Mountain hikes in Austria
In the „Land of Mountains“, the Eastern Alps offer a wealth of opportunities for mountain tours. Together with the other Alpine countries, Austria is something like the cradle of modern mountaineering, which is why there is a path or climb on almost every mountain here. If you like it challenging, feel comfortable in pathless terrain and are not afraid to use your hands, you are sure to find something in our tour database with more than 10,000 mountain tours.
The 10 most beautiful mountain hikes in Austria
Mountain tours in Austria - tips for preparation
In contrast to a classic hike, mountain tours are more demanding. On mountain tours you have to use your hands here and there, master exposed areas and are often on the rocks. This is the exception on hikes. Conscientious preparation is therefore even more important for mountain tours. In addition to the appropriate equipment, you should keep an eye on the weather and always have a plan B ready. Ideally, you should also have downloaded the relevant map section so that you are not dependent on mobile data reception. You can get basic information on these knowledge pages if you are not yet experienced.
The most beautiful regions for mountain tours in Austria
Nice mountain tours can be done in Austria from the Rax to the Montafon. With the exception of Burgenland and Vienna, you can find tours that deserve this description in every province. If you already know where you want to go next time, you can search for the corresponding region and look for mountain tours in the tour search.
If you're still not sure, here's some inspiration for you: The Outdooractive editorial team presents its favourite regions for mountain tours:
Mountain tours in the Salzkammergut mountains
The Salzkammergut mountains are at the forefront when it comes to mountain tours. The region between Bad Ischl and Gmunden in particular. The mountains are not as high as elsewhere, but they offer everything you could wish for. Challenging climbs, cosy huts and afterwards a lake to take a dip in is never far away. The number 1 mountain tour in the Salzkammergut mountains is the Traunstein. The „Wächter of the Salzkammergut“ is a beautiful mountain and offers many different climbs from medium to very difficult. The most popular ascent is via the Hernlersteig. This is only challenging in a few sections, but the view is stunning. The easiest descent is via the Mairalmsteig.
The Traunstein is a popular and challenging destination for mountaineers from the region and far beyond, as it can be seen from afar in Upper Austria.
Mountain tours in the Lechtal Alps
In the west of Austria there are a number of great regions for mountain tours, a highlight being those in the Lechtal Alps. The mountain range between Allgäu and Tyrol offers a whole host of challenging tours. The ideal starting point is the Lechtal. Here, tours in the Allgäu Alps to the north can also be undertaken.
You’’ll remember your vacation in the Lechtal Alps forever. Find information about mountain hikes in our Travel Guide ...
The most beautiful huts as a base for mountain tours in Austria
Picking out just a few of the countless huts in Austria is of course very subjective, and yet there are huts that are known throughout the country because of the many touring possibilities. These three resorts are without doubt among the best bases for those who like to do several mountain tours from one base.
- Located on the north side of the Wilder Kaiser, the Stripsenjochhaus offers countless opportunities for challenging tours. Climbers also like to descend here.
- The Carl-von-Stahl-Haus in the Berchtesgaden Alps lies exactly on the border of Austria and Germany. Impressive mountain tours lead to the Hohe Göll, the Schneibstein and the Hohe Brett.
- The Welser Hütte lies at über 1700 metres in the Tote Gebirge. The hut is a super base for mountain tours in the Tote Gebirge like on the Groß Priel.
What is the difference between a hike, a mountain tour and a high altitude tour?
The distinction between a mountain tour and a hike is not always easy. Basically, mountain tours involve leaving easily accessible hiking trails and entering more alpine terrain, where you will be walking on steep tracks and little or no marked paths. The use of your hands is also necessary. The paths are often exposed and there is a risk of falling, which is never the case on hikes.
Mountain tours differ from alpine tours primarily in terms of the altitude zones in which the activity takes place. An alpine tour always reaches regions above 3000 metres above sea level.
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