Hiking in Styria
Hiking trails as far as the eye can see
From the blooms of spring to the joys of winter: Hiking in Styria is an invigorating experience. An active exploration through mountains and forests, along streams and vineyards is simply soul-cleansing.
Via ferrata or long-distance hiking trail? Mountain hut or rustic wine tavern? In Styria, hikers are spoilt for choice. The Green Heart of Austria invites you to enjoy nature with all senses and to take a rest at inviting mountain huts, inns and wine taverns.
“From Glacier to Wine” hiking trail
A wonderful journey of discovery in the green heart of Austria
The hiking destination of Styria is characterised by fascinating contrasts. On the one hand, there are the intriguing mountain giants of the Dachstein, Gesäuse and Hochschwab regions with their mesmerising stories about alpinism, history, cuisine and their people. On the other hand, you have the charming regions in the south and east that are dotted with vineyards and apple orchards. In these areas, you can also find picturesque wine taverns and culinary manufactories lining the hiking trails.
Arguably the most beautiful expedition through the green heart of Austria is the ”From Glacier to Wine”hiking trail. Hike from sunrise to sunset, from mountain hut to mountain hut, from wine tavern to wine tavern – all across the varied landscapes of Styria. Both the north and the south route take you past gentle mountain pastures and fascinating attractions to the wine regions of southern and eastern Styria. Your constant companions along the way: breathtaking views and spectacular photo spots.
Rivers, lakes and waterfalls
A refreshing experience
Whether it’s the Wild Waters of Schladming, the waterfalls of Palfau’s Wasserlochklamm in the Gesäuse region or the Raabklamm, the longest canyon in Austria: Styria is a paradise for all those who love to hike along or towards streams, rivers or waterfalls. In addition to thundering streams and murmuring rivers, Styria’s hiking trails are also lined with countless mountain lakes – 300 of them can be found in the Schladminger Tauern range alone.
The Tauplitz, on the other hand, is Central Europe’s largest lake plateau. The mountain springs of the Hochschwab and Rax supply the cities of Vienna and Graz with drinking water. During an active holiday in the green heart of Austria, you can explore all this and more and enjoy the refreshing waters of this varied region.
Discover the taste of Styria
From apple to wine
North, south, east or west: The culinary delights the region is famous for can be discovered in all corners of Styria.
For instance, hike along the Glanzer Hoftour trail, the Schilcher trail, the “Wine path for all senses” or the Klöcher Traminerweg trail and sample local wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Schilcher. Alternatively, you can stroll through the marvellous fruit orchards of Eastern Styria. For instance, the 9.2-kilometre “Elzer Roas” trail takes you along a figure-eight loop through the gentle fruit orchards of the region – including lots of useful facts on apples.
An expedition through Styria
Long-distance hiking and pilgrimage routes
If you would like to experience the magic of the mountain world and Styria’s breathtaking nature, you should find out more about the region’s picturesque long-distance hiking trails. The province boasts the densest network of long-distance hiking trails of the entire alpine area. This is due to Styria’s long mountaineering history as well as to the fact that Mariazell, Austria’s most famous pilgrimage site, is located there.
Via ferratas in Styria
Via Ferratas between Dachstein and Riegersburg
Are you looking for new perspectives? Away from Styria’s hiking trails, new adventures await on the region’s via ferratas and climbing routes. Exploring the Styrian mountains along steel cables and ladders is a worthwhile experience. Plus, it’s one of the most spectacular ways to get to know the mountain world between the Dachstein, Gesäuse, Hochschwab, Rax, Riegersburg and the Seetal Alps.
Talking about the Dachstein: 22 via ferratas and climbing routes – among them, a special children’s via ferrata and three youth via ferratas – as well as “Kali’s Climbing Centre” make the mountain Austria’s climbing hotspot.
Family hikes in the Green Heart of Austria
Hiking with the little ones
Small steps take you places too – and thanks to the great variety of hiking trails, Styria is a great choice for family hiking. Exploring the green heart of Austria quickly turns into a thrilling adventure for kids – for instance, during one of these family-friendly tours:
Feel-good hiking
Alpine pastures, mountain huts and cable cars
Alpine pastures are serene havens of the mountain world. In Styria, you can find more than 1,700 mountain pastures. Hundreds of mountain huts invite you to take a break there and enjoy their delicious regional specialities. For instance, don’t miss the culinary delights of Almkulinarik by Richard Rauch or the award-winning “Kulinarium Steiermark” mountain huts.
Good to know: about 20 cable cars are in operation throughout summer to make it even easier for you to reach numerous points of interests in the mountains. With the Summer Card, guests can use the chairlifts and cable cars of the Schladming-Dachstein holiday region for free. Before heading to the mountains, be sure to check out our tips for safety in the mountains!
Why is correct behavior on the mountain pasture important to us?
Alpine pastures and meadows are both popular vacation destinations and important economic areas. To ensure that these unique cultural landscapes continue to be available to us in the future, a few rules must be observed. In the following video, you will learn which rules must be observed for the safe handling of grazing livestock.
Mountaineering in Styria – what you should know
A sport steeped in history
Many historic events have shaped the history of hiking and mountaineering in Styria. Here’s a small selection:
- The Gesäuse region is known as the University of Mountaineering. This name goes back to the journalist and mountaineering pioneer Kurt Maix. Since the turn of the 20th century, the region has been a mountain paradise for climbers from Vienna.
- The Rax is the birthplace of Vienna’s Mountain Club.
- After a fatal accident of three alpinists from Vienna, the world’s first mountain rescue station was established in Mürzzuschlag at the foot of Rax, Schneealm and Stuhleck in March 1896.
- At the foot of the Dachstein, you can find an alpine museum.
- The provincial capital of Graz hosts an annual International Mountain Film Festival.
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The Hohe Dachstein was first climbed by the brothers Adam and Peter Gappmayr along with Karl Thurwieser in 1834. In 1810 Archduke Johann already succeeded in the first crossing of the Dachstein massif. Today, a panoramic gondola leads from Ramsau am Dachstein to the glacier. Many important people have shaped the mountain personality of Dachstein: painters, writers, explorers and noblemen, mountaineers, climbers and speleologists, miners and craftsmen.
Speaking of climbers: Ramsau am Dachstein is Austria’s via ferrata paradise. You can find 22 via ferratas there, three of them for teens and one for smaller kids. In addition, there’s “Kalis Klettersteiggarten” as well as beginner courses for via ferrata certificates.
Note: It is strongly recommended to climb the Dachstein peak only with a mountain guide. Between the limestone of the Dachstein massif and the glacier, openings occur every summer due to the melting of snow and ice, which can be several meters wide. For questions and more information about guided tours, the mountain guide office Ramsau am Dachstein is happy to help.
Tour planning made easy with the BusBahnBim app
Easy and straightforward to get to the starting point of the tour. All connections at a glance: BusBahnBim is the timetable information service for all public transport in Styria and throughout Austria. Simply enter a location or address to receive information about stops and important points.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about hiking holidays in Austria
Which tours are suitable in which season? What should be considered when planning a hike?
These and many other questions arise when planning a hiking holiday or a day trip. Here you will find the most important answers about hiking in Steiermark.
Hiking regions & variety of tours
Popular hiking regions include, among others:
- Alpine regions such as Schladming-Dachstein, Ausseerland Salzkammergut, Gesäuse and Erzberg-Leoben
- Alpine pasture regions such as Hochsteiermark, Region Murau, the Murtal adventure region, and the western part of the Region Graz around the Koralpe
- Wine and culinary regions such as Oststeiermark, Thermen- & Vulkanland and Südsteiermark
- Nature parks as well as Gesäuse National Park
Yes. The range extends from leisurely walks and scenic pleasure trails to alpine pasture hikes and challenging alpine routes. Austria has one of the densest and best-signposted hiking trail networks in Europe. All routes are clearly marked and graded by level of difficulty.
Yes. Steiermark is one of the most water-rich regions in Europe. Numerous hiking trails lead through gorges, along rivers, mountain lakes and tranquil shorelines.
Even a simple walk through a water-filled gorge can help clear the airways and reduce symptoms of stress. The gentle splashing and rushing of a mountain stream also has a calming effect.
Culinary culture and quality of life reveal themselves in Steiermark in many different ways. In the north, culinary hikes lead to alpine pastures with rustic mountain huts, where food is sometimes still prepared over an open fire. In the south and east, cosy routes pass by traditional Buschenschänken and wineries, inviting hikers to stop and enjoy regional specialities.
Best time to visit & seasons
- Spring: flowers, apple and wine blossom
- Summer: alpine pastures, water and high mountains
- Autumn: panoramic views, colours and culinary experiences
- Winter: winter hiking and snowshoe trails (tip: Schladming-Dachstein winter hiking ticket)
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And what to do in bad weather? Thermal spas, museums or culinary artisan producers are ideal alternatives.
Yes. Numerous cable cars and chairlifts also operate during the summer, providing access to the mountains – including viewpoints, themed trails and mountain playgrounds.
When it`s raining, Steiermark offers a wide range of attractions for all kinds of visitors – from families to culture enthusiasts:
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nine thermal spas, indoor swimming pools, and indoor playgrounds
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castles and fortresses
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show caves and mines such as the Salzwelten Altaussee or the Erzberg
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culinary manufactories such as the Zotter Chocolate Experience as well as breweries and distilleries
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countless museums and exhibitions
Planning & organisation
Yes. In Steiermark, the Wanderhotels Steiermark are specially tailored to the needs of hiking holidaymakers – offering tour recommendations, personalised services, and hiking-friendly facilities.
Advance booking is recommended if:
- accommodation is needed during peak season or at weekends
- a particular standard of facilities is important
- you are travelling in a larger group
Detailed questions and answers about long-distance hiking can be found on the hiking route “From Glacier to Wine”.
Yes – the range includes everything from gentle pleasure and herb walks to challenging alpine summit tours led by certified guides.
Absolutely. Hiking is a gentle form of tourism that focuses on regionality, short distances and experiencing nature. Many hiking regions are easily accessible by train. On site, hiking buses and shuttle services are available in many areas.
When hiking with children, playful discovery is the main focus. Particularly suitable are themed trails, adventure hikes, circular routes with play stations, water features or viewpoints. Nature-oriented paths with roots and stones also turn the trail itself into an adventure.
Dogs must always be kept on a lead, ideally positioned in the middle of the group, and should wear a muzzle. Cattle – especially mother cows – perceive dogs as a potential threat. If an attack cannot be avoided, the dog must be released from the lead immediately. Never pick up a dog. Further information on holidays with dogs can be found here.
Equipment & safety
The equipment should always be adapted to the type of hike and the season, and the rucksack weight should be kept as low as possible. Breathable, weatherproof outdoor clothing is essential.
- Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, cap)
- Protection against cold (hat, gloves)
- Rain or insulating jacket
- Rain protection (poncho, compact umbrella, rucksack cover)
- Rucksack with padded shoulder straps and a ventilated back system
- Short- and long-sleeved T-shirts
- Underwear
- Hiking jacket
- Hiking trousers
- Hiking boots with non-slip treaded soles
- Hiking socks
- Hiking poles (telescopic poles are ideal)
- Water bottle (refillable)
What else should be in your rucksack:
- ID, insurance and membership cards (e.g. Alpine Club)
- Cash (as payment by debit or credit card is not possible at most mountain huts)
- First-aid kit and personal medication (plasters, blister plasters, bandaging material, disinfectant spray, ointment for insect bites, emergency blanket, vitamin/magnesium tablets, etc.)
- Camera including batteries/spare batteries, binoculars
- Mobile phone with full battery and charger, power bank if needed (save important phone numbers, mountain rescue emergency number: 140)
- Headlamp or small torch
- Pocket knife and lighter
- Toilet paper
- Tour log or diary including pen/pencil, playing cards, etc.
- Hiking map and information material, GPS optional
Please always pack sufficient food and drinks. Muesli bars, nuts or dried fruit are ideal snacks.
The mountain rescue emergency number 140 is available throughout Austria for accidents in alpine terrain. Alternatively, the European emergency number 112 can be dialled – both numbers activate the rescue chain.
Please contact us by email at info@steiermark.com. Let us know exactly where the issue occurred and what needs improvement. The information office of Steiermark Tourism will gladly forward your message to the responsible section of the Alpine associations and local tourism organisations.
