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| Austria Hiking |
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Hiking and backpacking in Austria isn't just reserved for the stoic wanderer. Here it's a national pastime and a way of life. Everyone, young and old, has uphill fever in their blood. Austrians have made sure that trails, maps, guides, campgrounds and hiker huts ensure the best access to a quality hiking experience, while maintaining the land's rich natural beauty.
HIKING AND BACKPACKING IN AUSTRIA
Ever since the 1860s, when the active exploration of nature and the environment first became a popular notion and when hiking and mountain climbing turned into recreation and sport for a large number of people, the Austrian Alps have been a paradise for the outdoors-oriented.
Alpine clubs and societies were founded, equipment was invented and refined, paths and trails were marked and secured, guides and maps were compiled and an outstanding system of mountain huts was established.
This hut system represents one of the major differences between backpacking American style, and point-to-point hiking in the Alps: while the American backpacker is accustomed to carrying shelter in addition to food and extra clothing, the Austrian counterpart will not be packing his or her own shelter. As a matter of fact, camping out overnight is strongly discouraged in the Austrian Alps, both for reasons of rapidly changing weather conditions and of the established system of keeping track of hikers and climbers in the mountains. Mountain huts are fixed points around which a hiking or climbing trip pivots, spaced about three to five hours apart. Hiking and climbing trips may be planned so as to depart from one hut in the morning, have lunch at the next one and arrive at the third one before sunset or, alternately, return to the same hut in late afternoon. Mountain huts provide food and shelter for hikers in varying degree of comfort. Some huts are quite simple offering bunk space in a dormitory style setting, others are lavish mountain lodges with full restaurant facilities in addition to private rooms.
Huts must accommodate all persons present at nightfall, with members of the Alpine club or association maintaining the hut having first priority. Rooms with beds are usually limited and bunk space is in much better supply. Rates for overnight are set by the hut-host but run around $18, for bunk space and $25 for one person in a room. An important aspect is the prevailing hut etiquette: take off your hiking boots as you enter the dormitory, lights out at 10:00pm, no smoking or cooking in the dormitories or rooms, no radio or any other form of canned music and no raucous or indecent behavior (bunks are usually co-ed).
For those interested in exploring the Austrian Alps hiking, climbing or simply walking, there are a number of outstanding resources available.
Practically any Austrian resort and village in the Alpine region is offering day hikes and assistance for travelers. Simply check-in at the local tourist information office. Guided day-hikes are offered three to four times a week. The difficulty and length of the hike depend on the wishes of the participants and can vary from easy walks of two to three hours to more strenuous hikes of four to seven hours. Most tourist offices ask for a small fee which is paid directly to the guide. |
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