7 Austrian Mountains So Beautiful You’ll Plan a Trip Just to See Them

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Austria’s mountains are places I know well. My wife is from Vienna, so we’re here multiple times a year, and I’ve spent months exploring the country from east to west. Over the years, I’ve hiked, skied, and road-tripped through every region in this list, from the jagged limestone peaks of Tyrol to the lake-dotted ranges of the Salzkammergut.

I’ve stood at the foot of the Grossglockner in Carinthia, Austria’s highest peak, with glaciers spilling down its flanks. I’ve crossed the Wilder Kaiser in Tyrol on foot, its sheer rock walls towering over alpine meadows. In the Salzkammergut, I’ve hiked above Dachstein’s ice caves, looking out over a chain of turquoise lakes. And in Vorarlberg’s Silvretta Alps, I’ve skied fresh tracks down wide, empty slopes framed by jagged summits.

The Alps cover two-thirds of the country, but most travelers see only the famous ones on postcards. Here are the prettiest mountains in Austria with stunning landscapes and year-round activities. Whether you’re here for hiking in summer or skiing in winter, these peaks show Austria at its best.

Austria’s Most Beautiful Mountains at a Glance

After years of hiking, skiing, and road-tripping across Austria, here are the quick takeaways:

• Best time to visit:
  • Hiking: Late June–September for clear trails, open huts, and alpine wildflowers.
  • Skiing: January–March for the most reliable snow.
• Top for hiking: Wilder Kaiser (Tyrol), Dachstein (Salzkammergut), Großvenediger (Hohe Tauern).
• Top for skiing: Kitzsteinhorn, Zugspitze, and Silvretta Alps.
• Easiest to reach without a car: Grossglockner (via train + bus), Dachstein (from Schladming), Zugspitze (from Innsbruck).
• Most scenic drive: Grossglockner High Alpine Road – dozens of viewpoints over glaciers and peaks.
• Best all-season mountains: Hochkönig for culinary hikes in summer and ski circuits in winter, Kitzsteinhorn for glacier skiing and hiking.
• Where to base yourself: Innsbruck for quick access to the Nordkette and Stubai Alps; Salzburg for Dachstein and Hochkönig; Zell am See/Kaprun for Kitzsteinhorn.

Austria’s peaks aren’t just for one type of traveler…you can summit, ski, or simply soak up the views, often within a few hours of the major cities. Here are more tips on where to go in Austria for breathtaking mountain views.

1. Grossglockner, Carinthia

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is honestly one of the best drives in Europe, and I say that after doing it multiple times. At €45 for cars and €35 for motorcycles in 2025, it’s pricey but totally worth it. Electric cars get a discount at €38, which is pretty cool. The 48km road has 36 hairpin turns and takes you up to 2,504 meters with views of Austria’s highest peak.

What I love about this mountain is that you don’t need to be a hardcore climber to experience it. The drive itself is the attraction – every turn gives you a new perspective of the Grossglockner and Pasterze Glacier. I’ve done this drive in different seasons, and each time feels completely different. Summer gives you green meadows and wildflowers, while late autumn can be pretty dramatic with snow on the peaks.

The road includes 15 free exhibitions, 7 themed hiking paths, and various play areas with your ticket, so it’s actually great value. Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe is the main viewpoint where you get the classic glacier view. Pro tip: if you’re staying overnight along the route, you don’t pay extra at exit points even after several days. The road’s open from early May to early November, 6am to 8pm.

2. Wildspitze, Ötztal Alps

Wildspitze at 3,768 meters is Austria’s second-highest peak, and it’s a serious mountaineering objective that I’ve attempted twice. Unlike the Grossglockner, you can’t just drive up here – this requires proper alpine experience, gear, and usually a guide unless you really know what you’re doing.

The approach is typically from Sölden or Vent in the Ötztal, both easily accessible by bus from Ötztal Railway Station. I love these valleys – they’re way less touristy than other Alpine areas, and the locals actually seem excited to talk about their mountains. The mountain huts here serve incredible strudel, and after a long day climbing, there’s nothing better.

Most guided trips cost around €600-900 including hut stays and equipment, though prices vary depending on route and group size. The normal route involves staying at either Braunschweiger Hütte or Vernagthütte. I’ve done both approaches, and honestly, the Vernagt route felt less crowded and more scenic. The final summit push is on glacier, so proper rope work and crevasse rescue skills are essential. The views from the top are absolutely unreal – you can see pretty much the entire Ötztal Alps spread out below you.

3. Dachstein, Salzkammergut

The Dachstein area is way more accessible than people think, and the Krippenstein cable car from Obertraun gets you to some incredible attractions. For 2025, the All-Inclusive ticket costs €64.30 for adults, which includes cable car access to all three sections plus both the Giant Ice Cave and Mammut Cave.

I’ve been in these ice caves multiple times, and they never get old. The Giant Ice Cave stays at -2°C year-round, so bring warm clothes even in summer. The 50-minute guided tours are actually pretty fascinating – you’ll see ice formations that have been growing for centuries. The Five Fingers viewing platform is a 30-minute walk from the second cable car station and gives you incredible views over Lake Hallstatt and the surrounding peaks.

What’s cool is that you can easily combine this with a Hallstatt visit since they’re so close. The cable car runs from 8:40am with the last descent around 5-7pm depending on season. If you’re just doing the panorama without caves, tickets start at €44.90. I always recommend the cave combo though – it’s one of those experiences you can’t get anywhere else. The World Heritage Spiral lookout is another highlight that most people skip, but shouldn’t.

• Read my guide on the best attractions in Salzkammergut

4. Zugspitze, Wetterstein Mountains

Zugspitze straddles the border between Austria and Germany, and you’ve got options for getting up there. The Austrian Tiroler Zugspitzbahn from Ehrwald is actually less crowded and often cheaper than the German side. Round-trip tickets are around €45-58 depending on the route and season.

I’ve done both sides multiple times, and honestly prefer the Austrian approach. The cable car takes about 10 minutes to climb nearly 1,700 meters, and the views during the ride are spectacular. Once you’re at the top, you can easily walk between the Austrian and German sections – there’s restaurants, museums, and viewing platforms on both sides.

What makes Zugspitze special is that it’s accessible year-round. I’ve been up there in July wearing shorts and a jacket, and I’ve also been there in winter when it’s a complete winter wonderland. The Zugspitzplatt glacier area is pretty cool for skiing even in summer. If you’re coming from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you can do the round-trip using different transport methods – cable car up, cogwheel train down, or vice versa. Just remember to bring warm clothes because it’s always cold up there, even when it’s hot in the valleys.

• Read also: My Round-Up of the Prettiest Places to Visit in Austria

5. Großvenediger, Hohe Tauern

Großvenediger is the “Ice Giant” of the Hohe Tauern, and it’s a mountain that demands respect. At 3,657 meters, this isn’t something you just decide to tackle on a whim. Most guided expeditions run €800-1,200 including hut stays, depending on the route and duration.

The typical approach is from Neukirchen am Großvenediger, where you can catch buses up to the trailheads. I love this area – it’s much quieter than the touristy spots, and you get a real sense of being in the wilderness. The Kürsingerhütte or Defreggerhaus are common overnight stops, and both serve excellent traditional food.

What I find amazing about Großvenediger is how different it looks from every angle. The Venediger Glacier is one of the most extensive in the Eastern Alps, and if you’re into ice climbing or glacier travel, this is paradise. I’ve done both summer climbs and spring ski tours here. The ski touring is absolutely incredible if you’re experienced enough – wide open glaciers and almost no crowds. Just make sure you’re going with someone who knows glacier rescue because the crevasse fields can be serious business.

• You may also like: My Favorite Experiences in Kitzbuhel, Austria

6. Hochkönig, Berchtesgaden Alps

Hochkönig has become one of my favorite Austrian mountain regions because it’s so well set up for both serious hiking and family fun. The best part? If you’re staying in the area, you get the HochkönigCard free with your accommodation, which gives you unlimited use of all six summer cable cars.

Single-ride tickets are available if you’re just visiting for the day, but honestly, the card is such good value that it’s worth staying overnight. Cable cars run from 9am to 5pm daily from May to November. The Natrunbahn in Maria Alm takes you to Prince Mountain Natrun where there’s a forest slide park and flow trail that’s actually pretty fun for adults too.

What sets Hochkönig apart is the Königsweg (Path of the King) – a multi-day hiking trail that I’ve done sections of. The regional alpine hut food is seriously good here, way better than the typical mountain fare. They’re really into their “Alpine Culinary” thing with locally sourced ingredients. I’ve had some of the best Kaiserschmarrn of my life at these huts. The villages like Maria Alm and Dienten are also really charming – proper Austrian mountain towns without the tourist crowds of more famous areas.

7. Rätikon, Vorarlberg

Rätikon is this jagged limestone range straddling Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein that feels like the Alps’ best-kept secret. The main access points are Bludenz and Schruns in Austria, both connected by efficient public transport.

What I love about Rätikon is that it’s got this raw, wild feel that some of the more developed Austrian ranges have lost. The limestone climbing here is world-class – routes for everyone from beginners to experts. I’ve spent weeks climbing in the Brandnertal and Montafon valleys, and there’s always something new to discover.

The hiking is incredible too, with trails that cross international borders regularly. You’ll literally walk from Austria into Switzerland and back again on some routes. Lünersee is accessible by cable car and makes a great base for day hikes. The legendary Rätikon Dragon stories that local guides tell add this cool mythical element to the whole experience – apparently it lives in the mountain caves.

Winter here is fantastic for ski touring and off-piste skiing. The snow quality in the Silvretta area is usually excellent, and you get those wide, open bowls that feel like you’re in Alaska. Just remember this is serious avalanche country, so proper education and equipment are essential if you’re going off-piste.

• Read next: My Bucket List on Things to Do in Tyrol

FAQs about the Best Mountains in Austria

Here are some super popular questions I get asked about Austria’s best mountains.

What is the most beautiful mountain in Austria?

It’s a tough call, but I’d have to say Grossglockner takes the crown. It’s Austria’s highest peak at 3,798 meters, and I’ve driven the Grossglockner High Alpine Road multiple times just for the view. The way its glaciers spill down into the valley is breathtaking, and you don’t have to be a mountaineer to appreciate it — there are scenic viewpoints and short hikes that anyone can enjoy.

Where are the best places to hike in the Austrian Alps?

I love hiking in the Wilder Kaiser region of Tyrol for its dramatic limestone peaks and variety of trails. The Dachstein area in the Salzkammergut is another favorite. You can combine a glacier cable car ride with a ridge hike that overlooks turquoise lakes. I’ve also done some unforgettable hikes in the Zillertal Alps, where you can reach quiet alpine huts for coffee and homemade strudel. These are some of my favorite destinations in the Austrian Alps.

What is the most beautiful mountain village in Austria?

For me, Hallstatt is hard to beat. I’ve been there in every season, and it’s always stunning. I love this tiny village wedged between the mountains and Hallstätter See, with pastel houses reflecting in the water and the Dachstein massif towering above. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and even though it’s no secret, it still feels magical if you go early in the morning before the tour buses arrive.

That said, Salzburg and Innsbruck are equally unforgettable in different ways. Salzburg might be a city, but its Old Town sits against a backdrop of alpine peaks, and you can be on mountain trails in less than 30 minutes. I’ve spent afternoons walking cobblestone streets and then ridden a cable car up to panoramic viewpoints before dinner. Innsbruck, tucked right in the heart of the Alps, takes it to another level. The Nordkette mountains rise directly behind the pastel buildings of the Old Town. I’ve skied there in the morning and strolled along the Inn River in the afternoon without ever leaving the city limits.

Can you ski on the same mountains you hike in Austria?

Absolutely! That’s one of the reasons I keep coming back year after year. I’ve skied Kitzsteinhorn in winter and hiked it in late summer, and both experiences felt completely different. The same goes for St. Anton’s Valluga and the slopes around Lech-Zürs. In summer, they’re alpine meadows; in winter, they’re world-class ski runs.

What’s the best time of year to visit Austria’s mountains?

If you’re hiking, I recommend late June through September. Trails are clear, lifts are running, and the alpine meadows are in full bloom. For skiing, January to March usually has the best snow. I also love early autumn for fewer crowds and a mix of green valleys and snow-capped peaks.

Are Austria’s mountains easy to reach without a car?

Many of them are. I’ve taken trains to places like Innsbruck and Zell am See, then connected to local buses or cable cars to get right into the mountains. The Austrian rail system is efficient, and tourist passes often include transport to trailheads or ski lifts.

Do I need special gear for hiking in Austria?

In summer, sturdy boots, layers, and a good daypack with water and snacks are essential. In spring and autumn, I often bring trekking poles and microspikes for icy patches. For glacier areas like Dachstein, guided tours provide crampons and safety gear…you don’t need to bring your own.