Winter retreats in Styria
The most beautiful way to enjoy winter
Gentle exercise in nature. During mountain tours in the alpine north. Or during leisurely walks through the hibernating orchards of the south.
Equipped with touring skis or cross-country skis, with snowshoes or winter boots: In Styria, the journey is the reward – especially when it’s a journey through Styria's winter landscapes.
Winter hiking with a view on the Tauplitz | © Steiermark Tourismus | Tom Lamm
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Teufelstein: sunrise at the winter solstice hike on 21 December 2014 | © Steiermark Tourismus | Der Plankenauer
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Ski tourers on Planneralm | © Steiermark Tourismus | Tom Lamm
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Getting warm while walking on the Frauenalpe | © Steiermark Tourismus | Tom Lamm
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Snowshoeing in Hohentauern | © STG | photo-austria.at
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Winer in Southern Styria | © Steiermark Tourismus | pixelmaker.at
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Winter walk in the region Ausseerland, to the Blaa-Alm | © Steiermark Tourismus | Tom Lamm
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Snowshoe - parking | © WEGES | Weges
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Snowshoeing in Murau | © STG | Tom Lamm
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Snowshoeing to the Steinplanhütte (close to Kleinlobming) | © WEGES | Weges
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Romantic winter and snowshoe hikes
Tip: Winter hike-Ticket Schladming-Dachstein
Hike through snow-covered winter landscapes with lightweight snowshoes and feel close to nature. Walk at your own pace and discover new favourite spots during winter hiking in Styria. Especially the region’s high-altitude winter hiking trails are always worth visiting. They offer splendid panoramic views and plenty of photo spots where you can capture your holiday for eternity. Many of these trails’ starting points can be reached by cable car.
Our tip for all winter lovers without skis: the winter hiking ticket of the Schladming-Dachstein region. The affordable ticket is valid for the mountains of Planai, Hochwurzen, Dachstein, Galsterberg, Reiteralm and Hauser Kaibling and includes free rides with numerous cable cars, lifts and busses.
If you don’t want to use a cable car or lift, Almenland Nature Park in East Styria might be just your thing. It’s a perfect place to leave all the stress behind!
For instance, the tour round Plankogel leads you past alpine pastures and through picturesque forests and can also be done without snowshoes. At the summit of Plankogel mountain, you can enjoy breathtaking views from one of East Styria’s most scenic vantage points. At the end, a culinary highlight is waiting for you at cosy Stoakoglhütte, which is also a “Kulinarium Steiermark” hut.
Our tip: If you stop by at Stoakoglhütte, don’t miss their traditional “Spagatkrapfen” (a deep-fried dessert)!
Ski touring in pristine nature
Enjoy nature to the fullest
Away from the hustle and bustle, various ski touring routes lead you through the enchanting winter landscapes of Styria. For instance, Austria’s National Ski Tour at Dachstein mountain is an unforgettable experience. The crossing of the Dachstein mountain range is a highlight for both nature lovers and ski touring fans.
If you’re looking for a nice spot for a break, we recommend Simonyhütte. The mountain hut is named after Friedrich Simony, a pioneer of the Dachstein mountains. It is an important base for mountaineers who embark on extended tours of the Dachstein range from there. It’s also home to a mountaineering school that offers various courses.
Sledging with splendid views
Winter fun on skids
Breathtaking views and fun-filled action: There are numerous sledging runs all across the mountains of Styria.
Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities to take a break and warm up at a cosy mountain hut or restaurant. The hosts are always happy to welcome hungry sledgers and treat them to vegetarian, vegan or traditional dishes like pumpkin soup or “Käsespätzle”.
Give it a rest
Relaxing and regenerating
Far too rarely do we allow ourselves to simply do nothing. But facing the winter sun in a beautiful landscape is an opportunity to slow down and take a much-needed breather.
In Styrian nature or in the pleasant thermal water, you can really find peace.
