Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For Hikes above 2000m
thermal underwear
extra clothing
gaiters
gloves and warm hat
walking sticks
Walk Designations
Austria is criss-crossed with well-maintained
Wanderwege
(walking trails), which are
waymarked with red-white-red stripes (often on a handy rock or tree) and yellow sign-
posts. Bear in mind, though, that these are no substitute for a decent map and/or compass
in the Alps. Like ski runs, trails are colour-coded according to difficulty:
»
Blue
The blue routes (alternatively with no colour) are suitable for everyone; paths are well marked, mostly flat and
easy to follow.
»
Red
The red routes require a good level of fitness, sure-footedness and basic mountain experience. They are some-
times steep and narrow, and may involve scrambling and/or short fixed-rope sections.
»
Black
For experienced mountain hikers with a head for heights, black routes are mostly steep, require proper equip-
ment and can be dangerous in bad weather.
TOP HIKES
Grab your rucksack and get out and stride on the following trails:
»
Top day hikes
The Zillertal Circuit (
Click here
)
is especially beautiful in early summer, when the alpine roses
are in bloom. A moderately challenging hike in the Silvretta Alps is the Radsattel Circuit (
Click here
), taking in
glaciers, jewel-coloured lakes and the iconic peak of Piz Buin.
»
Top high-alpine hike
A classic high-level trail is the Pinzgauer Spaziergang (
Click here
)
, affording mesmer-
ising views of the snowcapped Hohe Tauern and Kitzbühel Alps with little real effort.
»
Top short hike
Take a photogenic forest stroll for close-ups of the 380m-high Krimmler Wasserfälle (
Click
here
), Europe's highest waterfall. The Rosengartenschlucht Circuit (
Click here
) is an easygoing hike through
Imst's dramatic gorge.
»
Top kid-friendly hike
Kids in tow? Rent a gentle-natured llama for the day to explore the rugged splendour
of the Dolomites near Lienz (
Click here
). Or skip up to a meadow hut from the shores of Weissensee (
Click
here
) in Carinthia.
