Austria’s countryside, gloriously punctuated by lofty mountains, has lured many a walker with its fresh alpine air, panoramic views and a well-marked network of trails that seems to weave unendingly.
And, because Austria’s well-developed trail system is so extensive, walkers of all abilities can easily find and choose the itinerary that best suits them. There really is something for everyone!
This year, nine of Austria’s top recreational regions are highlighted in the Walk Austria 2007 guide. This reader-friendly guide is arranged in a ‘best of’ format and includes listings of UK and Irish tour operators booking Austrian holidays and information on air connections.
With an Austria walking holiday only a two hour flight away, it makes walking in the Alps an easy destination. From that first burst of inspiration, the Walk Austria guide will help you plan where you want to go, your routes, places to stay, and everything else you want for your Austria walking holiday.
Tyrol’s Leading Trails
Known for its: Long-distance Walking - The Eagle Way trail runs some 280km in its entirety through a stretch of northern Tirol, with its central section leading you through the provincial capital of Innsbruck. The trail is divided into 31 stages, allowing you the flexibility of choosing an ambitious itinerary or a more leisure excursion of just a day or two. Consider booking accommodation at one of the many cosy huts along the way for a true alpine experience. - visit www.tyrol.com/leading-resorts, call 0043 512 72720
Kitzbühel
Known for: Themed Walks - If you can’t ski the famous Hahnenkamm, then walk it! This is just one of the many themed route options available to walkers in this well-known resort region. The sporting and social centre of the Alps In summer the whole region is a veritable paradise for walking, nordic walking and mountain biking. The complete network of managed walks and mountain paths is some 200 miles long, with over 90 marked trails of varying length and grade leading across alpine meadows, through deep green woods and up the mountainsides. The choice is yours: from the demanding climb to the top of the famous Kitzbüheler Horn or across the undulating slopes of Ganslernhang, to a relaxing stroll and swim in the lake at nearby Schwarzsee. Whatever your preference, Kitzbühel and its environs is the place to be.
NEW FOR 2008: walkers in Kitzbühel are invited to use the GPS-navigated KitzGuide, covering five different theme walks and offered in four languages. Available for a charge from the Kitzbühel Tourist Office.
Sample Walking Packages - 3 nights in a spa hotel including half-board with organic products or 7 nights including half-board at a four-star hotel - 3- or 7-day Kitzbüheler Alpine Summer Card - Packages start at £384
For more information on Kitzbühel visit www.kitzbuehel.com or call 0043 5356 777.
Ötztal (Tyrol)
Known for its: Wildlife - Skiers may be surprised to find out that when the snow melts, ushering in the colours of a new season, the valley that is home to the popular ski resort of Obergurgl-Hochgurgl quietly transforms itself into a walkers’ mecca with surprises around every bend. Wildlife abounds - see if you can be quick enough to snap a photo of the elusive and quick-footed alpine chamois! - visit the Ötztal Tourism website www.oetztal.com (Tel: 0043 5254 510 100)
Zillertal (Tyrol)
Known for its: Local Cuisine - There’s something to be said about a good meal after an active day spent in the mountains. Rest assured that the health benefits of a walking holiday in the Zillertal do not end upon passing that last trail post, as many of the restaurants and hotels uphold this emphasis on wellness by using locally-produced, organic foods and produce. Try just one delicious dish and you’ll see why the splendid chefs of the Zillertal region are at the forefront of Austria’s modern culinary tradition. visit www.zillertal.at or call 0043 5288 87187.
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis (Tyrol)
Known for its: Family Holiday Spots - Stay just once at one of Serfaus’ renowned Kinder hotels and you’ll no doubt hear the question “when can we go back?” popped soon after. This an area that prides itself on offering full value to holidaying families, with plenty of healthy outdoor recreation fit for even the most pint-sized guests. Walking trails in the area range from low to moderate difficulty, including numerous marked as buggy-friendly. Visit www.serfaus.co.uk
Saalbach Hinterglemm (Salzburgerland)
Known for its: Mountain Views - Locals will tell you that you have come to where Austria’s mountainous landscape is at its finest. A showcase of majestic peaks, towering ridges and the formidable sight of the Grossglockner, the highest glacier in the Austrian Alps, treat walkers as they negotiate the well-marked trails in the area. Don’t miss the popular high level Pinzgauer Panoramaweg route taking you from Saalbach to the resort town of Zell am See. visit www.saalbach.com or call 0043 6541 6800-68.
Europa-Sport Region(Salzburgerland)
Known for its: Varied Terrain - In a region that couldn’t’t be more aptly named, walkers are able to experience an assorted range of natural topography - sometimes all in one day! From thickly forested landscapes emerge grassy slopes, gradually leading to snowy mountain tops where a new vista of crystal clear lakes and rolling farmland awaits. Tip: from the village of Kaprun, take a three-stage cable car ride to the top of the Kitzsteinhorn mountain and set off downhill. www.europasportregion.info or call 0043 512 72720.
Carintha
Known for its: Borderless Hiking - For a unique experience visit Carinthia’s Dreiländereck (three country junction) area in the Julian Alps, where at a type of ‘tri-summit’ you can stand with one foot in Austria, one foot in Italy and a stretched arm in Slovenia. Three countries on one holiday and in just one moment – incredible! Well-marked trails lead to the international mountain hut where liquid refreshment is plentiful and awesome alpine scenery beckons you to take a moment to enjoy the view. vVsit www.carinthia-info.at, call 0043 463 3000 or email carinthia@kaernten.at
Vorarlberg / Bregenzerwald
Known for its: Mountain Traditions - The charm of the region lies in its ties to tradition; it’s the feeling that you’re experiencing ‘the way things used to be’, right here on your present day holiday. Dairy farms dot the landscape and still remain at the heart of an area that is famous for its ‘Cheese Road’. Some great sampling to be had here! Visit www.vorarlberg.travel or call 0043 5574 425250.
Europa Wanderhotels
Known for its: National Park (Hohe Tauern) - Planning your first walking holiday in Austria? Choose from one of the 35 family-run Europa Wanderhotels scattered throughout Austria’s beautiful natural landscapes, with some of the most striking sights in the Hohe Tauern National Park. Offering hotel-to-hotel baggage service, equipment rental, route maps, lunch packs, and enthusiastic guides eager to share their knowledge of the local trails, Europa Wanderhotels will easily get you from point ‘A’ to ‘B’ to ‘C’ and onward! Visit www.wanderhotels.com or call 0043 47102780.
