Luchs Trail
Hiking where the lynxes live. This long-distance hiking trail connects three of Austria’s internationally recognised major nature reserves across thirteen stages: the Kalkalpen National Park, the Gesäuse Nationalpark and the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal Wilderness Area. The Luchs Trail thus not only passes through three federal states – namely Upper Austria, Styria and Lower Austria – but also through the country’s largest contiguous forest area. And: through the home of the lynx.
A sense of wilderness. Because not all nature is the same, and not all forests are the same. The protected areas along the trail are linked not only by wild forest, but also by a shared goal: to restore, preserve and protect wilderness. Humans no longer interfere with natural processes. They do not clear anything away, cut anything back or plant anything new. In nature conservation, this is known as ‘process protection’. The aim is not to protect individual species, but to safeguard the unfolding of nature itself, according to its own unique logic. What does this mean for those setting out on the Luchstrail? A fundamental realisation: nature does not need humans. In the wilderness, there is nothing to worry about or fret over. You can let go, feel small – and simply marvel.
Protected areas
The Luchs Trail leads from the Kalkalpen National Park into the Gesäuse National Park and the Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark. From there, it continues into the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal wilderness area. Parts of this area form part of Austria’s first UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. We are talking here about the unique beech forests in the Kalkalpen National Park, which are over 500 years old. Last but not least, the Luchs Trail also passes through the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park.
Map
Luchs Trail
The wild and romantic mountain landscape is probably the largest near-natural woodland area in Central Europe. That is why the lynx has been reintroduced here. The trail raises awareness of this endangered species and thus contributes to its protection and survival. The fact that the trail also passes through an extremely attractive mountain hiking area is a happy coincidence.
As a hiker on the Luchs Trail, you’ll be put to the test! The stages are long and involve a fair bit of climbing. Your senses will also be put to the test, as you’ll need to keep your eyes and ears open. But don’t worry – even if you don’t catch a glimpse of the lynx, you’ll still sense the presence of something marvellous.
You can book the Luchs Trail here
Trail Angels
Information & Booking Centre
A dedicated, official information and booking centre for the Luchs Trail! At the booking centre, the multi-award-winning Trail Angels team will be happy to offer you advice and assistance with planning and booking your hiking trip. From convenient online booking and the online trip planner – with advice from the Angels – to carefully curated hiking packages.
Combine your personal freedom with service, comfort and safety on your hiking holiday. Partner accommodation in 3 different categories, luggage service, shuttle services, Trail Hotline and much more.
Your benefits:
· Excellent advice from experienced and knowledgeable staff
· Fantastic services such as luggage transport, shuttle services, the Trail Hotline and much more
· Personalised online planning and booking of your hiking holiday
· Carefully curated and practical Luchs Trail packages
· Better safe than sorry: all our holiday packages comply with the EU Package Travel Directive 90/314/EEC
Impressions of the Trail
On the Scheiblegger Hochalm, above the Kaiserau | Max Mauthner
Mödlingerhütte with Reichenstein peak I Gesäuse | Max Mauthner
Großer Buchstein I Gesäuse I Styria | Max Mauthner
Enns im Nationalpark I Gesäuse I Steiermark | Max Mauthner
Luchs Trail I Gesäuse I Steiermark | Max Mauthner
Mendlingtal I Luchs Trail I Gesäuse | Max Mauthner
Luchs Trail I Gesäuse I Steiermark | Max Mauthner
Luchs Trail I Gesäuse | Max Mauthner
On the trail of the lynx I Gesäuse | Max Mauthner
Gamsstein I Gesäuse I Steiermark | www.stefanleitner.com