Here are three ideas to enjoy in Europe’s outdoor playground – a long distance walk, a bike trail and a unique climbing route.
The 413 km Adlerweg (‘Eagle Walk’) is Austria’s most iconic long-distance hike, split into 33 stages, with an elevation gain of 31,000m. It’s a one-of-a-kind way to experience an awesome alpine landscape through the tough terrain and height of the Kaiser, Arlberg, Venediger and Großglockner mountains. It rewards hikers with incredible views of imposing peaks, sparkling mountain lakes and cosy mountain huts for rest and relaxation.
A uniquely enriching experience for travellers looking for a special blend of culture and nature, this 352km cycle path offers varied adventures, crossing provinces to visit 13 of Austria’s most beautiful lakes. It takes cyclists to old railways, through Mozart’s home village, on to fairytale towns, past caves and through forests. Pedallers can dawdle in the imperial town of Bad Ischl to savour Empress-approved sweets and sample Styrian wine straight from the source in Ausseerland-Salzkammergut.
Travellers seeking new heights of adventure will find it in Tirol’s St. Anton am Arlberg. The Arlberg Via Ferrate is one of Europe’s most demanding tours at 3km long and just under 2,500m high. Once equipped with safety equipment and training, climbers need to conquer narrow ledges, vertical rock faces and craggy ridges at dizzying heights.