Walking holidays in Austria

Stretching along the western side of Austria, the Tyrol and Salzburgerland regions are about wild mountain trails, flower-filled meadows, wooden chalets and rich green valleys. And with hundreds of walking trails suitable for all abilities, holidays in Austria are wholesome, invigorating and action packed. Sophisticated cities like Vienna complement the folk history of little towns like Ellmau. At first Austria welcomes you with tradition and then pampers you with live music, festivals, fortified market towns, exclusive spas and lake cruises.  

Go big and tackle a section of the challenging 413 kilometre Adlerweg (Golden Eagle Walk) which stretches from St. Anton in the west to St. Johann in the east. Or catch the Wiedersbergerhorn gondola to the slopes above the chocolate-box village of Alpbach and explore the Kitzbüheler Alps. For a real challenge, head to Mayrhofen and try the 25 kilometre hike up the Zemmgrund valley and back - the highlight: one of the most famous Alpine huts in the Zillertal, the Berlinerhütte. Or for a laid-back holiday, enjoy gentle rambles in the Wildschönau Valley or lakeside ambles in the Salzkammergut.

One minute you’re whizzing down a steep mountain trail on your bike and the next thing you’re flying across the Kitzloch Ravine on a two kilometre zip wire, on an Alpine rollercoaster, floating above the valley in a paraglide or catapulting down some river rapids. In Austria, everyone just loves a bit of action. It's not all high adrenaline though, you can cool off with some wild swimming in the crystal-clear waters of a mountain lake, try paddle-boarding or enjoy a round of crazy golf.

When you’re ready for a bit of R&R, you have options! In smart resorts like Kitzbühel, luxury is the name of the game with stylish restaurants and boutiques, or in Saalbach Hinterglemm there's a forest walking route dedicated to wild wellness. In Austria, you're never too far from a luxurious spa and they know how to relax. Take to the water in Zell am See with an afternoon boat cruise, or a day trip to see Europe's highest waterfall where the spray is said to be beneficial to your health and wellbeing. Or, why not explore the Medieval fortress in Salzburg or visit the golden roof in Innsbruck for a little culture.

Every good Austrian walking holiday involves good food. Think schnitzels, goulash, Tiroler Gröstl (fried potatoes and meats, topped with an egg) and the classic strudel. And of course, Austria is famous for its rustic and remote huts where first-rate chefs serve gourmand local dishes to weary walkers. Try and coincide your visit with Kitzbühel’s culinary festival at the end of August, or head to Söll or Ellmau to enjoy a weekly village evenings with live music and tasty local food.

Austria is the perfect place to take the whole family for a summer holiday with a difference. Immerse the youngsters into nature on a wildlife trail or take a family rafting trip down the Ziller River in Mayrhofen. Whether you'll be following adventurous teens down the mountain bike trails of Saalbach Hinterglemm, or discovering a new adventure playground each day around Söll and Ellmau, there's plenty of family fun to be found in Austria.

The Best of Austria

Popular walking destinations in Austria

Multi-centre holidays in Austria

Austria is the perfect place to seamlessly transition from incredible mountain viewpoints to beautiful lakeside promenades. With our carefully selected Multi-centre holidays you can discover more than one destination on the same holiday. Enjoy a well deserved apple strudel at a mountain hut in the Kitzbühel Alps, and relax on a calming lake cruise in Zell am See. Or, explore a variety of mountain ranges as you hike and bike in Mayrhofen and Seefeld.

Image Alt

Mayrhofen & Seefeld multi-centre holiday

Experience the best of the Tyrol region on a multi-centre holiday in Mayrhofen and Seefeld. Spectacular mountain views and lots of walking trails to explore.

View details
Image Alt

Kitzbuhel & Zell am See multi-centre holiday

Combine the best of Austria’s lake and mountain scenery with a holiday to Kitzbühel and Zell am See. Enjoy alpine walks, charming towns and lakeside views, with the freedom to split your time between two of the country’s most scenic resorts.

View details

What do you want to see in Austria?

Austria Insider Guides

See all Insider Guides

Austria FAQs and travel information

Walking in Austria is like diving into a storybook landscape, making it a walker's dream destination that boasts magnificent alpine scenery and a vast network of well-maintained trails. Imagine yourself strolling through picturesque flower meadows, stumbling upon traditional Tyrolean hamlets along the way. There are a staggering 24,000 kilometres of marked walking trails just waiting to be explored.

Of course! Austria offers a huge variety of walking trails suitable for all abilities. It boasts well-maintained trails and minor altitude differences that allow beginners (and families with children) the opportunity to discover the beautiful surroundings Austria has to offer. Discover our guide to find out the must-visit spots for an unforgettable walking experience on your Austrian walking holiday with Inghams.

Austria has walking routes suitable for all abilities. With a staggering 24,000 kilometres of marked walking trails, you’ll be surrounded by an never-ending maze of peaks, valleys, and lakes.

Yes! Included in your holiday at select Austrian resorts you'll have the chance to join a small group of fellow travellers on up to two exclusive Inghams guided day walks, led by a professional guide. Read our Guided Walks guide to find out more.

Austria has a plethora of beautiful, must-see views! Experience the beauty of Wildmoos and Mösern Lake which is a short distance from Seefeld, or discover the enchanting Lake Schwarzee in Kitzbühel. Whilst in Kitzbühel, be sure to take a scenic walk on the Kitzbüheler Horn mountain, where beautiful panoramic views await. Another favourite is the Alpine Herb Trail in Saalbach Hinterglemm, with over 200 different herbs and alpine flowers lining the path!