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Couple hiking on the Ebenforstalm in Steyr and the National Park Region, in the background an imposing rocky peak.
Couple hiking on the Ebenforstalm in Steyr and the National Park Region, in the background an imposing rocky peak.

Hiking | Routes & Tours

© Photo: Steyr and the National Park Region/OÖ Tourismus GmbH_Stefan Mayerhofer: Hiking on the Ebenforstalm

Hiking in the Kalkalpen National Park and the Steyr region

First put your right foot forward. Then your left. A curious butterfly flutters around. An eagle traces circles in the sky. The air is clear and smells of fresh grass and new beginnings. And then you have the unique colour palette of the limestone alps. Green as far as the eye can see. With shining white and grey shades in between. And the blue of burbling mountain streams and roaring waterfalls. Let your gaze wander. Let your soul take a breath. From peak to peak. From mountain cabin to mountain cabin. Hiking in the Kalkalpen National Park and the Steyr region is something very special which is hard to put into words. It simply has to be experienced. On your own. As a couple. With friends or family. The main thing is to be out there. In this unique natural landscape. 

 

Traveling with OEBB, two travelers with backpack in front of the train.
Hiking climate friendly
Discovering the most beautiful paths by public transport.
© Photo: OEBB/Harald Eisenberger
In the midst of the beech forests in the Kalkalpen National Park
UNESCO world natural heritage
© Photo: Kalkalpen National Park/European Wilderness Society: UNESCO World Heritage Beech Forests
Two hikers look at the pilgrimage church of St. Sebald on the Heiligenstein, the destination of the Sebaldus Trail
Pilgrimages in Steyr and the National Park region
© Photo: Oberoesterreich Tourismus GmbH/Stefan Mayerhofer: Sebaldus Trail
Autumn photo of the Ebenforstalm in Reichraming, a popular destination for hikers and cyclists.
Alpine cabins & chalets
© Photo: Kalkalpen National Park/Punz: Ebenforstalm
Couple hiking on the way to the alpine hut in Steyr and the National Park Region
All hiking trails
© Photo: Steyr and the National Park Region/OÖ Tourismus GmbH/Stefan Mayerhofer: Hiking in Steyr and the National Park Region

The point of traveling is to get to a destination, the point of hiking is to be on the road.
Beech forests in the Limestone Alps National Park
Discover: yourself and nature.
© Photo: Kalkalpen National Park/Franz Sieghartsleitner: UNESCO World Natural Heritage Beech Forests
Landsberg summit cross with magnificent view at sunset in Grünburg
Alpine pastures & summit tours
© Photo: Steyr and the National Park Region/Tman: Landsberg

A paradise for hikers 

There isn’t just one way of hiking. The popular leisure activity is all about the hiker himself. Some need an adrenaline kick, lofty heights and strenuous climbs. Others are looking for peace, idyllic locations and time out from their hectic everyday lives. And yet others want to capture nature on camera, identify plants and grasses, or set off in search of a lynx. No matter which of these groups you are in – as a hiker in the Kalkalpen National Park and the Steyr region you will find exactly what you are looking for. That’s because the area is so diverse

It offers easy walks and summit ascents for advanced climbers. A range of themed trails combine knowledge with natural wonders, inviting you to take a much closer look at the flora and fauna or traditional handicrafts. Or why not tackle one of the natur.BANK trails or push yourself to your limits on organised expeditions. The region is also crossed by numerous long distance paths and pilgrimage routes. They not only take you step by step to a particular destination, but bring you closer to yourself. When you go hiking in the Kalkalpen National Park and the Steyr region, even taking a break can be a highlight. Along the way you will find inviting mountain cabins serving regional delicacies. Those that want to can spend the night in a rustic Alpine hut. You couldn’t ask for a better mountain experience. And when your feet are finally longing to relax, you can take a hiking taxi.

Couple with hiking to Ebenforstalm
Multi-day tours
© Photo: TVB Steyr National Park Region/Stefan Mayerhofer: Hiking Ebenforstalm
Hiker on a National Park wooden bench enjoying the view of the Enns, at the Naturkino rest stop on the Enns Aktiv Weg in Ternberg.
Themed trails
© Photo: Enns Aktiv Weg/Rudolf Kohlbauer: Enns Aktiv Weg Nature Cinema
Landscape in Steyr and the National Park Region
Easy walks
© [Translate to Englisch:] Spazieren am Land Foto: Kremstaler Fotoclub Braunsberger
Man walks over wooden footbridge towards impressive conglomerate wall at the mouth of Krumme Steyrling, Steyrschlucht in Molln.
Circular routes
© Photo: Steyr and the National Park Region/Rosina Bürscher: Steyrschlucht circular hiking trail
Resting place on the Genusswanderweg - on the trail of the Grillen - with a view into the Kremstal valley
Pleasure hiking
© Photo: Kremstaler Grillschule - Grillen & Chillen (c) G. Mayr
A National Park Ranger shows two hikers the special features of the Kalkalpen National Park.
Guided national park tours
© Photo: Kalkalpen National Park/Sieghartsleitner: National Park Ranger Tours

UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site

All of this goes on in one of the most breathtaking settings: the Kalkalpen National Park. In Austria’s largest continuous area of woodland, countless beech trees set the tone. There are more than 15,600 hectares of pure primeval woodland. In 2017, along with the Dürnstein wildnerness area, the region was named as Austria’s first UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Tours with National Park rangers provide a really in-depth introduction to this magnificent world. They give you first hand knowledge and keep a lookout for ibexes, golden eagles and many more. 

Two hikers look at the pilgrimage church of St. Sebald on the Heiligenstein, the destination of the Sebaldus Trail
Sebaldus path
© Photo: Oberoesterreich Tourismus GmbH/Stefan Mayerhofer: Sebaldus Trail
Hikers on the Buchensteig in the Kalkalpen National Park on the first stage of the Lynx Trail
Lynx trail
© Photo: Steyr and the National Park Region/Max Mauthner: Lynx Trail
Group on a guided tour of the natural spectacle with a view of the Steyr River in the Unterhimmler Au nature reserve
Naturschauspiel tours
© Photo: Naturschauspiel/Hannes Ecker: So close to heaven

The excitement starts here!

Hiking in the Kalkalpen National Park and the Steyr region is pure exhilaration. An unrivalled natural experience. A thrill that captivates people of all ages. But it’s also a journey to your innermost self, to peace and contemplation. All against the backdrop of scenery that has not changed for millennia. So, lace up your boots and set off to hike in the Kalkalpen National Park and the Steyr region. But don’t take too much luggage, as you’ll need lots of space. For all the unforgettable moments you’ll enjoy on your journey.

[Translate to Englisch:] Cow decorated with flowers for the Almabtrieb, looking into the distance of the Steyr Valley
Safe alpine pastures
© Photo: Cow with distant view (c) TVB Steyr + National Park Region/T-Man
Couple resting on a natural bench with view to the Katzensteinermuehle
natur.BANK.wege
© Photo: TVB Steyr National Park Region/C. Noemayer: Katzenstein mill in Weyer
Two hikers enjoy the beautiful panorama while hiking along the Sebaldusweg.
Fair Play Rules
Hiking & mountaineering
© Photo: Oberoesterreich Tourismus GmbH/Stefan Mayerhofer: Sebaldus Trail