Max Mauthner Max Mauthner
Gesäuse

Lynx trail

Hiking where the lynxes live. A new long-distance hiking trail connects three internationally recognized large-scale protected areas in Austria on eleven stages: the Kalkalpen National Park, the Gesäuse National Park and the Dürrenstein Wilderness Area. Thus, the Lynx Trail not only leads through three federal states, namely Upper Austria, Styria and Lower Austria, but also through the largest contiguous forest area in the country. And: through the home of the lynxes.

A sense of wilderness. Because not all nature is the same, and not all forest is the same. The protected areas along the trail are connected not only by wild forest, but also by a common goal: to restore, preserve and protect wilderness. Man no longer interferes with natural processes. He clears nothing away, cuts nothing back and plants nothing. This is called "process conservation" in nature conservation. It is not individual species that are protected, but the unfolding of nature itself, according to its very own logic. What does this bring to the lynx trail aspirant? A fundamental insight: nature does not need humans. In the wilderness, you don't need to worry or care about anything. You can let go, feel small - and simply marvel.

Max Mauthner | © Max Mauthner

AUSTRIA'S WILD MIDDLE

The Lynx Trail is much more than just a long-distance hiking trail. It is a declaration of love. To natural forests, to biodiversity, to wilderness. And to strong calves: Over 12,000 meters in altitude and 220 kilometers have to be covered in a total of eleven daily stages. You also hike through Austria's first UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site: the impressive beech forests of the protected areas. The trail is all about the forests.

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Lynx Trail

PROTECTED AREAS

The Lynx Trail leads from the Kalkalpen National Park to the Gesäuse National Park and the Steirische Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark. From there, it continues to the Dürrenstein Wilderness Area. Parts of the area belong to Austria's first UNESCO World Natural Heritage. We are talking about the beech forests in the Limestone Alps National Park, which are over 500 years old.

 

Kalkalpen national park

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Gesäuse national park

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Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature & Geopark

 

 

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DÜRRENSTEIN WILDNESS AREA

 

 

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Booking centre

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Lynx Trail

Map

The wild and romantic mountain landscape is probably the largest near-natural forest area in Central Europe. That is why the lynx was also reintroduced here. The trail draws attention to this endangered species and thus contributes to its protection and survival. The fact that the trail also leads through an extremely attractive mountain hiking area is a happy coincidence.

As a hiker on the Luchs Trail you are challenged! The stages are long and overcome several meters of altitude. Your senses will also be challenged, as you will have to keep your eyes and ears open. But don't worry, even if you don't get to see the lynx: You will feel the presence of the wonderful.

11

stages

The eleven daily stages take you from Reichraming, into the Kalkalpen National Park, through the Gesäuse National Park, the Steirische Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark, Austria's only wilderness area Dürrenstein to Lunz am See.

Hier kannst du den Luchs Trail buchen

Booking Centre

trail angels

A separate, official information and booking center for the Lynx Trail! At the booking center, the award-winning Trail Angels team will be happy to help you plan and book your hiking trip. From convenient online booking to the online trip planner with advice from the Angels to carefully compiled hiking packages. 

Combine your personal freedom with service, comfort and safety on your hiking trip. Partner accommodations in 3 different categories, luggage service, shuttle services, trail hotline and much more.

Your advantages:

- Top advice from experienced & competent staff.
- Fabulous services like luggage transport, shuttle services, trail hotline and many more
- Individual online planning and booking of your hiking trip
- Carefully compiled and practical Luchs Trail packages
- Safe is safe: All travel packages comply with the EU Package Travel Directive 90/314/EEC

Lynx Trail

Eat & SLEEP

They are rustic and outspoken, the Gesäuse inns.  And "regional" is not a code word in the Gesäuse, but a duty. In their backpacks they have a selection of Styrian classics to delight the palate. The traditional preparation awakens a thousand and one memories and, on balance, simply makes you blissful.

And restful sleep is possible in the Gesäuse anyway. Hotels, guesthouses, huts and campsites are scattered all over the Gesäuse. Everyone is sure to find a comfortable bed for the night. That's a promise!