Holidays in the Austrian Mountains
A love of nature, joy in being active and the spirit of Alpine life

Anyone who experiences Austria’s mountains will soon feel it – that unique "Lebensgefühl" everyone talks about: A blend of lightness, freedom and a deep love of nature.

Why do we love the mountains so much? Many just can’t get enough of them. Luckily, 63% of Austria’s landscape consists of high alpine terrain. For generations, people in the Alps have lived in close connection with the mountains, managing alpine pastures through hard work – long before it became a romantic or sporting pursuit.

While leisure sports in the mountains only emerged around the turn of the 20th century, this deep-rooted bond with nature has always been part of life in Austria. The passion may stem from a longing for peace and seclusion in the great outdoors – and from that indescribable feeling of standing on a summit and taking in the world below. Much of what keeps this pristine nature intact is thanks to the people who live and work in the Alpine regions. They take their role seriously – caring for Austria’s natural treasures with sustainability at heart.

Mountain activities all year round

Hiking with kids: Routes and tours for the whole family

High altitude trails: From mountain hut to mountain hut

Long distance hiking: if it has to be more than just one day

Climbing: For all fitness and skill levels

Mountain biking: Trails, tours and tips

Skiing: Pure joy in Austria's mountains

Tobogganing: High-speed fun for the whole family

Snowshoe hiking: Following winter’s Alpine trails

Walking, moving, climbing a mountain and coming back down – it’s a reflection of life.

Peter Habeler, Austrian extreme mountaineer

Comfortably and barrier-free up the mountain by cable car

Cable cars in Austria

Summit hikes and hiking tours

Summit tour Hochkönig: Hiking freedom in SalzburgerLand

Climbing the 2,941-metre Hochkönig via the main ascent: A challenging 17.7-kilometre route with 1,580 metres of elevation gain for experienced mountaineers.

Hochkönig

Hohe Tauern National Park: Sunrise summit hike

The guided sunrise hike includes the ascent to the Emberger Alm, Carinthian specialities at the summit, and a descent with stunning panoramic views.

Hohe Tauern National Park

Wilder Kaiser: Easy hiking trails in the Kaiser mountains

Down in the valley, there are plenty of family-friendly hiking trails suitable for pushchairs, many of which can be easily combined with a ride on the cable car.

Wilder Kaiser

Schladming-Dachstein: Riesneralm summit trail

Take the cable car to the mid-station, then follow the single trail across three peaks and two alpine pastures – ideal for trail running enthusiasts!

Schladming-Dachstein

Reaching heights of over 3,000 metres

The 10 highest peaks in Austria

  1. Großglockner: 3,798 m / Glockner Group in Tirol and Carinthia

  2. Wildspitze: 3,768 m / Ötztal Alps in Tirol

  3. Weißkugel: 3,738 m / Ötztal Alps in Tirol

  4. Hofmannspitze: 3,722 m / Glockner Group in Tirol and Carinthia

  5. Großvenediger: 3,666 m / Venediger Group in Tirol and Salzburg

  6. Hinterer Brochkogel: 3,628 m / Ötztal Alps in Tirol

  7. Hintere Schwärze: 3,624 m / Ötztal Alps in Tirol

  8. Similaun: 3,599 m / Ötztal Alps in Tirol

  9. Großes Wiesbachhorn: 3,564 m / Glockner Group in Salzburg

  10. Vorderer Brochkogel: 3,562 m / Ötztal Alps in Tirol

Alpine guide search: Find mountain guides here for a safe summit experience

Safe up in the mountains

The most beautiful Alpine regions in Austria

Alpbachtal: Alpine villages, glass art, and family ski area

Ötztal: Variety across 250 three-thousand-metre peaks

Stubaital: Waterfalls, mighty mountains and eternal ice

Zillertal: Tradition, variety and rustic mountain huts

Wilder Kaiser: Summit, forests and waters

Saalbach Hinterglemm: Action and relaxation

Obertauern: Winter paradise and summer adventures

Kitzbühel: Glamour in the mountains

Bregenzerwald: Mountain cheese, nature & wooden architecture

Montafon: Mountain villages and biodiversity

Alpine pastures – full of life and energy

Alpine pastures are essential for cultural landscapes, biodiversity and traditional alpine farming. They provide habitats for animals, preserve age-old traditions and are popular hiking destinations. These valuable natural spaces deserve protection – and do wonders for

A break at the Alpine hut: The best reward after a hike

Welcome to the heights! Breathe in the crisp mountain air, soak up the breathtaking views, hear the distant sound of cowbells – and savour fresh alpine produce.

Look for an Alpine hut

Chalets and Alpine huts: Mountain charm with comfort

The rural idyll and stylish comfort make a chalet holiday in Austria an authentic experience.

Holidays in a chalet

People, animals and the environment

Why is Alpine farming so important?

  • Alpine farming helps preserve cultural landscapes and protects valleys by reducing the risk of avalanches and landslides.

  • Farmers and dairymen produce high-quality, often organic, dairy products from cows, sheep and goats.

  • Alpine pastures offer a natural space for relaxation in the mountains.

  • They also prevent overgrowth, supporting biodiversity.

  • More herbs and plant species grow on alpine meadows than in the valley – a vital asset for nature.

The most beautiful Spa hotels: Mountain luxury

Naturhotel Forsthofgut in Leogang

The Naturhotel Forsthofgut combines luxury with nature: 5,700 m² waldSPA, regional cuisine and relaxation in the middle of the Leogang mountains at 850m above sea level.

Naturhotel Forsthofgut

Hotel Post Bezau in the Bregenz forest

Guided hikes, herbal workshops, yoga in nature, and wellness treatments ensure the finest alpine feeling at 600m above sea level.

Hotel Post Bezau

Nidum Casual Luxury Hotel on the Seefeld plateau

The Nidum combines modern luxury with alpine nature at 1,240 metres above sea level. 1,500 m² wellness area, 3 restaurants and outdoor activities.

Hotel Nidum

Mountain Resort Feuerberg on the Gerlitzen Alp

Situated at 1,769 metres above sea level, the resort offers a luxurious wellness area and chalets with an impressive mountain panorama.

Mountain Resort Feuerberg

Höflehner Nature and Wellness hotel in Schladming-Dachstein

Located at 1,117 metres above sea level, the 5,000 m² Premium Alpin Spa offers six water worlds and 12 saunas for ultimate relaxation.

Hotel Höflehner

Almwellness Hotel Pierer on the Teichalm

Luxurious relaxation at 1,400 metres above sea level with infinity pool, panoramic sauna and a wide range of wellness treatments.

Hotel Pierer

Austria's Alpine National Parks

National parks are among the most valuable natural spaces, with conservation a top priority. Around 75% of the land remains untouched by commercial use, giving plants and animals space and time. The parks also offer opportunities for recreation, education and research.

Hohe Tauern National Park: Summit, glacier, wilderness

Gesäuse National Park: Mountains, wild waters & biodiversity

National Park Kalkalpen: Waterfalls, forests and rocks

Climate Protection Tip

How can we protect the mountain environment?

  • Take everything you bring up the mountain back down – even tissues!

  • Stay on marked trails to avoid disturbing wildlife and young forests.

  • Respect animals – observe cows, sheep and wild animals from a distance.

  • Use regional trains and hiking buses whenever possible.

  • Inspire your children to love nature – what they know, they’ll value.

  • Protect biodiversity – national park rangers can show you how.

Travel sustainablyBiodiversity in Austria

FAQs

Summit tour to the Hochkönig in SalzburgerLand
The Hochkönig offers diverse alpine terrain for demanding panoramic routes or gentler hikes for families and herb-lovers. A 340-kilometre network of trails awaits.

Hiking in the Wilder Kaiser region in Tirol
The Kaiser Mountains, the landmark of the Wilder Kaiser region, impress with their jagged rock formations. Trails lead through forests and alpine meadows up to steep cliffs and peaks. The Northern Kitzbühel Alps offer easier routes with cable car access and panoramic views of the Wilder Kaiser.

Day tour to the Großer Priel in Upper Austria
A long alpine route leads to the highest peak of the Totes Gebirge. This challenging day tour is suited to experienced mountain hikers but can also be done as a two-day trek.

High-altitude circular hike on the Pfänder in Vorarlberg
The Pfänder cable car in Bregenz takes you up to 1,064 metres in just six minutes. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views over Lake Constance, the Rhine Valley and the surrounding mountains. The circular trail leads through woods and meadows.

Ennskraxn in SalzburgerLand
Exciting, varied and scenic: this tour features alpine pastures, a mountain lake and a short, easy scramble to the summit.

The Großglockner stands at 3,798 metres, making it the highest mountain in Austria.

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