Winter Hiking in Austria
Strolling through the snow

Winter hiking through snow-covered landscapes shows the cold season from its quiet side. Here are the most beautiful winter trails.

Winter hikes away from the slopes

The snow glistening in the winter sun swallows the noise and roar, creating silence. Walking through the deep snow-covered landscape, through the Austrian national parks or idyllic winter villages, you will suddenly notice all the sounds more intensely: The crunch of your footsteps, your breath, the gurgling of a frozen stream. The snow and the silence allow us to find ourselves again.

There are hundreds of well-prepared winter hiking paths in Austria: From the Bregenz Forest, over sunny high plateaus up in the mountains, to winter hiking trails through the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Winter hiking in Vorarlberg

For those wanting to experience winter away from the slopes, Vorarlberg offers a true haven for winter walks. The well-marked paths, ranging from easy to challenging, wind through remote villages and pristine winter scenery. Specially designed trails with places to stop and warm up can be found in all regions.

Recharge your batteries in style

On the mountain trail, during culinary hikes and together with animals.
Winter hiking in Tirol

Winter walks provide plenty of time to pause and take in the simple pleasures: The fir branches holding fresh powder like a white blanket, the farmhouses dusted with snow, and the smell of snow in the forest. These sensory experiences invigorate both body and mind. Winter walks in Tirol offer a variety of experiences across many regions.

Moments of wonder

On frozen lakes, on a sunny high plateau, high up on the mountain.
Winter hiking in SalzburgerLand

You'll be delighted by the extensive selection of winter walks in SalzburgerLand. The cleared paths, stretching for miles, lead through snowy forests to impressive viewpoints, alpine pastures, and snack stations. There are over 100 km of winter trails at various elevations to explore.

Snow experience

When snow crystals sparkle: In the forest, on alpine pastures and on the mountain.
Winter hiking in Carinthia

With its snowy forests and sunny slopes, winter hiking in Carinthia is enchanting. The winter landscape of the valleys offers a picture-perfect view and a chance to slow down. It's easy to find peace and relaxation here, step by step.

All things white

Mountain summits, frozen waterfalls and lakes.
Winter hiking in Styria

When Austria's landscapes are covered in white snow, time spent outside is precious. And in Styria, where over 60 percent of the area are covered by forests, winter is especially magical.

There are many options, from broad walking paths to narrow winter trails. No matter your preference and fitness level, you'll surely find your favourite spot.

Experience Styria in winter

Favourite places and panoramic views.
Winter hiking in Upper Austria

The winter paths in Upper Austria wind through beautiful winter landscapes, ideal for leisurely, romantic walks. A popular route is the winter walk from Hinterstoder to the picturesque Schiederweiher. This natural gem, with the dammed Krumme Steyr and the mountain panorama of the Großer Priel, was named the most beautiful place in Austria.

Let your mind wander

Winter hiking in Lower Austria

Snow transforms the Vienna Alps in Lower Austria into a winter paradise with numerous routes available. Around 50 km of cleared walking trails lead through the Göstling Alps around Hochkar in the Mostviertel's eastern Alpine region. In the Waldviertel, certain panoramic and hiking routes are marked and cleared in winter when there is enough snow. For those wanting to admire Annaberg and the surroundings from above, a hike up the 1,377-m Tirolerkogel and stop at the summit hut. The stunning high alpine view - including the Schneeberg, Hochschwab, and the Gesäuse Mountains - is your reward for the two-hour climb.

Panorama trails with alpine views

FAQs

The most suitable footwear consists of snowproof/waterproof high boots that are not too stiff and have a rubber sole with heavy-duty grip. Remember: Always stuff your boots with newspaper in the evening and leave them to dry (not on the radiator!).

Thermal inlays made of lambskin or felt will help stop the cold from the ground.

Gaiters prevent snow from dropping into your boots and will keep your lower legs dry. The best ones are those that can be secured by an under-the-heel strap.

We recommend mountaineering or trekking socks made of a mixed fabric combining the positive properties of natural fibres and those of synthetic fibres. They’ll keep you warm and will dry quickly.

Master the art of layering:

  • First layer: Functional underwear

  • Second layer: A fleece pullover or jacket that takes moisture away from the body

  • Outer layer: A functional jacket, which should at least be water-repellent. Important: an integrated or zip-off hood.

  • A drink (e.g. hot tea in a thermos bottle) and a snack.

  • Small seat pad for taking a break on wet and snow-covered benches.

  • Forehead lamp. Normal hand-held torches are not suitable as you will need to hold your walking poles.

  • Mobile phone. By the way, the European emergency number 112 works even without a SIM card.

  • Hiking map

Walk at a slow pace. In deep snow especially, you can get tired quickly at a higher pace. Basic rule: If you sweat or can't talk because you are short of breath, you're going too fast.

Only use marked trails! If you move away from them, you disturb the wildlife.

This might also be interesting

Discover the Best of Austria

Sign up for our newsletter and enjoy exclusive access to:

  • Insider tips and itineraries for your next trip to Austria

  • Traditional recipes

  • Must-see events and cultural highlights

  • Interesting stories about Austria