Hiking in the Austrian Alps: 5-Day Guide to Views, Vibes, and Adventure

If you’re craving a good hike and a vacation all at once, then hiking in the Austrian Alps is your dream trip come to life. It’s all about standing on a mountain peak surrounded by wildflowers, fresh air, and sweeping views.

Whether you’re a solo traveller or hiking with your crew, this 5-day Austrian Alps itinerary blends hiking, relaxing, and photo-worthy stops that the hiker in you will love!

Day 1: Arrive in Innsbruck

Start your hiking in the Austrian Alps voyage in Innsbruck. It’s an old-world charm meets mountain magic city where traditional Austrian living is practiced and is obvious everywhere.

Stroll through Old Town (Alstadt) and peer the pastel façades the city brags. Then, journey over to the Golden Roof, Innsbruck’s most iconic landmark. Lastly, visiting Café Munding, the oldest café in town, to get some coffee and Austrian pastries is a must.

For lunch, I went to Stiftskeller, a cosy restaurant serving hearty Austrian classics. The Käsespätzle (cheesy noodles) is pure comfort food that I did not have issues gobbling up.

For accommodation, I’d recommend staying at a boutique hotel or an Airbnb with a mountain-view balcony. Trust me, waking up to the Alps is worth every cent. Chef’s kiss!

Day 2: Nordkette Mountains

Now, your first real day of hiking in the Austrian Alps begins. The best way to ease into it is with a ride up the Nordkette Range, right above Innsbruck. Take the Hungerburg funicular from the city centre and then hop on the cable car to Seegrube for insane views of the valley below. It’s only a 30 minute ride from the street to the summit.

Once you’re up there, you can grab a coffee at the mountaintop café and take in the scenery before hitting one of the well-marked trails. If you’re up for a little adventure, hike up to Hafelekar for panoramic views that stretch all the way to Germany. Here, you can also munch on some food or quickly just drink hot chocolate at the Hafelekar Restaurant.

If you prefer a quieter trail, walk towards Arzler Alm instead. It’s a postcard looking view of wildflowers, peace, and dainty Alpine charm.

Pro Tip: Bring a light jacket even in summer, the higher you go, the cooler it gets! I promise you, it gets chilly quick.

Day 3: Zell am See

There’s only a few places that show off the magic of hiking in the Austrian Alps like Zell am See. This lakeside town looks straight out of a storybook. It’s also probably my favourite trail of all.

I started my day at Café Kitzhof with coffee and a positive outlook! The views over Lake Zell were just phenomenal. It was like all my problems were gone in a swift moment. Then, I hit the Schmittenhöhe Trail. It’s a moderate trek that’s totally Instagram-worthy. Sue me — if there aren’t any pictures, your trip didn’t happen!

I then took out my packed sandwich and protein bar and sat by the lake. You could also rent a kayak here for a nice, calm float but I opted for a quick nap instead. You can’t beat that.

I ended my dad with a scrumptious dinner at Kupferkessel. The vibe is warm and comforting, I had a delicious schnitzel and was greeted with Austrian hospitality.

Day 4: Kaprun

No Austrian Alps hiking itinerary is complete without glacier views and Kaprun is where it all happens.

Start the day by taking the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier cable car up to the top of Salzburg (literally). Then, stroll the top of Salzburg Trail. This hike is short and easy. Take loads of photos and take advantage of the fact that you don’t look as haggard as you did on your previous hiking days!

For lunch, make your way to Panorama Restaurant, it’s like eating above the clouds. I kid you not.

And, well, if you’re feeling a little bold, you can book a guided glacier hike. I must admit, I skipped this one. The cold and I don’t blend. It’s literally one of the coolest things you can do in Austria. No, I mean it, it’s COLD. So, if you’re doing this, wrap up.

To end the day, head back to Zell am See for one last lakefront sunset and maybe a glass of local wine.

Day 5: Alpbach

Say farewell to your hiking in the Austrian Alps adventure in Alpbach, often called Austria’s prettiest village.

Take a gentle stroll through the meadows or forest paths. So cute for photos and storing memories on your phone! Your last day is all about slowing down. Treat yourself to some apple strudel from the local bakery, or if you’re like me, probably your fifth strudel during this 5 day trip.

It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to the mountains.

Packing Tips for Hiking in the Austrian Alps

Layers: It gets really cold up in the mountains even during summer.

Hiking boots: They need to be comfortable, waterproof, and already broken in.

Backpack: Keep it light at all times! The necessities are water, snacks, your phone, and SPF.

Power bank: Taking photos all day is what I did during this trip. You’re going to need it.

At its heart, hiking in the Austrian Alps is more than a holiday planned. You’ll be surprised just how little you’ll feel once you’re up there, looking over the world. One moment you’re walking above the clouds, the next you’re eating apple strudel overlooking lakes.

Rachel

Rachel is an intrepid world traveller, lifestyle connoisseuse, and the resident beauty advisor at Girls Who Travel. A true ocean lover with a soft spot for flowers, films, and storytelling, she also has a growing collection of medium-sized tattoos. When she’s not immersed in her next adventure, Rachel shares stories from her travels along with practical tips and insights to help other women make the most of their journeys.