Beginner Venediger Höhenweg

Duration: 4 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

> Hike the Venediger Höhenweg in 4 days
> Stay in iconic alpine huts like Johannishütte and Eisseehütte
> We take care of your bookings and logistics

It’s that moment at sunrise, when you sip your coffee outside the Johannishütte, and the first light hits the mighty Großvenediger. The air is crisp, your legs still waking up, and you realize you’re walking one of the most peaceful high routes in Austria. No road noise, no crowds—just gentle alpine beauty and a string of authentic mountain huts waiting to host you.

The Venediger Höhenweg is a 4-day hut-to-hut hiking adventure in the Alps in the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park, ideal for beginners and casual hikers. You’ll hike from Rosstocker-Hütte to Johannishütte, follow well-marked trails to Eisseehütte, and finish in the peaceful Virgental. The route avoids technical sections and is perfect for those looking to experience the Alps without steep climbs or difficult terrain.

Itinerary

Day
1

Prägraten - Ströden - Essener-Rosstocker-Hütte

Duration: 04:50 h
Distance: 12.6 km
Ascent: 1000 m
Descent: 90 m
Your journey begins in the peaceful village of Prägraten, surrounded by meadows and the distant glint of glaciers. The trail slowly winds its way into the heart of the Venediger Group, gaining height with every turn. If you’d like to shorten this stage and enjoy a lighter first day, you can make your way to Hinterer Parkplatz Ströden and start your hike from there. Along the way, you'll pass tumbling mountain streams and rugged terrain as the scenery becomes more dramatic. After about three hours, the Essener-Rostocker Hütte appears like a postcard, perched beneath towering peaks and ready to welcome you with warm hospitality.

Essener-Rostocker-Hütte

Info
Essener-Rostocker-Hütte
Essener-Rostocker-Hütte
Day
2

Essener-Rostocker-Hütte - Johannishütte

Duration: 04:40 h
Distance: 7.7 km
Ascent: 560 m
Descent: 640 m
Today is all about the Türmljoch, which is located at an altitude of 2,844 meters (9.330 feet). After a good breakfast at the Essener-Rostocker-Hütte, pack your bag early and head northwest. The first 2 km (1,2 miles) involve a gradual ascent, and after about 1 hour, you'll be at the base of today's challenge. Over a span of 4.5 km (2.8 miles), you'll climb to 2,761 meters (9.058 feet) via zigzag paths, passing by the Türmljoch Spitze. It's a great spot for a short break with stunning views as clouds roll over the mountain peaks. After catching your breath, you'll descend to the Johannishütte, where a cold beer awaits you.

Johannishütte

Info
Johannishütte
Johannishütte
Day
3

Johannishütte - Eisseehütte

Duration: 04:20 h
Distance: 5.5 km
Ascent: 800 m
Descent: 430 m
The real challenge of the Venediger Höhenweg begins today and can be compared slightly to some sections of the Stubaier Höhenweg. Are you ready for it? It's a relatively short 5 km (3,1 miles) that you need to cover, but today will test your endurance. The narrow paths and rugged terrain demand the right mindset. Fortunately, you'll be aided by the steel cables in the mountains that you can hold onto. With some climbing and scrambling, you'll be guided over the Zopetscharte (2,958m/9.704ft) and past the Tulpspitze (3,054m/10.019ft). After ascending for 3.5 km (2,2 miles), the descent begins, which will take you down to a lower point in the same way and through the same landscape. Here, you can take a break at the Eisseehütte with other hikers. Not tired yet? You can continue hiking to the Eissee. More information about this in the Hiking Guide.

Eisseehütte

Info
Eisseehütte
Eisseehütte
Day
4

Eisseehütte - Prägraten

Duration: 03:35 h
Distance: 6.94 km
Descent: 1210 m
The final day takes you back to the valley with a long and scenic descent. The trail leads you past panoramic viewpoints, alpine meadows, and cascading brooks, offering one last chance to soak in the raw beauty of the Venediger range. After a steady downhill, you’ll arrive once again in Prägraten, where your circular journey ends right where it began—with tired legs, a full camera roll, and a full heart.

Included

  • Full travel guide

    You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Venediger Höhenweg. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.

  • Accommodation

    During the trek, you’ll stay overnight in mountain huts. Accommodation is booked in dormitories (Lager) by default. Some huts offer private rooms (€50 per room, per night) or Mehrbettzimmer / small shared rooms (€12.50 per person, per night), subject to limited availability. If you’d like an upgrade, you can leave a comment while booking or email us immediately after booking. If a private room isn’t available, your booking will be placed in a Mehrbettzimmer or dormitory instead.

  • Half board (where possible)

    Accommodation in the huts includes dinner and breakfast, unless otherwise indicated in the exclusive list. This allows you to travel lighter and not have to worry about an extra meal. Please note, however, that lunch is not included, but can be purchased at the huts.

  • Navigation support

    Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.

  • Transfers

    Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas, ferries, etc.

  • Lunch

    Half-board is included in the price of this trek. Lunch, however, is not. You can get something to eat at the mountain huts along the way.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

FAQ

  • Is the Venediger High Trail Suitable for Me?

  • What Is the Best Season for the Venediger Höhenweg?

  • How to Get to the Starting Point of the Venediger Höhenweg

  • What if the dates I want are not available?

  • If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

  • How do I know if this trek is right for me?

  • Can meals be adapted to my dietary requirements?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

Packing List for the Venediger Höhenweg

  • Information

  • Essentials

  • Extras

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