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.