The Austrian Alps are known for their stunning limestone peaks and world-famous Mozart villages. Ryder-Walker offers several treks for hikers to explore crystal-clear alpine lakes, verdant valleys, and stunning mountain landscapes all ending with stays in charming inns and hotels.
Whether you prefer lakeside pathways or challenging alpine trails, our Guided and Self-Guided treks in Austria offer hiking trips for everyone. Here are five favorite reasons why hiking with Ryder-Walker in Austria should be on your bucket list:
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Historic Spa Towns and Alpine Lakes
Above Salzburg lies the Salzkammergut, home to our Heart of Austria trek. This region is steeped in medieval lore and dotted with historic spa towns along the landmark salt road. The area’s stunning alpine lakes, like the Hallstattersee, add to its fairy-tale-like atmosphere. After a long day on the trail, we have secured the best accommodations in each charming village along the route including Bad Goisern, Gosau and the popular lakeside village of Hallstatt, where Austrian innkeeping is at its best. Guided and self-guided treks are offered on this 8-day itinerary.
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Majestic Peaks and Charming Villages
Nestled between the Bavarian Alps and the Italian Dolomites, the Tyrol of Austria boasts towering dolomite peaks and picturesque villages. RW’s High Peaks of Bavaria and Tyrol circumnavigates the highest peak in Germany, the Zugspitze and takes you through three charming towns in Austria on this breathtaking 8-day journey. Our guided and self-guided treks beginning in Germany’s Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the heart of the Tyrol, you soon cross into Austria where three charming villages await. Reindlau, Weidach and Ehrwald, which sits at the base of the mighty Zugspitze, and is renowned for its alpine beauty and outdoor adventures.
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Hiking Inn-to-Inn on Remote Hiking Trails
Explore the entire Wilder Kaiser range from west to east, tracing its sunny south side, known as the Südwand on Ryder-Walker’s self-guided Wilder Kaiser Mountain Trek. Our route was created by a RW guide who adores this region and put together an 8-day itinerary that takes hikers on an inn-to-inn trek through idyllic alpine villages, hiking each day on moderate to challenging trails, all while experiencing breathtaking views of the majestic peaks of this lesser-known mountain range. Along this journey, you’ll notice that each meadow (Alm) features its own hut (Hütte), creating a picture-book scene that’s quintessentially Austrian. We’ve made sure you’ll stop by many Almhütten along the way, where you can enjoy lunch or a break, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.
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Gentle Hikes and Alpine Lakes
For hikers looking to experience gentler hikes or for families being introduced to hiking for the first time, Ryder-Walker’s self-guided 6-day Austria: Mozart Alpine Lakes Walk is the perfect trek for you. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims on centuries-old routes or trek the historic Salzkammergut Salt Trail. Wander along the idyllic shores of Wolfgangsee and Hallstättersee or explore the charming river Traun from Bad Ischl. Hikes stay under 8 miles and 1000 feet of elevation gain, following well-maintained and graded mountain trails. Highlights include breathtaking lookouts, such as the Schwarzensee above St. Wolfgang, and the medieval Falkenstein Wall along the pilgrim’s route. Afternoons are free to relax at luxurious lakeside hotels with private beaches.
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Salzburg: A City Steeped in History and Culture
No visit to Austria is complete without exploring Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and where the iconic movie “The Sound of Music” was filmed. This historic city offers a vibrant downtown, and Salzburg’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Baroque architecture. The word Salzburg means Salt Fortress and reflects the city’s history as a center for salt mining. This cultural city is also just a stone’s throw away from the lakeside villages of Wolfgangsee and Hallstättersee, making it the perfect gateway for our Austria treks.
Ready to Explore?
Embark on a guided or self-guided trek with Ryder-Walker and discover the beauty of Austria’s landscapes and culture. Whether you choose a gentle walking tour or more challenging trek in the high alpine, your adventure awaits in Austria’s enchanting alpine wonderland.
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