Summer Solstice 2026 - the highlights around the Explorer Hotels in Austria

What should I pack in my hiking backpack? What should I take on a mountain hike? Packing list for a day trip with valuable tips from the pros! You'll need this gear for a day in the mountains: - Base layer made of synthetic or merino wool - T-shirt - Warming layer - Hiking pants (or shorts) - Rain jacket - Hiking socks - Hiking boots - Hat and scarf - Headlamp - Sunglasses - Sunscreen - Hydration bladder or water bottle - First aid kit - Hiking poles - Hiking map - GPS - Cash - Cell phone - Bivouac sack for emergencies - Rain cover for the backpack Tips from the pros When it comes to socks, make sure you choose socks without padding. They should also be made of synthetic fibers. This way, they dry quickly and won't get soggy when wet. For high heels, it's best to choose calf-high compression socks. Ankle-high socks are sufficient for lower shoes. If you're unsure what the weather will be like, opt for long pants. They protect you from UV rays in the sunshine, and even if you touch a rock or even fall, there's still a bit of fabric between your skin and the hard ground. Of course, if it's super sunny and warm, shorts will be cooler. For a warming layer for your upper body, you can choose between jackets with Primaloft filling or down. Primaloft fibers are synthetic fibers. They have the advantage of being water-repellent and not clumping when wet. Down, on the other hand, is often more comfortable to wear and heat-resistant. You have to choose your shoes depending on the tour. If you want to be sure that your feet are protected from the wet, opt for ankle-high hiking boots. These also prevent you from twisting your ankle. A low hiking boot, on the other hand, is more flexible and lighter. When packing everything into your backpack, make sure the heavier items are lower and the lighter items are near the top. Otherwise, the backpack will be top-heavy. And most importantly: Familiarize yourself with your gear. A hiking map is no use if you've never held it in your hand and studied it. The same applies to many other items.

Kleinkirchheim: High-altitude hike in the Nockberge Mountains in Carinthia. Tour report with information about the mountain tour and impressions. We first stroll a bit through Bad Kleinkirchheim. We pass quaint wooden houses with flowers on the windowsills. It looks truly quaint and idyllic. The Nockberge Mountains rise all around. They appear somewhat hilly. But that's mainly because Bad Kleinkirchheim itself is already over 1,000 meters above sea level. If you want to relax, you can do so in one of the two thermal baths. Next, we take the Brunnach Biosphere Park cable car up. The clouds are still low. Hopefully, they'll clear over the course of the day and reveal a view of the surrounding mountains. From the mountain station, turn right. In winter, you can ski on the slopes. In summer, the area offers not only hiking trails but also numerous mountain bike trails. We hike deeper into the Carinthian Nockberge Biosphere Reserve and follow the Salzsteigweg. This is a long-distance hiking trail that runs from Upper Austria, through Styria, to Carinthia. In total, you can hike a distance of 430 km. Unfortunately, at the summit of Folkert (2,308 m), our view is blocked. Thick fog surrounds us. Normally, from above, you could see large parts of the Nockberge, look towards Slovenia, and enjoy the view of the Hohe Tauern. By the way, there's also a via ferrata leading up to Folkert. Then you don't have to walk the entire high-altitude hike, but can start at Falkertsee. We'll also descend to that lake. And there, the sky is finally clearing up a bit. The sun even makes an appearance. From below, the Nockberge don't look so hilly at all. The Falkert actually looks quite rugged. It's great to hike with a bit of a view, so we're delighted to see the picturesque Falkertsee next. Right on the shore, I dip my hand into the cool water. It's not that cool, though. Carinthia is known for its warm swimming lakes. If the weather were a bit warmer, I could certainly imagine jumping right in. Lake Afritz and Lake Millstatt are also great for swimming.

Sunrise on the Grünten in the Allgäu: Nina and Tom from traveloptimizer take you on a beautiful hike in the mountains around Oberstdorf. The two set off at 5:30 a.m. in complete darkness for a sunrise hike on the Grünten. There, they want to start the day with a delicious mountain breakfast. Have you ever done a sunrise hike? If so, where did you go and how did you like it? Feel free to let us know in the comments. At the Kammeregg parking lot, the two early risers pack their breakfast bags from the hotel into their backpacks, put on their headlamps, and then start the approximately two-hour uphill hike. They climb just under 600 meters. This means the hike isn't too long and also leads up a blue-marked path. The two still have to be a little careful. In the first few meters, Nina almost stepped in cow dung. At an elevation of 1,200 m, the two pass the Alpe Kammeregg with its huge terrace. It's not worth stopping for a break here yet. But in sunshine, the terrace is certainly very inviting. A little later, it begins to dim. Fortunately, because the trail also becomes more challenging. The climb is no longer along a wide forest road, but rather along a narrow meadow path. Occasionally, the two marvel at the excellent view over large parts of the Allgäu region. Incidentally, the Grünten is also called the Guardian of the Allgäu due to its prominent location on the edge of the Alps. If you started a little late, you can already see the sunrise during the entire section across the ridge. You don't even have to be at the very top to see it. The sun is slowly breaking through to Nina and Tom's summit. Shortly before the summit, however, the climb becomes a bit steeper and more challenging. It's about another 15 minutes to the very top. And just a few steps later, the two glimpse the Jägerdenkmal (hunter's monument), the summit of the Grünten, for the first time. Then they reach the 1,737-meter-high summit. There, they have breakfast in the glow of the rising sun.

Hike in Montafon, Vorarlberg: Circular trail around Lake Lünersee with a detour to the Gafalljoch Pass. Tanja will take you to one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Austria. Before the tour, she will first enjoy breakfast on the terrace of the Explorer Hotel in Montafon. The weather promises to be good, as the sun is already shining. The Lünersee cable car will take you directly to the lake. The circular hike begins from there. Tanja will also show you a detour to the Gafalljoch Pass. This will cover a total of 800 meters of elevation gain over a distance of 12 km. From the very first few meters, which lead along a wide gravel road, Tanja will be in awe. The turquoise color of the reservoir is breathtaking. The maximum depth of the lake is 139 m. There are also some friendly goats along the way. They love to be petted. The circular trail is mostly flat. The climb to the Gafalljoch gets a bit steeper. The climb goes up a narrow path, over bridges and streams, past sheer rock faces. The border between Austria and Switzerland runs right at the summit. This allows you to stand with one foot in each country. Then it's back downhill to the Douglass Hut and then towards the dam. The circuit around the lake isn't finished yet. And once again, you pass animals. Did you know that cows aren't called cows until they've calved. Before that, they're called young cattle? Above the dam, you'll have another fantastic view of much of the circular trail. With a bit of surefootedness, the tour should be easily manageable for experienced hikers. Tanja ends the day in the Spe area. And we hope you enjoyed the video. Then give it a thumbs up and click subscribe so you don't miss anything. :)) Hiking around Lake Lünersee: Circular trail with a detour to the Gafalljoch viewing summit Tanja takes you on a hike around the picturesque Lake Lünersee. Before the tour, she first enjoys breakfast on the terrace of the Explorer Hotel in Montafon. The weather promises to be good, as the sun is already shining. Have you been to the Alps this year? And if so, where? Feel free to let us know in the comments. The Lünersee cable car takes you directly to the lake. The circular hike begins from there. Tanja will also show you a detour to the Gafalljoch. This means that the tour will gain a total of 800 meters in elevation over a distance of 12 km. From the very first few meters, which lead along a wide gravel road, Tanja can't stop marveling. The turquoise color of the reservoir is breathtaking. The maximum depth of the lake is 139 m. There are also some friendly goats along the way. They love to be petted. The circular route is mostly flat. It then becomes a bit steeper towards the Gafalljoch. The route climbs along a narrow path, over bridges and streams, past steep rock faces. The border between Austria and Switzerland runs directly at the summit. This means you can stand with one foot in another country at a time. Then it goes downhill again to the Douglass Hut and then towards the dam. Because the circuit around the lake isn't finished yet. And again you pass animals. Did you know that cows are only called cows after they have calved. Before that, they are called young cattle? Above the dam, you have another fantastic view over large parts of the circular route. With a bit of surefootedness, the tour should be easily manageable for experienced hikers. Tanja winds down the day in the spa area. And we hope you enjoyed the video. Then give it a thumbs up and click subscribe so you don't miss anything. :))

Surefootedness while hiking: Mountain guide Martin takes you on the Ötztal hiking trails at the Stuibenfall waterfall in Tyrol and gives you three tips for moving correctly in the mountains. Many of you enjoy hiking in the Alps or in the mountains in general. Surefootedness is an important part of getting from point A to point B safely. What's your favorite mountain activity? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments below :) Martin is hiking in the beautiful Ötztal Valley at the Stuibenfall waterfall, Tyrol's highest waterfall. Here in Austria, he finds ideal conditions, from rocky terrain to rooty paths, to share his three tips for surefootedness in the mountains and the correct technique. The first tip from the pro is about trusting yourself and, of course, your equipment, so you can move well and safely on any surface. You should always place your full weight on your foot to ensure you're truly stable and move without slipping. Please don't try to walk on eggshells. This can be dangerous because the path often gives way and the stones can come loose more easily. The material is also crucial, of course. In mountainous terrain like the Stuibenfall waterfall in Tyrol, you need a stable and safe mountain/hiking boot with a good profile. The boot must therefore have a good profile so that you can bear reasonable weight. The better your footing and the more confidence you have in the boot and in yourself, the safer you will be. Martin's second tip for more surefootedness relates to coordination and balance, which is crucial not only in the Ötztal Alps. The hiking trails there aren't always flat and well-paved, but often have slight drops. Therefore, it's important to prepare yourself well for your mountain hike in terms of coordination so that you can unconsciously compensate for uneven surfaces while hiking. It's easy to practice resistance to vertigo and balance at home – even if it's just brushing your teeth on one leg :) Finally, it's also important that you have a certain level of basic fitness and strength endurance to ensure you're sure-footed. But don't worry, you can also prepare for this a few weeks or months before your hiking holiday. Martin's recommendation: Start your holiday slowly and ideally with acclimatization hikes. You don't have to climb the highest peak right from the start. By the way, you should always take small steps forward when going uphill or downhill. This way, you'll save energy and be more economical, and you'll reach your destination more safely.

Staying safe in the mountains in bad weather: Mountain guide Michael Schott from Oberstdorf gives you 3 outdoor tips on how to protect yourself from rain and thunderstorms while hiking or climbing during your vacation in the Alps. Today, we're focusing on bad weather on a hiking tour, even though we don't particularly like it. The most important thing before any mountain tour is general preparation. The first priority is choosing the right tour for you and your fellow hikers, which should, of course, also be suitable for the current weather. You can use a variety of sources for this. On the one hand, this happens online, where there are many different portals where you can find tour suggestions. On the other hand, expert Michael always recommends consulting traditional media, such as guidebooks or maps, which you should also take with you. The second expert tip, of course, relates to the current weather, which is very local, especially in the mountains. Therefore, mountain guide Michael recommends not only checking general weather websites, but also checking the websites of the Alpine clubs. There you'll usually get the most accurate forecasts, which are updated several times a day and always keep you up to date. In bad weather, equipment takes on a huge dimension. You'll already have a hiking backpack with you anyway, and it doesn't need to get any bigger in bad weather :) It's also always important to have a first aid kit with you, which, according to expert Michael, can be more extensive in bad weather, as the risk of slipping or falling is naturally greater. We also highly recommend wearing an additional layer, such as a lined vest. Especially when it's wet and the wind is on top of it, you'll cool down even faster. That's why good rain protection with a waterproof membrane is essential. In bad weather, this can be a sturdier rain jacket. Expert Michael also recommends overtrousers that you can open as wide as possible, especially in rainy weather. The next tip from the pro is for when all your precautions have failed and you still find yourself caught in a severe storm on your hiking holiday. If you still have the chance, look for a safe place, such as a hut or shelter. If you can't find anything nearby, you'll probably have to make the best of your situation. So try to stay reasonably dry and not get too cold. According to Michael, a bivouac bag can help with this. These are available in small sizes and fit in your first aid kit. But before you wait forever until you freeze to death, please contact the emergency services early and also plan for a longer time until the mountain rescue team arrives. Michael's last outdoor tip is about thunderstorms in the mountains. So if you encounter a severe storm in the mountains, the most important thing is to stay calm, even if it's difficult. At the first sign of a thunderstorm, try to leave summit areas or ridges as quickly as possible. Once you've left the immediate danger zone, look for a relatively safe place that's protected from lightning strikes. Only leave your position when you're absolutely certain the thunderstorm has completely passed and lightning is no longer striking. If a thunderstorm catches you during a high-altitude tour or via ferrata, make sure all metal objects are well away from you. Finally, expert Michael has the following advice: If you're planning your tour and already see that the weather is getting bad or that thunderstorms are forecast, avoid getting into such a situation in the first place and stay home. Please don't rely on simply calling the mountain rescue service when things get critical.

Hike to Kellerjoch (2,344 m): Mountain sports blogger Betty takes you on a hiking tour into the Alps to the famous Zillertal panoramic mountain in Tyrol, Austria. The hike starts at the Explorer Hotel Zillertal in Kaltenbach, which is about an hour's drive from Kellerjoch. You can park at the Kellerjoch hiking car park on the Pillberg for €4 per day. From there, you can start the moderately difficult mountain hike and reach the summit in about 2.5-3 hours and 6 km. After conquering the first few meters of elevation, Betty is treated to the first beautiful panoramic view: On one side lies the Zillertal valley and on the other, Lake Achensee. The hike continues for 1.5 hours up to Kellerjoch, which is 2,344 m high. Along the way, blogger Betty has numerous opportunities to enjoy the stunning mountain panorama in Tyrol, with views across the entire Inn Valley to Innsbruck, including the Nordkette and Bettelwurf. After reaching the summit of the Kreuzjoch with the Kreuzjoch Chapel after an elevation gain of 866 meters, it's time for a short summit break. Here, you'll enjoy an almost cloudless view of the surrounding Zillertal valley all the way to Mayrhofen, the Hintertux Glacier, and the Kleiner Olperer. Finally, the alpine descent leads to a refreshment stop at the Kreuzjoch Hut before the hike ends back at the Explorer Hotel.

Master orthopedic shoemaker Johannes Rief from Kleinwalsertal in Austria will explain to you at the Explorer Hotel Oberstdorf what you should pay attention to when buying and caring for your hiking boots. Today, 20 billion shoes are produced annually, of which only 5% are recycled. Repairing your shoes extends the life cycle of your hiking boots and thus contributes significantly to sustainability. The different hiking boots differ in their categorization and therefore also in their areas of use. In category A, we find mid-height shoes with a flexible sole and a weak profile, which are primarily suitable for paved walking paths or hikes in the forest. The higher the category, the higher the shaft becomes, which is intended to protect the ankle from twisting and provide good support. Furthermore, the shoe becomes stiffer and more flexible as the category increases. In the Alps, all categories have their purpose. Please pay attention to which hiking tours you have planned and choose your shoes accordingly. In category B, the shaft is significantly higher and the upper material is also more rigid, making the entire shoe harder. The sole is very flexible with a strong profile and less likely to roll. Shoes in category B are suitable, for example, for long trekking tours with a heavy backpack. Going one step further, to category BC, we find shoes that are partially compatible with crampons, with an extremely flexible and profiled sole and a high shaft to ensure the foot is well protected in extremely rough terrain and via ferratas. If you want to move faster and more easily, feel free to use trail running shoes. Expert Johannes recommends, however, making sure that your ankle is stable. The upper material of the shoes varies from category to category. According to Johannes, there are textile materials and leather uppers. Leather is somewhat heavier and is therefore used in stiff, flexible shoes in the higher categories. Textile materials, on the other hand, are found in light, flexible shoes. The upper material largely determines the weight and flexibility of hiking boots. There are also two types of lining: textile membranes and leather linings. The latter is very comfortable to wear, but tends to be disadvantageous for moisture regulation on multi-day hikes. A textile membrane lining has the advantage of being lightweight and keeping your feet consistently dry. The repairability of shoes depends on their construction. Robust models are very easy to repair or resoled. Finally, an expert tip from Johannes on proper shoe care: First, clean worn hiking boots with a brush and warm water. After gently drying, leather shoes are treated with a leather balm, and textile shoes with a waterproofing spray. A well-maintained shoe is robust against external influences, prevents water from penetrating, and sits more supplely on the foot. If you're looking for new hiking boots, you should pay attention to the following when it comes to fit: • Proper heel support to avoid blisters • Always buy shoes a little larger or longer • The width of the shoe must fit your foot Your local shoe specialist can best help you. Buying online is not recommended, as shoe sizes can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and you should try them on first. Feel free to check out Johannes' Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/jr_rief/ We hope we've given you an informative insight into the world of hiking boots and wish you pain-free hikes.

Bast will take you on his hike up the Jenner in Berchtesgaden and show you the fantastic view of the Watzmann and Königssee. Basti starts at the Explorer Hotel Berchtesgaden in Schönau, from where it's only a half-hour walk to the starting point of the hike, the valley station of the Jennerbahn cable car. If you don't want to hike up the Jenner or only want to do part of the route, you can board the cable car at any station. In addition to the hike up the Jenner in Bavaria, a visit to the Gotzenalm is also worthwhile, from which you also have a fantastic view of the Königssee. The hike from Königssee to the Jenner takes about 3-4 hours and covers 8.5 km. Even the first section to the mid-station of the Jennerbahn cable car offers a magnificent panorama of the Berchtesgaden Alps and the Watzmann, the second highest mountain in Germany. During your hike in Berchtesgadener Land, you'll also be repeatedly rewarded with views of the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest). Just before the summit at the Jennerbahn mountain station, the snow line is reached, so please always be careful: always stay on the marked hiking trails and wear appropriate clothing and footwear! If the trail isn't yet clear, you can expect heavy snow masses on the winter hiking trails. Even in summer, when skiing isn't possible on the Jenner, the mountain station offers a good starting point for climbing the Schützensteig or hiking to the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest). Once you reach the summit of the Jenner at an altitude of 1,800 meters, Basti is treated to a magnificent view. On one side is the Kehlsteinhaus and the town of Berchtesgaden, while on the other side of the mountain towers the snow-capped Watzmann and the Watzmann Mountains. From the Jenner summit, you can also see Lake Königssee – from the boat dock in Schönau to the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä. Once back at the Explorer Hotel Berchtesgaden in Schönau, Basti winds down the day in the Explorer Lounge and the Sport Spa.

Betty was on a trip to Königssee in the Berchtesgadener Land region of Bavaria at the beginning of November. Discover St. Bartholomä and the Malerwinkel viewpoint with her. The trip starts at the Explorer Hotel Berchtesgaden in Schönau am Königssee in Bavaria. The famous Königssee is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The boat travels from the boat dock in Schönau to St. Bartholomä. The highlight of the trip on the electric boat is the sound of a trumpet. On the Königssee, the echo is repeated seven times on the echo wall. In the past, the echo was created with a firecracker. Today, a trumpet player plays different notes, which then reverberate off the steep cliffs. A real highlight of the Königssee boat trip. The trip takes about 40 minutes to the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä. You could continue to the Obersee, but in winter the boat only goes to the St. Bartholomä stop. At the Obersee lake, you'll find Germany's highest waterfall, the Röthbachfall. At the St. Bartholomä pier, you can not only visit the Baroque church, but also enjoy several options for further hikes, such as the Ice Chapel or, in summer, the famous Watzmann East Face. But beware! The Watzmann East Face, with approximately 1,800 meters of climbing, is only suitable for professionals or very experienced mountaineers. Good to know: Philipp Reiter set a world record here. He hiked from St. Bartholomä to the southern peak in 1:52:55 hours. By comparison, other experienced mountaineers sometimes need 14 hours here! But the East Face is not to be underestimated. Since the first crossing, more than 100 people have lost their lives. Back in Schönau am Königssee, we continue to the Malerwinkel. This lovely little hike is also perfect for families. The hike starts at the boat dock and continues through the boathouses where the boats are stored. After 15 minutes, you'll reach the Malerwinkel viewpoint, located directly at the water's edge. From here, you have a fantastic view of St. Bartholomä and Lake Königssee. The hike to the Malerwinkel is ideal for families with children. In general, the Berchtesgadener Land region has a lot to offer for your vacation, both for ambitious mountaineers and families. In addition to the Malerwinkel, the hike up the Jenner is also a great tip for your next stay. Alternatively, there is also a cable car, the Jennerbahn, which takes you up the mountain. The Watzmann would be a great hike in summer, but is really only suitable for experienced hikers with the appropriate equipment. There are also via ferratas: on the Grünsteig and a small practice via ferrata on the Jenner. And in winter, of course, you can go skiing on the Jenner or the Götschen. As you can see, a holiday in Berchtesgadener Land is incredibly diverse.

On her hike, Elisa will show you the Schleier Waterfalls and the Ackerlhütte at the Wilder Kaiser near St. Johann in Tirol in the Kitzbühel Alps. The hike is a moderately difficult circular hike with a length of 11.5 km and 630 meters of elevation gain. Starting at the Hüttling car park in Going, the walk takes about 4 hours. It takes about 15 minutes by car from the Explorer Hotel Kitzbühel to reach this car park. Please remember to wear waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots, especially in wet weather. On her hike, Elisa will also see the Wilder Kaiser, which was developed in 1963 and is now a nature reserve. The entire area around the Schleier Waterfall near St. Johann in Tirol is also known for climbing and offers climbing enthusiasts a variety of via ferratas. After hiking along a small trail in the forest, Elisa arrives at the Schleier Waterfall near St. Johann. The trail continues along the Wilder Kaiser mountain trail to a second waterfall, the Stiegenbachfall. The hike to the waterfalls is an absolute highlight, especially in spring after the snow melts. From this point, it's only a few meters of elevation gain to the highest point of the hike, the Ackerlhütte at 1,465 m. Here, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the valley and the mountain panorama, and you can also take a break and enjoy a light snack. In good weather, you can see as far as the main Alpine ridge and the Loferer Steinberge mountains. If you want to hike further, a climb to the Maukspitze or the Ackerlspitze is worthwhile. The return journey from the upper Regalm takes you along the forest path back to the Hüttling car park and the Explorer Hotel, which is the ideal starting point for hikes in the Kitzbühel region.

Mountain guide Cat will take you on a hike to the Schafkopf and the Kuhflucht Waterfalls in Farchant near Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Have you ever been to the Schafkopf or the Kuhflucht Waterfalls in Farchant? Share your experiences with us! The tour in the town of Farchant, where the newest Explorer Hotel opens this fall, starts on the local mountain, the Schafkopf, in the Ammergau Alps. On this moderately difficult and family-friendly mountain hike, which leads mainly through forests, stunning views of the Wetterstein Mountains as well as the Alpspitze and Zugspitze above Garmisch-Partenkirchen repeatedly open up. Upon reaching the summit at 1,380 m, Cat will have a fantastic view of Farchant and will reward herself with a snack. The ascent takes about 2 hours and covers an elevation gain of almost 700 meters from the valley to the summit. After descending from Farchant's local mountain, the tour leads through the town and past the new Explorer Hotel Garmisch. The nature and recreation park also features a forest nature trail for children and families, with explanatory panels on the theme of the forest, a climate pavilion, a diving pit, and a balancing tree. The panoramic terrace offers beautiful views of the surrounding Alpine panorama, including the Schafkopf, Kramerspitz, Zugspitze, and Alpspitze. On the other side of the village, at the foot of the Estergebirge Mountains, are the Kuhfluch Waterfalls, among the highest waterfalls in Germany. They cascade about 280 meters down in three cascades. The route from the lower to the upper Kuhflucht Bridge covers a height difference of about 100 meters and leads along the Königsweg (King's Trail) along the Kuhfluchtgraben (Cow's Escape Ditch). The hike to the waterfalls via the forest nature trail and the Königsweg (King's Trail) takes about 30 minutes from the Explorer Hotel Garmisch.

Nockberge Biosphere Reserve Ranger Jonathan takes you on an easy hike up the Arkerkopf in Bad Kleinkirchheim in the Austrian state of Carinthia. Jonathan grabs his hiking backpack and hiking boots and starts the tour from the Brunnach Biosphere Reserve cable car. From the Explorer Hotel Bad Kleinkirchheim, it's a 10-minute drive or you can take the public Nockmobile. Jonathan first takes the cable car to an altitude of over 1,900 meters. Once you reach the Brunnach Höhe, the easy hike begins. The hiking route runs along a forest road to the St. Oswalder Bockhütte. This is followed by a short climb up the Arkerkopf. The trail runs through the nature zone of the UNESCO Nockberge Biosphere Reserve. Here you can enjoy the view of a stunning mountain panorama and green cow pastures. This enchanting area is easy to hike and ideal for families. Our ranger Jonathan arrives at the Oswalder Bockhütte after about 45 minutes of walking. From there, you can already see the hike's destination: the Arkerkopf. In the nature zone of the biosphere reserve, you can experience the diversity and high biodiversity of the flowers, flora, and fauna. Jonathan points out the connection between humans and nature that exists in the nature reserve. People protect the landscape, but also use it. Beautiful hiking trails through the Austrian Nockberge continue to the Arkersattel. From here, you can enjoy further easy to challenging mountain and hiking tours. Jonathan climbs the last few meters to the summit. After 1.5 hours of hiking, he has now reached the summit cross. The mountain panorama clearly shows the typical, rounded shape of the Nockberge. After a short break and refreshments, you descend the mountain into the valley. Arriving at the family-friendly Explorer Hotel Bad Kleinkirchheim in Carinthia, Jonathan summarizes the hike. The Brunnach cable car allows you to start your hike directly in the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve. The gentle climbs ensure hiking fun for all ages. In addition to hiking, the Nockberge mountains also offer fantastic mountain biking and skiing in winter.

Hiking guide Sabine from the Ötztal Valley in Tyrol will take you on a fantastic circular hike to Lake Piburger See. The hiking route leads past magnificent viewpoints. The starting point is the Explorer Hotel Ötztal in Tyrol. The hike is 8.5 kilometers long and takes 3 to 5 hours. You'll gain 450 meters of elevation gain while hiking. The hiking route is circular. The hike begins along the Ötztaler Ache. The Ötztaler Ache is a steep, mighty glacial river in Tyrol. The water rushes through the Ötztal Alps with lightning speed and power. The trail leads over the Weller Bridge. This is where the world's best kayakers plunge into the waters of the Ötztaler Ache in late summer and autumn during the Oetz Trophy. Rafting is also possible on the Ötztaler Ache, but only for experienced kayakers. The hiking route leads up to Lake Piburger See. The trail goes through the forest. The first few meters of elevation gain have been completed. The soft forest floor is ideal and pleasant for hiking. The intermediate destination is the Seejöchl viewing platform. The hiker has arrived at the Seejöchl viewing platform in Tyrol. The viewpoint is 1,050 meters high. Unfortunately, it has started to rain, but Sabine is taking it easy and enjoying the coolness. The clouds are clearing, and the view opens up to the Acherkogel, a 3,000-meter peak. The summit is 3,007 meters high. Below the viewing platform lies the beautiful Piburger Lake. The lake is located above Oetz. The hike continues down to the shore of Piburger Lake. The hiking guide has arrived at the Piburger Lake bathing area in Tyrol. There is also a restaurant here that invites you to stop for a bite to eat. Sabine continues walking along Piburger Lake to the next pulpit. A circular trail leads around Piburger Lake, some of which is wheelchair accessible and suitable for strollers. In summer, Piburger Lake is, of course, ideal for swimming. Once you reach the pulpit, a magnificent view of Oetz in Tyrol awaits you. The hike continues down to Oetz and then on to the Explorer Hotel Ötztal. Here, hiking guide Sabine summarizes the hike over a coffee. Despite the rain, Sabine had a wonderful day. There was a lot to see on the circular hike. The circular trail is perfect for hiking with the whole family. Mountain bikers can also enjoy a bike ride to Lake Piburger See.

Elisabeth will take you on a hike to the Herzsee in the Montafon region of Vorarlberg. The hike leads via the Wormser Hut, Kreuzjoch, and along the beautiful lakes of the Silvretta Montafon. The Silvretta hike to the Herzsee takes 2 to 4 hours. The highest point is 2,395 meters. You will climb 130 meters in altitude and descend 440 meters. The hiking route passes several beautiful lakes. The cable car takes you to the Sennigrat cable car mountain station. From there, the hiking guide will start you on the way to the Kreuzjoch, the highest point of the hike. You will climb 130 meters in altitude. Here, you will already see the first lake: the Schwarzsee. You will see this lake again during the hike. The hiking trail to the Kreuzjoch leads past the Wormser Hut. From the Kreuzjoch, you have an incredible view of the mountain landscape in Vorarlberg. At the summit cross, Elisabeth takes a short break from hiking. With beautiful views and perfect weather, the hike continues to Lake Herzsee. Lake Herzsee gets its name from its shape. It resembles a heart. The turquoise colors and reflections make Lake Herzsee so special. From there, you have a view of the mountains of the Klostertal valley toward the Arlberg. Just before Lake Schwarzsee, at the level of Lake Kälbersee, you can turn off to two practice via ferratas or take the via ferrata (grade C) to the Hochjoch. Lake Schwarzsee gets its name from its dark color. It is much deeper than Lake Herzsee. From here, you have a view of the Arlberg mountains. A great tip for winter, as it's a ski paradise. From Lake Schwarzsee, the hike continues to the mountain station of the Hochjochbahn cable car in Vorarlberg. The hiking guide takes a break and enjoys the beautiful mountain panorama with a cool drink. The cable car takes you back down to the valley. Back at the Explorer Hotel Montafon in Vorarlberg, Elisabeth summarizes her experience of the Silvretta hike. She had a wonderful day in perfect weather. The Montafon is perfect for hiking, mountaineering, or climbing. But the Montafon is also a paradise in winter. Here you can ski in numerous ski resorts, cross-country ski on beautiful trails, ice climb, or snowshoe.

Trail runner Markus Kröll takes you on a beautiful trail running tour to the Kreuzjöchl in the Zillertal Valley in Austria. Markus Kröll welcomes you on the roof terrace of the Explorer Hotel Zillertal. From the hotel, you head out onto the Zillertal High Alpine Road. The trail to the Kreuzjöchl starts from the Melchboden snack bar. The trail running tour to the Kreuzjöchl in the Zillertal Valley takes about 2 hours. You will climb 600 meters, and the highest point of the tour is at 2,280 meters. The trails are moderately difficult, but you can also run them at a leisurely pace. From the trail, you have a magnificent view of the Zillertal Valley and the Tyrolean mountains. Markus Kröll has mastered the first climb. He explains that the trail runs between two ski areas. On the left side of the trail, you can see the 3,000-meter peaks with their snow-capped peaks. The next climb follows, and the trail continues toward Kreuzjöchl. Markus Kröll runs along the trail until the final climb to the finish line. Arriving at Kreuzjöchl, the trail runner enjoys the beautiful panoramic mountain view. Markus Kröll makes his way back to the valley. At the parking lot of the Zillertal High Alpine Road, he sums up his trail running tour in Tyrol. The trail to Kreuzjöchl is doable for everyone—even for families hiking. The final climb to Kreuzjöchl is technical. In the Zillertal Valley in Austria, you can experience a lot, whether trail running, hiking, or mountaineering. The Zillertal Valley in Tyrol also offers a wide range of activities in winter, including skiing and cross-country skiing. Brief explanation: The people of Zillertal, like Markus Kröll, call the peak Kreuzjöchl. It is also known as Mitterwandskopf.

Dominik takes you on a dream hike up the panoramic Wank mountain near Garmisch-Partenkirchen. A magnificent view of Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, awaits you. Domi welcomes you from the new Explorer Hotel Garmisch in Farchant. The hotel has been open since October 2022. He packs his gear and off you go on the hike up the panoramic Wank mountain. In just 5 minutes, hiker Domi finds himself on a beautiful hiking trail surrounded by nature. The hike takes 3 to 5 hours and is 7 kilometers long. You will gain 1,100 meters in elevation. The highest point is at 1,780 meters. From the panoramic Wank mountain, you will have a wonderful view of the landscape of the Zugspitze region and the surrounding mountains. Domi has already completed the first 20 minutes. The trail leads through the beautiful natural surroundings of the Zugspitze region. 400 meters in elevation have already been conquered by hiking. A beautiful view of Garmisch-Partenkirchen awaits you. Halfway up the climb is over. From a wider forest path, Domi turns onto a hiking trail toward the summit cross of the Wank. The last few meters were spent repeatedly walking through the forest. Now it's getting a little lighter. You'll already have a small highlight here: a beautiful vantage point of Farchant and the lakes: Staffelsee, Ammersee, and Starnberger See. Now the hike continues the last few meters upwards. Once you reach the summit cross, you'll have a wonderful panoramic view. You can stop for a bite to eat at the Wankhaus at the top of the panoramic Wank mountain. The hike up the Wank is suitable for families and all types of athletes. You can also shorten the route by taking the Wankbahn cable car up. From the panoramic Wank mountain, you can also see Germany's highest mountain: the Zugspitze. Domi enjoys the view before heading back down to the hotel. Down at the Explorer Hotel Garmisch in Farchant, Domi summarizes the hike. The hike is beautiful and fun. Whether you're with the family or an avid mountain hiker, the panoramic Wank mountain is suitable for everyone. Among other things, you can hike, cycle, and mountain bike in the region around Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Zugspitze region. In winter, you can go skiing, cross-country skiing, or ski touring.

Outdoor blogger Franzi and her family take you on a family-friendly hike from the Lech Falls in Füssen to Neuschwanstein Castle in the Allgäu region. Franzi from Roadtyping welcomes you from the Explorer Hotel Neuschwanstein in Nesselwang. From the Explorer Hotel, the family will drive approximately 15-20 minutes to the Lech Falls in Füssen. There are several parking lots around the Lech Falls from which you can start the tour. The Lech River is known for its turquoise-blue color. At the Lech Falls, masses of water plunge over five steps and twelve meters into the deep Lech Gorge. From the Lech Falls, the hike continues into the forest towards Neuschwanstein Castle. The hike is approximately 10 km long and takes approximately 4 hours. The tour is a circular route that can be extended or shortened. The hike is full of highlights - starting with the Lechfall in Füssen, continuing with the Schwansee, Alpsee, the Marienbrücke, and finally Neuschwanstein Castle. You'll climb approximately 500 meters on this tour. The hike continues through the forest to the next highlight of the tour, the Schwansee in Schwangau. A 2-kilometer circular path leads around the Schwansee, and in summer, you can swim in the lake. From there, you have a wonderful view of Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle. From the Schwansee in Schwangau, the hike continues to the Alpsee below Neuschwanstein Castle. Franzi and her family have been walking for about 2 hours now. They have reached the Alpsee in Schwangau. There's also a nearly 4-kilometer circular path around the Alpsee for hiking. The lake is one of the cleanest lakes in Bavaria. From the Alpsee, the hike continues to Neuschwanstein Castle. After about another 40 minutes of hiking from Lake Alpsee, Franzi reaches the highest point of the tour. She has a direct view of Neuschwanstein Castle. Below her is the 90-meter-high Marienbrücke (St. Mary's Bridge) and the Pöllat Gorge. Neuschwanstein Castle was built by King Ludwig II. King Ludwig II was born in Hohenschwangau Castle. You can visit both castles. The tour is very family-friendly, as it can be extended or shortened depending on your fitness level. There are no particularly steep or difficult sections, making it a great hike for children.

Mountaineer Nicola takes you on a fascinating hike through the Partnach Gorge to Rießersee in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Have you ever hiked through the famous Partnach Gorge in the Zugspitze region? We look forward to sharing your thoughts with you in the comments! Summary: 00:00 Intro 00:33 Tour Planning 02:06 Facts about the Gorge 03:48 Hike to the Partnachalm 06:19 Arrival at Rießersee 06:51 Conclusion Nicola welcomes you from the Explorer Hotel Garmisch in Farchant. From the Explorer Hotel, you head to the Olympic Stadium in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which is easily accessible from Farchant in 40 minutes without a car. A pleasant footpath leads from the Olympic Stadium to the Partnach Gorge. The 2-3 hour circular hike from the Partnach Gorge to Rießersee is approximately 15 kilometers long, family-friendly, and ideal for a short day trip due to its length. On the hike through the Partnach Gorge, you'll gain approximately 500 meters in elevation. Once you reach the Partnach Gorge, you'll pass raging water masses and steep rock faces. Don't forget your weatherproof clothing, as the path in the gorge is quite slippery! This natural monument boasts a length of 700 meters and a depth of 80 meters. Since 1912, humans have also been able to hike the Partnach Gorge. The river that flows through the gorge gives the gorge its name: the "Partnach." Once you reach the exit of the Partnach Gorge, you continue along the Partnach River up to the Partnachalm mountain hut with a view of the Wetterstein Mountains. From here, you'll begin to gain your first meters of elevation, and the view of the Wank is priceless! Once you reach Rießersee, you'll have incredible views of the Höllental valley, the Alpspitze, the Kleiner and Großer Waxenstein mountains, and if you can see far and wide, you might even see the Zugspitze – Germany's highest mountain! The tour around Rießersee can be extended with a 1 km circular hiking trail. Those who are curious can also check out the historic 1936 Olympic bobsleigh track, just a short walk from Rießersee. Due to its length, the hike through the Partnachklamm is perfect for a day trip. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, however, has several other highlights to offer, such as the hike up the Wank or, in winter, the Zugspitze and Garmisch-Classic ski resorts.

How to plan your mountain tour or hike properly? Get tips from your mountain guide on scheduling, equipment, tour preparation, and more in the video! First, check the weather conditions for your hike before planning your tour. What does the weather forecast say? How many participants are coming on the hike? What is the fitness level of each participant? Select a suitable destination for your hike based on the number of participants and the natural and weather conditions. Use a hiking app or map for this. After choosing your destination, it's time to plan your mountain tour. The mountain guide will give you a rule of thumb for the ascent to calculate the duration of the hike. Elevation gain and distance are crucial. The descent depends on the condition of the trail. The descent when hiking requires approximately one-third of the ascent time. Always plan with buffer time! When going on a mountain tour or hike, you should always have complete hiking gear with you: a backpack, hiking clothes, emergency equipment, a cell phone, and plenty of water. Your hiking boots should be appropriate for the hike and the activity. Hiking poles are especially useful on the descent, relieving pressure on your joints. To maintain surefootedness, don't use poles on the ascent. Finally, create a route map so you don't get lost while hiking and take the right detours. Another tip from the mountain guide: Start your hike slowly and gradually build up the pace. Don't overestimate yourself.