Exploring the Danube Walking Trail When Walking in Austria

When it comes to destinations in which to go walking, Austria occupies a very special niche in most hikers’ hearts. With its sprawling, verdant Alpine landscapes – made famous by The Sound Of Music – and quaintly atmospheric towns, the country offers an understated alternative to the major world capitals or the crowded tourist resorts synonymous with many holiday breaks.

In this regard, one of the best ways to explore this country is by walking. Austria is a country based around the course of the Danube, its largest river. The so-called Danube Walking Trail links Linz to Vienna, and can be one of the most interesting activities for avid hikers to enjoy.

The Best of the Country

The Danube Walking Trail, officially called the Donausteig pathway, covers a distance of roughly 450km, allowing tourists brave enough to traverse the length of it plenty of opportunity to discover the best this delightful country has to offer, whether in terms of scenery, history or authentic local life.

Starting at Passau, this trail covers all sorts of landscapes, from flatlands to mountain ranges, all of which will take the hiker straight through the heart of the country's natural beauty. When building this trail, inaugurated in 2010, special measures were taken to include as few asphalted surfaces as possible, so as to keep the experience as natural, rustic and rugged as possible – just the way hikers like it! Those wanting to undertake this venture will therefore find the amount of roads on their way to be minimal, with most of the pathway consisting of gravel or other natural type of ground suitable for walking. Austria's extensive natural beauty is on display at every turn.

In terms of what sights to enjoy along the way, tourists will come across medieval castles, quaint little villages and historic ruins, as well as forested areas teeming with wildlife and spectacular flowering meadows. Signposts along the walk do their bit to preserve the atmosphere. But they more than merely point tourists in the right direction, they take the opportunity to acquaint them with some of the most popular legends from that region of the Danube. This lovely trail therefore manages to combine history, geography, nature and culture in one comprehensive package, which is sure to please and enthral any trekking enthusiasts following the course of the country's largest river.

The Danube Trail is almost a mandatory challenge to take on for those who enjoy walking. Austria can constitute a sizeable challenge for ambitious hikers, but it also allows regular tourists to see some of the best the country has to offer in one go.

Tony Maniscalco is the Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. When it comes to a holiday involving walking, Austria is one of the best. Join us to see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 140 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.