Winter Hiking in Austria
Trudging 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. Trudging through the deep snow-covered landscape, through the Austrian national parks or idyllic winter villages, you will suddenly notice all the sounds more intensely in the winter silence: 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 who want to experience winter off 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 are available in all regions.

Recharge Your Batteries with Pleasure

On the mountain trail, during culinary hikes and 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 kilometres (62 mi) 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 sunlit slopes, winter hiking in Carinthia is enchanting. The winter landscape of the valleys offers a picture-perfect view and a slower pace of life. 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 during winter, nature lovers find these moments precious. A unique atmosphere settles over the land. In Styria, this magic is especially beautiful, with over 60 percent of the area covered by forests.

There are many options, from broad walking paths to narrow winter trails. Depending on your preference and fitness level, you can explore your favourite spot.

Experience Styria in Winter

Ease, favourite places and panoramic views
Winter Hiking in Upper Austria

The winter walking paths in the regions of 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 Thoughts Roam Free

Winter Hiking in Lower Austria

Snow transforms the Vienna Alps in Lower Austria into a winter paradise with numerous routes available. Around 50 kilometres (31 mi) 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-metre (4,517 ft) Tirolerkogel with a stop at the summit hut is recommended. The stunning high alpine view is a reward for the two-hour climb, with sights including Schneeberg, Hochschwab, and the Gesäuse Mountains.

Panorama Trails with Alpine Views

FAQ

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 from above and will keep your lower legs dry. The best gaiters 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.

Best-dressed like an onion - plenty of layers:

  • 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) 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 economically, rhythmically and slowly. Especially in deep snow, 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 flora and fauna.

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