Are there food options for vegetarians and vegans?

If you'd like to eat a vegetarian meal, it's usually available at most accommodations. Vegan options are harder to find in huts, but we'll let you know about them in advance so you can plan accordingly.

We do not demand that you have insurance before booking, but it is advisable to do. Joining the Austrian Alpine Club gets you covered in case anything unexpected happens to you on your way.

What kind of accommodation do the mountain huts provide?

Mountain huts are not luxurious, but they are cozy and comfortable. You will not lack a warm bed, delicious meals, and toilets. They offer private rooms and dormitories, so you should be prepared to book enough time in advance if you do not want to share a room with other people. Read more about the Austrian mountain huts .

Adventurer’s Salzburger Almenweg: Bad Gastein to Obertauern

10 days / 9 nights

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Discover the second section of the Salzburger Almenweg, journeying from Bad Gastein to Obertauern, revealing scenic pastures, cozy huts, and unspoiled trails.

Starting point

Bad Gastein

Finish point

Obertauern

Season

From June to September

Technical level

2/5

Fitness level

4/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Discover the second section of the Salzburger Almenweg, journeying from Bad Gastein to Obertauern, revealing scenic pastures, cozy huts, and unspoiled trails.

Starting point

Bad Gastein

Finish point

Obertauern

Season

From June to September

Technical level

2/5

Fitness level

4/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Hike through the scenic heart of the Salzburg Alps, exploring the vast alpine landscapes
Take in the pastoral beauty of the region, stopping at alpine huts to enjoy traditional meals
Challenge yourself with diverse trails, ranging from lush forests to wide-open alpine meadows
Rest in welcoming alpine towns and cozy accommodations, recharging in comfortable B&Bs
Discover cultural landmarks and historic trails that wind through charming alpine villages
Soak in sweeping views of the Salzburg Alps from iconic summits and passes like Sonntagskogel

Itinerary of the trip

Upon arrival in Bad Gastein, you'll find yourself in a historic spa town. Known for its thermal springs and stunning alpine backdrop, Bad Gastein serves as an ideal starting point for your Salzburger Almenweg journey. The town is well connected, with ample accommodation and dining options available. Before your hike, you can take advantage of local transport or enjoy a quick orientation walk through the town's center, which includes a view of the famous Gastein waterfall.

Accommodation

Residence AlpenHeart

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

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The trail initially weaves through the historic center of Bad Gastein, crossing the Kaiser Wilhelm Promenade. After crossing the stream and following steep, winding paths, the trail climbs towards Poserhöhe, offering panoramic views over Bad Gastein. From here, the ascent continues to Tofernscharte, passing through dense forests and alpine meadows. Reaching the Tofernscharte at 2091 meters, the descent begins, passing the Harbachalm. The trail leads through pastures and forested paths, eventually arriving in the charming village of Hüttschlag.

Hiking

16.5 km and 1170 m of elevation gain / 1200 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Landhotel Almrösl im Großarltal

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

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From Hüttschlag, the route follows the "Chapel Hiking Trail" that runs parallel to the main road and offers a chance to visit the Christophorus and Karteis chapels. After crossing the Grossarlbach, the path heads uphill through scenic farmlands, leading towards the Hallmoosalm. At a junction near the second car park, a narrow alpine path ascends towards the Karteisalm. The trail then opens into a wide cirque before reaching the Karteistörl. Then, the trail descends gently through beautiful alpine landscapes and leads to the Tappenkarseehütte.

Hiking

11.5 km and 1300 m of elevation gain / 460 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Tappenkarseehütte

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

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From the Tappenkarseehütte, the route follows along the western shore of Lake Tappenkarsee to the Tappenkarseealm. After a short, scenic walk, the path climbs steadily to reach a high mountain pass. From there, the trail descends towards a fork, where hikers can take the more scenic route along the southwest flank of the Draugstein. The trail continues through alpine meadows until reaching the Filzmoossattel. From the saddle, it’s a downhill walk to the Filzmoosalm. The trail then winds through forests and pastures, passing by the Achtalm, and continues to the Loosbühelalm.

Hiking

9 km and 600 m of elevation gain / 650 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Loosbühelalm

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

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From the Loosbühelalm, the trail descends gently to the north, reaching the Weißalm. From there, the route ascends towards the Ellmaualm. Continuing along the path, you pass the unserviced Henerbichlalm and ascend to the Kartörl. The hike then descends past the Karalm and other unserviced pastures before arriving at the Großwildalm. From here, you can either follow the road downhill or take a more scenic route to the historic Karseggalm, a 400-year-old hut. The trail continues across alpine meadows to the Unterwandalm and Maurachalm. From this point, a long, steady path leads to the Gernkogel.

Hiking

20 km and 750 m of elevation gain / 830 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Buchau Hütte

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

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From the Gernkogel, the trail briefly descends to the saddle on the western ridge of the Sonntagskogel before a climb to the summit of the Sonntagskogel. The route then encircles the Grindkogel and crosses the saddle between Grindkogel and Kitzstein. The ascent to the Kitzstein, also referred to as the "Gabel," is the most challenging part of the day. The trail leads over the ridge, with the summit offering spectacular views. After summiting, the path descends steeply along the western flank of the Kitzstein, requiring careful footing. Following this descent, the trail continues to the Kleinarl.

Hiking

13.5 km and 580 m of elevation gain / 1300 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hotel Guggenberger

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

From Kleinarl, you will begin by following the path uphill, passing the Gothic parish church and joining the Stuhlweg, which ascends steadily on the east side of the valley. The trail will soon bring you to the "Power of Trees" nature trail. Then, you’ll cross meadows and forest paths until reaching Steinkaralm, where you can take in the scenic views at this quiet alpine pasture. After a rest at Steinkaralm, the hike will continue north, rounding the western ridge of Moseregg before descending to the Weissenhofalm and Flachau, your destination for the day.

Hiking

19 km and 1300 m of elevation gain / 1400 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hotel Flachauerhof

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

From the center of Flachau, you will begin by heading south along a short section of the "Weg der guten Wünsche" trail. Once across the Tauern motorway, the path leads moderately uphill through forested areas. It will take you past Wechselmaisweg, eventually reaching the Sattelbauer Mountain Inn. The hike then ascends through mountain forests to the Hinterkuchlbergalm. After a brief ascent, you will encounter the Himmelsteich, where the trail branches off, climbing steeply to the ridge between Lackenkogel and Vorderkogel. The panoramic trail continues over the Hinterkogel and leads you down to Zauchensee.

Hiking

16 km and 1300 m of elevation gain / 840 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

FIRSTpeak Zauchensee

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

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Leaving Zauchensee, the trail leads south along the valley floor to reach the Oberzauchenseealmen. Continuing onward, the path ascends through a larch meadow, passing limestone boulders, before arriving at the Tauernkarleitenalm. From there, the trail descends further into Gnadenalm's wide valley basin, passing multiple refreshment stops at Hintergnadenalm. The journey then turns uphill, covering substantial elevation before reaching the Südwienerhütte. The trail maintains altitude across forested terrain, eventually reaching the Grünwaldkopfbahn cable car station, marking the end of the stage.

Hiking

20 km and 1120 m of elevation gain / 750 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hotel Solaria

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

After completing the Salzburger Almenweg, departing from Obertauern can be handled with ease. If a private transfer is needed, we can assist with arranging transportation to your next destination. Obertauern, known for its extensive ski areas and hiking trails, is a popular spot in both summer and winter. Before leaving, you may have time to explore the town's alpine landscape or take a final look at the surrounding peaks. Should you require any additional help or logistics for your departure, we are ready to assist.

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FREE ITINERARY

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

6 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast

3 nights in mountain huts with half-board

Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer

Extra nights

Hotel upgrades

Luggage transfer

Single supplement

What to bring to the tour

Hiking shoes/boots
25 to 45-liter backpack
Base layer
Sports T-shirts
Hiking shorts
Hiking water-repellent pants
Waterproof jacket
Midlayer
Sports socks and underwear
Leisurewear for evenings
Down jacket
Gloves
Shade hat/cap

Warm headwear
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Headlamp
Hiking poles
ID card or passport
Snacks
Cash
Water bottles or hydration pack
Sleeping liner
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Small first aid kit

The second third of the Salzburger Almenweg offers hikers a continuous immersion into Austria's diverse alpine beauty, stretching from the historic town of Bad Gastein to the alpine resort of Obertauern. Throughout the hike, you are constantly surrounded by verdant valleys, rocky crags, and the dramatic peaks of the Salzburger Alps.

This section is characterized by long days on the trail, significant elevation gains, and ever-changing landscapes, making it suitable for well-prepared and physically fit hikers. The route highlights the serene meadows and rolling alpine slopes that define much of the trail.

As with the first section, this part of the Salzburger Almenweg balances its physical demands with scenic rewards and comforting accommodations in alpine inns, B&Bs, and remote mountain huts.

You’ll be hiking through a mixture of serene valleys and elevated pastures with far-reaching views across the alpine landscape, crossing notable points such as Filzmoossattel and Wastlhöhe. The terrain here is as varied as the landscape, offering hikers a taste of everything from forest trails to panoramic ridgelines.

The hikes grow more challenging as you head toward Flachau and Zauchensee, with steeper climbs and descents through alpine forests and high ridges, yet the picturesque scenery and abundance of alpine flora make each ascent worthwhile.

Each day on the Salzburger Almenweg brings new sights and experiences, from historical landmarks and tiny alpine chapels to broad valleys and impressive mountain lakes.

As always, we take care of all logistics, from securing comfortable accommodations to providing GPS navigation, luggage transfer, and a detailed travel booklet. Our customer support ensures you have a worry-free hiking adventure with all the support you need, including transportation connections at the start and end of the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

The hiking season usually lasts from mid-June to late September. It depends on the snow conditions in the higher sections of the Alps, as lots of hiking routes go over high mountain passes. You should check the current situation if you are visiting in early summer, especially for Stubai High Trail, as large parts of the route run above 2000 meters of elevation.

The huts close their doors once the season ends as well, so you cannot plan any multi-day tours outside this time window.

You can read more about the hiking season in Austria here.

We've rated our tours on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5 — with 1 being the easiest and 5 the most difficult.

The difficulty level of a tour tells you how fit you need to be and how much hiking is involved. Most of our tours are appropriate for people who are regularly active and can hike for about five to seven hours per day.

Technical difficulty means how skilled you need to be to hike on the path. Level 1 means the trail is smooth and wide (like a gravel road), while 5 means the surface is uneven and exposed, and you have to use your hands to help yourself move forward. In practice, that means that the higher the level, the more surefooted and skilled in scrambling you need to be.

You should book your tour as soon as possible, as many accommodations along the trail fill up quickly. That way, you can ensure that you have a place to stay.

In case of an injury, it is best to call the local emergency services. You might find yourself in the wilderness, unable to continue without worsening your situation.

Do not worry too much, though. You will be hiking along popular trails, so you will not get stranded even if something happens.

On the other hand, if you feel too tired to continue hiking, you can always stop in any of the towns and villages along the way and use public transport to get to where you want to be in Austria.

Most huts along our hut-to-hut hikes are equipped with showers, but they might be a matter of whether there has been any rainfall lately. Do not expect too much, as mountain huts are not luxurious hotels.

Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

+15

Birgit Kindler

Verified customer · 1 year ago

We had a lovely hike today with our guide Klemen. He personalized the tour on our needs and interests, so that we saw places we wouldn't without his experience. The hike was a little bit slippery after the rain from the last days and it went a lot upwards, but it was totally worth it! Thanks again :)

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Claudia Ossa

Verified customer · 2 years ago

9 day hiking trip including rafting and mountain biking. Sadly the weather didn’t help, we had a lot of rain, but Klemen modified our plans, making it a great experience after all. Klemen is an excellent guide and I highly recommend him!!!

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Ann Swainson

Verified customer · 11 months ago

Thank you so much for a fantastic trip. It was absolutely stunning, well organised, and a brilliant trip. Special thanks to Jan for his kindness & support on what was a personally challenging trek.

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Robert Backlund

Verified customer · 11 months ago

Our Guide Luka was amazing! And the three-day hike was a Memory for life, really beautiful. Cant recommend it enough.

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Rebecca Lawson

Verified customer · 10 months ago

Our 3 day hike had to be rearranged 2/2 weather, so a one day hike was arranged for us. We appreciated the concern about weather and conditions. Our hike was with Matevz, who was a great guide. Very helpful and knowledgable. Would definitely recommend and will be back for a longer hike one day!

Nicole Cocks

Verified customer · 10 months ago

This trip was organized with every detail considered. Our accommodation, most meals and routes were planned each day which is perfect when the region is unknown and you have not completed a multi-day hike before. We had a great time!