Walking and Hiking

Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland Walking and Hiking

Hiking is a very popular pastime in Europe. And once you have reached one of the magnificent peaks and enjoyed the rewarding views, you will understand why. A vast network of hiking paths and Alpine huts maintained by various Alpine associations make it easy to spend days in the mountains on long cross country walks. If you prefer a more relaxing approach, there are cable cars that take you up the mountains, where you can rest on sunny plateaus and enjoy the delicious local foods served at the various mountain huts and restaurants.

And who knew, that so much pleasure is also good for your wellbeing: the “Austrian Moderate Altitude Study 2000” has confirmed the longstanding notion that a prolonged stay at moderate altitudes has a beneficial effect on a person’s health.

Austria: As a paradise for leisurely walkers, Austria offers more than 31,000 miles of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all proficiency levels. Resorts such as Innsbruck and the Alpbach Valley in Tirol, Salzburg and the Arlberg Region in Vorarlberg provide not only fantastic scenic experiences, but modern infrastructure and convenient services catering to walkers and hikers. Be sure to reward yourself after a long walk and stop at one of the countless restaurants serving “Brettljausen” and “Kaiserschmarrn”. For more information contact the Austrian Tourist Office and ask for the new “Walking Guide”.
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France: Summertime in the Alps means warmth and friendliness with the locals: the villages reveal an authenticity and charm that one can only dream of. France is the center of hiking and walking. You won’t go a day without exploring the nature that surrounds you. The topography of the French Alps offers great potential for mountain biking and hiking.
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Germany: Whether you enjoy hiking or biking or a combination of both, Germany has it all. Thousands of well-marked biking and hiking trails from easy-going to rigorous, from the Black Forest to the beautiful scenery of Upper Bavaria along river valleys to the forests and lakes of South-East Bavaria. The Black Forest alone offers over 20,000 kilometers of walking trails and 17 cycling tours to choose from. A very special tour for people who enjoy hiking and love nature is the historical "Maximilian Weg". In the year 1858, King Maximilian II undertook his famous journey across the Alps, accompanied by a large entourage, including writers, who documented the journey in detail. The "Maximiliansweg" hiking path follows exactly the same route from the Allgäu region to Lake Königsee. The 14 day journey leads from Füssen to Bad Wiessee along the most beautiful landscapes and viewpoints of the Bavarian Alps.
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Italy: Hiking in the inspiring peaks of Italy is a breathless experience; take in the scenic villages and the spectacular landscapes. These majestic peaks are home to some of Italy's most exclusive mountain resorts, and the winter playground for Europe's social set. In the summer the colorful landscapes are overflowing with flowers with a dramatic play of light as the afternoon sun sets. Whether walking through the charming towns of the Dolomites or hiking near the Monte Bianco, Italy offers great hiking experiences.
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Switzerland: Welcome to our mountains! Whatever appeals to you, whether it's a path through a meadow along a brook, hiking around the Matterhorn or from hut to hut - every step on the over 40,000 miles of well marked paths that are a destination in themselves increases your sense of well-being, satisfaction and pleasure. Finding your tailor-made hiking track has never been that easy, just one click away.
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