Introduction
When the snow crystals sparkle in the light of the sun, most winter fans can no longer stay on the sofa. It's time to get out into the fresh air and enjoy winter in Austria at its best. If you want to hike on untouched paths, it's best to opt for snowshoes. Because without this smart equipment you would simply sink into deep powder snow. Whether powdery or icy - with the big plates on your feet, on the other hand, you can trudge across country through the white wet without any problems.
But where are the most beautiful routes for snowshoe hiking? And which federal states are particularly suitable for this winter hobby? Our blog article will tell you all about it!
Discover Austria on snowshoes
When it comes to the question of "Where?", we can tell you that basically any terrain is suitable for snowshoeing. However, mountains whose peaks have a rather hilly character and whose ascent is not too steep are ideal for snowshoeing. Therefore, the following federal states are popular destinations for winter hiking:
- Vorarlberg
- Tyrol
- Salzburg
- Carinthia
- Upper Austria
- Lower Austria
- Styria
And although snowshoeing does not require quite as much snow as skiing or ski touring, a sufficient amount of snow is considered an important prerequisite. After all, it is much more pleasant to hike that way.
Whether you are a beginner or a novice, using snowshoes is particularly easy and requires no prior knowledge:
- Simply strap the snowshoes under your winter boots,
- take the poles in your hand
- and off you go for pure winter fun!
The most beautiful snowshoe hiking trails in Vorarlberg
Would you like to enjoy the snowy landscape in Vorarlberg in a particularly quiet and gentle way? Then try snowshoeing along the numerous hiking routes or cross-country through the picturesque winter landscape in Vorarlberg - for example, snowshoeing in the Silvretta region. Here you can enjoy the view of the highest peak in Vorarlberg: the Piz Buin (3,312 m)!
We reveal three particularly beautiful route tips for hiking through the snow-covered Vorarlberg landscape.
- From the Schwarzwasserhütte to the Gerachsattel: On this wonderful snowshoe hike you march through the snowy Schwarzwassertal in the Vorarlberg Kleinwalsertal. This winter hiking route in the Allgäu Alps takes you to the Melköde plateau - one of the most beautiful points in Kleinwalsertal, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Hohe Ifen.
- On the Walmendingerhorn: This snowshoe tour with a great view also leads through the Kleinwalsertal in Vorarlberg: Here you start in the mountain village of Baad and climb with your snowshoes to the 1,990 m high Walmendingerhorn - in good weather always accompanied by the sun.
- Round tour Bofa: On this moderately difficult snowshoe hike in the Montafon, you walk on a circular trail from Gaschurns via Innerbofa and the Vermunt storage power station back to Gaschurns.
Snowshoe Hikes in Tyrol, the Heart of Austria
The best way to discover Tyrol - the snow-covered heart of Austria in winter - is on a snowshoe hike. When snowshoeing in Tyrol, you experience the untouched winter world from a completely new perspective - and you also get your whole body moving. Especially Tyrol's 17 winter hiking regions, the many nature parks and the Hohe Tauern National Park invite you to new adventures on snowshoes!
Snowshoeing in the Seefeld region
Where better to go snowshoeing than in the heart of Tyrol? In Seefeld you will find more than 140 kilometres of winter hiking trails that are also ideal for snowshoeing. On seven routes specially marked for snowshoes you hike with your snowshoes over mountain and valley. You will get very close to the untouched nature of Tyrol.
Crossing the Zillertal on snowshoes
The Zillertal in Tyrol is known for its particularly snowy winter months. On a snowshoe hike, romantic mountain villages and fantastic views are waiting to be discovered by you. Fun and enjoyment are guaranteed on 400 kilometres of cleared winter hiking trails. Especially for snowshoe hiking with the family, the Zillertal is always worth a trip!
Snowshoe Hiking in Salzburg & Salzburger Land
Salzburg, with its city of Mozart, not only has some cultural highlights to offer. There are also plenty of winter highlights when it comes to the magnificent natural surroundings. Let the cool mountain air blow around your ears and hike along the most popular snowshoe routes in the Salzkammergut!
- Eibensee & Marienköpfl: If you are still a beginner in snowshoeing, you can try the tour to the Eibensee. On the winter hike to this very idyllic lake you don't have to climb many metres in altitude and still enjoy a great view of the snow-covered winter world in Salzburger Land.
- Filbling: The Filbling is one of the mountains that surround the picturesque Fuschlsee. You can start the hike with snowshoes in Baderluck and - once you have reached the top - you will be rewarded with a fantastic view over Lake Fuschl and the wonderfully snow-covered landscape.
- Zwölferhorn: Next to the Schafberg, the Zwölferhorn is one of the most famous peaks around Lake Wolfgang. In winter you can safely walk up the 1,173-metre-high peak on snowshoes or touring skis.
- Gaisberg: The Gaisberg is only a short distance from the centre of Salzburg. From the summit you have a wonderful view over the city of Mozart as well as over some of the lakes in the Salzburg region. If you want to go snowshoeing on the Gaisberg, you have a choice of different routes: For example, you can start at the Nockstein car park or walk up from the Zistelalm via the Gaisberg circular trail.
Hikes through the snow-covered Lammer Valley
If you are interested in snowshoe hiking in Austria, the Lammertal in Salzburger Land is the right place for you. Here you can gather unforgettable impressions and enjoy winter from its most beautiful side while snowshoeing in the romantic and quiet Lammertal.
Winter hiking in the Gastein Valley
Hiking enthusiasts will also find countless opportunities for a winter holiday in a class of its own in the Gastein Valley. While the snow trickles from the trees and the snow crystals sparkle around you, you can hike through Dorfgastein, Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein on snowshoes and experience the province of Salzburg once in its full glory.
Carinthia: Mountains & lakes always in view
Whether you are at home in Carinthia or spending your winter holiday here - snowshoeing is an absolute must in the picturesque regions of Carinthia! After all, in the south of Austria stretches a gentle winter alpine world that is made for snowshoe hiking. Let yourself be enchanted by this wonderful nature experience and discover the most beautiful regions in Carinthia on snowshoes!
Experience the Villach region in winter
Snowshoeing is an experience for the whole family! The sport is ideal to be practised by young and old. You will notice this especially in Carinthia and the Villach region. The Dreiländereck, the Gerlitzen Alpe and the Dobratsch Nature Park offer you a variety of opportunities for snowshoe hiking.
The snow guarantee you enjoy in the winter paradise of Villach is not only ideal for skiers and snowboarders - the numerous winter hiking trails also benefit from it.
In the Dobratsch Nature Park - Villach's local mountain - you can choose from a variety of snowshoe tours. As a beginner, you can book a guided full moon snowshoe tour. If you prefer something a little sunnier, you can hike at over 2000 metres above sea level on the Gerlitzen Alpe high above Lake Ossiach and view the border triangle - Carinthia, Slovenia and Italy - from above.
Snowshoe hiking around Bad Kleinkirchheim
On a snowshoe hike in Bad Kleinkirchheim and in the Nockberge Biosphere Park, you also have the opportunity to enjoy Carinthia's nature to the full - for example, on one of the guided excursions, which last about 2 hours.
Hohe Tauern: on snowshoes through the national park region of Carinthia
The Hohe Tauern National Park offers you an incredible variety of hiking trails. These can not only be conquered in summer, but can also be walked on snowshoes in the snowy winter months: There are hardly any limits to snowshoe hiking here.
A trip to the Mallnitz National Park Centre in the Tauern Valley is highly recommended. With a bit of luck, you will see ibex, chamois and snow hares up close.
Snowshoe Hiking in the Lesach Valley
The Lesachtal is also known as the most natural valley in Europe. The deep snow-covered slopes, picturesque winter landscapes as well as alpine pastures and peaks are just made for a snowshoe hike. Whether out and about with friends and family or on a guided tour - perhaps you will discover one of the many wild animals that call the Lesachtal home. In any case, you will experience the picturesque winter landscape from an enjoyable side.
The most beautiful winter hiking trails in the Lieser/Malta Valley
Get closer to nature with every single step - and get away from the stress of everyday life! The best way to do this is on an enjoyable snowshoe hike - for example in the Lieser/Malta Valley. Here you can go on snowshoes to the Stubeck. The snowshoe hike takes you off the beaten track through the snow-covered winter forest. Avalanche-safe, the trail goes over the timberline up to the summit, which scores with a spectacular view.
Snowshoeing in Upper Austria
IIn Upper Austria you will find an unbelievable number of opportunities to enjoy winter from its most beautiful side. An excursion to this versatile province is particularly worthwhile on foot: whether you prefer to be out and about in warm winter boots or with practical snowshoes - the shiny snow and panoramic summit tours are already waiting to be explored by you.
- Hütteneck tour: On the picturesque tour to the Hütteneckalm you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Dachstein. The two-hour tour takes you from the Predigtstuhl car park up to the Hütteneckalm and back again.
- Reischlberg: The peaceful Bohemian Forest in Upper Austria is ideal for particularly enjoyable winter hikes that are good for both body and soul. From the top station of the Reischlberg cable car you can reach the Reischlberg summit in just a few steps and enjoy an excellent panoramic view.
Pyhrn-Priel as a destination for your snowshoe hike
In the Upper Austrian holiday region of Pyhrn-Priel you will also find an extensive range of winter and snowshoe hiking trails. In winter, around 100 kilometres of cleared winter trails - some of which have even been rolled - are waiting to be discovered. Enjoy the nature of the Alps to the fullest!
Discover the Vienna Alps while snowshoeing in Lower Austria
When snowshoeing in the Vienna Alps, you walk on marked trails or - best of all with a hiking guide - through the still untouched, snowy landscape. This way you can enjoy nature to the full. The only thing you will hear is the snow crunching under your snowshoes. Only an hour away from Vienna, the Vienna Alps are a true paradise for winter sports enthusiasts: make your first tracks through untouched deep snow and enjoy the view of the Rax, Schneeberg or Hohe Wand!
Hiking through the Mostviertel on snowshoes
In St. Aegyd am Neuwalde in the Mostviertel, the best way to experience the idyllic terrain between Gippel and Göller is on snowshoes. On the well-signposted Kesselgraben snowshoe tour in Lackenhof am Ötscher, you hike 3.6 kilometres along a circular trail through the centre of the village over the Kesselgraben to the well-known Mandlboden Hut.
Another route suitable for snowshoes is the Eibenkogel trail. This begins on the Teichwiese and leads about 1.5 kilometres up the Belling to the mountain station.
In Annaberg, the Tirolerkogel invites you to go snowshoeing. Within 2 hours you reach the summit with the Annaberger Haus.
Snowshoe Hikes in the Waldviertel
On a snowshoe hike in the Waldviertel you are also encouraged to explore nature and enjoy the tranquillity to the full. The soft crunching of the snow under your snowshoes is usually the only thing you hear. Bad Traunstein and Gutenbrunn are particularly recommended for snowshoe hiking in the Waldviertel. Especially the hikes in Bärnkopf and Langschlag are ideal for the whole family!
Popular snowshoe hikes in Styria
Whether the Niedere Tauern, the Tote Gebirge, the Gesäuse, the Seetaler or Fischbacher Alps - when snowshoeing in Styria, you hike with feather-light snowshoes through the untouched white splendour. In the regions, endless kilometres off the cleared paths and pistes lead through the snow-covered winter landscape of Styria.
Even in popular ski resorts like Schladming-Dachstein you will find countless opportunities to enjoy magnificent views of snow-covered lakes in the Ausseerland-Salzkammergut region - while snowshoeing.
Snowshoe Hiking in the South of Styria
- Seiner-Kreuz: The Hirschegger-Alm is picture-perfect for snowshoe hiking. Only an hour's drive from Graz, you can find peace and quiet while hiking through the winter landscape.
- Dreieckkogel snowshoe hike: On this snowshoe hike you can enjoy a magnificent view of the wintry Schilcherland. As one of the seven selected hiking villages of Styria, Soboth is not only known as a hiker's paradise in summer, but is also always worth a trip in winter. Due to the gentle terrain, it is also recommended as a wonderful snowshoe hiking area for the whole family. After the ascent you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills.
Explore the Gesäuse on snowshoes
- Gscheideggkogel: This snowshoe hike in the Eisenerz Alps with a view of the "Styrian Matterhorn" requires stamina and endurance.
The Radmer or Johnsbach Valley forms the natural border between the Eisenerz Alps and the Gesäuse Mountains. Due to the magnificent, extensive and at the same time untouched mountain world and the many possibilities for a snowshoe hike, this area is visited by numerous winter lovers in winter.
- Übereckrunde Johnsbach: In the rear part of the Johnsbach valley you will find the ideal starting point for a leisurely snowshoe hike, during which you can explore and enjoy various alpine pastures in beautiful Styria.
Snowshoe Hiking in the Schladming-Dachstein Region
- High plateau Planneralm: With a little perseverance, this snowshoe hike will take you to the snow-covered plateau of the highest ski village in Styria - the district of Donnersbach in the Irdning-Donnersbachtal valley. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Plannerkessel.
- Hohe Trett: This extended snowshoe tour starts in Aigen, in Steriermark. Once you arrive at the Hohe Trett, the spectacular view of the Grimming and the Enns Valley awaits you.
Explore Hochsteiermark on snowshoes
- Siebensee: This circular hiking trail in the Wildalpen can be customised. With a shortcut for beginners and options to extend for the pros among the snowshoe hikers, the Siebensee is always worth a trip. You will be rewarded with a view of the steep rock faces of Griesstein and Schauffelwand as well as the great natural wonder of Wildalpen in Hochsteiermark.
- Snowshoe tour to Hoher Gupf: A real insider tip is the snowshoe tour in the westernmost corner of the Rax. The strenuous climb up the steep slope to the summit is rewarded with a magnificent view down into the Altenberg valley.
Snowshoe Hiking in the Murau District
- Maria Schönanger snowshoe trail: This short but challenging snowshoe trail leads through the dense forest up to the Maria Schönanger pilgrimage church.
- Mödringalm in the Triebental: On the easy and family-friendly alpine hike along a marked snowshoe trail you hike from the Bergerhube to the Mödringalm. The Murtal region is also known as an insider tip with guaranteed snow. This is due to the location of the glacial valley as well as the influence of the weather and snow from the north. Here you will find ideal conditions for an enjoyable snowshoe hike. We wish you lots of fun on your next adventure on snowshoes!
Whichever region or snowshoe hike you choose - we at SPORT 2000 rent wish you lots of fun discovering Austria's wonderful winter landscape!
Are you still missing the right tips for snowshoeing or do you want to know what equipment you need? Then take a look at our blog article "The fascination of snowshoe hiking" and find out what you need to consider when hiking with snowshoes.