Looking down into the Gosau valley, Austria Hiker above Hallstat | <i>Kate Baker</i> Hiker on Fiver Fingers with Austrian Alps | <i>Kate Baker</i> Hiker on Gosau Lake, Salzkammergut, Austria | <i>Kate Baker</i> View towards Dachstein from Predigsthuhl The picturesque town of Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut region of Austria

Self Guided Walking Holidays in Austria

Discover the grand sights of Austria on a wonderful self guided walking tour

Like most European countries, Austria looks back on a very eventful history. Yet there are some elements of the Austrian character that haven’t changed much over the centuries: the partiality for indulgence, beauty, and cultivation has always been a driving force in the country’s past and present.

Austria has many great attractions, including the legacy of the Hapsburg Empire in Vienna, the life and music of Mozart in Salzburg and the magnificent scenery of its alpine hinterland. Austria's diversity shines not only through its landscape but through its population. Due to its central location in the heart of Europe and its vibrant history, on your hiking holidays in Austria you will see a cross-section of cultures that flow together and are combined throughout the country.

One of our best hiking holidays in Austria is focused around the Dachstein and Gosaukamm Mountains where you will find some of the most dramatic of Austrian alpine scenery. The lower slopes of alpine pasture are dotted with picturesque lakes and villages including gorgeous Halstatt, whilst the high triangular mountaintops are smothered with glacial ice.

Find your Austria trip

Popular self guided walking holidays in Europe

Why travel with us

Self Guided Walking Specialists in Austria

We have have been operating active self guided walking holidays for over 45 years. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore Austria at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Great Value & Quality Trips in Austria

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guidebooks along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your self guided walking holiday in Austria.

Personal Experiences

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot.

Responsible travel

Walkers' Britain is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. We take travellers to many countries which are home to challenging wilderness, rich biodiversity, and fragile environments. It is the travel choices we make while visiting these environments that reduce the negative impact. This is the essence of responsible and sustainable travel - something we take very seriously. View our award winning Responsible Travel Guidebook here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Often family run, these charming hotels range from 2 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Bed & breakfasts (B&Bs)

Simple yet rich in local character, the B&Bs chosen are clean, comfortable and run by hosts that help add to your experience.

Guesthouses

Similar to bed & breakfasts, these family-owned accommodations are clean and comfortable. Rooms with en suites generally have a shower but no bath due to space. There may be a separate room with a bath tub.

Refuges or gite hostels

Used mainly on mountain walks, these convivial places add to the atmosphere of your journey through the mountains. Dorms may sleep up to 40 people and the beds are often bunk beds. Linen and blankets are provided and bathrooms are shared. Private rooms may be available, although some gite rooms still use shared bathrooms.

Meals

Breakfast is included which will normally consist of breads, jams, meats, cheeses, coffee, tea and juices.  If evening meals are included, these are usually a set three course menu with a choice of 2 to 4 menu items.  You generally will have the option to upgrade to a la carte. Traditional meals in Austria include the classic Wiener schnitzel, knodel, a flavoured dumpling and Tiroler Grostl which is a bacon, onion and potato fry-up, perfect after a long days hike.

Trip reviews

Country information

Currency

Euro

International Dialing Code

+43

Electricity
Type C plug

Electricity in Austria is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Visas

In the first half of 2025 it is expected that the ETIAS travel authorisation will be introduced requiring online application before travel. See https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en for more details.

Until then, visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy_en . Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area – note that a new entry/exit system will be introduced in 2025. See https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en for more information. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.