Plus: the most beautiful hiking routes in Austria
As in the previous year, many people will continue to spend their leisure time outdoors in 2021. Therefore, the Hiking increasingly popular, whether in the lowlands, in the low mountain ranges or in the Alps. Consciously perceive the landscape and be active at the same time: Hiking tours are the perfect outdoor activity at a time when gyms are closed and travel is often complicated. And hiking is slowly but surely becoming a big trend in other areas too.
Ever since numerous Hollywood films and bestselling novels on the subject, it has been considered passé that hiking has gone somewhat out of fashion. And at the very latest since we had to completely change our lives due to the pandemic and found other ways to ensure balance and exercise. Hikers can switch off in a world where everything has to happen quickly and do something good for body and soul. Because while you take a leisurely stroll, tackle a challenging climb or embark on an adventure in alpine terrain, you can enjoy a break from the stresses of everyday life and discover the beauty of nature at the same time.
Now that the usual places where you can work out are closed, many people have started to keep moving outdoors. Either alone or in a group, you can explore the most beautiful hiking routes. The fact that the trend is becoming increasingly popular is also noticeable in the outdoor clothing departments of department stores and online stores. Never before has the selection of functional clothing and hiking boots been as diverse (and stylish!) as it is now.
If you are going on a longer hike, here are some things to watch out for:
If there is one thing Austria has to offer, it is fantastic landscapes where every hiker will be happy. From gentle hills, green alpine pastures, breathtaking mountain lakes or imposing rock formations that are ideal for climbing as well as hiking. Austria is particularly suitable for hiking routes, as the density of trails, viewpoints and peaks is unmistakable.
Here are five of the most beautiful tours in Austria:
Place: Styria
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours, 6.3 kilometres
Difficulty: easy
The fantastic hiking trail starts in the center of Altaussee and leads hikers directly along the shore around the lake. At the foot of the Loser, this route offers a spectacular backdrop of mountain and lake and is ideal for anyone who likes a more leisurely approach. Whichever way you turn, the glistening water, untouched nature and the peak of the mountain radiate towards you and ensure that you can escape from everyday life. Walking towards the northern shore, you then slowly return to the starting point below the Trisselwand.
Place: Carinthia
Duration: approx. 2 hours, 3.4 kilometres
Difficulty: easy
The Raggaschlucht gorge in Flattach is a must for anyone who wants to start hiking. Alongside thundering waterfalls, a lush natural landscape and imposing rock faces, you can take a leisurely stroll along breathtakingly beautiful jetties. The mighty Raggabach stream makes its way through the gorge and can occasionally spill over the banks. Weatherproof clothing is therefore highly recommended! The hiking route leads through the 800-metre-long gorge, along a forest path and finally back to the starting point, which is in the Schmelzhütten district.
Place: Salzburg
Duration: approx. 4 hours, 12.8 kilometres
Difficulty: medium
The route in Krimml is a little more demanding, along the famous Krimml Waterfalls. The starting point is the lowest waterfall, from where serpentines lead along a specially created waterfall path to the uppermost waterfall. The trail then continues into the Krimmer Achental valley, via the Staubige Reib, the Bergerblick and the Schettkanzel. Viewpoints there offer a perfect panoramic view of the thundering natural spectacle. The bus takes you back to the starting point.
Place: Upper Austria
Duration: approx. 3.5 hours, 11.9 kilometres
Difficulty: medium
Most people start the Almkogel tour from the Scharflingerhöhe. Sturdy footwear and a good level of fitness are recommended, as the route is repeatedly interspersed with steeper sections. Following the "Almkogel" signs, you hike on a mixture of stone and forest paths and occasionally have to cross a shallow stream bed. The route circles the entire Eibenberg and offers a fantastic view of Lake Mondsee before returning to the starting point.
Place: Tyrol
Duration: approx. 5 hours, 15 kilometres
Difficulty: difficult
The spectacular three-lake circular hike in the Tannhaimer starts at the Neunerköpfle valley station. From there, take the gondola to the top of the mountain. You are immediately rewarded with a fantastic view of the Allgäu Alps. The trail then continues along meadow slopes in the direction of Schochenspitze and you reach the Lache. The trail then continues over the Lachenspitze to the Landsbergerhütte and the second stopover, the Traualpsee. Further down the valley, the Vilsalpsee extends along the hiking route. This is particularly worth seeing as it is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the whole of Tyrol. Surrounded by a nature reserve, the region is an important habitat for rare plant and animal species. From there, you can either walk back or take the bus.
Picture Credits: Holly Mandarich / Unsplash, StockSnap / Pixabay, David Mark / Pixabay, TeeFarm / Pixabay, Mario Haar / Pixabay, Hans Braxmeier / Pixabay, Lars Nissen / Pixabay
