Hiking in Upper Austria – Best Spots & Local Tips

Upper Austria’s hiking landscape is shaped by contrasts — from the jagged limestone ranges in the south to the forested hills of the north, and the sparkling lakes of the Salzkammergut in between. Among the most iconic destinations is the Dachstein Krippenstein area, where the Heilbronner Höhenweg offers a panoramic high-alpine circuit above Lake Hallstatt, connecting viewing platforms, ice caves, and the famous Five Fingers viewpoint. This area is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and accessible by cable car, making it ideal for hikers who want dramatic scenery without the effort of a major ascent.\n\nAnother must-visit is the Totes Gebirge, a remote limestone plateau known for its vast karst formations and alpine solitude. Trails like the Albert-Appel-Weg and the Rundweg über das Prielschutzhaus provide multi-day hut-to-hut hiking experiences across high mountain plateaus, waterfalls, and rare alpine flora. In contrast, the Pyhrn-Priel region offers both family-friendly valley hikes and more strenuous summit trails like the Großer Priel, the highest peak in Upper Austria.\n\nFor a gentler experience, the Salzkammergut Lake District presents countless options. Trails around Lake Wolfgang, Lake Attersee, and Lake Traunsee feature shoreline paths, forest trails, and vineyard walks — often combined with cultural highlights like traditional inns, pilgrimage churches, and historic towns such as Gmunden and Bad Ischl. These hikes are especially scenic in spring and autumn, when the landscape is either in full bloom or glowing with fall colors.\n\nThe Bohemian Forest (Böhmerwald) in the north near the Czech border provides a completely different hiking experience. This area is characterized by soft, forested hills, moss-covered granite boulders, and peaceful trails with little elevation gain — perfect for nature immersion, family walks, and slow hiking enthusiasts. Routes like the Nordwaldkammweg offer gentle long-distance trails that cross nature reserves and traditional rural villages.\n\nUpper Austria’s hiking infrastructure is exceptional. Trails are well-marked and maintained by the Austrian Alpine Club (ÖAV) and local tourism offices. Maps, route descriptions, and GPX tracks are widely available, and mountain huts offer meals, shelter, and accommodation for long-distance walkers. Public transport access is excellent, especially to major hubs like Hallstatt, Hinterstoder, and Bad Goisern.\n\nThe best season for hiking is May through October, depending on altitude. Lower routes and lakeside trails are walkable earlier, while alpine areas become accessible as the snow melts in late spring. Autumn is particularly beautiful, with stable weather and colorful landscapes drawing fewer crowds.\n\nWhether you're a summit seeker, a casual stroller, or a long-distance trekker, Upper Austria delivers a hiking experience that is scenic, soulful, and deeply connected to Austrian alpine culture.

Top Ways to Find Certified Guides in Upper Austria for hiking: Crion.org for booking licensed hiking guides in regions like Dachstein, Pyhrn-Priel, and Salzkammergut. Local tourism offices in Bad Ischl, Gmunden, and Hinterstoder offering contacts for certified nature and hiking guides. Alpine associations organizing guided hikes, flora and fauna tours, and cultural treks. Independent certified guides advertising through mountain huts and local accommodation partners. Educational trail systems with rangers or interpretive tours.

Best Places to Rent & Buy Hiking Equipment in Upper Austria: Outdoor gear shops in Linz, Gmunden, and Bad Ischl selling footwear, poles, and technical apparel. Rental centers near popular areas like Dachstein Krippenstein and Hinterstoder offering boots, backpacks, and safety gear. Mountain huts and tourist offices with basic supplies and trail maps. Sporting goods chains with broad selections of hiking equipment. Online retailers delivering to accommodations throughout the region.