Unforgettable Day Trips in the Austrian Alps
Our guides’ favourite day trips, hand-picked for you.
Only staying in Pinzgau for a day or two? Want to have a multi-sport weekend? If you want to spend just one day on some of the best trails the Alps have to offer, then let Trail Run Austria help you make the most of your stay. We have put together some of our favourite day trips for you to choose from!
Each tour is listed with distance and elevation gain, highest point, terrain difficulty rating, and a brief description. These factors are your guide to choosing the perfect tour for you. For more details on planning the perfect trail running trip, see our five-step planner and budgeting tool.
Most of these day trips can be combined to make a unique multi-day trip, and most of our established multi-day trips can be dissected to fit your wishes. Additionally, if you’ve got a route in mind and would like to have Trail Run Austria guide you, simply reach out to us and we will do our best to make it happen. We pride ourselves on our flexibility and creativity, so don’t hesitate to ask!
Our Favourite EASY Day Trips
Klammsee Trail
Kaprun > Hohe Tauern
Distance: 7km
Climb: 300m↑
Highest Point: 900m
Terrain: Beginner
Description: Upon passing through the village of Kaprun, you’ll find yourself at the trailhead of this delightful run to the Klammsee. This trip is perfect to get a feel for trail running and experience the beauty of Pinzgau at the same time! After dipping your feet in the lake and having a cool drink and snack at the Klammseestüberl, the tour continues to the Sigmund Thun gorge where nature’s beauty is on full display. Along the way, we will discuss the basics of trail running as well as any questions you have about our favourite sport!
Klammsee
Krimml Waterfalls
Krimml > Hohe Tauern
Distance: 11.5km
Climb: 650m↑
Highest Point: 1583m
Terrain: Easy
Description: At the beginning of this tour, you can already see the Krimml Waterfalls in the distance. Austria’s largest waterfall acts as a natural air conditioner throughout the whole tour! The trip begins with an ascent through a fairytale forest with intermittent views of the falling water, getting louder with every step. At the top of the 380m waterfall, we move into the Krimml Achen valley to the Hölzlahneralm. This hut offers a great spot to take a break and rest the legs. We finish off the tour with a relaxed downhill back into the Pinzgau valley below.
Krimml Waterfalls
Peter-Wiechental Hut
Saalfelden > Steinernes Meer
Distance: 8.5km
Climb: 900m↑
Highest Point: 1752m
Terrain: Moderate
Description: Starting in Saalfelden, this trip features various terrain and landscape, as it moves from the lower forested elevations into the coniferous shrubs found between the tree line and the alpine. The higher we get, the more we can see the rocky Steinerne Meer above. Eventually, we come to the perfectly situated Peter-Wiechentaler Hut. Equipped with Austrian cuisine and comfortable seating this hut is the perfect place to have lunch or watch the sun set.
Peter-Wiechental Hut
Our Favourite MODERATE Day Trips
Schwalbenwand
Thumersbach > Dienten Grass Mountains
Distance: 15km
Climb: 1250m↑
Highest Point: 2011m
Terrain: Moderate
Description: This tour begins by ascending through farmed fields and forest until it reaches the tree line, where mellow grassy terrain awaits. A stop at the Mitterberghof mountain inn for a refreshment is a great treat! The tour continues to the Schwalbenwand, a peak with fantastic views of Lake Zell and the Hohe Tauern National Park. A fun traverse brings us to our descent to the end of the Thumersbach valley where a taxi takes us back to Zell am See.
Schwalbenwand
Schwarzenberg Hut
Ferleiten > Fusch Valley
Distance: 16km
Climb: 1250m↑
Highest Point: 2264m
Terrain: Moderate
Description: A short drive into the Fusch Valley brings you to this route’s trailhead. This tour starts relaxed and eventually gains elevation quickly as you approach the 3000m+ peaks of the Hohe Tauern National Park. In the midst of massive peaks like the Hohe Dock, Big Wiesbachhorn, and the general rugged wildness of the high alpine, a quaint hut might be the last thing you expect to see. You will be delighted with traditional Austrian dishes and refreshing cold beverages to quench your thirst.
Schwarzenberg Hut
Saalachtal Ridge Trail
Saalfelden > Maishofen
Distance: 19km
Climb: 1300m↑
Highest Point: 1912m
Terrain: Easy
Description: On the eastern end of the Kitzbüheler Alpen the terrain is gentle and lush. The Saalachtal Ridge Trail that connects Saalfelden to Zell am See weaves in and out of the tree line and offers access to mountain ponds with views of the Hohe Tauern National Park and the Steinerne Meer alike.
Durchenkopf
Our Favourite CHALLENGING Day Trips
Larmkogel: Above 3000m!
Hollersbach Valley > New Fürther Hut
Distance: 13km
Climb: 1500m↑
Highest Point: 3017m
Terrain: Challenging
Description: The Larmkogel is unique. It’s a peak that is at the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park and sits just over 3000m above sea level. A taxi takes you up the picturesque Hollersbachtal to the beginning of the hiking path to the New Fürther Hut where you can stop for a quick snack before storming the summit. Stamina and technique are a requirement on this trip due to the nature of the route which consists of one long climb and one long descent.
Hollersbachtal
Zwölferkogel
Mittersill > Felbertauern Valley
Distance: 22km
Climb: 1800m↑
Highest Point: 2446m
Terrain: Moderate
Description: This tour takes you from Mittersill into the Northern Glockner Group mountains. This trip features one long ascent, a spectacular ridge run, and a stunning view of Austria’s highest peak, the Großglockner, and other 3500m+ peaks. The return trip has a nice variety of steep single track and gentle incline gravel roads to give your legs a bit of a break on the long descent.
Zwölferkogel Ridge with Hohe Tauern in background
Glemmtal Summit Tour
Lindlingalm > Kitzbüler Alps
Distance: 25km
Climb: 1900m↑
Highest Point: 2207m
Terrain: Moderate
Description: The Glemmtal, famous for being one of the largest ski areas in Europe (Saalbach/Hinterglemm), is an absolute playground for flowy trail running. A never-ending chain of peaks is divided by playful saddles lined with small bodies of water and views of Austria’s highest peaks. Once the initial climb is taken care of, the remaining elevation is easily manageable thanks to the rolling terrain. Conquer six 2000m peaks and run alongside beautiful lakes on this unique adventure!
Tristkogel
ULTRA Day Trips
If you want to push yourself outside of a race environment you should consider a guide who will ensure your safety and progress while you focus on the journey.
Epic Day Trips
Austria
Do you want to cover a seriously long distance in the mountains in a relatively short period of time? Want to run a marathon, 50 km, 50 miles, 100 km, or further? Seems like a big challenge, right? Our guides love day trips that start and end in the dark and we love sharing that unique adventure with other people too. Maybe you’ve got an upcoming race and want to see the trail before the big day.
Maybe you just want to test yourself at longer distances regardless of the trail’s location, we’ve got your back. If you’re unsure about your potential, we are happy to consult with you about the kind of trip that might be right for you. We encourage runners to challenge themselves – let us help you reach your big goal safely!
Quinten Grimm at kilometer 70/101 at the Eiger Ultra Trail 2019
BUDGET PLANNING
You are going to have the experience of a lifetime with Trail Run Austria. These factors can help you plan a trip that fits your budget.
BUDGET PLANNING
You are going to have the experience of a lifetime with Trail Run Austria. These factors can help you plan a trip that fits your budget.
Guiding Fees
- Half day (1-4 hours) 120€ + 10% for each additional person
- Full day (4-8 hours) 220€ + 10% for each additional person
Transportation
- Taxis are the best way to get to and from some trailheads. They typically cost 20€ per ride for the whole group. Multi-day trips take up to four taxis and day trips take up to two.
- Lifts are useful to save time and energy on initial climbs or descents. They allow you to run at a more scenic elevation for more of the day! They cost between 15€ and 30€ for the day per person. Few trips include lifts.