3 hiking trails in Austria that you should have done once in a lifetime

We're on vacation in Austria this year! For everyone who likes it sporty: We have researched three hiking trails that you absolutely have to see.

It is not that easy to filter out the best and most beautiful hiking trails from the flood of local hiking trails. Breathtaking views, mountain lakes and manageable slopes are our focus. That is why we have identified one-day routes for you that each and every one of you should have done at least once in a lifetime.

Hiking trail in Tyrol: Wilder Kaiser

The hiking possibilities in the Wilder Kaiser region are almost unlimited - no wonder, it is the only hiking region in Austria that has been awarded the European and Austrian hiking seal of approval. From a leisurely alpine pasture hike (also with cable car support) on the one hand, to breathtaking summit tours to the highest points of the Wilder Kaiser on the other, to multi-day hikes around the entire mountain range, everything is possible here.

A tour that lies exactly in between and is ideally suited to spending a whole day in nature is the one from the tranquil village of Scheffau to the Gruttenhütte (click here for the link). The starting point is the hiking starting point in the village center of Scheffau (public car park available.) From there, follow the signs towards Jägerwirt * (883 m) and then follow hiking trail no.814 along the stream, past the Mittersbach farm to the one on the hill Steinacker property. Here you turn right onto path no.822 and continue over the Kaisern farms on the forest path to the Riedlhütte (1,224 m) - a rustic hut that is ideal for a break. From here, follow the signs to the Gruttenhütte (1,620 m).

Go back then over the Wilder Kaiser Steig (path no. 823), over the Wegscheidalmen, back to the Jägerwirt (883 m) and back to Scheffau. This tour impresses with the breathtaking backdrop of the rugged peaks of the Wilder Kaiser - which accompanies you constantly without having to go on dangerous paths.

* Those who want to shorten the tour a little bit start directly at the hikers' car park at the Jägerwirt (a fantastic inn, where you can treat yourself to a deluxe dinner on your return …)

Difficulty: Medium (red mountain path)

Length: 16.4 kilometers, 990 meters in altitude

Duration: 06:30 hours

Insider tip for a swim after the hike: The hiking bus goes from Scheffau to the slightly higher, beautiful Hintersteinersee - for some it is the most beautiful mountain lake in Austria (in 2018 it was voted the most beautiful place in Austria with "9 Places 9 Schäzte" …)

Hiking trail in Carinthia: Nockberge

The day hike over the Mirnock offers one thing above all: the breathtaking view of Lake Millstatt. The Mirnock rises above the southeastern end of Lake Millstatt and offers one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Austria. The starting point of the hike is the former Gasthaus Possegger at 1,222 meters. Then it goes up behind the stable building to the right, over the markings to Mirnock along a meadow to the edge of the forest. Then it goes up a narrow path through the forest. At the top of the tree line you can see over the Hohe Tauern. Continue to the right under the Bodeneck in a south-easterly direction to the summit cross. It goes back along this route, as well as via the Neugartenhütte to the player farm. From there it goes along the road to the starting point.

Difficulty: easy

Duration: The ascent to the summit takes about 2.5 to 3 hours

Hiking trail in Styria: Schladming - Ursprungalm

We discovered this hike at www.schladming-dachstein.at, where you can also get more information about the Schladming mountains. The Ursprungalm is 1,610 meters above sea level and is located in the Schladminger Tauern. The hut is open from the end of May to October and is a popular destination for everyone who enjoys hiking and mountain biking. The Bergseeweg from the Ursprungalm to the Duisitzkarsee is recommended as a day hike.

First it goes up for an hour via path no. 771. Once at the top you can see the Giglach Lakes. Then it goes past the Giglachseehütte and along path no. 702 to the Ignaz-Mattis-Hütte. You can follow the historical traces of mining if you hike on path no.776. We continue on path no. 775 along the mountain folds to the Murspitzsattel, on to the ridge of the Ferchtlhöhe with a view of the Duisitzkarsee. At the end it goes steeply downhill in the larch forest, past some huts and finally to the last point, the Eschachalm.

Difficulty:middle

Length: 9.3 kilometers

Duration: 5 hours