Hôtel des Bains d'Ovronnaz

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the world’s most scenic multi-day treks — and also one of the pricier ones. To hike the full loop, you’ll spend 10 to 12 days crossing France, Italy, and Switzerland, sleeping in mountain huts or hotels, and soaking up views that make every step worth it. So, how much will the Tour du Mont Blanc cost in 2025/2026? That depends on how you plan it, your comfort level, and when you go. This guide breaks down realistic budgets — and how to save smart without cutting corners on the experience.

Hikers come to the Dolomites for their raw beauty: jagged limestone peaks glowing pink at sunset, alpine meadows stitched with wildflowers, quiet valleys dotted with mountain huts. It’s hard to believe that these serene landscapes once formed one of the most surreal and hostile battlefields of the First World War. Yet between 1915 and 1917, the Dolomites were not just a natural wonder—they were a war zone. When Italy entered the war on the side of the Allies and declared war on Austria-Hungary in May 1915, the front line cut directly through the Alps. The Dolomites became the stage for what was called the “White War”: soldiers fighting on icy ridges, in vertical cliffs, and on glaciers, at altitudes where the weather often proved deadlier than enemy fire.

The Best Hut-to-Hut Hikes in Austria for Beginners | 5 Easy Routes :root { --bg: #ffffff; --text: #0f172a; /* slate-900 */ --muted: #475569; /* slate-600 */ --accent: #0ea5e9; /* sky-500 */ --accent-dark: #0369a1; /* sky-700 */ --border: #e2e8f0; /* slate-200 */ } html, body { height: 100%; } body { margin: 0; background: var(--bg); color: var(--text); font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, Helvetica, Arial; line-height: 1.65; } .container { max-width: 980px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 24px; } header .eyebrow { color: var(--muted); font-size: .95rem; margin-bottom: 6px; } h1 { font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 2.2vw + 1rem, 2.6rem); line-height: 1.2; margin: .2em 0 .5em; } h2 { font-size: clamp(1.35rem, 1.2vw + 1rem, 1.6rem); margin-top: 2rem; } h3 { font-size: 1.1rem; margin-top: 1.2rem; } p { margin: .6rem 0; } a { color: var(--accent-dark); text-decoration: underline; text-underline-offset: 2px; } a:hover { color: var(--accent); } .lede { font-size: 1.05rem; } /* Responsive comparison table */ .table-responsive { border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: 12px; overflow: hidden; margin: 14px 0 22px; } .table-scroll { overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 760px; } caption { text-align: left; padding: 12px 14px; font-weight: 600; background: #f8fafc; color: #334155; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); } th, td { padding: 12px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); vertical-align: top; } th { text-align: left; background: #f9fafb; } tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } /* Info cards */ .card { background: #f9fafb; border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: 12px; padding: 12px 14px; } @media (max-width: 640px) { .container { padding: 18px; } th, td { padding: 10px 12px; } } Inspiration · For beginners The best hut-to-hut hikes in Austria for beginners: 5 routes you should know Austria is a paradise if you want to do your first hut-to-hut hike. The country offers an excellent hut network, clear waymarking, and routes that range from easy to challenging. For beginners, that means panoramic views, comfortable huts, and well-maintained trails without technical obstacles. Below you’ll find five of the most beautiful and accessible hut-to-hut hikes in Austria. Comparison of the best beginner routes Compare and choose your first hut-to-hut hike Hut-to-hut hike (easy & beginner) Region Duration Daily distance Elevation gain Highlights for beginners Venediger Höhenweg East Tyrol 4 days 10–15 km 500–1,000 m/day Easy stages, views of the Großvenediger, mountain lakes Salzburger Almenweg – Hochkönig Salzburg region 4 days 10–15 km approx. 2,300 m total Green alpine meadows, easy trails, Schneebergkreuz, hut/hotel mix Montafon Fun Trek Vorarlberg 5 days <10 km (most days), 10.7 km max 500–1,100 m/day Lünersee, short stages, comfortable huts Gesäuse Trek Styria 5 days 10–15 km 500–800 m/day Rugged yet accessible trails, Hesshütte, Enns River Lasörling Höhenweg East Tyrol 5 days 10–15 km 600–900 m/day Quiet valleys, manageable elevation, meadows, mountain lakes 1. Venediger Höhenweg (East Tyrol) – 4 days The Venediger Höhenweg runs through Hohe Tauern National Park and takes you past the impressive Großvenediger (3,662 m). This route offers a genuine alpine experience without being too strenuous. Duration: 4 days Daily distance: 10–15 km Elevation gain: 500–1,000 m per day Overnights: Essener-Rostocker Hütte, Johannishütte, Eisseehütte Why this is an easy hut-to-hut hike in Austria: The stages are manageable, the trails are well marked, and the huts are ideally spaced. Along the way you’ll pass alpine meadows and mountain lakes and enjoy views of the glaciers around the Großvenediger. Perfect for a first hut-to-hut experience. 👉 View the trek: Beginner Venediger Höhenweg – 4 days 2. Salzburger Almenweg – Hochkönig (Salzburg region) – 4 days The Salzburger Almenweg around the Hochkönig is known for its green pastures and spectacular views. This 4-day variant is ideal if you want a short, comfortable hut-to-hut trek. Duration: 4 days Total distance: approx. 48 km Total elevation gain: approx. 2,300 m Overnights: Arthurhaus, Erichhütte, hotel in Mühlbach Why suitable for beginners: Daily distances are manageable and there are plenty of rest spots. A highlight is the climb to Schneebergkreuz (1,900 m), with beautiful views of the Hochkönig massif. The mix of huts and hotel nights adds extra comfort. 👉 View the trek: Salzburger Almenweg – Hochkönig 3. Montafon Fun Trek (Vorarlberg) – 5 days The Montafon Fun Trek is one of the best easy hut-to-hut hikes in Austria for beginners. It’s designed for hikers who want a stress-free introduction to multi-day trekking, combining green valleys, mountain lakes, and comfortable huts. Duration: 5 days Longest day: approx. 10.7 km with ± 1,100 m ascent (Lindauer Hütte → Totalphütte) Overnights: Lindauer Hütte, Totalphütte, Heinrich-Hueter-Hütte Highlights: views of the Lünersee, a deep-blue mountain lake surrounded by steep rock walls. The trek ends at the Golmerbahn mountain station, where you can comfortably ride back down to the valley. Why suitable for beginners: Most stages are under 10 km and the trails are easy to follow (T2 level). Only the stage to the Totalphütte is a bit tougher, but still doable with basic fitness. Thanks to comfortable huts and manageable daily distances, this is an ideal first multi-day trek. 👉 View the trek: Montafon Fun Trek – 5 days 4. Gesäuse Trek (Styria) – 5 days Gesäuse National Park in Styria is known for its rugged limestone peaks, deep gorges, and the rushing Enns River. The Gesäuse Trek introduces you to this impressive landscape around the Hochtor (2,369 m) and beyond. Duration: 5 days Daily distance: 10–15 km Elevation gain: 500–800 m per day Well-known huts: Hesshütte (1,699 m), Ennstaler Hütte, Klinke-Hütte Why suitable for beginners: Although the scenery looks dramatic, there are variants with short stages and clear trails. Huts like the Hesshütte are well equipped. Beginners can avoid the tougher sections and follow easier valley trails, making this an accessible yet spectacular trek. 👉 View the trek: Gesäuse Trek – 5 days 5. Lasörling Höhenweg (East Tyrol) – 5 days The Lasörling Höhenweg is a quiet, lesser-known route in East Tyrol—ideal if you want to escape the crowds and seek a pure mountain experience. Duration: 5 days Daily distance: 10–15 km Elevation gain: 600–900 m per day Why this is an accessible hut-to-hut hike in Austria: The stages are well paced and the huts are strategically spaced. You’ll pass silent valleys, alpine meadows, and sometimes mountain lakes. The route delivers an authentic hut-to-hut experience in a tranquil setting. 👉 View the trek: Lasörling Höhenweg – 5 days Extra tips for beginners Choose a trek that matches your fitness: stages of 10–15 km with 500–800 m elevation gain are ideal. Best season: June to September. Bring proper gear: sturdy hiking boots, rainwear, trekking poles, and a sleeping bag liner. These are just five examples of beautiful beginner-friendly hut-to-hut hikes in Austria. There’s much more to discover! See the full overview on our Hut-to-Hut Hiking in Austria for Beginners page. Frequently asked questions Which hut-to-hut hike is best for families with children? The Montafon Fun Trek and the Salzburger Almenweg are excellent choices thanks to short daily distances and comfortable huts. How difficult is a hut-to-hut hike in Austria? Beginner routes usually consist of stages of 10–15 km per day with 500–800 m elevation gain. These are achievable with a normal base fitness. How much does a hut-to-hut hike in Austria cost? Expect €40–70 per night including half board in a mountain hut. Alpine club members often get a discount. Note: prices vary by hut and season. How do I book huts? Most huts can be booked online via the Alpine Club or directly with the hut. For popular routes, it’s best to book early. What should I pack? Check out our comprehensive packing list for hut-to-hut hikes.