A comprehensive guidebook detailing walking routes in Austria. The 101 walks reflect the diversity of this popular region and cover Austria's magnificent Alps - including the Rätikon, Silvretta, Stubai and Zillertal - as well as the Dachsteingebirge, Hohe Tauern and the Karawanken. Graded according to difficulty and ranging from short walks of a few kilometres to day hikes and multi-day hut-to-hut tours, from the classic to the lesser-known, there is something to suit every level of ability and ambition.
A full description of each route is accompanied by clear sketch maps. This book has all the information you need to make the most of an active walking holiday in Austria, including information on public transport, accommodation, gear required and safety issues, full details of over 100 mountain huts and a GermanEnglish glossary.
Austria is one of Europe's most walker-friendly countries. Its 40,000km of well-maintained and waymarked trails pass more than a thousand Austrian mountain huts and countless attractive villages, hospitable hotels, inns and restaurants. It also boasts an extensive, integrated public transport system that is particularly useful for walkers. The Austrian landscape is enchanting in its beauty, featuring rugged limestone spires, towering snowy peaks, majestic lakes and tranquil valleys.
Activities
walking, trekking, backpacking
Seasons
Austrian mountain huts are staffed from July to the end of September, but often open for longer. Campsites are open from May to September. Valley walking from April; mountain walking from June (peaks over 1500m snow free by end of May to late October).
Centres
Brand, Schruns, Tschagguns, Gargelle, St Gallenkirch, Gaschurn, Bielerhöhe, Galtür, Ischgl, Feichten, Plangeross, Mandarfen, Längenfeld, Sölden, Obergurgl, Längenfeld, Kühtai, Gries im Sellrain, Neustift, Zell am Ziller, Mayrhofen, Finkenberg, Westendorf, Brixen, Kitzbühel, Söll, Scheffau, Ellmau, Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Zell am See, Kufstein, Scheffau, Ellmau, Going, St Johann in Tirol, Filzmoos, Ramsau, Hallstatt, Badgastein, Kaprun, Matrei in Osttirol, Kals am Grossglockner, Ferlach, Bad Eisenkappel
Difficulty
Grade 1: Mostly short walks along gently graded paths or tracks with little height gain. Grade 2: Moderate walking, usually on clear footpaths with reasonable height gain. Grade 3: More strenuous routes, sometimes on rough paths. Some modest scrambling, or the use of ladders, fixed ropes or cables as support.
Must See
Grossglockner, Schesaplana, Piz Buin, Dreiländerspitze, Wildspitze, Kalkkogel, Wilder Kaiser, Zell am See, Gosaukamm, Bischofsmütze, Hochstuhl - alpine flowers and wildlife - glaciers and meadows.