Walking and Cycling Holidays in Austria

Mountain landscapes, charming alpine villages, and a national love for coffee and cake are just a few reasons why Austria is one of Europe’s top travel destinations. Still not convinced? Here are more reasons to plan your next walking or cycling holiday in Austria:

Dramatic Alpine Peaks
The Austrian Alps are a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. Walk through Tyrol’s breathtaking scenery—complete with jagged peaks and flower-filled meadows. Hike the legendary Adlerweg (Eagle Trail), one of Austria’s best long-distance hiking routes, offering spectacular views and unforgettable experiences or cross the Alps from Germany to Austria and on to Italy.

Memorable Cities
Austria’s cities are steeped in culture and charm. Vienna, named the world’s most liveable city multiple times, is a highlight on Danube cycle tours. Salzburg, home of Mozart, is best explored on foot via the Salzburg Lakes walking route. Innsbruck offers a perfect blend of alpine nature and urban culture.

Coffee and Cake Culture
No visit to Austria is complete without indulging in its famous cakes and cafés. Austrians are passionate about their sweet traditions—so much so that a legal dispute once arose over who could call their version the “Original Sacher-Torte.” Visit Vienna’s historic coffee houses like Café Demel or Hotel Sacher for a slice of the real thing.

Austrian Food
Austrian cuisine is as hearty and satisfying as its mountain landscapes. From crispy Wiener Schnitzel and rich beef goulash to dumpling-like Knödel and cheese-topped Käsespätzle, traditional food in Austria offers something for every appetite. Don’t forget to sample regional specialities like Tiroler Gröstl or Styrian pumpkin seed oil. After a day of hiking or cycling, nothing beats a cosy alpine inn serving comforting local dishes.

Art, Music and Culture
Vienna was the beating heart of classical music and fine art in the 19th century, and its influence remains strong today. From Klimt and Schiele to Mozart and Strauss, Austria continues to celebrate its cultural heritage in world-class museums and concert halls.

Rich and Complex History
Austria’s history spans from the opulence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the turbulent 20th century. Explore imperial palaces, baroque gardens and impressive castles—many now open to the public as museums that tell Austria’s fascinating story.

Picturesque Villages
Beyond its cities, Austria boasts some of Europe’s prettiest villages. Wooden chalets, emerald pastures, and mirror-like lakes define these postcard-perfect settings as seen in 'The Sound of Music'. Hallstatt, in the Salzkammergut region, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see on any Austria itinerary.

Perfect Central Location
Austria lies in the heart of Europe, bordering Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. With excellent train and bus connections, it’s easy to combine Austria with nearby destinations for a multi-country holiday.

MACS Adventure has been running self-guided walking and cycling holidays in Austria since 2008. Working closely with our German sister company, we’ve spent years researching and developing new routes—helping more and more people discover Austria’s stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and unforgettable landscapes through walking and cycling.

From humble beginnings, we now send almost 400 walkers and cyclists to Austria every year, each choosing the route that excites them most. Whether it’s hiking through the Tyrolean Alps, cycling the Danube Cycle Path, or exploring the sparkling lakes of the Salzkammergut, we give you the freedom to enjoy walking holidays in Austria or Austria bike tours at your own pace, with your chosen travel companions, on the itinerary that suits you best.

We understand that setting off on a self-guided walking tour or cycling trip can feel a little daunting. That’s why we’ve built strong partnerships on the ground in Austria to support you every step of the way. We’re proud to work closely with our accommodation providers and luggage transfer teams—who will go above and beyond should anything come up. Our MACS Adventure team is also available 24/7 for support in case of any issues or emergencies.

Our flexible cycling and walking holidays in Austria include carefully selected B&Bs and guesthouses, digital route guidance via our award-winning app, and luggage transfers—so you can travel light and focus on enjoying the journey. No hostels, no camping, no carrying your own bags. Just a relaxed, active adventure with all the logistics taken care of.

We’re here to support you from start to finish. Our free destination guides, expert team, and detailed route information help you plan with confidence. On the trail, our high-quality travel app keeps all your trip details and mapped routes at your fingertips.

We love the alpine scenery of walking in Austria and cycling along the Danube and we want to make sure you do too!