By Rintsje Bosch
The Best Hut-to-Hut Hikes in Austria for Beginners | 5 Easy Routes
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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.
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