The most popular regions for your winter hiking experience
Snowshoeing in Austria

The most beautiful snowshoe trails in Vorarlberg

Would you like to enjoy the snow-covered landscape in Vorarlberg in a particularly peaceful and gentle way? Then why not try snowshoeing along the numerous hiking routes or cross-country through the picturesque winter scenery in Vorarlberg – for example, snowshoeing in the Silvretta region. Here you can enjoy the view of Vorarlberg's highest peak: the Piz Buin (3,312 m).

We'll 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 will walk through the snow-covered Schwarzwassertal valley in Vorarlberg's Kleinwalsertal valley. This winter hiking route in the Allgäu Alps takes you to the Melköde plateau – one of the most beautiful spots in the Kleinwalsertal valley. There you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Hoher Ifen.
• To the Walmendingerhorn: This scenic snowshoe tour also leads through the Kleinwalsertal valley in Vorarlberg: you start in the mountain village of Baad and climb with your snowshoes to the 1,990-metre-high Walmendingerhorn – accompanied by sunshine when the weather is fine.
• Bofa circular tour: This moderately difficult snowshoe hike in Montafon takes you on a circular route that starts in Gaschurn. Via Innerbofa, the route leads to the Vermunt storage power station and then back to Gaschurn.

Snowshoe hikes in Tyrol, the heart of Austria

Tyrol, the snow-covered heart of Austria in winter, is best explored on snowshoes. When snowshoeing in Tyrol, you can experience the untouched winter world from a whole new perspective. It also gets your whole body moving. Tyrol's 17 winter hiking regions, the many nature parks and the Hohe Tauern National Park are particularly inviting for 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 can hike over mountains and valleys. In doing so, you will immerse yourself in the untouched nature of Tyrol.
• Crossing the Zillertal on snowshoes: The Zillertal in Tyrol is known for its particularly snowy winter months. A snowshoe hike offers romantic mountain villages and fantastic views. Fun and enjoyment are guaranteed on a total of 400 kilometres of cleared winter hiking trails. The Zillertal is always worth a visit, especially for snowshoe hiking with the family.

Snowshoeing in Salzburg & the Salzburg region

The province of Salzburg, home to Mozart's city, has more than just cultural highlights to offer. The surrounding nature is also inspiring. There are therefore numerous opportunities for snowshoeing in the Salzburg region – both for beginners and advanced. Guided tours are also available. For example, you can hike through the Hohe Tauern National Park with rangers or climb the Gaisberg with mountain professionals. The Salzkammergut, Wildkogel and St. Johann are among the snowshoe hotspots.

Breathe in the cool mountain air, let the winter sun tickle your nose and hike along the most popular snowshoe routes in the Salzkammergut:

• Eibensee & Marienköpfl: If you are a beginner at snowshoeing, you can try the tour to Eibensee. On this winter hike to a 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 of the Salzburg region.
• Filbling: The Filbling is one of the mountains that frame the picturesque Fuschlsee lake. You can start the hike in Baderluck with snowshoes and, once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a fantastic view over the Fuschlsee lake and the beautiful snow-covered landscape.
• Zwölferhorn: Along with 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 mountain with snowshoes or touring skis.
• Gaisberg: The Gaisberg is located in the immediate vicinity of the centre of Salzburg. From the summit, you have a wonderful view over the city of Mozart and some of the lakes in the Salzburg region. If you want to climb the Gaisberg on snowshoes, there are various routes to choose from: for example, you can start at the Nockstein car park or take the Gaisberg circular trail via the Zistelalm.
• Osterhorn Group: A 4-summit tour in the Osterhorn Group offers impressive panoramic views and can be started at either the Trattbergalm or the Lämmerbach, for example. You will always have the Schafberg, Dachstein or Hohen Göll in view.
• Bramberg (Wildkogel): A snowshoe hike around the summit of the Wildkogel can also be managed by the youngest members of the family, as the cable car is available for a comfortable ride to the top.
• Großarltal: The best way to explore the Großarltal is with rangers. Particularly impressive: a tour to the Karseggalm.
• Saalachtal: Another region that is well suited for snowshoe hikes away from the cleared paths is the Saalachtal. It scores with its unique location between Pinzgau, Tyrol and Bavaria.
• Salzburg Sports World: The Salzburg Sports World includes the towns of Flachau, Wagrain-Kleinarl, St. Johann, Radstadt, Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, Eben and Filzmoos. A great themed trail with a first-class panorama for a leisurely introduction to the fascination of snowshoeing is the Bauernregelweg (farmers' rule trail) in Altenmarkt. You can also conquer the Rossbrand with snowshoes.

Hikes through the snow-covered Lammertal valley

If you are interested in snowshoe hiking in Austria, the Lammertal valley in the Salzburg region is the perfect place for you. As you trudge through the romantic valley, you will gather unforgettable impressions and experience winter at its most beautiful.

Winter hiking in the Gastein Valley

Hiking enthusiasts will also find countless opportunities for a first-class winter holiday in the Gastein Valley. As snow trickles from the trees and snow crystals sparkle around you, you can walk with snowshoes through well-known places such as Dorfgastein, Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein and discover the province of Salzburg at your own pace.

Carinthia: mountains and lakes always in view

Whether you live in Carinthia or are spending your winter holiday here, snowshoeing is an absolute must in the picturesque regions of this province!After all, southern Austria is home to a gentle winter alpine world that is perfect for snowshoeing. Let yourself be enchanted by this wonderful natural 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, as the sport can be enjoyed by young and old alike. This is particularly noticeable in Carinthia and the Villach region. The Dreiländereck, the Gerlitzen Alpe and the Dobratsch Nature Park offer a wide range of snowshoeing opportunities. The guaranteed snow in the winter paradise of Villach is not only ideal for skiers and snowboarders – it also benefits the numerous winter hiking trails. In the Dobratsch Nature Park – Villach's local mountain – there are a variety of snowshoe tours to choose from. As a beginner, you can book a guided full moon snowshoe tour, for example. If you prefer a little more sunshine, you can hike at over 2,000 metres above sea level on the Gerlitzen Alpe high above Lake Ossiach and view the border triangle of Carinthia, Slovenia and Italy from above.
• Snowshoe hiking around Bad Kleinkirchheim: On a snowshoe hike in Bad Kleinkirchheim and the Nockberge Biosphere Park, you also have the opportunity to enjoy Carinthia's nature to the fullest – for example, on one of the guided excursions, which last about 2 hours.
• Hohe Tauern: The Hohe Tauern National Park offers you an incredible variety of hiking trails. These can be explored not only in summer, but also in the snowy winter months with snowshoes. There are therefore almost no limits to snowshoeing here. We recommend a trip to the Mallnitz National Park Centre in the Tauern Valley. With a little luck, you will be able to see ibex, chamois and snow hares up close.
• Snowshoeing in the Lesachtal valley: The Lesachtal valley is also known as the most unspoilt valley in Europe. The snow-covered slopes, picturesque winter landscapes, alpine pastures and peaks are perfect for snowshoeing. Whether you're out and about with friends and family or on a guided tour, you might spot some of the many wild animals that call the Lesachtal valley home.
• The most beautiful winter hiking trails in the Lieser/Maltatal valley: Leave the stress of everyday life behind and become one with nature – for example, on an enjoyable snowshoe hike – in the Lieser/Maltatal valley. Here you can explore the Stubeck up close on snowshoes. Off the beaten track, this snowshoe hike takes you through the snow-covered winter forest. Avalanche-safe, it leads above the tree line to the summit, which offers spectacular views.

Snowshoeing in Upper Austria

In Upper Austria, you will find an incredible number of opportunities to enjoy winter to the fullest. The experience is particularly intense when you explore this province on foot. Whether you prefer to walk in warm winter boots or practical snowshoes, the glistening snow and panoramic peaks will motivate you to set off immediately. Snowshoe hikers will particularly enjoy the Pyhrn-Priel region, the Mühlviertel, the Dachstein Mountains and around the Feuerkogel. There are routes for both beginners and experienced hikers:

Snowshoeing through the Mühlviertel

• Reischlberg: The peaceful Bohemian Forest in Upper Austria offers enjoyable winter hikes that are good for both body and soul. From the Reischlbergbahn mountain station, it's just a few steps to the Reischlberg summit, where you can enjoy an excellent view.
• Plöckenstein: The highest mountain in the Mühlviertel region is not only popular with hikers in summer, but is also a popular destination in winter.
• Dreisesselberg: If you are looking for a cross-border tour to Bavaria, you should head for the Dreisesselberg.

Snowshoeing in southern Upper Austria

• Hütteneck tour: A delightful trip to the Hütteneckalm will reward you with a magnificent view of the Dachstein. The tour, which takes over two hours, winds its way from the Predigtstuhl car park up to the Hütteneckalm and back again.
• Wasserklotz: This easy 3.5-kilometre tour takes you to a small summit with a great view.
• Margschierf: From the Gjaidalm on the Dachstein, you can hike via the Heilbronnerkreuz to the Margschierf. This is a moderately difficult tour with a length of 12.4 km.
• Feuerkogel: From Feuerkogel to Rieder Hütte – this is also a popular tour for the cold season.

Marvel at the Vienna Alps while snowshoeing in Lower Austria

When snowshoeing in the Vienna Alps, you walk on marked trails or – preferably with a hiking guide – through the untouched, snow-covered landscape. This allows you to enjoy nature to the fullest. The only thing you will hear is the snow crunching under your snowshoes. Just an hour away from Vienna, the Vienna Alps are a true paradise for winter sports enthusiasts: make the first tracks through soft deep snow and enjoy the panorama of Rax, Schneeberg or Hohe Wand!

Hiking through the Mostviertel on snowshoes

The idyllic area between Gippel and Göller in St. Aegyd am Neuwalde in the Mostviertel is also ideal for snowshoe hiking:

• Kesselgraben snowshoe tour: On the well-signposted Kesselgraben snowshoe tour in Lackenhof am Ötscher, you hike 3.6 kilometres along a circular trail through the town centre, over the Kesselgraben and up to the famous Mandlbodenhütte.
• Eibenkogel route: Another route suitable for snowshoes is the Eibenkogel route. It starts at Teichwiese and leads about 1.5 kilometres over the Belling up to the mountain station.
• Tirolerkogel: In Annaberg, the Tirolerkogel is ideal for snowshoe hiking. Within 2 hours, you can reach the summit with the Annaberger Haus.

Snowshoe hikes in the Waldviertel

A snowshoe hike in the Waldviertel also entices you outdoors to make the most of charming winter days. Add to that the soft crunch of snow under your feet and the beguiling silence – far away from the hustle and bustle. Bad Traunstein and Gutenbrunn are particularly recommended for snowshoe hiking in the Waldviertel. The hikes in Bärnkopf and Langschlag are particularly suitable for the whole family.

Popular snowshoe hikes in Styria

There are many opportunities for snowshoe hiking in Styria – ranging from gentle alpine paths to alpine tours. Popular regions include the Niedere Tauern, the Tote Gebirge, the Gesäuse, the Seetaler and Fischbacher Alps, the Almenland Nature Park and the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park. Here, too, you have the choice between individual hikes and guided snowshoe adventures. As in other areas, the right equipment (snowshoes, waterproof shoes, poles) is crucial. Correctly assessing the avalanche risk can also be important in certain areas.

Whether you choose a leisurely route or a challenging one, snowshoeing in Styria allows you to hike through the untouched, white splendour on feather-light snowshoes. In all these regions, endless kilometres away from the cleared paths and slopes lead through the snow-covered winter landscape of Styria. Even in popular ski resorts such as Schladming-Dachstein, you will find countless opportunities to enjoy magnificent views of snow-covered lakes in the Ausseerland-Salzkammergut. This region offers more than 300 km of winter hiking trails, which can also be explored with snowshoes.

Snowshoeing in the south of Styria

• Seiner-Kreuz: A popular destination for snowshoers, the Hirschegger-Alm is perfect for snowshoeing. Just an hour's drive from Graz, you can relax here and walk at your own pace.
• Dreieckkogel snowshoe hike: On this tour, you can enjoy an unforgettable view of the wintery Schilcherland region. As one of the seven selected hiking villages in Styria, Soboth is not only known as a hiking paradise in summer, but is also always worth a visit in winter. Due to the gentle terrain, it is suitable for the whole family. After the ascent, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills.

Explore the Gesäuse on snowshoes

• Gscheideggkogel: This snowshoe hike in the Eisenerzer Alps with a view of the ‘Styrian Matterhorn’ requires stamina and endurance.
• Radmer or Johnsbachtal: The Radmer or Johnsbachtal forms the natural border between the Eisenerzer Alps and the Gesäuse mountains. Due to the wonderfully expansive and untouched mountain world and the many opportunities for snowshoe hiking, this area is visited by numerous winter lovers during the cold season.
• 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

• Planneralm high plateau: With a little stamina, this snowshoe hike will take you to the snow-covered plateau of Styria's highest ski village: Donnersbach in the Irdning-Donnersbach Valley. From here, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Plannerkessel.
• Hohe Trett: This extensive snowshoe tour starts in Aigen, Styria. Once you arrive at the Hohe Trett, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Grimming and the Ennstal valley.

Explore Upper Styria on snowshoes

• Siebensee: This circular hiking trail in the Wildalpen can be tailored to your individual needs. With a shortcut for beginners and options for extending the route for experienced snowshoe hikers, the Siebensee is always worth a visit. You will be rewarded with views of the steep rock faces of Griesstein and Schauffelwand, as well as the great natural wonder of Wildalpen in Upper Styria.
• Snowshoe tour to the Hoher Gupf: The snowshoe tour in the westernmost corner of the Rax is a real insider tip. The strenuous ascent over the steep summit slope is quickly forgotten as soon as the Altenbergertal valley lies at your feet.

Snowshoeing in the Murau district

• Maria Schönanger snowshoe trail: This short but challenging snowshoe trail leads through dense forest up to the Maria Schönanger pilgrimage church.
• Mödringalm in Triebental: On this easy and family-friendly alpine hike along a marked snowshoe trail, you walk from Bergerhube to Mödringalm. The Murtal region is also known as an insider tip with guaranteed snow. This is due to both the location of the glacial valley and the influence of the weather and snow in the north. Here you will find ideal conditions for an enjoyable snowshoe hike. We hope you have fun on your next snowshoe adventure!

Snowshoeing in the north and east of Styria

• Murtal: A wide range of tours for beginners and advanced hikers alike wind their way through the Murtal valley, making the region another top destination for this winter sport.
• Tauplitzalm: The Tauplitzalm is located in the north-west of Styria, in the so-called Ausseerland. The plateau is considered snow-sure, with tours leading through magical, glittering forests or along frozen lakes.
• Joglland-Waldheimat: This quiet low mountain range in north-eastern Styria is ideal for beginners. There are only a few avalanche-prone slopes here, but many leisurely routes.

Conclusion:

Snowshoeing is very popular. No wonder, as it offers a unique combination of magical nature experiences and physical activity. And the great thing is: you don't need much to get started. However, make sure you have the right equipment and always keep an eye on the weather. Whichever region or snowshoe hike you ultimately choose, the ‘fascination of snowshoeing’ can hardly be put into words, but definitely needs to be experienced. So get out into the fresh air and let's go! We at SPORT 2000 rent wish you lots of fun discovering Austria's beautiful winter landscape!