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, and the painted houses and cobbled streets of St. Wolfgang. At first Austria welcomes you with tradition and then pampers you with live music, festivals, fortified market towns, exclusive spas and lake cruises.
View all Austria walking holidays
Walking holidays in Austria
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.
Buckle up for some Austrian action
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.
Relax and see the Austrian sights
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.
Austrian food and festivals
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.
