My walking review is slightly truncated because of an Achilles injury ( this was our third week of walking). Our guide Michelle was wonderful. He did a great job of shifting the schedule due to rainy weather. He provided lots of historical and cultural information along the way. He did a great job of handling the folks that were not experienced hikers. Please pay attention to the hike ratings on this trip. A 3 rating is not easy! If you are not comfortable on rocky terrain or slight exposure this is not your trip. Moneglia is a delightful base village. Very low key and not overrun with tour groups. However, even in October the 5 villages got packed, but fortunately we spent one day there. Even though I spent a couple days with my foot on ice it was an enjoyable trip.
Walking Holidays in Austria
Walking Holidays in Austria
Top 5 Highlights of Walking Tours in Austria
Breathtaking Scenery: One of the main highlights of walking tours in Austria is the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you on every step of the journey. The Austrian Alps dominate the landscape, with their majestic peaks, snow-capped mountains, and cascading waterfalls. Whether you choose to trek through the Tyrolean Alps, along the Wachau Heritage Trail or along the famous lakes, you will be in awe of the natural beauty that awaits you at every turn.
Well-Maintained Trails: Austria is renowned for its well-maintained network of hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for walking tours. Whether you are a novice or an experienced hiker, there are trails suitable for all levels of fitness and expertise. From leisurely strolls through lush meadows to challenging hikes along rocky ridges, the well-marked trails ensure you can explore the landscapes with ease and without fear of getting lost.
Cultural Heritage: Aside from its natural beauty, the country is also rich in cultural heritage, adding another layer of interest to walking holidays in Austria. As you walk through the charming villages and towns, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Austrian history and traditions. From the pilgrimage route of the Tyrolean Way of St. James to the idyllic villages of the Wachau Valley known for their wine production, there are plenty of cultural treasures to discover along the way.
Varied Wildlife: Austria’s diverse landscapes are home to a wide range of flora and fauna, making walking holidays here a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. As you explore the alpine meadows and dense forests, you may spot majestic golden eagles soaring overhead, marmots scurrying between rocks or chamois gracefully bounding through the mountains. The diversity of wildlife in Austria adds an element of excitement and surprise to your walking adventure.
Authentic Alpine Cuisine: No walking tour in Austria is complete without indulging in the country’s authentic alpine cuisine. From hearty stews and dumplings to mouthwatering pastries and freshly brewed beer, Austrian food offers a delicious blend of hearty and flavoursome dishes. As you traverse the trails, you will come across mountain huts and traditional alpine restaurants where you can refuel with local specialties.
How long are your walking holidays in Austria?
Our awe-inspiring Austria trips range from eight to nine days, giving you plenty of time to soak up your serene surroundings. In some you’ll settle down in the same hand-picked hotel throughout, while in others you’ll make your way from base to base – with our team taking care of your luggage transfers of course.
Are your walking holidays in Austria guided?
If you’re setting out on our walking tour in the Austrian Tyrol, you’ll be guided every step of the way by one of our expert local guides. They’re more than route-finders however – you’ll hear fascinating insights into the region and its traditions, while ticking off the best local hideouts along the way. Leaving for the lakes? Our self-guided options include detailed kilometre-by-kilometre notes to keep you company on routes that have been tried and tested by our experts.
Book your Austrian walking tour today!
Whether you’re looking for activity-packed adventures, opportunities for sightseeing or relaxing rest days in a luxury pool and wellness centre, our walking tours in Austria have got it all. If you’d like to customise one of our trips to make it that extra bit special, we’ll try our best to make it happen.
Karen Schober Walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino
Ilona Jamieson Mont Blanc HighlightsHiking on Mont Blanc, even late in the season was an experience not to be missed. The weather, though mixed, never stopped our itineraries and we had glorious sunshine on several days. Chamonix and the mountain range are awesome, naturally, but it was the combination of the area with the most welcoming and caring chalet team and the warm artistic vibe of the Art Deco Chalet Bediere that gave this trip such a special place in my heart. Jeffry Oonk, an erudite biologist as well as an experienced and patient mountain guide gave expert guidance and confidence on every section (some quite challenging) of the trails; his instruction, patience and good humour, coupled with a quiet “Well Done” at the end of each trek, was so up-lifting. Clare and Liz made Chalet Bediere a warm and welcoming place; they both went to huge efforts to provide a happy atmosphere, excellent and varied meals and some of the most delicious cakes for afternoon tea, you could imagine. I’m so happy that I was assigned to this particular chalet, with such a brilliant team. We had a small but fabulous group of five; conversations on the hikes and in the chalet were stimulating and full of banter and laughter. I honestly was gutted to leave and end the experience. Thank you to both our chalet team and my group for the most memorable week 💖
John Cartwright Mont Blanc HighlightsA great week’s walking in the mountains around Mont Blanc. First off, a big thank you to the team – Jeffry, Liz and Clare – who were excellent. We had pretty good weather given that it was the end of the season. In fact the first day was spectacular – blue skies and sunshine – making for some memorable photos. Jeff is an exemplary guide, showing amazing dedication to his job. He gave us all the information we wanted and more – he’s quite fond of plants me thinks, and knows a lot about them. Our walks always started with a through warm up session, and then the ascent could begin. Quite steep sometimes, but Jeff was always on hand to help anybody of a more nervous disposition on the more challenging sections. And if all that wasn’t enough – he has a good sense of humour too. Liz and Clare were expert chalet hosts – the breakfast was just right, and there was even porridge offered on some days. The lunch items were varied and tasty, and the cake waiting for us at the end of each walk was very welcome. Really nice food for dinner too. Plenty of variety throughout the week. The chalet La Bedière is based in Chamonix and for me is the best of the three on offer unless you really like hot tubs. Nicely furnished, amazingly warm and good sized bedrooms and bathrooms. Centrally located – just ideal.
FAQs on Walking Tours in Austria
Austria boasts numerous walking destinations, but some of the most popular ones include the Austrian Alps, the Wachau Heritage Trail, Tyrolean Alps and the Danube Valley. A tour of the Austrian Lakes guides you among stunning views, alpine forests and postcard pretty villages. Along the way, you’ll discover hidden gems such as St Wolfgang’s ancient cog railway, the Mozart museum at St Geilgen and beautiful frescoed houses. You can also summit mighty peaks such as the Kitzbüheler Horn, Vormauerstein and Elfer, which provide you with immense mountain views.
The best time to enjoy hiking in Austria is during the summer months from June to September. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, with warm temperatures and longer daylight hours. It’s also the perfect time to see the Alpine flora and fauna when it’s in full bloom. Even in the summer months, you’ll find fewer crowds than at other European destinations and the walking trails are more peaceful.
Austria offers a wide range of trails suitable for all fitness levels and hiking experience. From leisurely walks on flat terrain to more challenging mountain climbs, there is something for everyone. Make sure to research your chosen trail beforehand to determine its difficulty level and your ability to tackle it. For each of our tours, we grade the activity level and give you more detailed information about the walks that are featured, so make sure you select one that you’re confident will match your fitness levels.
Yes, we offer a wide range of self-guided walking tours in Austria. The itineraries have been carefully curated by teams of experts to ensure you experience the main sights as well as discover lesser-known gems that are off the beaten track. We also provide detailed trips notes and suggest places of interest which you can explore at your own pace. This makes our self-guided tours ideal for anyone who wants to linger longer wherever they choose and immerse themselves in the scenery, history and culture of each destination.
The duration of walking holidays in Austria can vary depending on personal preference and what you want to see and experience during your trip. To explore a wide range of walking trails and truly immerse yourself in the country’s alpine scenery, we would recommend a minimum of 7 days. A week is ample time to explore a variety of trails as well as pretty villages and historical towns where you can sample the local cuisine and learn about the history and culture.
Austria is a wonderful outdoor playground that lends itself to an array of activities that will complement your walking tour. On our Austrian Lakes Activities trip, you can enjoy walking, cycling, water sports, boat trips and swimming. If you want to enjoy something a little more relaxing, you can also unwind at the hotel’s wellness centre or ride the cable car to the summit of Zwolferhorn for incredible panoramic views.
Austria, a land of stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, is home to a diverse array of wildlife. From the rugged peaks of the Alps to the serene lakes and forests, the country offers a haven for numerous animal species such as deer, chamois, marmots and eagles. You might also be fortunate enough to spot the majestic Alpine ibex, the elusive lynx and the European otter. Its forests support a variety of birdlife, including the golden eagle and the capercaillie. Additionally, Austria is known for its population of brown bears, which roam freely in some of the more remote areas.
Join us, and let Exodus be ‘Your Guide to Walking in Austria’
The best guides in the business. Awarded GOLD by Wanderlust
Nat Geo Traveller Best Operator & British Travel Awards Best Operator for 2022
100 square meters of land Rewilded for every guest that travels
The Exodus Travels Foundation supports hard-to-reach local communities
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus’ experts.