Hiking in summer

On hot days, shady hikes through gorges, ravines and along bodies of water are particularly pleasant. Deep gorges such as the Johannesbachklamm, Ysperklamm and Steinbachklamm run through dense forests and ensure noticeably cooler temperatures. Shady waterfalls, such as the Trefflingfall, Lohnbachfall or Sebastianwasserfall, also offer refreshing breaks along the way.

Those who want to combine hiking and swimming will find ideal conditions on tours starting from Lake Lunz or on the circular trail around Lake Erlaufsee with direct access to the water. Despite the summer heat, the Schneebergbahn and Rax cable cars also make it easy to reach higher altitudes - for impressive mountain panoramas and enjoyable stops at the huts.

Yes, guided hikes with different focuses are offered in Lower Austria in summer. These include sunrise hikes on the Schneeberg, Semmering or in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park, cultural hikes in the Semmering-Rax region, herb hikes on the Rax and special offers such as poisonous plant or yodelling hikes in the gorges of the Ötscher. In the Ysperklamm gorge, nature guides accompany hikers and open up new perspectives on the surroundings. In the alpine Mostviertel region, Gipfelklänge organises a guided tour with musical accompaniment in late summer. Various guided hikes with rangers also take place in the national parks and nature parks in Lower Austria.

Sufficient water, sun protection and appropriate clothing are particularly important when hiking in summer. On hot days, it is advisable to start early in the morning or later in the afternoon and to choose shady paths. In the mountains, you should also keep an eye on weather and thunderstorm forecasts and adapt tours to your own ability.
You can also find general information about rules of behaviour when hiking and tips on our website.

Summer in Lower Austria invites you to spend active days in nature - as a day trip or a summer holiday lasting several days. Particularly popular are:

• Hikes to huts and alpine pastures
• Hiking trails through gorges, ravines and to waterfalls
• Hikes to lakes
• Mountain tours
• Mountain biking and river cycle paths
• Long-distance hiking trails (for example Via Aqua - a long-distance hiking trail around springs, rivers and gorges)
• Natural and river bathing spots to cool off
• National parks and nature parks
• Journey of discovery in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park, through the far north of the Waldviertel and in the Semmering-Rax region