Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Best hiking in Austria

    Hikes in Austria

    Country in Europe

    Are you looking for the best hikes in Austria? We’re here to help! Austria is a mountain playground for hikers, and a popular destination for outdoor holidays. The Alps make Austria one of the best hiking destinations on earth. There is so much hiking to explore, you could easily spend years exploring all the wonderful hiking Austria has to offer.

    Austria has charming mountain towns that you can base yourself at to explore the local hiking trails. While normally packed in winter, summer is low season in most of these towns. This translates to lower prices and a great time to explore such legendary locations as St. Anton, Mayrhofen, Sölden, Zell-am-See, Kitzbühel, and of course, Innsbruck.

    Find the best hikes in Austria using our guides below. Our guides to the best hikes for Austria cover the best Innsbruck hikes and the best hiking in the Zell am See region. In Innsbruck, plan your trip to take in the highlights of this wonderful town and explore the surrounding mountains on foot. For the Zell am See region, our list of best hikes helps you plan a family-friendly holiday to the area, exploring Zell am See and Kaprun.

    15 Greatest Hikes in Austria

    Immerse yourself into the best hiking culture in the Austrian Alps! This is the ultimate outdoor adventure playground for hikers with heart pounding summits and rolling green hills. There are countless trail options, chances are you’ll need to visit a few times to hike them all! Within the Austria Alps, you’ll discover some unique geological features, such as Ice Age valleys, verdant heaths and alluvial cones. Grab your hiking boots and hit the trails!

    • Halltal: Prepare for a challenging and strenuous hike on this incredible mountain. Offering panoramic views, the hardships are worth the reward once you reach the summit!
    • Goetheweg: This trail offers some of the most stunning aerial views of Innsbruck. Follow the path around the slopes of the Nordkette Mountain to observe Innsbruck and the Inntal.
    • Kellerjoch Loop: Set off on a relatively easy hike that takes you to the peak of Kellerjoch. Perfect for those who want panoramic views, without too much of a challenge, Kellerjoch is ideal.
    • Sellraintaler Höhenweg: This is one of the most beautiful, challenging and rewarding hikes in the Innsbruck area. Walk through the valley of Sellrain for incredible views and few crowds.
    • Berlinerhütte over Mörchnerscharte: Explore a section of the famous “Berliner Höhenweg,” which is part of the annual Steinbockmarsch challenge on this epic hike.
    • Zittauer Hütte: This moderately challenging hike brings adventurers alongside a faded glacier, past a pristine lake and finishes with incredible views.
    • Ahornspitze: Step off from the Ahornspitze lift and enjoy the gentle ascent up to Edelweißhütte. Continue to push onwards to take in the exposed summit of Ahornspitze.
    • Tristner: For one of the most challenging hikes in the Mayrhofen area, try the Tristner hike. If you can make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with epic views over the Zillertal.
    • Imbachhorn: This is one of our favourite hikes in the Zell am See area. Prepare for a long, strenuous hike, but at the top, you’ll get amazing lookout points over Zell am See, Zeller Lake, and the Glockner group.
    • Schwalbenwand & Schönwieskopf: Set out on an amazing hike conquering two incredible mountain peaks on one hike. Though no huts or restaurants on route, pack a lunch and plan for an incredible full day.
    • Glacier lake & Geiβstein: Tackle the two unique areas in the high alpine above Kaprun. Hike past a glistening mountain lake, pass the Kitzsteinhorn ski area and enjoy a pint at a traditional mountain hut.
    • Kapruner Loop: Our absolute favourite in the Zell am See area, the Kapruner Loop explores the mountain village of Kaprun, while also offering views over Zeller Lake and the surrounding mountain peaks.
    • Kemater Alm: Explore one of the most naturally stunning places on this easy hike––Kemater Alm. Walk past verdant, rolling meadows, incredible mountains and a quaint farmers village.
    • Wolfsklamm: Follow the trail to an ancient pilgrimage site, passing through narrow canyons and past a trickling river along the way.
    • Plauener Hütte: Enjoy views of the pretty Zillergrundl reservoir, then continue onwards to the Plauener Hutte for a delicious lunch with beautiful mountain views.

    When is the Best Time to Hike in Austria

    Our favourite month to hike in Austria is July, thanks to the pleasant temperatures with a warm breeze. The average temperature during the month is 21 degrees Celsius, offering plenty of sunshine and cooler nights. Autumn is also a fantastic time to visit, with quieter hiking trails and moderate temperatures. Autumn also offers some incredible fall foliage and leaf peeping opportunities.

    Best Regions to Hike in Austria

    When people think of hiking in Austria, most immediately think of Innsbruck. This stunning area is certainly a popular destination for both summer and winter activities. Considered the Capital of the Alps, this is a great starting point for hiking the Austrian Alps and building stamina up in the mountains. Explore the quaint mountain town of Mayrhofen for breathtaking alpine hikes and incredible local flora and fauna. Mayrhofen is a wonderful example of traditional Austrian architecture and design and you’ll be dazzled by the local charm. If it’s glacier mountain hiking you’re after, head to Zell am See and Kaprun, which is known for its glacier on the Kitzsteinhorn mountain. This is the ultimate family-friendly destination with a wide range of hiking trails available, including plenty of quick day hikes for little ones.

    Other Activities in Austria

    Few people think to hop on two wheels in Austria, but it’s an incredible destination for cycling, especially on the Drauradweg cycling path. This trail stretches over several countries for 365.3 km and takes riders past picturesque towns and incredible mountain faces. Another fantastic adventure option is to hit the water for a rafting experience. The River Isel and River Drau are both popular destinations to get the adrenaline pumping on a white water rafting trip.

    Austria's Adventure Tours

    Prepare for some unforgettable thrills on one of 10Adventures tours in Austria. From learning how to rock climb up the famed Austrian Alps to peddling around town to take in the heart of Austria from two wheels, our 10Adventure tour options are guaranteed to be epic and worry-free.

    How to Plan a Trip to Austria

    Ready to lace up those boots and hike the stunning Austrian Alps? Let us take the stress and worry out of planning all the details with our complete trip planning guides––whether you want to visit Innsbruck, Mayrhofen, or Zell am See - Kaprun––we’ve got the 4-1-1.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Hikes in Austria on Map

    View Map

    Hiking regions in Austria

      Best Hikes in Austria

      Open details for Zittauer Hütte Hike

      Zittauer Hütte Hike

      Hard
      13.1 km
      1,341 m
      6-8.5h

      The hike to Zittauer Hütte offers a moderate hike for both the young and old. There is lots to see on this route as it is located next to an almost faded glacier; enjoy the beautiful lake, and stunning mountain views.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      10.0
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for Kapruner Loop Hike

      Kapruner Loop Hike

      Easy
      9.6 km
      215 m
      2.5-3h

      The Kapruner Loop is our favorite hike in the Zell am See - Kaprun region. This hike goes around and above the mountain village of Kaprun and offers great views of the surrounding mountains, the Zeller Lake and the village below. Starting at the center of the village, it is a great way to start your hiking holiday.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.9
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Schaflegerkogel Loop Hike

      Schaflegerkogel Loop Hike

      Hard
      15.7 km
      992 m
      5.5-7.5h

      The Schaflegerkogel Loop is an amazing Innsbruck hike. This walk traverses a beautiful ridge to summit four different peaks before descending into a lovely, wild valley. Along this trail you will find amazing vistas and relatively few people, making this hike one of the best in Innsbruck.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.8
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for Friesenberghaus & Olpererhütte Hike

      Friesenberghaus & Olpererhütte Hike

      Moderate
      13.9 km
      858 m
      5-7h

      The Friesenberghaus & Olpererhütte hike provides breathtaking views over Schlegeis reservoir. Views of steep and exposed mountains also make this hike something really special. At the famous Olpererhütte, you can take awe-inspiring pictures from the small bridge.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.8
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Sellraintaler Höhenweg Hike

      Sellraintaler Höhenweg Hike

      Very Hard
      16.6 km
      920 m
      5.5-7.5h

      Sellraintaler Höhenweg is strenuous day hike with a distinctly Austrian name. The trail takes you through the valley of Sellrain with rewarding vistas. It’s one of the wildest and least crowded areas to hike near Innsbruck.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.7
      Technical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Advanced (Diamond)
      Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
      Open details for Alexander-Enzinger Trail

      Alexander-Enzinger Trail

      Moderate
      15.4 km
      235 m
      3.5-4.5h

      The Alexander - Enzinger hike is a stunning hike along a mountain ridge between Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier area. With beautiful views and a high point of 2,452 m, this is a challenging yet rewarding hiking trail in the Zell am See-Kaprun region.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.7
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for Imbachhorn Hike

      Imbachhorn Hike

      Very Hard
      17.3 km
      1,745 m
      8-11h

      The Imbachhorn hike is one of the best hikes near Zell am See. This hike is a challenging tour of mountain peaks in the high alpine. Hiking up to the Imbachhorn, you will enjoy stunning views over the town of Zell am See, Zeller Lake, and the Glockner group.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.9
      Technical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Advanced (Diamond)
      Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
      Open details for Ahornspitze Hike

      Ahornspitze Hike

      Hard
      11.5 km
      1,016 m
      5-7h

      The Ahornspitze hike is spectacular! The trail begins at the top of the Ahornbahn lift, which you take from Mayrhofen. The hike takes you high in the mountains and gently increases in height up to Edelweißhütte. From there, the trail gets more and more exposed towards the last few kilometres before gaining the summit of Ahornspitze.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.7
      Technical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Advanced (Diamond)
      Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
      Open details for Zirbenweg Hike

      Zirbenweg Hike

      Easy
      8.3 km
      85 m
      1.5-2.5h

      Zirbenweg is a great Austrian hike, famous for its forest of arolla pines. This short, family hike offers amazing panoramas of Innsbruck and the Inntal.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.7
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Plauener Hütte Hike

      Plauener Hütte Hike

      Hard
      16.4 km
      1,248 m
      6.5-9h

      The Plauener Hutte route is a stunning hike near Mayrhofen that has it all including incredible views of mountains and the Zillergrundl reservoir. Get up to the Plauener Hutte for a wonderful snack or meal, before the stunning hike back.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.8
      Technical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Advanced (Diamond)
      Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.

      Change happens, fees shouldn't

      Suggested Tours

      Open details for Summit Mount Olympus Trekking Tour

      Summit Mount Olympus Trekking Tour

      4 days
      From $195
      Months Tour Operates
      J
      F
      M
      A
      M
      J
      J
      A
      S
      O
      N
      D

      This tour is your chance to trek one of the most mystical mountains on earth: Mount Olympus. This self-guided journey starts in Litochoro, an enchanting town at the foot of Greece’s highest peak. Then you’ll spend two days on the mountain, sleeping in a mountain hut on the second night. You should be comfortable hiking up some serious elevation on this tour to reach the summit, a worthy reward for your effort.

      View More
      Open details for Avalanche Skills Training 1 in the Canadian Rockies

      Avalanche Skills Training 1 in the Canadian Rockies

      2 days
      From $250
      Months Tour Operates
      J
      F
      M
      A
      M
      J
      J
      A
      S
      O
      N
      D

      Avalanche safety is a must-have tenet of backcountry adventure and a critical step in keeping yourself and your adventure partners safe in the wintertime and shoulder season. The Avalanche Skills Training 1 in the Canadian Rockies tour is a practical chance to learn the basics of avalanche safety in one of the most beautiful mountain environments in the world.

      View More
      Open details for Self-Guided Mount Triglav Trek

      Self-Guided Mount Triglav Trek

      Slovenia
      Walking
      Self-Guided
      3 days
      From $250
      Months Tour Operates
      J
      F
      M
      A
      M
      J
      J
      A
      S
      O
      N
      D

      Take on a quintessential Slovenian trekking adventure to the summit of its highest mountain! The Self-Guided Mount Triglav Trek allows you to hike at your own pace and enjoy the incredible scenery of Triglav National Park.

      View More
      Open details for Walking and Dining in Athens Tour

      Walking and Dining in Athens Tour

      3 days
      From $250
      Months Tour Operates
      J
      F
      M
      A
      M
      J
      J
      A
      S
      O
      N
      D

      Athens is the oldest city in Europe and the city with the longest history! Strolling through Athens, you will be thrilled to discover this rich history as Ancient, Roman, Byzantine and modern monuments abound. Pedestrian walkways lead you through green parks connecting major sites like the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and the Pnyx Theater, which is considered the birthplace of democracy. Dine on multiple courses at fine restaurants and sample the fare at local taverns in each spot. A unique food-on-foot tour!

      View More

      Essential Tools for Any Adventure

      Find a hotel in some of the most beautiful locations on earth.

      Book your own car to have complete freedom on your next adventure.

      Gear-up for your next adventure.

      This page may include affiliate links. We may get a small commission for the purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
      We only recommend tools we personally think are great.

      Change happens, fees shouldn't

      Recent Stories

      Open details for A Guide to Hiking in the Austrian Alps

      A Guide to Hiking in the Austrian Alps

      By Richard Campbell
      November 5th, 2019
      Open details for Planning Your Trip to Mayrhofen, Austria

      Planning Your Trip to Mayrhofen, Austria

      By Lynn W
      April 11th, 2019
      Open details for Planning your trip to Innsbruck

      Planning your trip to Innsbruck

      By Richard Campbell
      April 11th, 2018
      Open details for Planning your trip to Zell Am See – Kaprun

      Planning your trip to Zell Am See – Kaprun

      By Richard Campbell
      April 9th, 2018
      Detailed Route Guides
      Real GPS Coordinates
      Reliable Trail Reports
      Experienced-Based Travel Tips
      GPS App
      Extensive Travel Guides

      Get travel inspiration and discounts

      Join our weekly travel newsletter