Austria Easter Hikes: 7 Trails for a Long Weekend Adventure
The long Easter weekend is fast approaching, and Austria promises a captivating outdoor experience for hikers of all levels. With blooming flower meadows, mild temperatures, and scenic trails, these seven spring hikes offer a variety of experiences, from panoramic views to historic sites and educational opportunities.
**1. Seefeld Region – Around the Gschwandtkopf**
Nestled in the picturesque Seefeld region, this circular hike leads past the charming villages of Seefeld, Mösern, and Reith. The route crosses numerous colorful flower meadows and forest areas rich with birdlife, making it an ideal introduction to the hiking season. With a moderate length and favorable conditions on the plateau, even if higher elevations still have some snow, this trail is perfect for a leisurely first spring hike. Highlights include wild crocus blooms and forest bird songs, ideal for photography and picnics at Möser Lake.
**2. Imst Area – Alpine and Waterfall Hikes**
Imst, in Tyrol, is nestled by the Lechtal Alps and offers diverse hiking from easy riverside walks to challenging summit climbs. A recommended spring hike is the Tschachaun trail, with a moderate difficulty, about 10 km long, and an ascent of 866 m, taking around 4 hours. The area is famous for its spectacular waterfalls, such as the Rosengartenschlucht and the 159-metre Stuibenfall near Umhausen. Spring is a prime season here, as nature flourishes in mild weather. Family-friendly trails like the "Alpine Coaster" themed hike provide playful outdoor experiences for kids.
**Additional Tips for Spring Hiking in Austria:**
- Spring temperatures are mild, ideal for moderate hiking without the summer heat. - Flower meadows, particularly crocuses, create stunning natural carpets that are excellent for photography. - Nearby lakes remain cold, but brave hikers can even take a refreshing plunge. - Preparatory hikes in spring help condition for longer summer mountain challenges like the Karwendelmarsch in late spring or summer.
**3. Upper Austria – The Peace Trail and Hohe Dirn**
The Peace Trail leads from Bad Tatzmannsdorf to Stadtschlaining and the Friedensburg, a restored castle now serving as a center for peace research. From Gasthaus Klausriegler, the hike leads to the Hohe Dirn via the Gratweg or a forest road. This easy hike spans 11.5 km and lasts 3.5 hours, with a 250 m elevation gain. The Anton-Schosser-Hut is a mid-point rest stop on the trail, open from 15 April.
**4. Tirol – Hintersteiner See and Walleralm**
This hike starts at the crystal-clear Hintersteiner See, accessible by free hiking bus from Scheffau, and offers fantastic views of the Wilder Kaiser. The 9.3 km long, 3-hour 15-minute hike, with a 360 m elevation gain, is suitable for those who enjoy hiking with stories and legends. Depending on the snow conditions, snowdrops may bloom during this hike, and there are several options for a snack, such as the Stoefflhuette or the Kafma Alm.
**5. Salzburg – Bauernregelweg Altenmarkt-Zauchensee**
The Bauernregelweg Altenmarkt-Zauchensee is an easy themed trail, 4.89 km long and lasting 2 hours, with a 270 m elevation gain. This trail features 22 stations explaining old farming proverbs in an entertaining way.
**6. Vorarlberg – Dorfrunde in Silbertal**
The Dorfrunde in Silbertal is a very easy hike, 2.92 km long and lasting 1 hour, with an 86 m elevation gain. This trail combines nature, history, and culture, making it ideal for a relaxing stroll or warm-up for longer tours.
**7. Styria – Devil's Stone**
Another hike in Styria takes you on a round trip to the Devil's Stone, a geological curiosity in the alpine landscape.
In Lower Austria, a hike leads to Leopoldswarte and Hauswaldberg, offering a view of the Oetscher. These hikes range in difficulty from easy (Easy) and duration from 2.5 hours to 4 hours, making them suitable for those who prefer relaxed hiking but still want to enjoy summit joy.
These spring hikes offer various experiences, such as panoramic views, historic sites, and educational opportunities, making them perfect for a memorable Easter holiday in Austria. Happy hiking!
- Enhance your outdoor-living lifestyle during the Easter weekend by exploring the home-and-garden of nature in Austria, where spring hikes like the Peace Trail in Upper Austria provide a relaxing stroll with historical and cultural aspects.
- Immerse yourself in the Austrian home-and-garden, highlighted by spring hikes such as the Alpine and Waterfall Hikes in the Imst Area, brimming with blooming flower meadows, educational opportunities, and family-friendly trails for a captivating outdoor experience.
