Hiking in autumn

Autumn offers mild temperatures, clear air and often stable weather conditions. In Lower Austria, colourful forests, wine-growing landscapes and panoramic heights come together. The clear autumn air opens up wide views and many paths are quieter than in summer.

Yes, mountain hikes are very possible in Lower Austria in autumn, especially until October. It is important to take shorter days and earlier sunsets into account and to keep an eye on the weather before and during the hike.

If you are interested in mountain tours, you should also take a look at our page on hiking in the mountains.

The autumn colours are particularly impressive in forest and hilly landscapes as well as in wine regions. In the Wachau and Kamp Valley ("Kamptal" in German), vineyards and forests glow in bright red-yellow colours, complemented by foggy moods along the Danube and Kamp rivers. The Dunkelsteinerwald and Weinsberger Wald forests impress with their tranquil deciduous forests and clear autumn air. In the Vienna Woods Biosphere Reserve, the variety of forest types ensures an intense play of colours, while the gorges of the Ötscher and the Ysperklamm gorge offer special contrasts with their colourful foliage and watercourses. Moorland landscapes such as the Leckermoos high moor or the Heidenreichstein moor with its reddish-brown hues also create a very special autumn atmosphere.

Weatherproof clothing is recommended in autumn, as temperatures can change quickly. Leaves on paths can be slippery, and at higher altitudes you should be aware of earlier dusk and the first cold snaps. Good tour planning and up-to-date weather information are particularly important. On the following page, we have also compiled further information on rules of behaviour when hiking and tips for your packing list.

In addition to the most beautiful hikes, autumn offers many other experiences for an excursion or an autumn holiday lasting several days:

• Viewpoints for the most beautiful autumn photos
• Wine journeys from mid-August to early November, the so-called Wine Autumn, are particularly atmospheric due to the large number of tastings, festivals and open wine taverns as well as the colourful wine hiking trails and wine cycle paths.
• National parks and nature parks
• Long-distance hiking trails, such as the Lebensweg in the Waldviertel or the Wachau World Heritage Trail
• A journey of discovery through the Weinviertel wine cellar lanes, the Vienna Woods Biosphere Reserve and the Wachau World Heritage Site