Walking in Austria – 6 of the best easy-going routes

Austria’s the perfect pick for an easy walking holiday. You can explore waterfalls, woodland and wildlife, stroll along peaceful lakeshores and soak up incredible mountaintop views – all without the intense hiking you might expect. When it’s time for a rest stop, there’s often a hut nearby where you can enjoy delicious local bites. And for those high-altitutude adventures, lifts and cable cars make it easy to reach the heights – see if there's a summer card up for grabs in your resort, as these often give you free or discounted rides on summer lifts.  

From shortest to longest, check out six of the best walks in Austria that you can do this summer.

Heading to the heights in Mayrhofen couldn’t be easier – just hop on the Ahornbahn cable car and you’re away. If you’re here to put the miles in, then you’re in luck – there’s a whopping 1,400km of hiking paths in the Zillertal Nature Park to explore.

But if you’re looking for a peak-topping trail that’s short, accessible and doesn’t skimp on wow-factor, head for the Filzenkogel summit. The route from the Ahornbahn’s top station is smooth enough for wheelchair users and pushchairs, and is a gentle ascent all round. And at the top? Prepare for panoramic views right across the valley. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife too, from birds of prey soaring above you to marmots playing on the hillside.

Another high-flying hike that’s fun, undemanding and simple to navigate is the Schattberg Summit Round. True to its name, you’ll reach the eastern, middle and western peaks of the Schattberg mountain on this circular walk – that’s summit satisfaction multiplied by three.

The route includes exhilarating ridgeline trails with unobstructed views wherever you look. And especially at the eastern summit, you'll feel surrounded by a sea of peaks. Don’t be surprised if you catch paragliders swooping through your postcard view – and perhaps feeling a touch of envy when you see them.

This family-friendly route to Sonnkogel is an ideal way to mix gentle ambling with mountain views as far as the eye can see. Start by zipping right up to 1,955m on the Schmittenhöhebahn cable car – an exciting ascent which reveals Lake Zell, the town and the surrounding 3,000m+ peaks from a bird’s eye view. From the top you'll start the path over to Sonnkogel, which is laidback mountaintop strolling to a tee.

Between taking snaps of the view and snacks from your rucksack, you can learn about the area along the way. Info boards bring to life the mountain’s flora and fauna, plus you can’t miss out on using the ‘Viscopes’ – viewing telescopes that name the peaks that you can see through them.

Stop for some regional Pinzgau fare at the Sonnkogel Restaurant – which you can wash down with a refreshing glass of their special wild herb lemonade – before retracing your steps back to the gondola.

You’re already pretty high up in Obergurgl, so this walk is a top trail if you’re hungry for heights without the need for lifts. From the village centre, you’ll wind your way up through a 400-year-old pine tree forest. En route you’ll pass the Rotmoos waterfall, a super snap-worthy highlight which tumbles down into a narrow ravine. And as the trees start to thin, head for the Schönwieshütte – a cedar-clad mountain hut which makes for a perfect lunch stop.

Before you sit down to eat, carry on up to the top of the Schönwieskopf peak. It’s only another 15 minutes extra or so, and you can enjoy clear views back down the Ötztal valley from the top. Then, after a cool drink and a delish meal in the restaurant, it’s time to retrace your steps and take in the views as you walk back down to the village.

This circular, 12.4km route from the centre of Seefeld takes in three of the area’s sparkling lakes – Möserersee, Lottensee and Wildmoossee. You’ll pass through woodland and meadows full of mountain flowers, then venture back down into the valley.

The whole walk will take around three and a half hours and is mostly gentle, with a few uphill sections that are well worth it for the views. And at the end, you can call in at the Wildmoosalm mountain hut for a well-deserved slice of strudel.

This fab route puts Tyrol’s biggest lake front and centre, and is a leisurely, largely flat walk. Starting in Pertisau, you’ll follow the gentle path around the lakeshore, the turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs firmly on show. You’ll pass the beach at Buchau, a top spot to dip toes and snap the scenery, and wander through peaceful patches of woodland.

Eventually you’ll end up at the little village of Achenkirch, where you can stop for lunch with wooded hillsides and peaks all around. To get back to Pertisau, let your legs rest and enjoy one of Austria’s best boat trips as you ferry hop back down the lake to where you began.

Eager to tick off one of these trails? Take your first steps by planning your trip to Austria. Or for some extra inspo, check out some of our favourite views the country has to offer.

Author: Marty Fraser-Turner

Last updated: 24.02.2025