The Austrian Tyrol region is a true paradise for those seeking a walking holiday with a view. The region will enrich us with jaw-dropping beauty, dramatic backdrops of the rugged mountain range, flower-filled lush green meadows on the valley floor, sparkling blue lakes and snow-capped mountains. With the gondola up to the mountain only a short walk from our base in the Wildschönau Valley, we’ll enjoy easy access to walking trails through some of the most beautiful natural environments.
We arrive into Munich Airport & transfer to Hotel Sonnschein, located in the Tyrol village of Niederau. We check-in & gather for a welcome drink and dinner together.
This morning, we enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we start our first walk of the holiday. We begin nice and easy with a short walk to the gondola station where we will take this up the mountain. At the top, we enjoy a hike from Markbachjoch to the picturesque reservoir. Here we can see metal sculptures placed around the water. A total of 20 works of art were created during the ‘Art on the Mountain’ weeks over the past few years. We will continue on to Mittermoosen Alm, which is a wonderfully located hut on the way back down to Niederau.
Distance: 6,7 km.
Altitude: 23 m uphill & 612 m downhill.
Today we will head to the hotels own alpine pasture where we will be served a local barbeque lunch with live music to accompany.
We take the gondola up the mountain and begin our walk to the Kühbrandalm. We experience breathtaking panoramic views of the mountain range and lush green hills. The walk will take us over to the other side of the mountain and through peaceful woodlands and mountain pathways.
After our stop at the Kühbrandalm, we walk down to the bus stop for our transfer back to the hotel where we will be spoiled with coffee and homemade cake. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Distance: 9,5 km.
Altitude: 200 m uphill & 720 m downhill.
After breakfast this morning, we will board the coach and head to the capitol of the Tyrol region – Innsbruck. Innsbruck is known for its imperial and modern architecture, something we will witness on our guided tour, whilst also seeing the most majestic views of the jagged rock spires of the Nordkette mountain range rising above the city. After the guided tour, we will have some free time for lunch before gathering to take the funicular from the city centre up to 1.905 meters above see level, to Seegrube – a part of the Nordkette mountain range. Whilst here, we will be able to take a small stroll along the mountain to take in the views into the inn valley or simply enjoy a cold (or warm) drink on the restaurant terrace. After marvelling at the view and capturing memorable photographs, we’ll make our way back to the hotel for dinner.
Just on the other side of the mountain lies the pretty village of Alpbach, famous for its flower-covered terraces and beautiful Alpine styled houses. Today we take the public bus to Auffach to board the gondola which will take us to Schatzberg (1.898 metres above sea level). From here, we descend down through the forest to reach Zottahof – a small mountain restaurant. A perfect opportunity to fill up with energy, either with a warm or cold meal, and sample the ‘Löffel milch’. We continue down the mountain alongside the trees, until we reach the centre of the little village of Alpbach. After a stroll around, the coach will pick us up to take us to Austria’s smallest city – Rattenberg, famous for its glass blowing and locally produced ice cream. Afterwards, we return to the hotel by coach for dinner.
Distance: 8,8 km.
Elevation: 760 m downhill to Zottaalm + 225 m downhill to Alpbach village.
Today is a day a leisure to spend however we wish. We can explore Wildschönau Valley further as the gondola is a short walk away, or simply rest up and make the most of the hotels facilities.
Our final walk in Tyrol will be to the marvellous Lake Achensee. The serpentine roads take us up to Tyrol’s largest lake, where the mountains disappear directly into the lake. Today’s relaxed hike starts in Pertisau and continues along the west coast line of the lake. The first stop on the hike is at Gaisalm, where we can enjoy a small snack or drink before we continue on to the final destination of Achenkirsch. From here, we take the boat back and see the lake from another perspective.
Distance: 8,8 km.
Elevation: 160 m uphill & downhill.
After breakfast, we enjoy the remainder of the day before we transfer back to the airport for our return flight home.
The family-run hotel is located in the Wildschönau Valley and is surrounded by a large garden, mountains and forests, whilst also a short walk away from the Niederau Cable Car. You will notice the artistic façade incorporated into the traditional Austrian exterior of the hotel.
The hotel has a restaurant that serves Austrian and international cuisine, whilst also having a bar and a sun terrace. There is a spa at the hotel, facilities include two saunas, an aromatic steam bath, an infrared cabin, and a hot tub.
The rooms feature typical Austrian wooden style furniture, satellite TV, and an en suite bathroom. There is a hair dryer, a kettle and all rooms come with a balcony.
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Munich Airport to the hotel, it is around 2hours.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear for this walking holiday. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort. Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €25.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on. If you choose to have ski lessons, you may also like to thank your ski instructor at the end of the week with a token of appreciation.
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
If you are travelling to Austria and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Austria, including the high Alps. More information about altitude sickness is available from TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre).
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
Order of the itinerary could change due to weather and other circumstances.
Austria use the Euro.
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