Best time to visit Austria

Hiking in the Alps​ in Austria

What can be better than a walk through Europe's most beautiful mountainous region?

Best time: mid-June–September

Hiking in the Alps​
Hiking in the Alps​
Hiking in the Alps​

Austria is a paradise for hikers with an enormous variety of trails. You can hike high in the mountains, along scenic rivers, among pristine lakes, through authentic towns, and on the sunny slopes of beautiful vineyards. One of the most gorgeous walking trails is Lechweg in Vorarlberg. This 125 km trail was certified by the European Hiking Association for its excellence.

The Gorge Route in Salzburgerland leads to numerous cultural and natural monuments. Hiking in Styria offers the 72.6 km long Schladminger Tauern Peak Trail with 7 days of hiking and 300 unforgettable mountain lakes and waterfalls. The Waterfall Trail Hintertux in Tyrol is a great trip as well. You can also try the Jungfernsprung Water-Wonders-Walk i​n Carinthia, hiking to the “Ellmauer Steinkreis," or the Adlerweg hiking trail from the Kaiser mountains to the Lechtal Alps.

The Zirbenweg trail will take you through a 7 km panoramic path to the largest pine forest of the Alps. One more must-see places in the Alps is the Glocknerblick Lookout Platform. This is an adventure for those not afraid of heights! The Glocknerblick Lookout Platform opens a stunning view on the highest mountain in Austria. The round lookout platform is seven meters across. It is made of steel and wood and is secured on the sides by chain-link fencing which you can see through. On the way to the platform, ​you'll cross over the 140-meter-long footbridge.

Whatever you choose, leave behind your everyday life and find inspiration in the beautiful nature of the Alps.

Practical info

When is the ideal time to hike Austrian Alps?

If you are planning a hiking trip in the Austrian Alps, the ideal time is from mid-June to September. During this time, the weather is perfect, and the trails are well-maintained and safe. The summer months of June to August offer warm and pleasant hiking conditions, while September brings cooler weather and the remnants of the snow season. As the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, it is essential to prepare the necessary equipment and check the weather forecast before the hike. Show more

Which areas have the most beautiful lakeside trails in Austria?

The Austrian Alps are remarkable for their crystal clear, beautiful mountain lakes, and there are several lakeside trails to explore, including Salzkammergut, Carinthia, and the Zell am See-Kaprun region. The Salzkammergut region is situated in central Austria and offers pristine, picturesque lakes and fantastic hiking trails. Carinthia is famous for its lakes, including Green Lake and Lake Weissensee. The Zell am See-Kaprun region also has gorgeous lakes and stunning mountain views, making it a popular location for tourists and locals alike. Show more

What are the cultural and natural landmarks on the Gorge Route in Salzburgerland?

The Gorge Route in Salzburgerland is renowned for its many cultural and natural landmarks, which include the Gollinger Wasserfall, the Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave, Hohenwerfen Castle, and Maria Alm. The route is scenic and takes hikers along small streams, deep gorges, waterfalls, and majestic mountains. Visitors will appreciate the natural wonders along the way, which are complemented by cultural exhibits and remarkable tourist attractions. It is no surprise that Salzburgerland Gorge Route is considered one of the top hiking destinations in Austria. Show more

What makes the Adlerweg trail special, and where is it located?

The Adlerweg trail, also known as the 'Eagle's Way,' spans 320km across eight regions of the Austrian Tyrol with 24 stages. It is a beautiful trail that takes hikers across stunning alpine terrain, including mountain tops, deep valleys, forests, and high-altitude pastures. This impressive trail is well-marked and offers unique experiences that allow hikers to explore Tyrolean history, culture, and tradition. The trail's beauty is unmatched and makes the Austrian Tyrol region an unforgettable destination for hikers. Show more

What is the best time to visit the Glocknerblick Lookout Platform, and what should I expect during the hike?

The Glocknerblick Lookout Platform is one of the highest accessible viewpoints in the Alps, and you can visit it during the summer months from June to September. If the weather is favorable, the trail leading to the lookout point should be accessible. The hike to the top of the mountain is thrilling, and visitors must cross a 140-meter-long footbridge over the Ködnitztal Valley. At the top, the lookout point offers incredible panoramic views of the highest mountain in Austria, nearby peaks, and a 7 meters wide round platform to enjoy the stunning scenery. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin