Turmi

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.

Tips for Your First Hut-to-Hut Hike in Austria | Bookatrekking expert tips :root { --bg: #ffffff; --text: #111827; /* slate-900 */ --muted: #6b7280; /* gray-500 */ --accent: #0ea5e9; /* sky-500 */ --accent-dark: #0284c7; /* sky-600 */ --border: #e5e7eb; /* gray-200 */ --code-bg: #f8fafc; /* slate-50 */ } html, body { height: 100%; } body { margin: 0; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, Helvetica, Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji"; background: var(--bg); color: var(--text); line-height: 1.65; } .container { max-width: 920px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 24px; } header { margin-bottom: 12px; } header .eyebrow { color: var(--muted); font-size: 0.9rem; letter-spacing: .02em; } h1 { font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 2.5vw + 1rem, 2.6rem); line-height: 1.2; margin: 0.2em 0 .4em; } h2 { font-size: clamp(1.35rem, 1.2vw + 1rem, 1.6rem); margin-top: 2rem; } h3 { font-size: 1.125rem; margin-top: 1.25rem; } p { margin: 0.6rem 0; } a { color: var(--accent-dark); text-decoration: underline; text-underline-offset: 2px; } a:hover { color: var(--accent); } .lede { font-size: 1.05rem; color: var(--text); } .note { background: #f0f9ff; border: 1px solid #e0f2fe; border-radius: 10px; padding: 12px 14px; } /* List styling */ ul { padding-left: 1.2rem; } li { margin: .4rem 0; } /* Responsive table */ .table-responsive { margin: 10px 0 18px; border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .table-scroll { overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 560px; } 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; font-weight: 700; font-size: .95rem; color: #111827; background: #f9fafb; } tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } /* Callouts */ .callout { background: #f9fafb; border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: 12px; padding: 14px 16px; } /* Footer blocks */ .meta { color: var(--muted); font-size: .95rem; margin-top: 28px; } /* Better spacing on small screens */ @media (max-width: 640px) { .container { padding: 18px; } .lede { font-size: 1rem; } th, td { padding: 10px 12px; } } Guide · For beginners Tips for Your First Hut-to-Hut Hike in Austria Your first hut-to-hut hike in Austria will be an unforgettable experience. You’ll walk for days through stunning nature and spend the nights in cozy mountain huts. Want to learn more about options and routes? Start with our guide Hut-to-Hut Hiking in Austria for Beginners. In this article we focus on practical tips: from planning and gear to safety and hut etiquette. That way, you’ll start your first trek well-prepared. 1. Choose the Right Trek & Assess Your Level Start with treks that match your current fitness: stages of 10–15 km per day and 500–800 m elevation gain are ideal for beginners. For many hikers, a 3-day trek is the perfect start: long enough to get into the rhythm, short enough not to overload. Be honest: are you used to hiking with a backpack? Can you walk uphill for 4–5 hours without problems? Pay attention to the difficulty level (SAC scale). For beginners, T1–T2 are suitable: well-marked paths, no technical sections. 👉 Need inspiration? Check out our 5 Best Hut-to-Hut Hikes in Austria for Beginners. 2. Best Season & Weather Conditions The best time for hut hikes is late June to early October. Outside this window, many huts are closed or there may be snow. High season (July–August) is busy: reservations are essential. September is often quieter and offers stable weather – ideal for beginners. Early summer may still have snowfields and trail markings can be damaged or less visible at the start of the season. 3. Route Planning & Reservations Use reliable maps or apps (Alpenverein maps, Outdooractive, Komoot) to estimate elevation gain and walking times. Plan generously: account for breaks, weather changes, and fatigue. Build in recovery moments. Book huts in advance, especially in popular regions. Bring cash – not every hut accepts cards. Consider joining the Austrian Alpine Club: members often get discounts on accommodation and meals. Booking via Bookatrekking? You’ll get access to our trekking app. It allows you to navigate offline and set your fitness level, after which the walking time is realistically recalculated to match your pace. 4. Gear & Packing List Good gear is essential. Here are the must-haves: Packing List – Essentials for Your First Hut-to-Hut Hike Item Why Important Sturdy hiking boots (category B/C) Grip on mud, rocks, and wet trails. Backpack 30–40 liters + rain cover Enough space without becoming too heavy. Waterproof jacket + insulating layer (fleece/down) Mountain weather changes quickly. Hut sleeping bag / liner Required in huts, hygienic and lightweight. Headlamp & batteries Useful in low light or dormitories. Sunglasses, sunscreen, cap Protection against strong sun at altitude. First aid kit & blister plasters Minor injuries can ruin your hike. Water bottle and snacks Not every hut is nearby; keep your energy up. Map, compass, phone + power bank For navigation and emergencies. Our tip: pack light. Everything you don’t need is just extra weight. Aim for 8–10 kg backpack weight as a beginner. 5. Safety & Weather Check the weather forecast before and during your trek; adjust your plans if you see dark clouds, wind, or storms. Always carry a map/compass or GPS; don’t rely only on your smartphone. Sign the Hüttenbuch when you arrive; it lets others know you’re there and which route you’re taking. Emergency number for Austrian mountain rescue: 140. Consider mountain sports insurance: rescues can be expensive. 6. Hut Etiquette & Culture Respect quiet hours and fellow guests; huts are simple and shared spaces. Take off your shoes in dorms; hut slippers are often provided. Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. Breakfast is usually early (around 06:30–07:00). Many hikers go to bed early as well. If you’re a night owl, bring an e-reader or book to read quietly. Try the local food! Kaiserschmarrn or a hearty soup tastes even better after a long hike. Pro tip from our team: “Evenings in the huts are often the most fun: eating together, sharing stories, and heading to bed early. It’s part of the charm of hut hiking.” 7. Fitness & Preparation Train with day hikes carrying a backpack; descents put strain on knees and ankles. Build fitness with walking, cycling, or stair climbing; make sure to get enough sleep and stay hydrated. Keep your plans flexible: choose routes with options to shorten a day or descend earlier. 8. Pick the Right Route for Your First Experience Your first hut-to-hut hike should motivate and bring joy. Pick a route with: Short stages and manageable elevation gain Well-marked paths (T2) Enough huts along the way for flexibility 👉 For a full overview: Hut-to-Hut Hiking in Austria for Beginners. Conclusion With the right preparation, your first hut-to-hut hike will be an unforgettable experience. Take the time to choose a route that suits you, pack light, and don’t forget to enjoy the hut life. These are just a few tips; you’ll learn much along the way. Book with Bookatrekking and you’ll benefit from our trekking app with offline navigation and personalized time calculation – extra peace of mind for your first hut hike. About the Author This article was written by the mountain hiking specialists at Bookatrekking. Our team has completed dozens of hut hikes in Austria and helps hundreds of hikers each year plan their first trek. We work closely with local guides and alpine clubs to keep our information up to date. Disclaimer The information in this article was carefully compiled and is based on our own experience and sources such as the Austrian Alpine Club and local tourism boards. Always check the latest information with huts and official authorities. Hiking in the mountains carries risks – prepare well and stay flexible.

Above the Falzarego Pass in the Dolomites stands Monte Lagazuoi (2,835 m). Today it's known for its wide views and hiking trails, but during the First World War it was part of a cold and lonely front line. Deep inside the mountain, soldiers from Italy and Austria-Hungary dug a maze of tunnels and fought a battle where the rock itself became an enemy. Today, this area is also crossed by the famous Alta Via 1, making it a highlight for hikers looking to mix history with adventure.