My name is Roman Huber and I grew up in the west of Tyrol. When growing up in such an environment it is kind of ordinary to go hiking in the Alps of Austria as soon as you can walk.
I can remember I loved taking photos as a child but I got more serious into photography around 2-5 years ago. Now I also work as a photographer and filmmaker. You can check out my Instagram here.
The state of Tyrol where I live attracts more tourists than the whole of Greece. I guess Austria has a lot to offer. On the one hand you can go hiking in the beautiful Alps of Austria.
On the other hand the culture and remnants of the old empire still remain. Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in the world although it might have lost its importance compared to a 100 years ago.
One thing which makes Austria stand out when compared to its neighboring countries is the infrastructure in the Alps. State-of-the-art ski lifts are just normal here.
Don’t get me wrong, those old ski lifts (like for example in Switzerland) have their charm. But you see just how dependent our economy is on tourism. That’s why they invest so much in great infrastructure.
It’s the same with the hiking trails and many other things that serve tourism in Austria. However, I also hope that mass tourism does not become a vital problem here like in other countries which suffer from over-tourism. A more sustainable approach would be favored.
Top 3 Destinations for Hiking in the Alps of Austria
Hiking along the Lechtaler Alps is always special to me. So many hidden gems of alpine lakes and a lot of wildlife. If you ever come to Austria make sure you take 4-5 days time to walk a bit of the Adlerweg (also known as Eagle’s Way because of its eagle perspective of the scenery).
There’s not many people up except on the E5 long hiking trail which only crosses the Lechtaler Alps and doesn’t go along them. Despite that, there’s not really many people or let’s say tourists who hike there. For this reason it’s one of the best places to hike in Austria.
I also have some wonderful memories of the local area where I live and all the mountains next to Landeck. So many good memories spending time watching epic sunsets and sunrises.
Obviously there might be more scenic and more beautiful places in Austria but I simply love exploring the places close to my home. I really can’t complain and I’m lucky to call Tyrol home.
Along with Lechtaler Alps, I would have to mention Verwall Alps (located at the border of Tyrol and Vorarlberg) and the amazing Ötztal Valley. Tourism is a big factor in these places, especially Ötztal.
These places also offer remote and calm areas with beautiful mountain huts and many hiking trails. There’s so much natural beauty to explore that you could spend days and days on end here.
The People and Culture of the Austrian Alps
Austria is a mixed and diverse culture (although many Austrians might say different). I would say it has a lot to do with the old empire where people from all over the world shared their cultures and traditions and in the end it all mixed up. This certainly applies to Vienna.
Vienna is not only the most beautiful city in Austria but also one of the most beautiful cities in the world (second to only Istanbul and Rome in my opinion). If you like cities that are located closer to the mountains then Salzburg and Innsbruck are the places to go.
The culture in the mountainous/remote areas of Austria might be slightly different to the cities. Perhaps not as open minded and more traditional but this has changed a lot during the last couple of generations. Probably thanks to the boom in tourism as well.
What I can say is that Austrians certainly have a sense of black humor. It’s one of the main differences between Austrians and Germans in the North (Prussians we would say in German). Germans in the South are very much similar to Austrians (what we call Bavarians).
Travel Tips for your Visit to Austria
Austria is a country like any other in Central Europe when it comes to manners. You give 20% tips if the service is good. You can travel perfectly by public transport. Weather changes quickly on the mountains too so make sure you pack accordingly and take the appropriate clothing.
Don’t take everything too serious. It might be sarcasm or simply a joke from a local Austrian. Remember our black humour. Take your time while travelling in Austria. It’s better to stay longer in one place than rush through it, especially when hiking in the Alps of Austria.
Every part of Austria has its charm and there is so much to explore in every corner of this beautiful country. But make sure you spend some time hiking in the Alps of Austria – you won’t regret it!
