1 day hike in Austrian Alps
I am looking to do a one day hike in the Austrian Alps (or an overnight hut hike). Our plan is to visit Vienna, Salzburg and Hallstatt so a hike close to these areas would be ideal. I am overwhelmed by the amount of hiking opportunities so if someone has a recommended hike they experienced that would be great. The wishlist would be:
- Hike through scenic alpine pastures with scenic lake and/or snow capped mountain views.
- Hike to a mountain hut.
- Easy to get to start point from above destinations via bus or train.
- Easy to leave from end point to above destinations via bus or train.
- Within a 1-2 hours from the above destinations.
- Intermediate hike (we will only be wearing trail running shoes and not high-cut hiking boots for our trip).
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Ryan
Lawrencetown, NS 5/3/12
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Hi Ryan,
After a few days in Salzburg (I began in Vienna and made my way west), I took a train to St. Anton am Arlberg, a resort in the Arlberg region of the Austrian Tyrol....and it was AWESOME! Ski resort in winter, and some of the best hiking in the region in summer.
Here's a link to the resort's site:
http://www.stantonamarlberg.com/sommer
As I recall, the train trip was something like 2.5 - 3 hrs (so, a little longer than what you list above, but I feel the extra time is well worth it).
Cable car from the center of the town takes you up into the mountains; up top, there are endless hiking opportunities. My 1st time to St Anton was actually in the winter to ski, then loved it so much, I returned a number of yrs later in the summer. It has all you're seeking; alpine pastures, fields of wild flowers, amazing alpine views....the works!
I stayed at this place (Pension Juen), and liked it a lot:
http://www.urlauburlaub.at/pension/91733/juen-pension/st-anton-am-arlberg/
Small, homey, immaculate (in that typical Austrian way!), good breakfast each AM. My large room was very comfortable; just the kind of place you look forward to returning to after an active day.
Hope this suggestion helps. If you have questions, feel free to shoot me a note. Cheers.