Hiking

Mountains, meadows and so much more on your hiking holidays in Austria

Hiking & walking holidays in the Austrian alps

Salzburger Land’s Grossarl Valley draws visitors to its incredible hiking trails, ranging from short and sweet to long and challenging. Hike 2,886 metres up the Keeskogel mountain in the Hohe Tauern National Park, or explore the Gamskarkogel, Europe’s highest grassy mountain. At the Nesslerhof hiking hotel in Grossarl you can borrow free backpacks, hiking sticks and trail maps. We also have a washing station and dryer for shoes and boots — so, no more excuses — lace up your hiking boots and let’s go!

250km of well-marked trails wind through the beautiful Grossarl Valley. More than 40 chalets are found along the way, and the scent of alpine herbs wafts through the air all summer long. From half-day or full-day tours to more challenging mountain tours or hikes to alpine lakes — we will be happy to help you find the best trail for your hiking or walking holiday in the Alps!

In October 2010, the Grossarl Valley was the first region in the State of Salzburg to be awarded the Austrian Quality Seal for Hiking by the “Association for Quality Assurance of Hiking in Austria”.

The Grossarl Valley — the valley of alpine huts

The Grossarl Valley has certainly earned its nickname “the valley of alpine huts”. Nowhere else in Salzburger Land will you find a valley that is worthy of such a moniker. Look forward to 40 alpine huts that line the 250km of hiking trails on your walking holiday in the Alps. From leisurely walks in the valley to mountain hikes or climbing in the Alps, your hiking and walking holiday in Austria’s valley of alpine huts has a fun and variety-rich selection of hiking options for you.

To ensure you always know where you’re headed on your hike or mountain bike tour, all hiking trails in the Grossarl Valley are marked with uniform signs. In addition to the destination and level of difficulty, you will find approximate walking times and GPS data on the yellow hiking signs.

“Speckbrot” and Grossarl’s famous “Sauerkas”

Blaze delicious trails on your hiking holiday

As morning dawns in the quiet valley below, the dairy farmers head out to work on the alpine pastures, day in day out, to prepare for the day’s hungry hikers. After the cows have been milked, delicious cheese and golden yellow butter are made from the fresh milk. The homemade bacon and farmhouse bread from the stone oven are truly delicious.

And what is the best reward after a long hike? A stop at one of our charming alpine chalets! A cool beer, homemade buttermilk or a hearty meat and cheese board await you. Is your stomach grumbling already? Hop into your hiking boots and hit the trail!

Kid-friendly alpine huts: a Highlight for our youngest guests

Hiking holidays in Austria with kids

Not every kid is excited about hiking. But with the promise of a fun destination, that can quickly change! The Grossarl Valley is home to many kid-friendly chalets and huts for you to visit on your family holiday. These can be reached with a pram, and have a tonne of fun things for kids to enjoy.

Hiking with dog

Holiday´s with your dog

A hike is truly enjoyable with a four-legged friend. To ensure the time spent on the alpine pastures is unforgettable for both humans and dogs, there are some important things to consider. Especially when hiking with a dog, it is important to follow certain behavioral guidelines to make the experience pleasant and safe for everyone involved, including the livestock.

Rules

For a successful vacation with your dog:

Throughout the valley and alpine area, there is a strict leash requirement for dogs. Always keep your dog on a leash to avoid conflicts with livestock.
Remember that you are a guest on private alpine pastures. Our farmers lovingly manage these lands and rely on respectful treatment of their property.
Since wolves have returned to the region, cows and horses may react nervously to dogs. You never know what experiences an animal may have had. Always keep a safe distance.
If a dangerous situation arises, immediately release your dog from the leash and ensure your own safety. Call your dog back only when you are safe.

"Gästeflüsterer" Tip

Here’s a popular walking route: Start at the hotel, go right onto Unterbergstraße, and walk about 100 meters uphill to Hotel Johanneshof. Turn right onto the gravel path, along the Fischbacher Meadow. This leads you to the walking and cycling path. Keep right, along the Großarler Ache, and return to the hotel via the large parking lot of the Großarler cable cars.

Please note the leash requirement on all paths.
Paw towels & poop bags are available at the bike room.

Additional tips for dog hikes: Always carry enough water for your dog, especially when hiking in the mountains. Use dog-friendly trails and look for hiking routes for dogs. A well-prepared dog vacation in the mountains ensures an unforgettable nature experience with your dog.