Exceptional European Nation Suggested by Rick Steves for Memorable Mountaineering Expeditions

Austria, nestled within the heart of the Alps, offers an unforgettable hiking experience for everyone. With a diverse range of trails, from easy scenic walks to challenging multi-day mountain treks, this European country caters to hikers of all abilities.

Easy and Family-Friendly Hiking

For those seeking a gentle introduction to Austria's alpine trails, the Zirbenweg (Stone Pine Trail) in the Tux Alps is an ideal choice. This 7km trail, situated around 2000 meters, boasts minimal elevation change and takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. The trail offers stunning views of the Inntal Valley and traverses one of Europe’s oldest stone pine forests—ideal for beginners and families.

Accommodation options near the Zirbenweg are plentiful. Budget travellers can opt for places like Am sonnigen Waldrand in Lans, while mid-range B&Bs like Appartements Glungezer in Tulfes and luxury inns such as Gasthof Walzl in Lans are also available. Innsbruck, the regional capital, offers a range of hotels from budget Motel One to luxury Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz and Weisses Rössl.

Long-Distance and More Challenging Hiking

For those seeking more strenuous hikes, the Eagle Walk in Tyrol is a legendary 413km trail stretching across the region with 33 stages. This trail features diverse terrain such as snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, lush valleys, and charming villages. The western section from Innsbruck to St. Anton am Arlberg (18 stages) is recommended for rugged mountainous scenery and fewer crowds. Highlights include the Highline 179 suspension bridge and the Hanauer Hutte in the Lechtal Alps. This route is suited to experienced hikers and offers mountain huts and village inns for overnight stays.

Other notable long-distance trails include the E5 Trail (Oberstdorf to Merano), the Lechweg (125km combining nature, culture, and tranquility), and regional hut-to-hut tours like the 5 Tages Hüttenrunde durchs Verwall or parts of the Welser Höhenweg for extended alpine hiking experiences with mountain hut accommodations and local inns.

Recommended Alpine Regions

Suggested alpine regions with good infrastructure for hiking and lodging include:

Tyrol (Innsbruck, St. Anton, Tux Alps) with easy day hikes and challenging multi-stage trails.
Hohe Tauern National Park area for glacier and high alpine scenery.
Salzburg region around Hochkönig.
The Lechquellen and Karwendel Alps for tranquil nature trails and mountain huts.

Getting Around Austria

Hiking in Austria is accessible via the country's public transport system of trains and buses. Major towns and cities, including Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, have airports with international flights.

Safety Tips

Never hike alone if possible; consider joining a local tour or a hiking group on Facebook for safety. The Austrian Alps offer well-marked trails, hearty traditional food, and mountain huts with panoramic views.

For a more leisurely experience, break the journey up into two days with cozy Hütten and welcoming restaurants along the way in the Zugspitze. Rick Steves recommends the Zugspitze, Germany's tallest mountain, for alpine views. The Austria Itinerary allows exploration of historical cities and the mountains in Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Tyrol. The best place to start a hike up Zugspitze is in the town Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which is accessible with public transport from major Austrian cities, including Salzburg.

Experienced hikers can attempt an ambitious climb of over 7,000 feet spread out over roughly 13 miles in the Zugspitze. Schneeberg, the highest peak in Lower Austria, is an ideal alpine escape just 1.5 hours by train from Vienna.

For women and all genders seeking hiking companionship in Austria, consider joining Girl Gone International's Innsbruck or Vienna chapters and International Hiking Austria on Facebook.

[1] Am sonnigen Waldrand, Appartements Glungezer, Gasthof Walzl, Motel One Innsbruck, Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz, Weisses Rössl

[2] Eagle Walk

[3] 5 Tages Hüttenrunde durchs Verwall, Welser Höhenweg

After a day's challenge on the Eagle Walk sports trail, football fans might want to relax by following Rick Steves' recommendation of the Zugspitze, where they can enjoy amazing alpine views, just like the champions-league players would in European leagues.
For those who enjoy comprehensive travel guides, the Austria Itinerary provides an excellent combination of historical city exploration and long-distance hiking experiences, such as the 5 Tages Hüttenrunde durchs Verwall in the Tyrol region, similar to the challenging multi-stage trails found in guides like Lonely Planet.