1. Olpererhutte Hike
- Where: Zillertal Alps, Austria
- Starting Point: Schlegeis Reservoir
- End Point: Olpererhütte
- Time Needed: 8-10 hours.
- Distance and Type: 13.8 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: The Dragon Crest via ferrata can be hiked in the summer months (June-September) when the weather is warm and dry.
- When to Stay: Olpererhütte is open from late May to late September and offers accommodation for hikers.
The hike starts at the Schlegeis Reservoir and follows a well-marked trail that winds its way up through alpine meadows and rocky terrain to the Olpererhütte, a mountain hut located at an altitude of 2,389 meters. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the Zillertal Alps and the Schlegeis Reservoir. The Olpererhütte offers food and drinks, as well as accommodation for hikers who want to spend the night.
2. Drachenwand Via Ferrata (Dragon Wall)
- Where: Mondsee, Upper Austria
- Starting Point: The car park at the base of the Drachenwand mountain.
- End Point: The summit of the Drachenwand mountain.
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 3.9 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Difficult
- When to Hike: The best time to hike the Drachenwand Via Ferrata is during the summer months, from May to September.
- When to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby town of Mondsee, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments.
The Drachenwand Via Ferrata is a challenging climb that requires climbers to navigate steep cliffs, ladders, and suspension bridges. The route offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake Mondsee. Climbers should be prepared for a physically demanding climb that requires a good level of fitness and experience in climbing.
3. Ratikon At Lunersee
- Where: Austrian Alps, Vorarlberg, Austria
- Starting Point: The starting point is the village of Brand in Vorarlberg.
- End Point: The end point is the peak of the Schesaplana mountain.
- Time Needed: The hike takes approximately 8-9 hours.
- Distance and Type: 14 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: The best time to hike the Ratikon at Lunersee is during the summer months, typically from June to September, when the weather is warm and dry.
- When to Stay: There are various accommodation options available in the village of Brand, which is the nearest town to the starting point of the hike.
The Ratikon at Lunersee is a stunning hike that takes hikers through a beautiful alpine landscape, including forests, meadows, and rocky terrain. The trail starts at the Lunersee lake and leads hikers through narrow ridges and steep climbs up to the Schesaplana mountain, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike is well-marked, and hikers should bring appropriate gear, such as hiking boots, a backpack, and warm clothing, as temperatures can drop at higher elevations.
4. Rax Plateau
- Where: Eastern Austrian Alps, Lower Austria
- Starting point: The town of Reichenau an der Rax.
- End point: The summit of Heukuppe.
- Time needed: 7-8 hours.
- Distance and Type: 18 kilomters circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: The best time to hike the Rax Plateau is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is mild, and the hiking conditions are favorable.
- When to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the nearby towns of Reichenau an der Rax and Payerbach, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.
The Rax Plateau hike offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, including the Schneeberg, the highest mountain in Lower Austria. The trail passes through dense forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, and there are several opportunities to stop and rest at mountain huts and chalets along the way. The summit of Heukuppe offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular destination for hikers.
5. Stubaier Glacier
- Where: Stubai Valley, Tyrol region, Austria
- Starting point: The Eisgrat cable car station.
- End point: The summit of the Wildspitze
- Time needed: 6-10 hours.
- Distance and Type: 15 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: The Stubaier Glacier hike is considered a challenging hike, with high altitude, rocky terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions.
- When to Hike: The best time to hike the Stubaier Glacier is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is mild, and the hiking conditions are favorable.
- When to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the nearby towns of Neustift and Fulpmes, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.
The Stubaier Glacier hike offers breathtaking views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks of the Stubai Alps. The trail passes through rugged terrain, including moraines, scree slopes, and rocky ridges. The summit of the Wildspitze, the highest mountain in the Ötztal Alps, offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. However, due to the high altitude and unpredictable weather conditions, it’s important to be well-prepared and experienced before attempting this hike.
6. Dachstein Glacier
- Where: Styria, Austria
- Starting point: The Dachstein cable car station.
- End point: The summit of Hoher Dachstein.
- Time needed: 6-10 hours.
- Distance and Type: 12 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Difficult
- When to Hike: The best time to hike the Dachstein Glacier is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is mild, and the hiking conditions are favorable.
- When to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the nearby towns of Schladming and Ramsau am Dachstein, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.
The Dachstein Glacier hike offers stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks of the Dachstein massif. The trail passes through rugged terrain, including steep ridges, rocky crags, and snowfields. The summit of Hoher Dachstein, the highest mountain in the Dachstein range, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. However, due to the high altitude and unpredictable weather conditions, it’s important to be well-prepared and experienced before attempting this hike.
7. Schafberg
- Where: Schafberg, Austria
- Starting Point: Schafbergbahn cog railway station
- End Point: Summit of Schafberg Mountain
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 9 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: Best time to hike is from late spring to early autumn (May to September).
- When to Stay: Visitors can stay at nearby hotels, guesthouses, and campsites in the towns of St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen.
Schafberg is a prominent mountain in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, offering panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. The hiking trail starts from the Schafbergbahn cog railway station, which can be reached by train or car. The trail ascends steeply through forests and meadows, passing several viewpoints along the way.The last section of the trail is the steepest, with some exposed areas and a scramble up to the summit. At the summit, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the Wolfgangsee and other lakes in the region.
8. Zirbitzkogel
- Where: Zirbitzkogel, Austria
- Starting Point: Parking lot at Gasthaus Bodenbauer
- End Point: Summit of Zirbitzkogel Mountain.
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 9 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Best time to hike is from late spring to early autumn (May to September).
- When to Stay: Visitors can stay at nearby hotels, guesthouses, and campsites in the town of Murau.
Zirbitzkogel is a prominent mountain in the Lavanttal Alps of Austria, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The hiking trail starts from the parking lot at Gasthaus Bodenbauer, which can be reached by car or bus. The trail ascends gradually through forests and meadows, passing several viewpoints along the way. The last section of the trail is steeper, with some rocky terrain and a scramble up to the summit. At the summit, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
9. Hohe Wand
- Where: Hohe Wand, Austria
- Starting Point: Gasthof Postl parking lot.
- End Point: Schutzhaus am Ochsenboden mountain hut.
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 10 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Best time to hike is from late spring to early autumn (May to September).
- When to Stay: Visitors can stay at nearby hotels, guesthouses, and campsites in the town of Wiener Neustadt
Hohe Wand is a popular hiking destination in the eastern Austrian Alps, known for its stunning views and varied terrain. The hiking trail starts from the Gasthof Postl parking lot, which can be reached by car or bus. The trail ascends gradually through forests and meadows, passing several viewpoints along the way. The last section of the trail is steeper, with some rocky terrain and a scramble up to the Schutzhaus am Ochsenboden mountain hut. At the hut, hikers can enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine and drinks while taking in the panoramic views.
10. Untersberg
- Where: Untersberg, Austria
- Starting Point: Untersbergbahn cable car station.
- End Point: Summit of Untersberg Mountain.
- Time Needed: 4-5 hours.
- Distance and Type: 9.5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: Best time to hike is from late spring to early autumn (May to September).
- When to Stay: Visitors can stay at nearby hotels, guesthouses, and campsites in the town of Salzburg.
Untersberg is a prominent mountain near the city of Salzburg, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding Alps. The hiking trail starts from the Untersbergbahn cable car station, which can be reached by bus or car. The trail ascends steeply through forests and rocky terrain, passing several viewpoints along the way. The last section of the trail is the steepest, with a scramble up to the summit of the mountain. At the summit, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of Salzburg and the surrounding landscape.