Colorful leaves, clear mountain air, and perfect hiking temperatures: autumn is the prime season for outdoor adventures. So, why should you lace up your hiking boots in September and October in particular? And what should you bear in mind during autumn hikes? We’ve put together everything you need to know about hiking in autumn in Austria!
What makes autumn in Austria so extraordinary for hiking?
Are you normally more a member of the “summer hiking” team? In that case, we will give you some really compelling reasons to consider a hiking holiday in autumn here in Austria:
So beautifully colorful and pleasantly fresh: In autumn, the forests turn into a sea of colors. The leaves glow in warm tones, creating a particularly atmospheric setting for autumn hikes in Austria.
Up in the mountains, you are greeted by cool, fresh air. The intense heat of summer is past, and autumn temperatures are often ideal for longer hikes.
Pack your binoculars and a camera! After those humid summer months, the air is clearer in autumn. You will encounter stunning panoramas, especially from the mountain summits and lookout points. Morning mists, the lower angle of the sun, and the interplay of light and shadow make the landscapes seem magical. Have you ever witnessed the so-called “alpine glow”, when the mountains are bathed in a reddish light?
Plenty of space and great value for money: Compared to peak season in summer, fewer people are out on the hiking trails in autumn. Enjoy a quieter and even more immersive nature experience. Plus, during the off-season, you can take advantage of exciting deals and special offers!
Wildlife watching: Many animals are particularly active in the Austrian mountains in autumn as they prepare for the harsh winter ahead. Hikers have a good chance of spotting wildlife such as deer and birds in their natural habitats.
Simply delicious! Autumn is the season when many mushrooms and wild fruits like berries ripen. Pack a mushroom knife and a cloth bag in your backpack for your hike.
In many regions, inns and huts serve dishes typical of this season in Austria, including mushroom and game specialties, sweet and savory dumplings, pumpkin soup, and fruit cakes …
Hiking with your dog: For dog owners, autumn is perfect because it’s not too hot for their four-legged friends. Austria's nature teases them with all kinds of fascinating scents and impressions during fall hikes.
Why is visibility so much better when you hike in autumn?
Cooler temperatures in September and October reduce the amount of moisture that evaporates into the air. The weather is generally more stable, often dominated by high-pressure systems. The typical weather phenomena that promote cloud formation and air turbulence decrease. Moreover, there are fewer airborne pollen and dust particles in autumn. When the vegetation is less active, the concentration of such particles decreases.
In a "nutshell": Dry air, less clouds, haze, and pollen create the perfect recipe for the stunning visibility you are treated to whilst hiking in autumn in Austria.
Tips & Recommendations: What to consider when hiking in autumn
Autumn hikes in Austria differ not only because of the temperatures as compared to summertime. Keep the following facts and recommendations in mind when planning your hikes:
- Check in advance if the huts, lifts, and toll roads along your route are open. Autumn is considered the off-season in Austria's mountains due to the temperatures and weather conditions, so not all destinations are open (daily).
- Pack a hat, gloves, and a fleece jacket. It can be quite chilly, especially in the early morning hours. Temperatures drop in September and October, and clear, still nights may bring frost, marking the transition from warmer autumn days to the colder season.
- The days are shorter, and it gets dark faster. Plan to be back at your holiday home before nightfall. Don’t forget a headlamp for emergencies.
- Pack enough provisions. Even though it’s cooler in autumn, you should still carry plenty of water (or warm drinks). High-energy snacks like nuts or dried fruit are ideal for hiking.
- Sturdy shoes with good grip: In autumn, the ground can be extremely slippery due to wetness and fallen leaves. Be particularly cautious on trails covered with leaves, as there may be roots, stones, or slick spots hidden beneath.
- Respect wildlife: Marmots are settling down for an extended nap, chamois are preparing for winter. That said, be really mindful of wildlife, stay on marked trails, and avoid wildlife protection areas. Make sure to be aware of hunting seasons and obey any trail closures.
- Protect nature: Always take your trash back to the valley with you and stay on marked paths. Of course, this guideline doesn’t only apply in autumn. 😉
The right clothing matters: What to wear for hiking in autumn?
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing – who hasn’t heard that saying? It’s important to be prepared for changing weather conditions and temperatures. For your autumn hikes, we recommend:
1. Layering:
- Base layer: A breathable, moisture-wicking shirt made of merino wool or synthetic material. Avoid cotton—it retains moisture, which can get uncomfortable in the cold.
- Mid-layer: A fleece pullover or a thin, insulating jacket to retain body heat.
- Top layer: A weatherproof, water- and windproof, breathable jacket to protect against rain, wind, and cold.
2. Pants: Lightweight, breathable hiking pants that allow freedom of movement. For cooler weather, opt for insulated hiking pants. Zip-off pants are really practical when temperatures fluctuate during the hike.
3. Hiking shoes: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good tread for slippery or muddy trails. Make sure they are well broken in to avoid blisters.
4. Accessories:
- Hat or headband: Essential for protecting your head and ears from cold wind.
- Gloves: Thin-yet-warm gloves are ideal.
- Neck gaiter: Protects your neck and can be pulled over your mouth and nose as needed.
5. Rucksack: A hiking backpack with a rain cover for covering food, water, a warm layer of clothing, maps, a headlamp, and a first-aid kit.
6. Socks: Thicker, breathable hiking socks, ideally made of merino wool or synthetic material to reduce blisters and keep your feet nice and warm.
7. Extras:
- Sunglasses: Even in autumn, the sun can be intense, especially at higher elevations.
- Rain pants: For particularly wet days, waterproof overpants are very practical.
Austria's Nature in Autumn
Before nature settles down under a white blanket for a few months, it enchants us with a fascinating display of colors and bounty. When hiking in Austria's mountains in September and October, you will be fortunate to witness some of nature’s true spectacles:
Wildlife Watching in Austria
September is also rutting season in Austria—the time when stags engage in attention-getting jousts to impress females, with their bellowing calls echoing through the forests. Hiking in Austria during the autumn months gives you the chance to witness this fascinating spectacle up close. A national park excursion with an experienced ranger may take you to the rutting grounds where you can see majestic stags in all their glory. This is one of the highlights in the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region, especially in the Rauris Valley, where such a tour is also included for holders of the National Park Summer Card.
In Carinthia, during October, you can observe deer, chamois, ibex, and marmots on guided hikes inside Hohe Tauern National Park. Equally exciting tours are offered in the Gesäuse region, located close to Erzberg Alpin Resort.
Mushrooms and Berries Galore
Nature bestows her bounty on us in autumn – this is harvest time after all! With a bit of luck and a keen eye, you might even stumble upon one of the locals’ well-guarded mushroom hotspots deep in the forest and be able to collect some delicious chanterelles.
Or perhaps you’ll stumble across a field of blue superfood, i.e. blueberries. These berries work wonders for stomach and intestinal issues as well as inflammation of the mouth and throat. A proven remedy that also happens to taste wonderful—especially when expertly cooked into Heidelbeertatschi or Moosbeenock’n. If you see these dishes on a menu, don’t hesitate to give them a try. You won’t be disappointed! #thankmelater 😉
What else is missing? Ah yes, of course! You will be able to find your ideal accommodations in our resort overview: A modern apartment in the National Park region, a chalet with private pool, a holiday home with a sauna and whirlpool surrounded by pine forest, or a holiday apartment right by the summer cable car… So, will you allow us to share an Indian Summer with you at our ALPS RESORTS in Austria? For my part, I’m already on the way – I have developed a real craving for a plate of Moosbeenock’n 😋
Photo materials © Title photo: Salzburger Land Tourismus; Deer: Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, Ferdinand Rieder; Blueberries: istock|TT; ALPS RESORTS
Verena J.
Marketing Specialist at ALPS RESORTS
Millennial with a passion for solitary mountains and compelling stories, always on the lookout for exciting destinations and experiences.
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