Preferred date sold out?
Discover our hut-to-hut treks in Austria with availability in August or September and secure your adventure before it's too late!

Short Venediger Höhenweg for Families

Duration: 3 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 0 - 10 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

> Hike the intermediate Short Venediger Höhenweg in 3 days
> Sleep in cozy Austrian mountain huts
> We organize your overnight stays along the trail

Short on time but craving high-alpine adventure? The Short Venediger Höhenweg delivers a condensed yet exhilarating experience through Austria's Hohe Tauern National Park. Over three days, you'll traverse approximately 21 kilometers, which makes the tour perfect foralpine treks with kids, with daily ascents ranging from 500 to 1000 meters, immersing yourself in dramatic mountain landscapes, glacier vistas, and the serene beauty of alpine meadows.

This trek is rated T2, making it suitable for hikers with good fitness levels and some mountain experience. You'll stay in welcoming mountain huts like the Essener-Rostocker Hütte and Johannishütte, where traditional Austrian hospitality meets breathtaking scenery. Starting and ending in the charming village of Prägraten, this self-guided adventure is perfect for those seeking a taste of the Venediger Höhenweg without committing to the full route.

Itinerary

Day
1

Hinterbichl - Essener-Rostocker-Hütte

Duration: 04:30 h
Distance: 8.7 km
Ascent: 900 m
Descent: 40 m
You begin the Venediger Höhenweg journey with a leisurely walk from the cozy village of Hinterbichl. From there, you'll walk the first 3 km (1,8 miles) along the Isel River to the Ströden parking lot and the entrance to the Hohe Tauern National Park. To slightly shorten today's total distance, you could park at this lot and start your mountain adventure from here. The next 2 km (1,2 miles) are a tranquil stroll, and shortly after passing the Stornalm, today's challenge begins. The final 4 km (2,4 miles) involve a considerably steeper ascent, and after about 2.5 hours, you will have gained 640 meters (2.099 feet) in altitude. Don't forget to look around and enjoy the vast green plains, waterfalls, and bridges you encounter. At the end of this stage, you will find the Essener-Rostocker-Hütte, your accommodation for tonight.

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 - Prägraten

Duration: 02:30 h
Distance: 8 km
Ascent: 50 m
Descent: 760 m
Lowest Point: 1360 m
Highest Point: 2110 m

From the Johannishütte, follow the marked trail heading south through high alpine terrain. The path offers immediate views of the Großvenediger, one of Austria’s highest peaks, towering over the surrounding landscape. Continue along the trail as it winds through the Dorferbach Klamm, a narrow gorge shaped by centuries of glacial and water erosion.

Descend steadily and pass the Wilder Dorferbach, a wild mountain stream that crashes down through rocky slopes and alpine pastures. The route leads further down to a viewpoint over the quarry, offering a striking contrast between nature and human activity.

Follow the trail through a series of switchbacks with panoramic views of the valley and the Großvenediger. Continue the descent past Stabant Hütte, a good resting spot before entering the lower forested sections. The path gradually eases and brings you to the village of Prägraten, marking the end of the route. From here, you can head back to Hinterbichl.

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 your Venediger Höhenweg, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. In the mountain huts we normally only book dormitories, but we can look into private rooms on request. If the private rooms are fully booked or not available in the hut, we automatically book a bed in dormitories for you. Please note that private rooms are more expensive and there will be an additional charge for this.

  • Half-board in Huts

    Accommodation at the huts includes dinner and breakfast. We will arrange this for you as well. This allows you to travel lighter and have one less thing to worry about. Bear in mind that lunch is not included, but it can be purchased at the huts. Here you can also buy an array of snacks and bottled water.

  • 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?

  • Travelling to and from

  • Back to Hinterbichl

  • 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?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

Packing List for the Venediger Höhenweg

  • Information

  • Essentials

  • Extras

Reviews

Reviews