Hiking & Climbing
Hiking enthusiasts are in exactly the right place at Vergeiner’s Hotel Traube! Whether it’s a leisurely family hike or a high-alpine tour, East Tyrol is a mountain paradise with countless possibilities.
Hiking in East Tyrol
Hiking in Lienz
Hiking at its finest: the Dolomites to the south, the Hochstein to the west, and the Schober Group to the north offer an unforgettable hiking experience for seasoned mountain hikers as well as for families and seniors.
Hochstein - The adventure mountain for families
West of the Dolomite town lies the family-friendly hiking area of Hochstein. In summer, the mountain lift takes hikers up to the Sternalm in two stages. Especially popular with families are the petting zoo and the climbing park at the first section’s mountain station, which is also easily accessible on foot. This is also where the legendary Osttirodler begins—the most spectacular alpine coaster in the Alps. Treat yourself to the thrill—it's not just for kids!
On the Fairy Tale Trail to the Hochstein Hut: Duration 1.5 hours
Sternalm Loop: Duration 1 hour
Sternalm Panorama Loop: Duration 3 hours
Moosalm Circular Hike: Duration 2 hours
The region of Lienzer dolomites
The Dolomites south of Lienz offer a wonderful hiking area with several overnight options, making them ideal for multi-day hikes. Climbers will find a wide range of routes for all skill levels, as well as numerous climbing gardens.
Nature Trail: Lienz – Leisach – Amlach – Tristacher See
Duration: 2.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Pustertal Alpine Trail: Pedretscher Kaser – Oberassling – past 12 alpine huts – Hochstein Hut
Duration: 4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
Petzeck Tour: Wangenitzalm parking – Perschitztörl – Petzeck summit
Duration: 12 hours | Difficulty: Difficult
Hiking tour suggestions for families and beginners
We’ve put together a selection of personal tour recommendations for all difficulty levels. We’re also happy to assist you with planning your hikes.
Hiking tour suggestions for families and beginners
On these hikes right outside our doorstep, you can experience the full beauty of East Tyrol’s mountain world—without needing prior experience with demanding tours.
Reiter Kirchl
From the Moosalm, you can reach the Reiter-Kirchl via the circular hiking trail in less than 2 hours. The marked path takes you past the Reiteralm and up to the Reiter-Kirchl. From there, the trail branches off to the Tschwabelehof, then continues along a scenic meadow path to the Tschitscherhof. After that, the route leads you back to the Moosalm.
Moosalm – Venedigerwarte
Directly from the valley station of the Hochstein cable car, you can take the Schlossbergbahn to Section 1 at Moosalm. The hike can also be completed on foot in 1 hour. Here, on the adventure mountain, children can have a blast: at the adventure playground, petting zoo, high ropes course, and on the Osttirodler. There’s also the Venediger Tower up there—a lookout tower offering a fantastic view over Lienz.
Galitzen Gorge Water Path
Along the trail and bridge system, you can visit the roaring Galitzenbach and feel the raw power of the water. Surrounded by steep rock walls, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of the Lienz Dolomites. The Galitzenklamm Circular Walk features informative display boards that provide interesting facts about the history, geology, birdlife, and plant species in the area.
Naturfreunde Hütte
In summer, the Naturfreunde Hut is very easy to reach. It is located at 1,800 meters in the Zettersfeld hiking area. You can drive via Gaimberg to the Fasching Alm parking lot, and from there it’s just a 30-minute walk to the hut, where you’ll be warmly welcomed. Be sure to try the Kaiserschmarrn – it’s a must!
Tristachersee and "Alter See"
Located right at the foot of the Lienz Dolomites, you'll find the beautiful bathing lake. From there, we recommend a gentle hike to the natural monument “Alter See,” which lies beneath the towering Seewand cliffs. It’s a true paradise for both flora and fauna.
Theme Trail – Path of Peace
This path of reflection leads you to the Helenenkirchl. Starting in Thurn, you'll follow an easy route through pastures and forest paths. After about 1.5 hours, you’ll reach the Helenenkirchl, where you can enjoy a fantastic view over the Lienz valley floor!
Dolomitenhütte 1.620 m
You can drive up to the Dolomitenhütte parking lot and reach the hut in just a few minutes. The mountain road leads through Tristach and is toll-required from Kreithof onwards. At the Dolomitenhütte, you’ll be greeted with an incredible view and hearty, traditional food. From the Dolomitenhütte, you can hike towards the Instein Alm Memorial Chapel, about 30 minutes away—be sure to take in the view over the Laserz Massif.
Hikes for families and casual hikers
On these hikes in East Tyrol, you can experience the full beauty of our mountain world without needing prior experience with challenging tours.
"Zedlacher Paradies" Hiking Trail
The Zedlacher Paradise is an ancient, traditionally farmed cultural landscape. It features a larch forest with centuries-old, gnarled, and massive trees, which especially in late autumn, create an impressive natural spectacle as the needles turn yellow. A circular trail, lined with nature information and imaginative metal sculptures by the artist blacksmith Erich Trost, leads to the most beautiful trees in the Zedlacher Forest.
A detour to the Wodenalm (approx. 1 hour) or to the Strumerhof (approx. 30 minutes) is also worthwhile. The Zedlacher Paradise is considered one of the most beautiful larch forests in Austria. Hiking time: Circular route approx. 3 hours.
"Beautiful View" Tour
From the Kiosk Iselsberg, head left on the hiking trail, climbing through forests and meadows until you reach the Gasthof "Zur schönen Aussicht" (where you can stop for a break). On the way back down, first follow the access road to Kieferhof, then continue to Defreggerhof, and finally return to Iselsberg. Hiking time: approx. 2 hours.
Pustertal · Golzentipp 2,317 m
A beautiful excursion destination. The scenic and easily accessible local mountain of the Tilliach Valley. From the mountain station, the path leads left to the ridge and along the ski descent up to the Glamplift mountain station, to the circular Jochsee. After that, just above the old hay hut ensemble “Kutteschupfen,” you’ll conquer the Golzentipp. Hiking time: approx. 1 hour.
Lucknerhütte 2,241 m
OPEN: Early June to around October 20th
SPECIALTIES FROM THE KITCHEN: Homemade pastries, traditional dishes from our own organic farm, vegetarian options
ASCENT: From the parking lot at Lucknerhaus, it’s an easy 1-hour walk, accessible for children and seniors!
Alpengasthof Lucknerhaus 1,920 m
Inn with a direct view of the Großglockner. OPEN: From May 1st to October 26th, with a sun terrace offering a special view of the Großglockner, accessible by car (toll road).
ASCENT: From Kals via the Kalser Glocknerstraße (5 meters wide), 20 minutes of driving, easy to reach. Also accessible for buses up to 25 tons! Gradient: 10%.
Challenging hiking tours
For the more experienced hikers and mountaineers among our guests, we have also put together personal tour recommendations in various difficulty levels.
We’re happy to assist you with planning and offer advice along the way.
Conquer the 3,000 meter peaks
Some of the highest mountains in the Alps – with the Großglockner at the forefront – await experienced mountaineers hiking in East Tyrol. East Tyrol boasts 365 three-thousand-meter peaks. Which summit victory would you like to celebrate?
Lienzer Hütte
The hike through one of the most beautiful and longest high valleys in the Alps, located in the National Park area. Leave your car at the Seichenbrunn parking lot. From there, follow the service road to the Lienzer Hütte at 1,977 meters. This moderate tour is also suitable for children. If you're looking for a more challenging route, hike over Zettersfeld via the Lienzer Höhenweg to the Lienzer Hütte. Hiking time: Depending on the route, 1 hour or approx. 5 hours.
Schleinitz 2,904 m from the Steinermandl summit station
A stunning view of the town of Lienz and the Lienz Dolomites. From the top station of the Zettersfeld cable car, hike to the Steinermandl chairlift station. You can, of course, shorten this section by taking the chairlift. From there, follow the marked path to the Neualpl Lakes. Continue along the path to the summit of the Schleinitz, where you’ll need to navigate some rocky sections. The breathtaking panorama at the top makes up for all the effort. Hiking time: About 1 hour 15 minutes to Steinermandl, and from there, about 3 hours to the summit.
Böses Weibele 3,121 m
A fantastic view of the Großglockner.
Starting point: Parking at Lucknerhaus (1,920 m)
Hike up to Peischler Törl (2,484 m) on a boggy terrain with cotton grass and a shelter. You can also reach this point via the Glorerhütte or the Niggl-Metoitzalm. From there, head south across the scree slopes to the Tschadin Saddle and continue up to the scenic summit beneath the Großglockner.
Hiking time: Day tour.
Karlsbader Hütte 2,260 m on the Laserzsee
A popular classic in the Lienz Dolomites. From the parking lot at the Dolomitenhütte, take a leisurely 2-hour hike along the comfortable trail or the slightly more challenging Rudl Eller Weg, which requires good footwork. The path winds through numerous switchbacks to reach Hohe Törl (2,098 m), right beneath the imposing walls of the Dolomites, which are highly sought after by climbers.
Hiking time: 2 hours.
Wangenitzseehütte
A special view of the Ankogel. Hike through the Debant Valley, over the lower Seescharte, and continue past the Raneralm (parking available) along the Wiener Höhenweg, reaching the upper Seescharte and finally arriving at Wangenitzalm. Hiking time: approx. 3 hours.
Grosse Kinigat 2,687 m
The highest peak of the Karnische Alps. Hike through the Erschbaumertal along the forest road to the valley's end. From there, ascend the path to the left in switchbacks to Tscharre. Between Kinigat and Liköfelwand, continue to the Hintersattel. There is an option to descend to the Filmoor-Standschützenhütte. From there, continue to the Filmoorsattel and cross the scree field south of Königswand for about 400 meters in a western direction. Then, turn right and steeply ascend through the gravel slope to the rocks, where a secured passage of about 100 meters leads to the summit basin. From there, continue right to the Europakreuz at the summit, the highest point of the Karnische Alps. Hiking time: approx. 5 hours.
Grossglockner 3,798 m
The highest peak in Austria, with the famous Kaiserkreuz and an unforgettable view.
Starting point: Parking at Lucknerhaus (1,920 m)
The hike continues via Lucknerhütte and Stüdlhütte, roped up, along the "Alte Kalser Weg" over the Ködnitzkees to the Erzherzog-Johann-Hütte (Adlersruhe 3,454 m). The summit ascent requires ropes and crampons, following the "Glockner Leitl" to the rock base of Kleinglockner. After crossing the Glocknerscharte, only 30 vertical meters remain to the summit cross.
This challenging tour requires a guide.
Hiking time: 2-day tour.
Grossvenediger 3,666 m
A dreamlike panoramic view over the Hohe Tauern National Park and its surrounding mountain world, including the Dolomites, the Dachstein massif, and many more.
Starting point: Hinterbichl or the Wiesenkreuz parking lot (1,484 m). You can take a taxi to Johannis Hütte (2,121 m). From there, the ascent begins to Defreggerhaus (2,964 m), offering a stunning view of the white shimmering snow of the extensive glaciers. After Mullwitzaderl, at an altitude of 3,241 m, the glacier begins. Crampons, ropes, and the guidance of an experienced mountain guide ensure safety.
Hiking time: Approx. 7 to 8 hours.
Some Insider tips - hiking in East Tyrol
These tours promise exceptional panoramic views and unique experiences with nature. If you have a bit of experience, here you’ll find the ones you absolutely shouldn't miss.
Wangenitzsee Hütte
A special view of the Ankogel. Hike through the Debant Valley, over the lower Seescharte, past the Raneralm (parking available), then continue along the Wiener Höhenweg and the upper Seescharte to the Wangenitzalm.
Hiking time: approx. 3 hours.
Karlsbaderhütte
Explore the famous Laserz in the Lienz Dolomites. You can drive to the Dolomitenhütte by car or start hiking directly from Lienz, as the hut is about 12 kilometers away. From the Dolomitenhütte parking lot, take a comfortable 2-hour hike along the wide trail, or if you're sure-footed, try the Rudl Eller Way. The path winds through numerous switchbacks to reach Hohe Törl (2,098 m).
Hiking time: 2 hours.
Kerschbaumer Alm
Drive from Leisach along the narrow mountain road to the Klammbrückl parking lot, or leave your car at the Gasthof Waldschenke in Amlach. From there, hike steeply along the Goggsteig to Klammbrückl, a natural monument. Take a break there and enjoy the view of the roaring gorge. From Klammbrückl, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach the rustic Kerschbaumer Almhütte.
Lienzer Hütte
TWO ROUTES: Leave your car at the Seichenbrunn parking lot. From there, take the service road to the Lienzer Hütte at 1,977 meters. This hike is also suitable for families. If you're looking for a more challenging route, hike over Zettersfeld via the Lienzer Höhenweg.
Hiking time: Depending on the route, 1 hour or approx. 5 hours.
Hochsteinhütte - Böses Weibele
Start at Moosalm at 1,000 meters. From there, take the Russenweg to Sternalm, then continue along the romantic Märchensteig to the Hochsteinhütte, where fantastic regional specialties await you. If the 1.25-hour hike isn't enough, the summit of Böses Weibele at 2,521 meters calls you, which takes about 1.75 hours from the Hochsteinhütte.
Hiking time: approx. 3 hours.
Neualpl Lakes
This circular tour is ideal for acclimatizing to the high altitude. You can either hike from Zettersfeld Zentrum up to Steinermandl at 2,300 meters or take the chairlift. From there, the circular hike begins. In about 1 hour, you'll circle the Neualpl Lakes.
Lasörling 3,098 m
One of the most popular destinations for hikers and mountaineers from near and far. The easiest ascent to the summit starts from the Lasörlinghütte. Hike through the "Glaurit" to one of the most beautiful vantage points in East Tyrol, offering a magnificent panoramic view of the Großglockner, Großvenediger, Ortler group, and the Three Peaks.
From Welzelach near Matrei, head into the Mullitztal, passing the Stadleralm, and ascend to the extraordinary Lasörlinghütte (2,350 m). From there, continue over the Glauret Boden, a prehistoric mining area, to the Lasörling summit.
Hiking time: Day hike.
Lienz Dolomites · Hochsteinhütte 2,025 m
OPEN: From May 1st to October 31st | 2 cozy parlors for about 40 guests | 2 terraces for about 90 guests.
Drive comfortably via the toll road over Bannberg to the Hochsteinhütte parking lot (toll). It's a 10-minute walk to the hut. Alternatively, you can enjoy a longer hike: Take the chairlift from Lienz (673 m) to Sternalm (1,505 m) and then hike over the romantic Märchensteig to the Hochsteinhütte in about 1.5 hours. Or, start from Moosalm (1,000 m) via the "Russenweg" for a scenic 3-hour hike to the hut, where a delicious mountain meal awaits you.
Nilljoch Hütte 1,990 m
Approach: Obermauern (parking below the Budamerhof).
The Nilljochhütte is located on the sunny side of the municipal border between Prägraten and Virgen, at the entrance to the Venediger Höhenweg. It offers a large sun terrace with a magnificent panoramic view of the entire Virgental valley.
Hiking time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes.
Bonn-Matreier-Hütte 2,745 m
From the Budamerhof parking lot to the Nilljochhütte. A stunning view unfolds along the way. Continue on the path into the Große Nilltal, hiking upwards through colorful meadows, until you reach the Venediger Höhenweg. The scenic Bonn-Matreier-Hütte is within reach.
Hiking time: approx. 4 to 5 hours.
Wangenitzsee Hütte
A special view of the Ankogel. Hike through the Debanttal, passing the Lower Seescharte, and continue via the Raneralm (parking available). From there, follow the Wiener Höhenweg and the Upper Seescharte to reach the Wangenitzalm.
Hiking time: approx. 3 hours.
