Activities for All Ages
Undulating Hills and Rugged Mountains
Upper Austria is home to rugged mountains, undulating hills, large forests, lush meadows, wild rivers and crystal-clear lakes. In the “Jagdmärchenpark Hirschalm” in Unterweißenbach (Mühlviertel region), families and kids can get closer to native wildlife while discovering a world of fairy tales. The park features themed nature trails and games - fun & excitement is guaranteed. Learn more about trees and the forest ecosystem on the tree top trail in Kopfing (Innviertel-Hausruckwald region). Walking on the nature trail in the tree tops is unforgettable! The sensory trail “Weg der Sinne” in Haag am Hausruck is a great place for explorers with a series of 30 sensory experiences.
The loop trail “Heilbronner Rundwanderweg” (Salzkammergut region) takes you close to the Dachstein glacier. The Giant Ice Cave is a mysterious world of rock and ice. Meet native animals in their natural habitat in the zoo “Cumberland Wildpark” in the Almtal valley. In Windischgarsten (Kalkalpen National Park region), there won’t be a dull moment on the “mountain of adventures” Wurbauerkogel: Hiking trails, summer toboggan run, alpine coaster, archery course, lookout tower incl. quizzes & much more.
Enchanted Forests
Rocking Stones and Natural Swimming Holes
Nature lovers will find everything their hearts could desire in the Mühlviertel region. Hike past lush meadows, rolling hills, enchanted forests, mossy boulders and energising places to recharge your batteries. Standing on top of the lookout towers “Moldaublick” and “Alpenblick” in the Bohemian Forest in the very north of Upper Austria, you can gaze out into the distance to Czech Republic and Germany. Be amazed looking at granite boulders between the trees (they are glacial erratics), rocking stones on a forest glade and impressive farmhouse made of granite blocks with walls only partially plastered. These “Steinbloß” style is emblematic of this region. Fancy a refreshing dip in an idyllic natural swimming hole in the river? The Danube comes with another highlight: The river forms an impressive meander called “Schlögener Schlinge”. You’ll have the best view from the hiking trail “Donausteig”.
Country Walks & Culinary Delights
Paths Lined with Orchards
There’s no better way to discover the special characteristics of a region than on foot. With the “Bewegungsarena Innviertel”, the Innviertel-Hausruckwald region boasts a vast network (670km) of well signposted trails ideal for running, hiking, nordic walking and strolling the countryside with the rolling countryside as an idyllic backdrop. Soak up the beauty of nature in spring, when the orchards around the town of Eferding are in full bloom. Pretty in pink and white. What a marvellous sight! Have a glass of the most traditional drink in Upper Austria: cider or fruit juice. Cheers!
On Top of the Mountains
Crystal-Clear Lakes at Your Feet
Mountaineers and thrill-seekers will love the Salzkammergut region. The famous mountain Traunstein is only one of many summits that offer a spectacular lake view. Five lakes are at your feet when you stand on top of the Schafberg: Wolfgangsee, Mondsee, Attersee, Irrsee and Fuschlsee. Those who want to get some exercise can walk to the top. But you can also travel back in time and hop on Austria’s steepest rack railway. And the icing on the cake? Jumping into one of the crystal-clear lakes surrounded by mountains after a strenuous hike!
Hiking on the Dachstein glacier is the ultimate outdoor activity in the Salzkammergut region. Walk across landscapes covered in snow and ice until you finally reach the spectacular vantage point “5fingers”. Not for the faint-hearted! The nature park “Attersee-Traunsee” offers more leisurely nature trails and themed walks Climbing enthusiasts will find plenty of via ferratas and opportunities for sport climbing and traditional rock climbing.
Kids love the themed walks and nature trails. Reconnect to nature and learn more about Mother Earth!
Pristine Nature
Great Food in Mountain Cabins and Via Ferrata Adventures
The Kalkalpen National Park region is the right place to be for hikers. Pristine nature, crystal-clear streams, fascinating ravines, spectacular mountain peaks and picturesque alpine pastures - the beauty of nature is breathtaking. Taste “Kasnocken” (a type of fresh pasta with grated cheese), “Topfenstrudel” (sweet strudel with quark), home-made cream cheese or - the all-time favourite - “Kaiserschmarren” (a fluffy pancake that’s split into pieces while frying). Irresistible culinary delights are served in the mountain cabins!
Explore the moorlands “Teichlboden” near the cable car to “Wurzeralm” or the gorge “Dr. Vogelgesang-Klamm” in Spital am Pyhrn which is the longest of its kind in Upper Austria. Don’t miss out on visiting the idyllic lake “Schiederweiher” in Hinterstoder which has been voted “Most Beautiful Place in Austria” in a TV show. Join a ranger on an individual guided tour through the Kalkalpen National Park. Watch the deer being fed and discover rare plant and animal species. Meanwhile, passionate hikers can climb the region’s highest mountain Großer Priel (2,515m). Popular among rock climbers: Austria’s longest via ferrata. You can’t beat the sense of satisfaction that comes with reaching the top of a mountain!
Multi-Day Walks and Pilgrimage Routes
Reconnecting with Nature
Walking in nature makes you happy. So, why stop? Set out on a multi-day walk and find inner peace! Our top picks for immersive experiences in nature:
- “Granite” pilgrimage - Mühlviertel region: Practice mindfulness at many delightfully energising places on the way: old castles, chapels in the forest, natural monuments. Granite and water are the main themes on the 90km walk.
- “Johannesweg” (“Way of St John”) - Mühlviertel region: Explore nature and slow down during three or four days of pilgrimage.
- “Sebaldusweg” (“Way of St Sebaldus”) - Kalkalpen National Park region: Find places of outstanding natural beauty, pilgrimage churches, chapels and museums along the way. It includes grateful living practices to include in your everyday life.
- “Josefweg” (“Way of St Joseph”) - Salzkammergut region: A spiritual loop trail for relaxation seekers between the lakes Attersee and Traunsee.
- “Kalkalpenweg” (“Limestone Alps Trail”) - Kalkalpen National Park region: Wilderness & biodiversity - explore pristine nature on 11 stages (150km).
- “Luchstrail” (“Lynx Trail”) - Kalkalpen National Park region: Cross the national park, the natural habitat of the lynx.
- “Burgen- und Schlösserweg” (“Castle Trail”): Walk past 19 castles and fortresses on the way from the Mühlviertel region to the Czech Republic.
Feel the Energy of the Forest
Forest Bathing - An Oasis of Well-Being
Do you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere? No problem! In the forest, you can fully unwind. The idyllic Almtal valley (Salzkammergut region) offers a very special break from everyday life: “WALDNESS” (a coined term composed of the German word for “forest” and “wellness”). Pure indulgence for body and mind. Certified guides make you familiar with the special qualities of a forest. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere! Forest bathing in the Mühlviertel region is said to reduce stress levels and strengthen the immune system.
You can’t wait to go outside? Well, then tie your hiking boots!
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