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The 5 most beautiful hut-to-hut hikes in Austria for beginners

Rintsje Bosch

11 Sep 2025

The 5 most beautiful hut-to-hut hikes in Austria for beginners

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There’s something special about waking up in a mountain hut, sipping coffee while the sun hits the peaks. In the Alps, that feeling is easy to find, even if you’ve never done a multi-day trek before. The trails are well marked, the huts are welcoming, and there’s always a plate of Kaiserschmarrn or apple strudel waiting somewhere along the way.

This post is for anyone who’s thought, “I’d love to try a hut-to-hut hike, but where do I start?” The good news is that Austria is one of the best places to begin. The routes are accessible, the views are classic Alpine, and you don’t need to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy them. We’ve picked a few of the best hut-to-hut hikes in Austria for beginners, routes that give you the full mountain experience without pushing you too far out of your comfort zone.

The 5 Best Options for Your First Hut-to-Hut Trek in Austria

Below you’ll find an overview of some of the best hut-to-hut hikes for beginners in Austria. The table includes the region, duration, average daily distance, total elevation gain, and a few highlights that make each route a good choice for first-time hikers. It’s a quick way to compare the different options and find the one that suits your plans best. In the rest of this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at each of these routes and share what makes them special.

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 in East-Tyrol

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.

The full Venediger Höhenweg is a serious undertaking and one of the more demanding long-distance treks in Austria. This shorter version, however, keeps the beauty and atmosphere of the route while staying within reach for less experienced hikers. Austria’s mountain trails can be pretty hardcore, but this one offers a perfect stepping stone into multi-day trekking in the Alps. The video below shows an impression of the full Venediger Höhenweg.

👉 View the trek: Beginner Venediger Höhenweg – 4 days

2. Salzburger Almenweg - Hochkönig

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, making this more of a “glamping” version of a hut-to-hut trek. It’s not 100% mountain huts, but a softer take on the Alpine experience — great if you like the idea of ending your hiking day with a warm shower and a proper bed. Having said that, the second night in the Erichhütte can't be a more authentic alpine hut experience.

👉 View the trek: Salzburger Almenweg – Hochkönig

2. Salzburger Almenweg - Hochkönig

3. Montafon Fun Trek in Vorarlberg

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. The Montafon Valley itself is one of Austria’s most famous outdoor regions, known for its traditional villages, friendly mountain culture, and perfectly maintained trail network. It’s where many locals and first-time hikers fall in love with the Alps.

Duration: 4 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. The combination of mountain scenery and easy logistics makes this trek a favourite for hikers who want a taste of adventure without any hassle.

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 that shows exactly why Montafon is such a classic hiking destination.

👉 View the trek: Montafon Fun Trek – 5 days

4. Gesäuse Trek in Styria

Gesäuse National Park in Styria is known for its rugged limestone peaks, deep gorges, and the rushing Enns River. This is one of Austria’s wildest corners, where nature still feels untamed. The Gesäuse Trek introduces you to this dramatic landscape around the Hochtor (2,369 m) and beyond, combining alpine charm with an authentic, off-the-beaten-path feel. It’s a place loved by Austrian hikers but still relatively unknown to visitors from abroad, which makes it a real find.

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, and you can choose routes that skip the more demanding sections. Beginners can stick to easier valley trails while still getting those big-mountain views. The Gesäuse Trek is proof that you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy one of Austria’s most striking national parks.

👉 View the trek: Gesäuse Trek – 5 days

4. Gesäuse Trek in Styria

5. Lasörling Höhenweg in East Tyrol

The Lasörling Höhenweg is a quiet, lesser-known route in East Tyrol, ideal if you want to escape the crowds and experience the mountains at their most peaceful. East Tyrol is known for its unspoiled valleys, family-run huts, and friendly, down-to-earth mountain culture. Compared to Austria’s more famous regions, the Lasörling feels wilder and more personal — a place where you can truly disconnect and take in the rhythm of the Alps.

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 through quiet valleys, alpine meadows, and occasionally along clear mountain lakes. It’s an authentic hut-to-hut experience without the busyness of the more popular trails — a great choice for hikers who value peace and simplicity as much as the views.

👉 View the trek: Lasörling Höhenweg – 5 days

5. Lasörling Höhenweg in East Tyrol

Hiking Tips for Beginners

Starting with your first hut-to-hut hike in Austria is easier than you might think. The most important thing is to keep it simple and enjoy being out there. Pick a route that fits your fitness level, pack only what you need, and remember that most huts serve warm meals and have bedding ready for you. You don’t have to carry everything on your back. A good pair of hiking boots makes all the difference, especially when the days get long. Take your time, start early, and give yourself space to enjoy the moments in between. Sit down for a coffee, take in the view, and let the mountains set the pace. If you’re not sure where to start, choose a shorter route first and build from there. Each hike teaches you something new, and before long, you’ll find yourself planning the next one.

We also made a short video with a few simple hiking tips. It’s not just for hut-to-hut hikers but for anyone who wants to get more out of their time on the trail. You can watch it below.

How to Train For Your First Hut-to-Hut Trek

You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy a hut-to-hut hike, but a bit of preparation makes a big difference. The best way to train is simple: walk more. Try to get outside a few times a week, gradually increasing the distance and elevation. If you can, add a backpack with a bit of weight so your body gets used to carrying it. A few stair climbs or hill walks will help you build leg strength and confidence on uneven ground. Most people find that four to six weeks of steady walking is enough to feel ready for their first trek. The goal isn’t to go fast, but to feel comfortable moving for several hours a day.

We’ve also made a short video with a few training tips to help you get started. It covers the basics of building endurance and preparing for the kind of hiking you’ll do on the trail. You can watch it below.

You Too Can Do It

Thanks for reading our guide to the best beginner-friendly hut-to-hut treks in Austria. Whether you’re planning your first multi-day hike or simply want to explore the Alps at your own pace, there’s a route that will fit you. If you’re thinking about hiking with the family, take a look at our page on hut-to-hut hiking in Austria with kids. Prefer something shorter? We’ve also listed treks for 3 days, 4 days, and 5 days. Whenever you’re ready, start small, pick your route, and take your first steps into the Austrian Alps.

If you have any questions, leave a comment or use the contact form. We’re always happy to help you plan your next trek.

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