Included: An experienced, UIMLA-certified mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area 8-day Glockner Trail hiking adventure in the Austrian Alps 7 nights accommodation in eco-hotels, family-owned guesthouses, and traditional mountain huts Half board (all breakfasts and dinners) Guide accommodation and expenses Any transport required during the trip Add-ons Optional Grossglockner ascent with a local IFMGA Mountain Guide — contact us prior to booking if interested Single supplement — limited availability in certain accommodations, contact us prior to booking if interested Not included: Airfare Travel to and from Zell am See, the starting point of this trip Lunches, drinks, and snacks Sleeping bag liner (required for sleeping in mountain huts) Travel and medical insurance — optional Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

Hiking the Glockner trail is challenging and suited for experienced alpine hikers . It ventures into high alpine terrain and requires great fitness levels , sure-footedness , and a head for heights . Expect to hike for six consecutive days for 6-10 hours per day , covering up to 15.4 km (9.6 mi) with up to 1,390 m (4,560 ft) elevation gain . If you’re planning on doing the optional Grossglockner Ascent on Day 5, you’ll need confidence, surefootedness in high alpine terrain, and a very good head for heights. No climbing experience is necessary, but keep in mind that the Grossglockner ascent covers extremely exposed terrain . A local IFMGA Mountain Guide will lead the way to the summit and provide the climbing equipment needed for the ascent.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Comfortable and waterproof walking boots with a good tread— low-cut mountain walking shoes can be used if they have a strong sole with adequate grip and protection for rough terrain; note that snow can remain on the high passes and boots may be beneficial Backpack large enough to carry everything you might need (30–35L, store sensitive items in waterproof bags) Waterproof jacket — must be fully waterproof to withstand heavy rain in the mountains Waterproof rain pants — mandatory, vital for staying dry Footwear suitable for use with crampons (sturdy hiking boots or Alpine-style boots) — for the optional Grossglockner ascent Passport — bring a paper and digital copy too Mountain rescue insurance — mandatory Personal First Aid — bring what you need for any minor injuries. Money (cash and credit cards) Sleeping bag liner for the huts Spare clothes for layering Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

What will the accommodations be like?

During our adventure in the Austrian Alps, you’ll stay in shared rooms in sustainable lodgings—family-run guesthouses, traditional mountain huts and eco-hotels . Depending on the accommodation, you might stay in luxurious double or twin rooms, comfortable triple to quadruple rooms with private bathrooms or alpine style mountain hut dormitories with shared toilet facilities. Single rooms may be available upon request in some, but not all accommodations. Most of your accommodations value responsible tourism in the Alps, and all have been carefully selected to make sure your trip has minimal environmental impact and maximum benefits for the communities you’ll visit.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this hiking Glockner Trail adventure , the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8 :1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 8 participants. A Glockner Trail hiking adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hiking Glockner Trail adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Glockner Trail hiking adventure is Zell am See, Austria . As a climate and energy model region for the Alps, Zell am See is brilliantly served by a wide public transport network. You can access Zell am See easily by bus or train from all over Europe, and by overnight train from the UK. The nearest airports to Zell am See are Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart (SZG) , 1.5 hours away, and Munich International Airport (MUC) , 2.5 hours away. Once you’re there, you will meet your guide in the evening of Day 1 at your hotel in Zell am See.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

SALZBURG | AUSTRIA

Hiking the Glockner Trail: Hut-to-Hut Adventure in the Austrian Alps

5.00

Hiking Glockner Trail: Guided Austrian Alps Tour

Incredible mountain vistas while hiking Glockner Trail

A lush Alpine valley on the Glockner Trail

Hikers soaking up the Alpine scenery on the Glockner Trail

A hiker and a dog underneath rock formations on the Glockner Trail

Climbing a glacier towards the Grossglockner summit in Austria

Panoramic view of Zell am See and nearby lake, Austria

Mountain reflection in Mooserboden, Austria

View of Kalser Tauernhaus in the Austrian Alps

Endless mountains on a stop while hiking Glockner Trail

Hikers on the way to Glorerhutte while hiking Glockner Trail

Hikers at the Grossglockner summit in the Austrian Alps

A hiker and a dog in high alpine environment while hiking Glockner Trail

Exterior of the Romantik Hotel in the Austrian Alps

Brettljause platter served in the Austrian Alps

Hiker enjoying Apfelstrudel at Glorerhutte

Traditional Knodel served in the Austrian Alps

Traditional Tyrolean food in a mountain hut in Austria

From $2,370 ()

Duration

8 days

Season

June through August

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Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Accommodation and food
Reviews
Things to know

If you’re into wild mountains, stunning glaciers, and serious Alpine adventure, the Glockner Trail in the Austrian Alps has your name all over it. We’ll spend eight days circling Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak, through the rugged Hohe Tauern National Park. The views? You know they’ll be unbeatable. But the experiences? Even better. Think gorging on Tyrolean food, sharing schnaps with the locals, and kicking back in cozy mountain lodgings. If you’re feeling extra bold, you can even summit Grossglockner itself and shout, “I made it!” from the top! And we’re doing all this sustainably, keeping the planet top of mind, so that we make memories and the Alps stay beautiful. We’ll leave one thing behind, though—a trail of good times!

Adventure highlights

Glockner bound

Discover glaciers, wild landscapes, and rare wildlife while circling Austria’s tallest peak
Kaiserschmarrn Chiefs

Feast on classic Tyrolean delicacies like Apfelstrudel (apple pie), fluffy Kaiserschmarrn pancakes, and schnaps
No trace, just memories

Explore the Alps responsibly with eco-friendly stays and minimal-impact travel

Itinerary

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Circle the Austrian Alps’ highest peak on this 8-day Glockner Trail hiking adventure! We’ll trek through the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park, surrounded by glaciers, massive ridges, and alpine meadows. Along the way, we’ll dive deep into Tyrolean culture, chowing down on local specialties like Knödel and schnaps. An expert mountain guide, sustainable accommodation and transport, and hearty breakfasts and dinners are all taken care of. And if you’re up for summiting the Grossglockner while you’re at it, you can do this too with a local guide! Whether you’re looking for wild landscapes, delicious food, or a serious hiking challenge, the Glockner Trail has everything you need—and then some.

Welcome to Zell am See, a pearl of the Alps and a designated Climate and Energy model region in Austria. This charming lakeside town is the starting and ending point of our adventure. Settle into our comfortable hotel, chosen for its central location, sustainable credentials, and welcoming atmosphere. You can take a stroll through the lively town center or, if you have extra time, unwind at the luxurious Tauern Spa. In the evening, we’ll gather for final trip preparations, group introductions, a pre-trip briefing, and a hearty dinner to kick off our journey.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Romantik Hotel in Zell am See
After a large continental breakfast, we store any unnecessary luggage and take sustainable public transport to the start of our hike. The first day on the trail is relatively straightforward but includes significant ascent and challenging trails. We immediately find ourselves immersed in a high alpine environment, surrounded by soaring 3,000-meter (9,840-foot) peaks, grand glaciers, and shimmering turquoise reservoirs. We’ll take time to acclimatize, soak in the breathtaking views, and prepare for the demanding days ahead.

At the end of a rewarding day on the trail, we arrive at our accommodation—our first mountain lodge experience. This is a comfortable introduction, offering a generous buffet dinner, a luxurious spa, and even Austria’s highest indoor swimming pool.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 12.6 km (7.8 miles), 7-8 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +1,000 m (+3,280 ft), -730 m (-2,395 ft)
Accommodation: Berghotel Rudolfshütte
Today, we leave Salzburgerland behind and enter East Tyrol. As we cross the ‘Spine’ of the Alps, we move from the Northern Alps into the sun-drenched valleys of the Southern Alps.

We hike along high balcony trails with magnificent panoramas, leading us into Dorfertal, a gem of Hohe Tauern National Park. This valley is rich in history, once known for its rare metals and precious stones. Traditional shepherding is still practiced here, and in the evening, we meet a local dairymaid who shares insight into this way of life. Steep paths lead us past cascading waterfalls to our hut for the night—a perfect place to sample some local schnaps or take an optional hike to a stunning alpine lake.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 12.2 km (7.6 miles), 6-7 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +820 m (+2,690 ft), -1,370 m (-4,495 ft)
Accommodation: Kalser Tauernhaus
We start the day walking along a pristine braided riverbed, surrounded by towering hanging glaciers and ancient larch trees. Golden eagles soar overhead as we warm up on gentle terrain before beginning a steep ascent. The trail follows historic smuggler and pig-herder paths, leading us through dense forests and onto panoramic ridges.

Reaching MoaAlm, we take in stunning views of the Schobergruppe’s imposing north faces. A short descent brings us to the base of Teischnitztal, where a series of switchbacks takes us through alpine meadows, offering our first close-up view of Grossglockner. The final climb is along a narrow, alpine trail which tops out beneath Fanotkogel and our stop for the night. We might enjoy a well-earned Apfelstrudel and breathe in the mountain air.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 12 km (7.5 miles), 7-8 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +1,390 m (+4,560 ft), -340 m (-1,115 ft)
Accommodation: Stüdlhütte
Depending on your choice, today you’ll either hike to Schere and descend into Leitertal or climb Grossglockner (available for an additional fee).

Hiking option: Our day starts with a challenging ascent to Schere (3,037 m / 9,964 ft), our highest point. The trail winds through a high alpine environment, offering breathtaking glacier views and encounters with ibex and alpine choughs. We descend into Ködnitztal, where we might stop for a coffee break before climbing to Berger Törl and Glorerhütte. We’ll enjoy a rich Tyrolean lunch to help us roll down the hill to Leitertal and our home for the night.

Climbing Grossglockner option: We’ll start very early and traverse underneath Schere up to the edge of the Ködnitzkees Glacier, which we’ll traverse using crampons and ropes. Then we’ll begin a steep, rocky climb to Austria’s highest hut, Erzherzog-Johann-Hütte. From here, it’s a mixture of rock, ice, and exposed ridges to reach the summit and enjoy a stunning 360-degree view! We’ll descend via a glacier traverse and a challenging via ferrata section, eventually reaching our remote hut in Leitertal.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking option: 13.9 km (8.6 miles), 8-9 hours, +950 m (+3,115 ft), -1,110 m (-3,640 ft)
Climbing option: 8.5 km (5.3 m
Accommodation: Salmhütte
After an intense summit day, today is more relaxed but equally rewarding. We start on a beautiful balcony trail with views over Leitertal, where Edelweiss and Gentians bloom. At Stockerscharte, we catch our first glimpse of the massive Pasterze Glacier, the largest in the Eastern Alps.

A steep descent brings us to Sandersee, and we follow the valley floor, shaped by glacial forces over millennia. This is a rare opportunity to walk in a landscape actively being reshaped by climate change. A final climb to a spectacular viewpoint rewards us with panoramic views of Grossglockner and its glaciers. We end the day at our cozy accommodation, perfectly positioned for one last evening in the high Alps.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 14.4 km (8.9 miles), 7-8 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +600 m (+1,970 ft), -1,110 m (-3,640 ft)
Accommodation: Glocknerhaus
Our final day of hiking begins with a steady climb through lush meadows before we reach a stunning alpine cirque with a dazzling lake. A remote mountain pass marks our return to Salzburgerland, offering dramatic scenery and, likely, wild weather.

The descent is long, technical, and demanding, but as we approach the valley, the promise of coffee and cake keeps us going. Once we reach civilization, we take a short bus ride back to Zell am See, where a well-deserved hot shower, sauna, and celebratory final dinner await.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 15.4 km (9.6 miles), 8-9 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +620 m (+2,035 ft), -1,610 m (-5,280 ft)
Accommodation:Romantik Hotel in Zell am See
After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and depart from Zell am See. If you have extra time, consider exploring the town, relaxing at Tauern Spa, or taking an e-MTB ride on scenic trails. The cultural hubs of Salzburg and Innsbruck are just a short train ride away, perfect for extending your adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

Hiking the Glockner Trail: Hut-to-Hut Adventure in the Austrian Alps

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Ryan Mulligan

Ryan, a former renewable energy engineer, is now a UIMLA-certified International Mountain Leader, Mountain Bike Guide and Ski instructor. He has years of experience leading groups across the Alps and knows these mountains like the back of his hand—because they are his backyard. Along the way, you might even pass through his home village! He's passionate about sharing the rich Alpine culture, nature and wilderness with clients in a responsible way.

5.00

Mulligan’s Mountains is run by two adventurers whose love of adventure travel has taken them across the globe and opened doors to life-changing experiences. For us, mountain adventures are a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature, explore cultures, and grow. But, we also recognize that travel is a privilege and that all adventures have an impact on the mountain environment and communities. Our vision is to offer true, yet sustainable adventures in the mountain that minimize environmental impact and maximize community benefits.

Accommodation and food

Eco-hotels, family-owned guesthouses, and traditional mountain huts

After thrilling days on the trail, we’ll unwind in a mix of cozy hotels and mountain huts, each offering the perfect balance of comfort and Alpine spirit.

We’ll begin at Romantik Hotel in Zell am See with a serene stay by the lake and spa comforts before heading into the high mountains. At Berghotel Rudolfshütte, we’ll wake up surrounded by glaciers and step straight into the mountains. Kalser Tauernhaus, a timeless stop for travelers crossing the Alps, will welcome us with rustic charm. Climbing higher, we’ll embrace the altitude and get a true mountaineer’s experience at Stüdlhütte (2,802 m / 9,193 ft). Moving on, Salmhütte will provide a quiet, remote refuge before we reach Glocknerhaus, where we’ll be treated to sweeping Großglockner views and a hearty meal. Finally, we’ll cap off our adventure at the Romantik Hotel with a well-earned moment of lakeside relaxation.

Tyrolean delicacies

After a welcoming luxurious dinner to kick things off, we’ll fuel up with hearty Tyrolean breakfasts and end each hiking day with equally satisfying dinners. Think Käsespatzl (Austria’s own mac ‘n’ cheese) and traditional knödels—cheese or speck-filled dumplings, plus maybe a sweet Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy pancakes with apples or cranberries) to cap off the meal. Oh, and don’t forget the schnaps! Whether it’s raspberry, stonepine, or apple-pear, we’ll be sipping our way through a world of flavors.

A vegetarian meal option will always be available. If you follow a vegan diet or have any specific allergies, please let us know in advance—huts in remote mountain areas will always try their best to accommodate the needs of their guests, but there’s no guarantee that a specific diet will always be catered for.

5.00(3 reviews)

Janet

Ryan was absolutely SUPERB. He is a great guide, professional, considerate, great understanding of the individual needs of the group. Very impressed with him.

Andrew

We had a wonderful trip and our guide, Ryan, was exceptional.

Matthew

Ryan was the highlight. He is good natured, positive, calm, knowledgable, very helpful, kind and his company is very pleasurable. He is a truly excellent guide.

Show all reviews

Janet

Ryan was absolutely SUPERB. He is a great guide, professional, considerate, great understanding of the individual needs of the group. Very impressed with him.

Andrew

We had a wonderful trip and our guide, Ryan, was exceptional.

Matthew

Ryan was the highlight. He is good natured, positive, calm, knowledgable, very helpful, kind and his company is very pleasurable. He is a truly excellent guide.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, UIMLA-certified mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 8-day Glockner Trail hiking adventure in the Austrian Alps
  - 7 nights accommodation in eco-hotels, family-owned guesthouses, and traditional mountain huts
  - Half board (all breakfasts and dinners)
  - Guide accommodation and expenses
  - Any transport required during the trip
Add-ons
- - Optional Grossglockner ascent with a local IFMGA Mountain Guide — contact us prior to booking if interested
  - Single supplement — limited availability in certain accommodations, contact us prior to booking if interested
Not included:
- - Airfare
  - Travel to and from Zell am See, the starting point of this trip
  - Lunches, drinks, and snacks
  - Sleeping bag liner (required for sleeping in mountain huts)
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
  - Guide gratuities — optional
Hiking the Glockner trail is challenging and suited for experienced alpine hikers. It ventures into high alpine terrain and requires great fitness levels, sure-footedness, and a head for heights. Expect to hike for six consecutive days for 6-10 hours per day, covering up to 15.4 km (9.6 mi) with up to 1,390 m (4,560 ft) elevation gain.

If you’re planning on doing the optional Grossglockner Ascent on Day 5, you’ll need confidence, surefootedness in high alpine terrain, and a very good head for heights. No climbing experience is necessary, but keep in mind that the Grossglockner ascent covers extremely exposed terrain. A local IFMGA Mountain Guide will lead the way to the summit and provide the climbing equipment needed for the ascent.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Comfortable and waterproof walking boots with a good tread— low-cut mountain walking shoes can be used if they have a strong sole with adequate grip and protection for rough terrain; note that snow can remain on the high passes and boots may be beneficial
  - Backpack large enough to carry everything you might need (30–35L, store sensitive items in waterproof bags)
  - Waterproof jacket — must be fully waterproof to withstand heavy rain in the mountains
  - Waterproof rain pants — mandatory, vital for staying dry
  - Footwear suitable for use with crampons (sturdy hiking boots or Alpine-style boots) — for the optional Grossglockner ascent
  - Passport — bring a paper and digital copy too
  - Mountain rescue insurance — mandatory
  - Personal First Aid — bring what you need for any minor injuries.
  - Money (cash and credit cards)
  - Sleeping bag liner for the huts
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
During our adventure in the Austrian Alps, you’ll stay in shared rooms in sustainable lodgings—family-run guesthouses, traditional mountain huts and eco-hotels. Depending on the accommodation, you might stay in luxurious double or twin rooms, comfortable triple to quadruple rooms with private bathrooms or alpine style mountain hut dormitories with shared toilet facilities. Single rooms may be available upon request in some, but not all accommodations.

Most of your accommodations value responsible tourism in the Alps, and all have been carefully selected to make sure your trip has minimal environmental impact and maximum benefits for the communities you’ll visit.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this hiking Glockner Trail adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 8 participants.
A Glockner Trail hiking adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hiking Glockner Trail adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Glockner Trail hiking adventure is Zell am See, Austria. As a climate and energy model region for the Alps, Zell am See is brilliantly served by a wide public transport network. You can access Zell am See easily by bus or train from all over Europe, and by overnight train from the UK.

The nearest airports to Zell am See are Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart (SZG), 1.5 hours away, and Munich International Airport (MUC), 2.5 hours away.

Once you’re there, you will meet your guide in the evening of Day 1 at your hotel in Zell am See.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.