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

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