Austria's Top Hiking Destinations for Food Lovers

For many active travelers, a hiking vacation in the Alps is at the very top of their bucket list. Some dream of crossing the entire Alpine range, while many nature lovers want to explore the sheer diversity of individual regions; others are drawn to the rugged, untouched beauty of the national parks. And what could be better than pairing a hiking adventure with a culinary discovery tour? In the Alps, food lovers are truly in their element.

Tyrolean cuisine delights visitors with traditional bacon dumplings (Speckknödel), savory potato and meat fry-ups (Tiroler Gröstl), and Schlutzkrapfen (Tyrolean-style ravioli). In the region around the Hohe Tauern mountains, the hearty Pinzgauer Kasnock’n—a local take on mac and cheese—is a crowd favorite. If you’re hiking the Lechweg Path, be sure to try the authentic Lechweg cheese or Vorarlberg Riebel (a traditional sautéed cornmeal dish). And what’s for dessert? You can’t go wrong with Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancakes), served with homemade plum compote or applesauce. Or perhaps a slice of apple or sweet curd cheese strudel? Each one is baked with love according to time-honored recipes.

The Salzkammergut region spans three federal states—Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Styria—and is celebrated worldwide for its picturesque lakes. Wolfgangsee, Attersee, Fuschlsee, Traunsee, and Hallstättersee enchant visitors with a dazzling palette of blues, from brilliant azure to deep turquoise. Encircling these lakes is a dramatic mountain landscape of rugged peaks and expansive alpine pastures. It is here, tucked away in rustic mountain huts, that you’ll discover a rich variety of culinary treasures. Local alpine farmers craft authentic delights, served on traditional wooden boards, that provide the perfect fuel for a long day of hiking.

Even within the Salzkammergut, you’ll find regional variations and local specialties. Popular alpine treats (Schmankerl) include the Brettljause (a rustic meat and cheese platter), Kaspressknödelsuppe (pressed cheese dumpling soup), or Pofesen (Austrian-style French toast). In the Ausseerland area, the influence of Styrian cuisine is unmistakable. Here, you’ll find Steirerkasbrot (rye bread topped with a crumbly, spicy mountain cheese), freshly caught Arctic char, and scarlet runner beans drizzled with pumpkin seed oil. Meanwhile, around Wolfgangsee, sheep’s milk specialties like Aberseer sheep’s cheese or creamy sheep’s milk ice cream are the local highlights. And no visit to Bad Ischl is complete without surrendering to the sweet allure of the world-famous Zauner Stollen.

The Wachau is a true gem nestled along the banks of the Danube, characterized by steep vineyard terraces, ancient forests, and protected natural landscapes. Where grapes thrive, hiking is especially rewarding—and naturally, so is indulging! The region's unique climate of warm days and cool nights provide the perfect conditions for viticulture. Here, local vintners craft world-class Austrian wines like Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, distinguished by the Wachau DAC quality seal. Fine wine, great conversation, and summer evenings beneath vine-covered trellises—this is the Wachau’s celebrated Heurigen culture.

The term “Heuriger” refers both to the young wine and to the wine tavern itself. To ensure authenticity, traditional farm-run Heurigen are only permitted to serve their own house-made wines and cold dishes. You can always count on genuine estate wines and authentic regional specialties. The classic Heurigenjause—a hearty platter of Braten (roasts), Speck (bacon), spreads, and local cheeses. It’s best enjoyed with a Wachauer Laberl (a traditional local crusty roll) or a slice of hearty Schwarzbrot (sourdough bread). For the grand finale, don't miss out on desserts featuring the authentic Wachauer Marille (Wachau apricot). Whether it’s Marillenknödel (apricot dumplings), Marilleneis (apricot ice cream), or Marillenkuchen (apricot cake), you’re bound to find a personal favorite on the banks of the Danube.