Walking
In Austria you might find yourself standing in the shadow of Hohenwerfen Castle, a medieval fortress towering above the Salzach Valley. After a morning hike, you could wander its ancient halls or watch an exhilarating falconry display, and in the process you will feel like you’ve stepped into another era.
In the Wachau Valley, your walk could lead you to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. From the top, the views of the Danube and surrounding vineyards are as breathtaking as the history that lingers in the air.
The landscapes themselves often tell their own stories. Walking near Hallstatt, you’ll pass ancient salt mines that date back thousands of years, with trails that reveal glimpses of Austria’s prehistoric past. In Grossglockner’s Gamsgrubenweg, tunnels that are carved into the mountain serve as both a route for hikers today just like how they used to for people hundreds or even thousands of years ago.
In addition, the locals might tell you about hidden treasures that are said to be buried in the mountains or legends of alpine spirits that guard the valleys. In places like the Bregenzerwald, for instance you might pass centuries-old wooden chalets.
The Food and Drink Experience
One of the most rewarding parts of a walking holiday in Austria is how seamlessly it blends fun trails with the country’s rich culinary traditions. In the Alpine regions, the experience often begins in rustic mountain huts (known as hütten) scattered along the trails.
After a rewarding hike, you can relax with a plate of Kaiserschmarrn, fluffy shredded pancakes served with fruit compote, or a steaming bowl of Kasnocken, cheesy dumplings that are the perfect fuel for walkers.
As you descend into the valleys, the culinary prospects remain equally enticing. In regions like the Wachau Valley, walking trails often wind through terraced vineyards where you can stop to sample crisp Grüner Veltliner or fruity Riesling wines. Small family-run wineries along the way offer tastings that pair perfectly with local apricot jams, preserves, or pastries, reflecting the area’s rich agricultural traditions.
In Vienna Woods, trails might lead you to a gasthaus, where a freshly made Schnitzel with a side of potato salad or a delicate slice of Sachertorte awaits. For a unique treat, you should stop at one of Austria’s many roadside Mostheurigen, where you can enjoy freshly pressed cider alongside a platter of cured meats and cheeses.
The Neusiedler See region also offers something special for wine enthusiasts and walkers alike, with its vast flatlands dotted with vineyards producing Austria’s famous Blaufränkisch red wine. Many walking routes here connect to cellars where you can sip a glass of wine and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Fun Accommodations
Where you stay during your walking holiday in Austria can add a whole new layer of charm and adventure to your experience. From rustic mountain huts to historic castles and unique stays, Austria’s accommodations are as memorable as the trails themselves.
In the Alps, nothing beats the experience of staying in a traditional hütte (mountain hut). These cozy lodges, which are often perched high above the valleys, provide a warm and welcoming retreat after a day of hiking. Just imagine sitting by a roaring fire with panoramic views of the peaks and enjoying the simple pleasures of mountain life. Many huts, like the Olpererhütte in the Zillertal Alps, even come with breathtaking photo opportunities )such as its famous suspension bridge overlooking a turquoise reservoir).
For those of you who are into history, you’ll be glad to hear that Austria offers a variety of unique accommodations in castles and palaces. Staying in places like Schloss Mittersill, a medieval castle in the heart of the Alps, lets you step back in time while enjoying modern comforts. You can also sleep in rooms that were once occupied by royalty while being surrounded by centuries-old architecture.
In the countryside, farm stays (Urlaub am Bauernhof) are perfect for connecting with local traditions. These family-run farms allow you to experience rural Austrian life firsthand, and soem come complete with fresh breakfasts made from local ingredients. Staying in a quaint farmhouse in regions like Salzkammergut or Bregenzerwald offers tranquility, quietness, and the chance to meet friendly locals.
If you’re walking through wine regions like the Wachau Valley, vineyard stays can also provide an unbeatable experience. Just imagine waking up in a charming winery guesthouse, with rows of grapevines outside your window and the promise of a wine tasting waiting at the end of your day’s walk. Many of these accommodations are small and family-run as well.
For something a bit more unusual, Austria also has treehouses and eco-lodges in areas like the Vienna Woods or the Tyrolean forests. These unique accommodations are a prime example of accommodations that offer a peaceful escape surrounded by nature.
Conclusion
From the dramatic peaks of the Alps to the serene beauty of its lakes and valleys to the vineyards, every walk in Austria will be an adventure for you in its own right.
Austria is calling. Are you ready to answer?
