Hiking trails as far as the eye can see

Hiking in Styria

From the blooms of spring to the joys of winter: Hiking in Styria is an invigorating experience. An active exploration through mountains and forests, along streams and vineyards is simply soul-cleansing.

Via ferrata or long-distance hiking trail? Mountain hut or rustic wine tavern? In Styria, hikers are spoilt for choice. The Green Heart of Austria invites you to enjoy nature with all senses and to take a rest at inviting mountain huts, inns and wine taverns.

A wonderful journey of discovery in the green heart of Austria

“From Glacier to Wine” hiking trail

The hiking destination of Styria is characterised by fascinating contrasts. On the one hand, there are the intriguing mountain giants of the Dachstein, Gesäuse and Hochschwab regions with their mesmerising stories about alpinism, history, cuisine and their people. On the other hand, you have the charming regions in the south and east that are dotted with vineyards and apple orchards. In these areas, you can also find picturesque wine taverns and culinary manufactories lining the hiking trails.

Arguably the most beautiful expedition through the green heart of Austria is the ”From Glacier to Wine ”hiking tr ail. Hike from sunrise to sunset, from mountain hut to mountain hut, from wine tavern to wine tavern – all across the varied landscapes of Styria. Both the north and the south route take you past gentle mountain pastures and fascinating attractions to the wine regions of southern and eastern Styria. Your constant companions along the way: breathtaking views and spectacular photo spots.

Go to the "From Glacier to Wine" hiking route

A refreshing experience

Rivers, lakes and waterfalls

Whether it’s the wild waters of Schladming, the waterfalls of Palfau’s Wasserlochklamm in the Gesäuse region or the Raabklamm, the longest canyon in Austria: Styria is a paradise for all those who love to hike along or towards streams, rivers or waterfalls. In addition to thundering streams and murmuring rivers, Styria’s hiking trails are also lined with countless mountain lakes – 300 of them can be found in the Schladminger Tauern range alone.

The Tauplitz, on the other hand, is Central Europe’s largest lake plateau. The mountain springs of the Hochschwab and Rax supply the cities of Vienna and Graz with drinking water. During an active holiday in the green heart of Austria, you can explore all this and more and enjoy the refreshing waters of this varied region.

Discover all hikes near water

From apple to wine

Discover the taste of Styria

North, south, east or west: The culinary delights the region is famous for can be discovered in all corners of Styria.

For instance, hike along the Glanzer Hoftour trail, the Schilcher trail, the “Wine path for all senses” or the Klöcher Traminerweg trail and sample local wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Schilcher. Alternatively, you can stroll through the marvellous fruit orchards of Eastern Styria. For instance, the 9.2-kilometre “Elzer Roas” trail takes you along a figure-eight loop through the gentle fruit orchards of the region – including lots of useful facts on apples.

More about the culinary hikes through Styria

Long-distance hiking and pilgrimage routes

An expedition through Styria

If you would like to experience the magic of the mountain world and Styria’s breathtaking nature, you should find out more about the region’s picturesque long-distance hiking trails. The province boasts the densest network of long-distance hiking trails of the entire alpine area. This is due to Styria’s long mountaineering history as well as to the fact that Mariazell, Austria’s most famous pilgrimage site, is located there.

Via Ferratas between Dachstein and Riegersburg

Via ferratas in Styria

Are you looking for new perspectives? Away from Styria’s hiking trails, new adventures await on the region’s via ferratas and climbing routes. Exploring the Styrian mountains along steel cables and ladders is a worthwhile experience. Plus, it’s one of the most spectacular ways to get to know the mountain world between the Dachstein, Gesäuse, Hochschwab, Rax, Riegersburg and the Seetal Alps.

Talking about the Dachstein: 22 via ferratas and climbing routes – among them, a special children’s via ferrata and three youth via ferratas – as well as “Kali’s Climbing Centre” make the mountain Austria’s climbing hotspot.

FROM THE DACHSTEIN GLACIER TO THE WINE COUNTRY

Rugged peaks in the alpine north. Europe’s largest connected pasture area in the east. The gentle wine hills in the nearly Mediterranean south. The best way to discover Styria’s great variety is during a hike … here some tipps for you.

Summer cable cars & lifts

From leisurely to challenging: Styria's multi-faceted hiking routes.

Discover all tours

Nature trails

Hiking tours with train & bus

Rules of conduct for safety in the mountains

Family holidays

Treasures of nature

Alpine pastures & huts

Hiking with the little ones

FAMILY HIKES IN THE GREEN HEART OF AUSTRIA

Small steps take you places too – and thanks to the great variety of hiking trails, Styria is a great choice for family hiking. Exploring the green heart of Austria quickly turns into a thrilling adventure for kids – for instance, during one of these family-friendly tours:

Offers, accommodation options and tours

hiking holidayS in Styria

Anticipation is the greatest joy. Especially if you have decided on a hiking vacation in the Green Heart of Austria. But should you go to the alpine north or rather to the lovely south? If you are still looking for a suitable offer for your hiking vacation, you may find what you are looking for in the following packages.

from 335€

3 nights

From Glacier to Wine - Gesäuse

Gesäuse

Cabin hike
Alpine breakfast
Hiking package

More information

from 495€

4 nights

From Glacier to Wine - Schladming-Dachstein

Schladming-Dachstein

Breakfast buffet
Dachstein cable car ride
Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard

More information

from 515€

4 nights

Culinary pilgrimage

Oststeiermark

1 night including breakfast
Dinner with typical Styrian delicacies
Dumpling dinner
Map material

More information

Alpine pastures, mountain huts and cable cars

Feel-good hiking

Alpine pastures are serene havens of the mountain world. In Styria, you can find more than 1,700 mountain pastures. Hundreds of mountain huts invite you to take a break there and enjoy their delicious regional specialities. For instance, don’t miss the culinary delights of Almkulinarik by Richard Rauch or the award-winning “Kulinarium Steiermark” mountain huts.

Good to know: 20 cable cars are in operation throughout summer to make it even easier for you to reach numerous points of interests in the mountains. With the Summer Card, guests can use the chairlifts and cable cars of the Schladming-Dachstein holiday region for free. Before heading to the mountains, be sure to check out our tips for safety in the mountains!

A sport steeped in history

Mountaineering in Styria – what you should know

Many historic events have shaped the history of hiking and mountaineering in Styria. Here’s a small selection:

The Gesäuse region is known as the University of Mountaineering. This name goes back to the journalist and mountaineering pioneer Kurt Maix. Since the turn of the 20th century, the region has been a mountain paradise for climbers from Vienna.
The Rax is the birthplace of Vienna’s Mountain Club.
After a fatal accident of three alpinists from Vienna, the world’s first mountain rescue station was established in Mürzzuschlag at the foot of Rax, Schneealm and Stuhleck in March 1896.
At the foot of the Dachstein, you can find an alpine museum.
The provincial capital of Graz hosts an annual International Mountain Film Festival.
The Hohe Dachstein was first climbed by the brothers Adam and Peter Gappmayr along with Karl Thurwieser in 1834. In 1810 Archduke Johann already succeeded in the first crossing of the Dachstein massif. Today, a panoramic gondola leads from Ramsau am Dachstein to the glacier. Many important people have shaped the mountain personality of Dachstein: painters, writers, explorers and noblemen, mountaineers, climbers and speleologists, miners and craftsmen.

Speaking of climbers: Ramsau am Dachstein is Austria’s via ferrata paradise. You can find 22 via ferratas there, three of them for teens and one for smaller kids. In addition, there’s “Kalis Klettersteiggarten” as well as beginner courses for via ferrata certificates.

Note: It is strongly recommended to climb the Dachstein peak only with a mountain guide. Between the limestone of the Dachstein massif and the glacier, openings occur every summer due to the melting of snow and ice, which can be several meters wide. For questions and more information about guided tours, the mountain guide office Ramsau am Dachstein is happy to help.