Krakau mountaineering village
The Styrian municipality of Krakau proudly carries three different quality seals: one as a hiking village, one as a mountaineering village and one as a climatic spa. Nestled between the Sölkpass and the Preber, it offers year-round recreation, variety and superb mountain experiences.
Summer activities in the mountaineering village of Krakau
Although the name “mountaineering village” may sound a bit daunting, Krakau is mainly about recreation for your body, mind and soul.
Whether it’s hiking, Nordic walking, fishing or mountain biking – Krakau is a small paradise for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a bit of peace and tranquillity, we recommend visiting one of the region’s numerous power places or themed hiking trails.
Special summer experiences
- Take the valley bus to Lake Etrachsee, Lake Schattensee or the Wildkarseen lakes.
- Visit the natural highlight of Günster waterfall, Styria’s highest waterfall with a fall height of 65 metres.
- Walk along the circular Krakauschatten nature trail , passing by rare plants and shrubs until you reach the Alpine Garden.
- Try water target shooting at Lake Schattensee , where you aim at the image of the target reflected in the water.
Nordic walking
The Steirische Krakau region is Styria’s first Nordic walking centre, offering a great selection of Nordic walking routes.
Easy way back: The valley bus conveniently takes Nordic walkers back to the starting point of their route after a long tour.
Mountain biking
Numerous approved, marked mountain bike trails around Krakau are only waiting to be explored by you. They take you to the region’s most stunning vantage points and prettiest mountain huts, offering varied cycling experiences for beginners as well as accomplished riders.
What’s more, the mountaineering village, together with the Lungau region, holds a true highlight for passionate mountain bikers: Europe’s highest-located BionX e-bike region.
If you don’t own an e-bike or would like to try a new model, numerous rental stations (as well as charging stations) can be found across the region:
- Gasthof Jagawirt, Krakauschatten, Phone: +43 3535 8260
- Hotel Stigenwirth, Krakauebene, Phone: +43 3535 8270
- Gasthof Guniwirt, Krakaudorf, Phone: +43 3535 8239 0
- Gasthof Schallerwirt, Krakauebene Phone: +43 3535 8334
- Gasthaus Karlhütte, Krakauebene/Etrachsee, Phone: +43 3535 7270
- Fischerhütte Schattensee, Krakauschatten, Phone: +43 3535 834 2
Full-day price for e-bikes: 25 Euros (from 08:00 to 18:00)
A helmet, bike map, charger and backpack are included in the rental price.
A fully charged e-bike battery lasts for about 50 kilometres – a perfect distance for exploring the surrounding region.
Winter magic at Krakau mountaineering village
Ski touring, skiing and snowboarding at Preber, winter hiking, ice-stick shooting or a day of ice skating with the family – Krakau is a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Culture at Krakau mountaineering village
The annual Carnival Race is one of the region’s oldest traditions and an intangible cultural heritage. It takes place on Rose Monday and greets the arrival of spring with lots of noise and dancing. At 19:00, there’s a closing dance at the church.
