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Alpine mountain landscape in Austria and Switzerland

Hiking trails in Austria & Switzerland

Discover selected hiking trails and impressive natural regions in Austria and Switzerland – from alpine panorama routes to mountain lakes, pastures and summit views.

Hiking in Austria & Switzerland

Austria and Switzerland are among the most impressive hiking regions in Europe. Alpine landscapes, clear mountain lakes, green valleys and panoramic high trails make both countries particularly varied. Here you will find selected hikes and trails as inspiration for your next outdoor adventure.

Best time to go

Which season suits which region?

In the Alps the season determines which huts are open, which cable cars run and which trails are clear. Before high alpine tours, always check the current weather and local opening times.

APR – JUN

Spring

Valleys, lakes and lower areas turn green – waterfalls such as the Krimml Falls carry the most water now. At high altitudes there is often still snow, and many huts only open in June.

JUN – SEP

Summer

The main season for mountain lakes, high trails and hut tours: everything is open and cable cars are running. Afternoon thunderstorms are common – start early and reach summits before midday.

SEP – OCT

Autumn

Often the most stable mountain days of the year: clear views, quiet trails, golden larches. From mid-October many huts and lifts close – plan ahead.

NOV – MAR

Winter

Many regions prepare their own winter hiking trails with panoramic views. High alpine summer routes are snow-covered and not passable – in winter stay lower down or go with a guide.

Jump to your region
Alpenglow on the Karwendel mountain range at the Grosser Ahornboden in Tyrol

Beautiful day hikes & natural highlights in Austria

Discover selected day hikes and natural highlights in Austria – from alpine panorama trails and mountain lakes to gorges, summits and impressive viewpoints.

Tyrol · Zillertal

Olpererhütte

approx. 6.1 km / approx. 3 hrs Moderate ↑ approx. 600 m

One of the best-known tours in the Zillertal: from the Schlegeis reservoir up to the hut with wide views over the turquoise lake and the surrounding peaks. Especially popular for its alpine setting and the well-known suspension bridge near the hut.

Tyrol · Lake Achensee

Rofanspitze

approx. 7.1 km / approx. 3:30 hrs Moderate ↑ approx. 485 m

Alpine landscape with wide views over Lake Achensee: from the top station of the Rofan cable car through the Rofan mountains to the panoramic summit. Not too long, but with a real mountain feeling and fine views.

Tyrol · Zugspitz Arena

Seebensee & Drachensee

approx. 11.2 km / approx. 5:40 hrs Demanding ↑ approx. 850 m

One of the most impressive mountain lake tours in Tyrol: alpine landscape with clear lakes, rock scenery and wide mountain views. Particularly strong is the view from the Coburger Hütte over the Drachensee.

Salzburg · Hohe Tauern National Park

Krimml Waterfalls

approx. 4–6 km / approx. 1.5–2.5 hrs Easy to moderate ↑ approx. 380 m

One of the most impressive natural highlights in Austria: the waterfall trail climbs in serpentines and offers several viewpoints over the thundering water. Short, but scenically very strong – ideal as a half-day tour.

Green alpine pasture landscape with a hiking path and hut in the Austrian Alps

Easy hikes in Austria

Not every hike in Austria has to be high alpine or long. Many easy trails lead to clear mountain lakes, alpine pastures and fine viewpoints – ideal for beginners, families or relaxed days in the mountains.

Upper Austria · Salzkammergut

Gosausee circular trail

approx. 4.2 km / approx. 1 hr Very easy

One of the most beautiful easy hikes in the Salzkammergut: once around the Vorderer Gosausee with views of the water, rock walls and the Dachstein. Short, easy and ideal for a relaxed round with a strong panorama.

Vorarlberg · Brandnertal

Lünersee circular trail

approx. 6.25 km / approx. 1:50 hrs Easy ↑ approx. 89 m

Easy, but scenically strong: once around the turquoise mountain lake with fine views of the peaks of the Rätikon. Its length, terrain and accessibility make it well suited to beginners, families and relaxed hikers.

Alpine hiking path in Austria

Multi-day hikes & long-distance trails in Austria

If you want to be out for longer, Austria offers numerous long-distance trails with alpine stages, huts, mountain pastures and impressive changes of landscape.

Tyrol

Adlerweg (Eagle Walk)

approx. 426 km / 33 stages Moderate to demanding ↑ approx. 30,000 m total

One of the best-known long-distance trails in Austria, crossing Tyrol: alpine landscapes, panoramic high trails, huts and impressive mountain regions. Ideal for longer hikes or selected individual stages.

Salzburg · Pongau

Salzburger Almenweg

approx. 350 km / 25 stages Easy to demanding

Through the mountain world of the Salzburg region: numerous alpine pastures, huts and panoramic trails. The stages vary in difficulty and can be planned well individually or as a multi-day hike.

The Matterhorn at Stellisee near Zermatt

Beautiful day hikes & natural highlights in Switzerland

Discover selected day hikes and natural highlights in Switzerland – from clear mountain lakes and alpine panorama trails to glacier views, ridge paths and impressive viewpoints.

Valais · Zermatt

5-Lakes Walk

approx. 11.3 km / approx. 3:30 hrs Moderate ↑ approx. 265 m ↑ / 542 m ↓

One of the best-known panorama hikes in Switzerland: several mountain lakes with ever-changing views of the Matterhorn. Particularly strong is the combination of clear lakes, alpine landscape and the Matterhorn panorama.

Bernese Oberland · Kandersteg

Oeschinensee circular trail

approx. 4 km / approx. 1.5 hrs Easy ↑ approx. 140 m

One of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Switzerland: the circular trail offers views of the turquoise lake, rock walls and the alpine landscape around Kandersteg. Short, easy and ideal for a relaxed hike.

Bernese Oberland · Grindelwald

Eiger Trail

approx. 6 km / approx. 2 hrs Moderate ↑ approx. 100 m

Directly beneath the famous Eiger north face: over a short distance the route combines an alpine setting, rock walls and wide mountain views. Ideal for a compact but strong Swiss mountain hike.

Central Switzerland · Canton of Schwyz

Stoos ridge trail

approx. 4.5 km / approx. 2 hrs Moderate ↑ approx. 280 m ↑ / 300 m ↓

From the Klingenstock to the Fronalpstock, with panoramic views along the ridge: wide views over Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains. Not particularly long, but only recommended in good conditions and if you are sure-footed.

The Lauterbrunnen valley with a waterfall in Switzerland

Easy hikes in Switzerland

Switzerland also has hikes that require no major alpine demands. Short lake and valley routes offer strong views, waterfalls and mountain panoramas – ideal for beginners, families or relaxed day trips.

Bernese Oberland · Grindelwald First

Bachalpsee

approx. 6 km / approx. 1.5–2 hrs Easy

One of the most beautiful easy routes in the Jungfrau Region: the well-made path leads to an idyllic mountain lake with wide views of the surrounding peaks. Easy to reach and scenically strong.

Bernese Oberland · Lauterbrunnen valley

Lauterbrunnen – Stechelberg

approx. 8 km / approx. 2 hrs Easy ↑ approx. 161 m

Through one of the best-known valleys in Switzerland: steep rock walls, green meadows and numerous waterfalls accompany the route. Technically simple and ideal for relaxed day trips with an impressive setting.

Wide alpine panorama with a waterfall in Switzerland

Multi-day hikes & long-distance trails in Switzerland

If you want to be out for longer, Switzerland has some of the most impressive long-distance trails in Europe.

Swiss Alps · east to west

Via Alpina

several hundred km / 20 stages Demanding

One of the great classics among Switzerland’s long-distance trails: through the northern Swiss Alps, over passes, through mountain villages and valleys. Ideal for experienced hikers who want to experience Switzerland intensively over several stages.

Grisons · Ticino · Valais

Alpine Passes Trail

approx. 695 km / approx. 39 stages Moderate to demanding ↑ approx. 47,100 m total

Connects numerous alpine passes and leads through spectacular mountain landscapes. Demanding and better suited to experienced hikers, but also enjoyable in individual stages.

Well prepared

Check the guides before you set off

Practical tips on gear, packing lists and how to use trekking poles correctly can be found in the BERGBOUND outdoor guides.

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