Summer Hiking in Tirol: These Trails Will Blow You Away
Hiking is part of every Austrian's DNA and we love to share our passion with visitors. Check out our trail and tour suggestions.
In places like Austria, where nature indulges us with its natural beauty, we’d be amiss not to take full advantage of it. And hiking is one of the best ways to experience Austria’s beautiful surroundings first-hand. Everyone can be active here, no matter your age and fitness level – choose your recreational pastime and within minutes you’ll be on the move thanks to the proximity of the mountains throughout the holiday regions.
Austria has roughly 11,000 km (6,800 mi) of hiking trails and nearly unlimited possibilities to explore them. About 27% of the country’s surface are under natural protection. There are 6 national parks, 7 biosphere reserves, and a host of locally protected areas that have been set up to protect unique species and cultural landscapes – all perfect to explore on foot. No matter if you are looking for a challenging multi-day-tour, your first summit climb, or a family-friendly hiking adventure, we have you covered.
So, where to get started? Let us show you some of our favourite hikes in Kitzbühel, Zillertal, St. Anton am Arlberg, St. Johann in Tirol and Innsbruck.
For hiking adventures in other Tirolean regions, click here!
KITZBÜHEL: HIKE THE WORLD-FAMOUS STREIF AND CLIMB 9 SUMMITS
Kitzbühel has over 1,000 km (621 mi) of hiking trails as well as 38 cable cars to whisk you up your starting point. Hike the world-famous Streif or conquer a summit at sunrise, followed by a hearty Austrian breakfast in a traditional hut.
Kitzbühel’s Streif is one of the most difficult downhill racing courses in the world – and this trail allows you to experience all the key sections first-hand, including the renowned Mausefalle with an 85% gradient! The hike is approximately 3,8 km (2,4 mi) long and takes around 2,5 hours to complete.
Horngipfel Breakfast
Take the cable car up the Kitzbüheler Horn shortly after 4 AM and walk up the summit with your guide – you will arrive just in time for sunrise! Enjoy the stunning panoramas before being treated to a full Austrian breakfast at Horngipfel Hut, including champagne!
Gamsroas – The 9 summit experience
This circuit hike is for experienced hikers only: The Gamsroas tour starts in Aurach, a small village just south of Kitzbühel, and is 17,7 km (11 mi) long, covering a whooping 9 mountain peaks along the way. It takes about 11 hours to complete.
More about Hiking in Kitzbühel
ST. ANTON AM ARLBERG: HIKE BETWEEN ROSES OR HEAD ON TIROL'S LONGEST TRAIL
Hike among Alpine roses or start Tirol’s most famous long-distance walk right on the spot. St. Anton am Arlberg offers 300 km (186 mi) of hiking trails for all ages and abilities.
Alpine Rose Trail
Start at the top of the Rendlbahn cable car at 2,100 m above sea level and hike to the Rendl Alm hut. From May to July, a sea of alpine roses awaits (hence the name!). The intermediate hike is 18,5 km (11,5 mi) long and takes a little over seven hours to complete.
Eagle Walk
Tirol’s most famous long-distance walk starts right in St. Anton. The Eagle Walk covers 420 km (261 mi) to be hiked in 24 stages. See alpine lakes, mighty mountain peaks and flower-filled meadows while challenging yourself to complete the trail.
More about Hiking in St. Anton am Arlberg
ZILLERTAL: TAKE A SUNRISE HIKE OR A SUMMIT TOUR
Zillertal boasts no less than 1,483 km (921 mi) of hiking trails and 30 themed tours. Sunrise hikes are the perfect opportunity for dreamy landscape shots.
Sunrise Hike on the Gedrechter
Starting from Mizun reservoir in Kaltenbach, this trail winds its way up to the summit. Leave at sunrise and take your time to enjoy the views over the valley before heading to Wedelhütte (hut) for a hearty Austrian breakfast. The hike is 7,9 km (4,9 mi) long.
Gerlossteinwand
This 4-hour-tour of medium difficulty level starts at the mountain station of the Gerlosstein cable car and takes you all the way up the summit of Gerlossteinwand, allowing magnificent views of the Zillertal Alps, the Tux foothills and the Kitzbühel Alps.
Sunrise Hike to the Torseen Lakes
The Torseen lakes in Tuxertal valley are located at over 2,000 metres above sea level. From June to September, the cotton grass flowering on the lakeshore, think cotton-wood white tufts as far as the eye can see, is a unique spectacle best enjoyed at sunrise. The 9 km (5,6 mi) long trail is of medium difficulty, schedule in roughly 4,5 hours.
More about Hiking in Zillertal
ST. JOHANN IN TIROL: WALK AROUND THE KAISER AND AT FULL MOON
200 km (124 mi) of hiking trails await in St. Johann in Tirol. No matter if you choose a night hike or a multi-day tour, you surely won’t be disappointed!
Koasa Trail
This 5-day hike covers 86 km (53 mi) and is dedicated to the Wilder Kaiser (or “Koasa” in Tirolean dialect). Every day you will get to see the mountain from a new perspective. Highlights include the Niederkaiser ridge, the picturesque Kaiserbach valley, the mysterious Teufelsgasse (Devil’s Lane), the Griesbachklamm gorge and the Eifersbacher waterfall.
Kitzbüheler Horn
This medium circular hike is 6,2 km (3,9 mi) long and leads you up St. Johann in Tirol’s most striking, easily recognizable by its radio tower. Breath-taking panorama views await from the summit, including the Hohe Tauern, the Venediger Group, the Kaiser Mountains and more.
Experience St. Johann in Tirol on a night hike in a mysterious and mystical atmosphere. The hikes with local guides, suited for all fitness levels, take place all summer and are included in the St. Johann Card. Encounters with a real hermit are included, too!
More about Hiking in St. Johann in Tirol
INNSBRUCK: START YOUR HIKING ADVENTURE IN THE CITY CENTRE
Take a break from sightseeing and explore Innsbruck’s surroundings on foot – the cable cars will whisk you up the mountains right from the city centre.
Karwendel Nature Reserve
The Nordkette marks the entrance to this hiking paradise, just 20 min by cable car from the city centre. Expect untouched nature, well-signposted paths, and traditional huts – perfect for a hearty lunch. The hikes range from easy half-day walks to challenging multiple-day-hikes.
Patscherkofel
Innsbruck’s Hausberg (“local mountain”), just a short cable car ride from the city, is ideal for gentle and family-friendly hiking. Its mountain huts serving traditional Tirolean cuisine are just as beloved as the splendid panorama views.
Mountaineering Villages
Only about 20 villages in Austria have been classified as “mountaineering villages” (Alpine centres that promote responsible behaviour and environmental awareness) and three of them are just 20 to 30 km (12 to 19 mi) from Innsbruck – make them your base for hikes in the region.
More about Hiking in Innsbruck
As always, we are happy to assist you in planning your research trip. Please get in touch at pressuk@austria.info.
