Walking Holidays in Austria

What is an Alpine Crossing?

The most popular routes for crossing the Alps on foot typically lead from Germany through Austria to Italy, though other routes have also become well-established over the years. As a rule, an Alpine crossing runs from north to south over the main ridge of the Alps. This involves traversing various mountain ranges, valleys, passes, and sometimes even summits—entirely on foot. Depending on the route and its length, such a journey can take several days or even weeks.

Those routes are carefully planned by local experts to connect scenic highlights and overnight accommodations as directly as possible, following picturesque trails while avoiding monotonous sections or roads. Alpine crossings are incredibly diverse: they offer the chance to experience the scenic and cultural richness of the Alpine region, but they also require a certain level of fitness and hiking experience.

Here are some of our most popular Alpine Crossings traversing Austria:

The E5 Alpine Crossing

Grade 6 out of 6
Daily walking time: 6-9 hours
Hike length: 8–18 kilometers 
Daily elevation gain/loss: Ascent: +1000 to +1500 m / Descent: -900 to -2020 m

Challenging hikes, including black-marked mountain trails and alpine routes at high altitudes, dominate the stages. This iconic route takes you over exposed passes, some of which are secured with ropes. Certain sections lead over scree, rocks, and boulders. Depending on the timing of your tour, you may encounter old snowfields—hiking poles and microspikes (Grödel) are recommended. You’ll be hiking at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters, placing you firmly in high alpine terrain. While the technical demands can be considerable at times, the use of climbing harnesses or ropes is never required.

Crossing the Alps from Oberstdorf in Germany to Meran in South Tyrol on the E5 is suitable for fit hikers with solid alpine experience who are absolutely sure-footed and not prone to dizziness. The demands of the daily stages are generally high. Weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so you should have experience with high-alpine hiking and be able to navigate even in poor visibility.

You'll stay in 3-star hotels and guesthouses, with one night in a mountain hut (private room). Your luggage will be transferred on most days, allowing you to hike with just a small daypack.

We’ve also created a slightly more relaxed version of the E5 Alpine Crossing.

Grade 4 out of 6
Daily walking time: 3-7 hours
Hike length: 4–17 kilometers 
Daily elevation gain/loss: Ascent: +120 to +1250 m / Descent: -160 to -1350 m

Across the Alps: Bavaria to South Tyrol 

Grade 4 out of 6
Daily walking time: 4–6 hours
Hike length: 14–20 kilometers (almost all walks can be shortened if required) 
Daily elevation gain/loss: Ascent: +350 to +850 m / Descent: -300 to -1350 m

This inn-to-inn walking tour takes you through the Eastern Alps, from Bavaria in Germany to South Tyrol in Italy via Austria. This unique route has been specially designed by us with the Alpine novice in mind—or for those simply seeking a comparatively easy Alpine crossing experience. The hikes primarily follow well-maintained and clearly marked paths and mountain trails. There are no steep alpine passes to conquer, but you will be walking at panoramic altitudes. A certain degree of surefootedness is required, and you should be comfortable with heights. The route reaches elevations of up to 1,200 meters, placing you in alpine terrain. This tour is not technically demanding, and no prior alpine experience is required.

This tour is ideal if you're crossing the Alps for the first time and have some hiking experience along with a basic level of fitness. You'll stay in high-quality 3- and 4-star hotels, and your luggage will be transferred each day, giving you the freedom to walk with just a small daypack.

Tyrolean Alps: Garmisch to Innsbruck

Grade 4 out of 6
Daily walking time: 3–6 hours
Hike length: 8–18 kilometers 
Daily elevation gain/loss: Ascent: +115 to +930 m / Descent: -50 to -1360 m

Walk from Germany to Austria through the Bavarian and Tyrolean Alps. Explore the historic old town of Tyrol’s capital and spend a night in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps in a traditional mountain hut. Your luggage will be transferred on most days, giving you the freedom to walk with just a small daypack.

This trip features a mix of moderate to strenuous hikes while staying in vibrant cultural hubs such as Garmisch and Innsbruck. Graded moderate to strenuous, the route includes some significant ascents and descents—perfect for working up an appetite for the hearty local cuisine! A certain degree of surefootedness is required, and you should be comfortable with heights. Optional walks are available, allowing for a rest day if desired. If you're looking for the best of both worlds—challenging hikes and cultural experiences—this is the tour for you!

Austria is a country known not only for its breathtaking Alpine scenery but also for its rich and comforting cuisine. Whether you're enjoying a meal after a long hike or indulging in a sweet treat at a mountain hut, Austrian food is all about hearty flavors, traditional recipes, and local ingredients. From crispy schnitzel to warm apple strudel, here are some of the most popular and beloved dishes you’re likely to encounter on your journey through Austria.

Wiener Schnitzel
Probably Austria’s most famous dish, Wiener Schnitzel is a thin, breaded, and fried veal or pork cutlet. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, it’s traditionally served with lemon wedges, potato salad, or parsley potatoes. This iconic dish is a must-try when visiting Austria.

Apfelstrudel
No list of Austrian specialties would be complete without Apfelstrudel. This classic dessert features thin layers of pastry filled with tart apples, cinnamon, sugar, raisins, and breadcrumbs, all baked to golden perfection. Served warm, often with vanilla sauce or whipped cream, it’s a true taste of Austrian tradition.

Kaiserschmarren
A favorite in many offices (and kitchens!), Kaiserschmarren is a fluffy shredded pancake that deserves special mention. Named after the Austrian Emperor Kaiser Franz Joseph I, who loved this dish, it’s made from a sweet batter of flour, eggs, sugar, salt, and milk. The pancake is baked in butter, torn into pieces with forks, and traditionally served with stewed plums. It’s a delicious, light, and sweet Alpine treat.

Speckknödel
A real staple of Austrian cuisine, Speckknödel are large, round, boiled bread dumplings mixed with bacon. You’ll find them on most local menus, usually served with sauerkraut and salad. Hearty and satisfying, this dish perfectly represents rustic Alpine cooking.

Gröstl
Gröstl is a hearty Alpine classic made from grated potatoes fried with bacon and onions. It’s typically topped with a fried egg and makes a perfect filling meal after a long day of hiking or outdoor activities.

Kasspatzln
Translated as “cheese sparrows,” Kasspatzln are thick egg noodles cut into small pieces, mixed with grated cheese, baked in the oven, and sprinkled with crispy fried onions. This comforting, savory dish is a delight for cheese lovers and a must-try comfort food in Austria.