Thinking of Austria evokes images of the Alps and trekking from hut to hut. Many mountain groups have their own "Höhenweg", high altitude hut to hut trail.

Less well known are the 10 Austrian long distance hiking trails. These trails cross all the country's majestic mountain ranges - Ötztal, Zillertal, Stubaier Alps, Hohe Tauern - but also pass through more pastoral and less touristic regions of Austria. Sometimes the trails coincide with European long distance trails.

Don't be mistaken: Austrian long distance trails are not for the feeble. Time and again the trails mean serious business, including glaciers and short stretches of scrambling on rocks (maximum Grade II). To complete a trail on foot can easily take several months. Varying in length from 400 to 1300 km, and combined with the considerable differences in altitude, these trails pose challenges to be reckoned with. So, compared to the French GR's, the Austrian long distance trails are on another level altogether. Make sure you master all skills of walking in high mountains: techniques of orientation, gear, surefootedness, stamina.

To keep hikers happy, after all we are hiking for fun, Austria has taken excellent care of lodging, food and drink. Wherever you go up into the mountains, you will find well managed huts, offering a comfortable bed, beer, and top meals you will never find down the valleys: all purely natural and 100% homemade. More than merely an overnight stay, this is enjoying!