Austrian Alps: Top 15 Landmarks

Austria's Alps contain some of Europe's most breathtaking natural landmarks—dramatic peaks piercing the sky, pristine glaciers clinging to high summits, crystal-clear Alpine lakes reflecting mountain panoramas, and geological wonders shaped over millennia. These aren't distant viewpoints requiring technical climbing or helicopter access—they're accessible landmarks on established hiking trails that determined hikers can reach on foot.

Austria by the Numbers

• 60% of Austria is mountainous, with the Alps covering over 62,000 square kilometers

• 47 protected nature parks and reserves preserving Alpine ecosystems

• Over 20,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails crossing every mountain range

• More than 500 mountain huts providing accommodation along established routes

• 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Hallstatt-Dachstein region

This guide presents 15 of Austria's most spectacular sights, all featured on our hiking tours. From glaciated high peaks to pristine mountain lakes and geological wonders, these landmarks represent the finest natural beauty Austria's mountains offer—no technical climbing required, just solid fitness and determination.

Iconic Peaks

Austria's highest summits create the dramatic skyline defining the country's Alpine identity. These four peaks represent the most impressive and accessible mountains featured on our routes—from Austria's absolute highest to distinctive limestone pyramids visible for miles across Tyrol.

For detailed information about summit-focused hiking including technical requirements and accessibility, see our guide to the best peaks to visit when hiking in Austria.

Glaciers & Ice Fields

Austria's glaciers represent the country's most dramatic ice landscapes, remnants of the last ice age still clinging to high peaks despite decades of retreat. These three glaciers are Austria's largest and most accessible, each offering unique characteristics and positioned along established hiking routes.

Alpine Lakes

Austria's mountain lakes offer moments of serenity amid dramatic Alpine landscapes, their still waters reflecting surrounding peaks and creating some of the country's most photographed scenes. These three lakes represent different characters—UNESCO cultural landscapes, dramatic cirque settings, and engineering marvels in wild valleys.

For month-by-month guidance on when lakes and glaciers appear at their most spectacular, consult our guide to the best time to hike in Austria.

Dramatic Ridges & Passes

Austria's mountain passes and ridges provide the most dramatic hiking—exposed traverses with soaring views, historic crossing points used for centuries, and modern viewpoints showcasing the Alpine landscape's full grandeur. These three locations represent accessible high-altitude experiences featured on established routes.

Natural Wonders

Beyond peaks, glaciers, and lakes, Austria's Alps contain unique geological features shaped by water, ice, and time—waterfalls thundering through narrow gorges, wild rivers flowing unregulated through pristine valleys, and limestone formations creating otherworldly landscapes. These two natural wonders represent exceptional features accessible on hiking routes.

For comprehensive route comparisons covering these and other natural landmarks, see our guide to the top 5 treks in Austria.

Austrian Landmarks Await!

These 15 landmarks represent Austria's finest natural spectacles accessible on hut-to-hut hiking routes. Most hikers experience 3-5 of these destinations on a single week-long trek, with longer routes covering multiple categories and diverse landscapes.

Browse all Austria hiking tours to find routes featuring these landmarks, or get in touch to discuss which destinations match your hiking goals.