Increasingly, people are drawn to the solitude of nature. Luckily, Austria is full of hiking trails! Off the beaten track and a little removed from popular photo spots, you are able to discover true natural gems where you can truly unwind and recharge. Are you looking for a special hiking destination, a less-traveled path, or more remote peak? We have hit the trails just for you: Here are our 5 secret tips for hiking in Austria!
Wiegenwald Forest in Uttendorf, Hohe Tauern National Park Holiday Region
Our first insider hiking tip in Austria is definitely a well-kept secret: Wiegenwald Forest at the Enzingerboden in Uttendorf is best explored with a trained National Park ranger. No signs or markers indicate the start of the hike, as the goal is to protect this sensitive natural gem in the Weisssee Glacier World area. The hike begins at around 1500 meters above sea level, leading through dense spruce forest to a wild, romantic high moor with deep black peat ponds, larch trees, and one of the largest stands of Swiss pine in Hohe Tauern National Park. This natural gem in Uttendorf is reminiscent of the no-longer-secret Rauris Virgin Forest. From our chosen forest—some of the trees are roughly 1,000 years old!—the trail continues through mountain pines to Schwarzsee and Grünsee by the mid-station of the Weisssee Glacier Lifts.
This National Park excursion takes place every Thursday from mid-July to early September and is free with the Uttendorf Guest Card (automatically included when you stay at Tauern Lodges Uttendorf) or the National Park SummerCard. This moderately challenging hike takes about 4 hours (3 hours of walking time, 5 km, 300-meter elevation gain).
Egger Alm including Poludnig summit (1999 m), Nassfeld-Pressegger See
Our second insider tip is a hike on the Egger Alm, an idyllic high valley near Hermagor in Carinthia, up to the scenic Poludnig summit. Just 1999 meters high, it is accessible by means of a moderate hike, treating you to panoramic views of the Julian Alps in Slovenia and Italy, as well as the Hohe Tauern and Grossglockner. The starting point for this hiking loop is the Egger Alm, which is reached via the winding, paved Egger Alm road (about 15 minutes by car from Hermagor). Duration: about 4.5 hours, Length: 12.5 km, 650 meters elevation gain. A must: After the hike, try the award-winning Gailtal hill cheese made right there at the Egger Alm, or one of the other delicacies from the same dairy.
The Poludnig is located on the Carnic Milk Road, a network of trails that stretches from Lake Wolayer to Friuli in Italy, interconnecting an array of Italian and Austrian huts also famous for their dairies. The Carnic Milk Road includes 8 family-friendly hikes. From Almresort Gartnerkofel Nassfeld and Almresort Sonnenalpe Nassfeld, you can set out on hike No. 3 from the Watschiger Alm to the Gartnerkofel.
Grebenzen and Pfaffentritt, St. Lambrecht
Located in Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park, our third secret tip for hiking in Austria is Grebenzen, a massif consisting of three peaks, stretching from St. Lambrecht to the Metnitz Valley and straddling the border between Styria and Carinthia. Our hiking recommendation starts from St. Lambrecht (and Naturpark Chalets Lambrecht) ), leading via the family piste and Pfaffentritt up to the first Grebenzen peak with its summit cross. Just 10 minutes from that summit, the Dreiwiesenhütte beckons with its sunny location, hearty local delicacies, and a unique panoramic view. The return to St. Lambrecht may take you via the Schönanger and the pilgrimage church. This tour demands good physical condition: around 13 km and more than 800 meters of elevation gain – but it's definitely worth it!
Koppensteig – High Trail, Lermoos in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
This hike begins at the valley station of the Ehrwalder Almbahn lift. Following the Koppensteig, you will walk up to the mountain station of the Sonnenhang lift, enjoying the beautiful views along the way, before continuing via the high trail towards the Gamsalm. The forestry lane then leads back towards Ehrwald and up to Hotel Diana Thörle, where a hiking bus will bring you back to your original starting point. This moderate hike is about 5.9 km long with around 360 meters of elevation gain.
Hörbrunn - Engelsberg Loop in Hopfgarten, Hohe Salve Region in the Kitzbühel Alps
Our next insider tip comes from the hospitality team of Dorfresort Kitzbühel; on a loop that also passes the old Engelsberg ruins. Starting at the Salvenaland amusement park, the route leads alongside the stream and past Elsbethen chapel. The path then climbs a bit steeper up to the Engelsberg ruins with its remains of ancient walls. Engelsberg Castle in Hopfgarten, first chronicled in 1234, played an important administrative role under Regensburg, and later Salzburg rule for the provosty of Hopfgarten. It was partially destroyed in the peasant uprising of 1526 and finally fell into ruin after 1608 when Hopfgarten's provosty merged with Itter. Your return to Salvenaland takes you via a forest trail. This easy, approximately 3-hour hike covers about 10 km (250 meters elevation gain).
Enjoy Remote Hiking Trails Away from the Hustle and Bustle: Our Tips
- Research lesser-known trails: In your chosen holiday area, it's often the less publicized paths that provide surprisingly beautiful experiences. Feel free to ask at the reception desk and let the local team assist you with their expertise.
- Start early in the morning. Nature in the gentle morning light has a special charm all its own.
- Avoid Weekends: Most hiking trails are less crowded during the week than on weekends.
- Take Advantage of the Off-Season: If possible, avoid peak season dates and enjoy, for example, the tranquility of the hiking paths in autumn. In our article "Autumn Holidays in Austria," we have collected various recommendations for you.
Explore our insider tips on your own.
Feeling inspired to pack your backpack? In that case, click on the ALPS RESORTS overview and guarantee a prime location to stay in the mountains. Our local reception teams are more than happy to assist with your holiday planning needs and answer any questions you might have.
Verena Junger
Marketing Specialist bei ALPS RESORTS
Frühaufsteherin mit einer Leidenschaft für einsame Berge und gute Geschichten, immer auf der Suche nach spannenden Ausflugszielen und Erlebnissen.
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Title photo © Hohe Tauern National Park Holiday Region, Michael Huber