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Trip rating

Level 1:
□ Walking time: less than 4 hours
□ Elevation gain/loss: 500-800 m (1500-2400 ft)
□ Terrain: Well-maintained hiking paths/trails in mountainous environnement.
□ Physical requisites: accessible to all those in good health, who are doing some sport regularly. Some experience of basic travelling in mountainous terrain and/or hiking on rough trails is useful. Good balance, sure footing and concentration required
□ Shoes: lightweight hiking boots required.

Level 2:
□ Walking time: 4-6 hours
□ Elevation gain/loss: 800-1200 m (2400-3600 ft)
□ Terrain: same as moderate + some ascents and descents on steeper gradient. Switchback ascents and descent. Some rocky and uneven hiking paths/trails.
□ Physical requisites: suites those that are physically active, demanding some effort and certain endurance. Good health, good balance, sure footing and concentration required.
□ Shoes: mid-weight, ankle-high hiking boots with good lug soles are required

Level 3:
□ Walking time: more than 7 hours
□ Elevation gain/loss: more than 1200 m (3600 ft)
□ Terrain: same as demanding + alpine trails in mountainous environment. Long ascents and descents. Some exposed areas (could be secured with railings or chains), rocky or snowfields.
□ Physical requisites: hiking experience, good balance, sure footing concentration and good fitness level are key and a must.
□ Shoes: mid-weight, ankle-high hiking boots with good lug soles required.

Physical prerequisites

Public hikes (summer and winter): hiking requires a basic level of fitness. Even if you've been walking regularly, the demands of hiking on rough terrain require more from your cardiovascular system, your muscles and even your balance. Although you do not need previous hiking experience, you do need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic.

- WINTER: public hikes with snowshoes are usually of level 1 and 2
- SUMMER: public hikes are usually of level 2

Hut to hut hikes: the fitter you are to start with, the more enjoyment you will get out of your trip. Depending on the tour, hut to hut hikes can be a mix of level 1, 2 and 3 (please ask us for more details)

Private hikes: you decide how easy or streneaous the hike should be! From level 1 to level 3, it is up to you! We customize the tour according to your needs.

If you have any questions about the level of difficulty or doubts about your level of fitness, don't hesitate to contact us before the hike.

What are the trails going to be like in the Alps?

 
Hiking in the Alps is a wonderful experience. The history, food, views and above all, the trail network allow for an incredible experience. The trails are what get you to the most beautiful parts of the mountains.
Trails will be steep at times, and walking poles can help you keeping your balance. Trail surfaces in the Alps change often. After a heavy thunderstorm, trails will be muddy and rock fall may occur.

For the most part, trails are in excellent  condition. Where there is a risk of a fall or a tricky section, the trail crews have equipped these sections with cables and ladders for the safety of the walkers. This does not mean that each meter of trail is safe.

We spend roughly 5 to 8 hours hiking. This of course takes into account stops for lunch, photographs and for taking in the incredible views. You may need to hike uphill for more than 3 hours, or roughly 1000 meters (3000 ft) of vertical gain. The same may be expected for the descent. The guide sets the itinerary and the pace so that no one falls behind. 

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What is not included in the price?

The prices indicated in this website are guiding fee only. In winter, snowshoes and poles are included in the price.

Travel, lift passes, local transfers, lunches, accomodation, personal insurance or equipment (excepted snowshoes and poles) are not included. 

What accommodation do you use?

 
Multi-days trips involve nights in middle altitude mountain huts where accommodation is usually in dormitories. 

Who leads your trips?

 
All trips are leaded by experienced and certified hiking guides.

How can I find out about hikes and schedules?

 
Visit the calendar page of this website or check our Facebook page.

Shared hikes departing Vienna are scheduled from Thursday to Sunday and on Austrian public holidays.

You can subscribe to the newsletter (for this send an email to info@trekkingaustria.com) and get by email the dates of the next hiking trips.

The newsletter is published monthly.

The online calendar is updated at that time.

For a private hike, please send us an email to check our availability.

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How large are your groups?

The groups for public hikes are usually between 6 and 12 people. The average group size is 8 people.

If you have a larger group, contact us to see what an appropriate trip would be.

Where do I meet to go on a hike with you?

In Vienna, we meet in front of the Volksbank in Kollingasse 14-16, 1090 Vienna (5 min. walk from Schottentor) for carpooling. Look for a group of people dressed in hiking clothes and boots.

In Linz, Salzburg and Zell a See, the meeting location will be given to you by the guide.

Do you offer group discounts?

Yes, we am happy to give discounts to groups of more 10 persons booking a hut to hut hike.

Please contact us for further details. 

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Is it ok if I've never backpacked before?  

We do not expect any prior backpacking or even hiking experience, however backpacking can be a physically demanding activity. All of the day trips are differentiated by level of difficulty.

For hut to hut hikes, w recommend starting an exercise routine several weeks to several months prior to your trip date. Many of the trips are at middle altitude, demanding at least a moderate level of cardiovascular fitness.

Safety considerations

Your safety is our top priority, followed by fun and comfort. Your hiking tour will be led by a professional guide.

If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us for more information.

Equipment for a day hike:

Clothing:
□ Wool, part wool or synthetic T-shirt 
□ Sweater/jacket, wool or fleece
□ Windproof trouser
□ Rain jacket with hood
□ Hiking shoes (covering your ankles are the best). Your boots must be well broken in before the trip! Please do not let the enjoyment of your trip be severely compromised by blisters. NO SNEAKERS.

In the backpack (medium size - 40 liters. max.):
□ Sunglasses
□ Thermos or water bottle
□ Sunblock and lip balm
□ Money (in case we make a break in a hut)
□ Packed lunch, emergency rations (chocolate, candy bars, etc.), personal snack food
□ Personal medications

Optional:
□ Rain trouser (to keep the trouser dry)
□ Headlamp
□ Toilet paper
□ Plastic bags to store gear inside your and for the waste
□ ID or passport, alpine club membership card, mobile phone, camera
□ Light goves, warm hat
□ Blister treatment. Compeed patches are the best.

• In case you have forgotten parts of your equipment at home, please be so kind as to let us know about it before starting the tour
• We bring along a comprehensive first aid kit on each trip
• Pack light and don't take too much (max. weight: 8 kg)!

Equipment for a day snowshoe hike:

Warm clothing (from december to february, we have to deal with extreme cold weather conditions - temperatures ranging from 0°C to -20°C!)
□ Warm hat
□ Warm gloves
□ T-shirt 
□ Sweater/jacket
□ Windproof pant. Double–layer trouser (ski trousers are ok)
□ Rain jacket with hood
□ Hiking boots covering your ankles. Your boots must be well broken in before the trip! Please do not let the enjoyment of your trip be severely compromised by blisters. No sneakers and no running shoes.
□ Warm socks

In the backpack (medium size - 40 liters. max.):
□ Sunglasses
□ Thermos or water bottle
□ Sunblock and lip balm
□ Money (in case we make a break in a hut)
□ Packed lunch, emergency rations (chocolate, candy bars, etc.), personal snack food
□ Personal medications

Optional:
□ Rain trouser (to keep the trouser dry)
□ Gaiters
□ Headlamp
□ Toilet paper
□ Plastic bags to store gear inside your and for the waste
□ ID or passport, alpine club membership card, mobile phone, camera
□ Blister treatment. Compeed patches are the best.

• In case you have forgotten parts of your equipment at home, please be so kind as to let us know about it before starting the tour
• We bring along a comprehensive first aid kit on each trip
• Pack light and don't take too much (max 10 kg)!

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Equipment for a hut to hut hike:

Clothing:
□ Warm hat
□ Light gloves
□ Wool, part wool or synthetic T-shirt
□ Sweater/jacket, wool or fleece
□ Windproof trouser
□ Rain jacket with hood
□ Hiking shoes covering your ankles. Your boots must be well broken in before the trip! Please do not let the enjoyment of your trip be severely compromised by blisters. NO SNEAKERS.

In the backpack (medium size - 60 liters max.):
□ Sunglasses
□ Thermos or water bottle
□ Sunblock and lip balm
□ Money
□ Packed lunch, emergency rations (chocolate, candy bars, etc.), personal snack food
□ Headlamp
□ Personal medications
□ ID or passport, alpine club membership card, mobile phone, camera
□ Blister treatment. Compeed patches are the best.
□ Plastic bags to store gear inside your and for the waste
□ Light sleeping bag liner
□ Toiletry kit & small towel
□ Pocket knife

Optional:
□ Rain trouser (to keep the trouser dry)
□ Trekking poles
□ Toilet paper
□ Ear plugs

• In case you have forgotten parts of your equipment at home, please be so kind as to let us know about it before starting the tour.
• We bring along a comprehensive first aid kit on each trip.
• Pack light and don't take too much (max. 10 kg)!

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I have other questions. Who should I ask?

You may email Yannick

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