We’ve selected five of the best hiking trails and walking routes in Austria, using Wikiloc‘s GPS data to provide the most accurate trail maps.
They are all short-distance loop trails with an acceptable difficulty level, which makes them suitable for short breaks and day hikes, and for any kind of hiker or walker. You can download these GPS trails and waypoints from Google Maps.
Gamskarkogel, near Heissingfelding (Salzburg)
Distance: 13 km – Uphill: 1390 m – Downhill: 1365 m – Time: 6:00/7:20 hrs
The Ankogel Group is the easternmost mountain group of the High Tauern and lies on the main chain of the Alps. Gamskarkogel, in particular, is 2,467 m high.
Predigtstuhl-Huetteneck Trail, near Wurmstein (Upper Austria)
Distance: 11 km – Uphill: 682 m – Downhill: 682 m – Time: 4:10/5:10 hrs
Besides being Austria’s leading industrial region, Upper Austria also boasts many natural and cultural wonders. It borders on Germany and the Czech Republic.
Grän & Aggenstein Wanderung, near Lumberg (Tyrol)
Distance: 9 km – Uphill: 866 m – Downhill: 866 m – Time: 4:10/5:00 hrs
Tyrol is made for hiking and walking, having long been a key hub for European long distance routes and thus a transit land for all sorts of trade over the Alps.
Lünersee Loop, near Brand (Vorarlberg)
Distance: 10 km – Uphill: 657 m – Downhill: 657 m – Time: 3:40/4:30 hrs
This route turns around a large and beautiful mountain lake, which lies at 1,970 meters above sea level and is one of the largest water reservoirs in Vorarlberg.
Kneipp Panorama Rundweg Mirnock, near Gschriet (Carinthia)
Distance: 10 km – Uphill: 566 m – Downhill: 566 m – Time: 3:30/4:20 hrs
Along the Kneipp panoramic trail you can expect to enjoy great views, walking through dense forests and sunny meadows towards Mirnockbauern’s farms.
Best time to go to Austria: Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct
Backpacker cost per day: 75 USD = 67 EUR
For more inspiration, check out our Austria Travel Guide.
Sources: some text excerpts from Wikipedia; GPS data from Wikiloc.