Austria

Walking holidays in Austria

No country waltzes between urban and outdoors quite like Austria does. One day you can be cresting alpine summits, the next you’re exploring culture-rich cities packed with history and heritage. When it comes to walking holidays in Austria, it’s all about the Alps. Summer opens doors to incredible long-distance hiking trails that take you into the thick of the Alpine action, while winter wows with frosty wonderlands guaranteed to give you that festive feeling. 

Be wowed by the Zillertal Alps 

Extending from the Austrian provinces of Tyrol and Salzburgerland to South Tyrol in Italy, the Zillertal Alps offer a huge diversity of hiking trails as well as mountains up to 11,500ft high. Surrounded by postcard-worthy panoramas and a plentiful supply of walking routes, the lively resort town of Mayrhofen is a great base for an adventure. Whether you prefer gentle summer walks through wildflower-filled meadows or more challenging mountain climbs, this region has it all. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk in the scenic Stillup Valley and hike to the famous Olpererhütte at 2,388 meters above sea level, where uninterrupted views of the Schlegeis Reservoir and its iconic suspension bridge await. And after a day of exploration, unwind in the region’s relaxing spas and traditional Tyrolean restaurants.

Discover the scenic Stubai Alps 

Stretching southwest of Innsbruck lies the Stubai valley, home to Austria’s largest glacier ski resort, the Stubai Glacier. There’s year-round snow and spectacular mountain scenery, but the biggest draw here is Neustift – the pretty village closest to the glacier known for its excellent outdoor activities, large network of walking trails, and peaceful summer atmosphere.

Travel around the Seefeld Plateau 

Adored by mountain-lovers and cross-country skiing fans, the Seefeld Plateau also ticks boxes for foodies who fancy sampling all manner of Tyrolean specialities in small mountain restaurants. Highlights of our walking holidays and discovery tours in this part of Austria include hiking through the mystical Leutasch Spirit Gorge and visiting the village of Mösern to hear the 10-tonne Mösern Peace Bell ring daily at 5pm. There’s also a chance to venture into the Gaistal Valley, a picture-perfect area flanked by the Mieming Range to the south and the Wetterstein Mountains to the north. 

Explore Tyrol’s city of Innsbruck 

Innsbruck is the chic and very walkable capital of Western Austria’s Tyrol region, and charms with fascinating landmarks set against a stunning backdrop of snow-topped peaks. Stroll through the Old Town to visit the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) and explore shop-lined Maria Theresien Street with its fabulous Baroque architecture. Don’t miss the gorgeous gardens of Ambras Castle, a Renaissance-style marvel perched high on the hills in the city’s outskirts. For breathtaking views, consider a cable car ride to the Nordkette mountain range, soaring above the skyline and offering glorious panoramas of Innsbruck and the Karwendel Nature Park.

Visit Vienna in Winter

Vienna transforms into a Christmas-lover’s dream during winter. Twinkling wooden huts, steaming-hot glühwein (mulled wine), and larger-than-life chandeliers and Christmas trees adorn the streets. Our holidays here include a steam train journey to pretty Mariazell, a winter walk through the beautiful Vienna Woods, a traditional Austrian Heurigen evening, and an enchanting classical music concert.