Mountain portraits
Where mountains tell stories
From the eternal ice of the Dachstein Glacier to the gentle vineyards of Southern and Eastern Styria, an alpine panorama of striking contrasts—and endless stories—unfolds. The mountains in the Green Heart of Austria are more than majestic peaks: they are characters. Quirky, iconic, steeped in tradition.
Some of these mountain personalities along the "From Glacier to Wine" hiking route speak of early conquests. In the Gesäuse, for example, where sheer limestone walls and wild waters once drew the pioneers of alpinism. Today, the area is seen as a spiritual center for mountaineers – rugged, authentic, full of character.
Other peaks tell stories of connection and exchange: the Tauern mountains, with their ancient mountain passes, served as vital trade routes between the Ennstal and Murtal valleys as early as the Middle Ages. They form a natural backbone linking regions, cultures, and centuries. The Hochschwab, in turn, captivates with its powerful presence and a vastness that feels almost meditative. Its alpine pastures and mountain huts are places of retreat – simple, soul-nourishing spaces. Here, life tastes of crisp mountain air, hand-crafted cheese, and a clear sip of spring water. Or perhaps a glass of Sauvignon from the vineyards in Southern and Eastern Styria? Because that’s exactly what makes the mountain world in the Green Heart so unique: it doesn’t stop at the tree line, but flows gently into a cultural landscape where wine thrives. From glacier to wine – it’s no exaggeration, but living diversity.
Where water shows the way
Water shapes the mountains – and the paths we take through them. On the Dachstein, it all begins in ice: the glacier, with its Ice Palace and Skywalk, brings the power of this element within reach. On the Tauplitzalm, the Six Lakes Hike leads across blooming alpine meadows and shimmering waters.
Hiking on the Loser, you’ll come across the Augstsee – still and crystal clear – and be rewarded with a view of the glistening Altausseer See far below. In the Schladminger Tauern, every trail is accompanied by waterfalls, mountain lakes and springs. Here, water is not just scenery – it’s an experience. Moving, refreshing, grounding.
What Flavour calls home
Whether on one of the Schwaigen on the Wechsel or in the huts of the Schneealm in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park – the alpine huts in the Green Heart serve more than just a simple snack: here, you can taste the landscape, the craft, and the roots. On the Teichalm and Sommeralm in the Almenland Nature Park, tangy alpine cheese meets fragrant farmhouse bread, while in the Fischbach Alps, sweet pastries are still baked following time-honoured recipes.
Those hiking in the Hochschwab region might stop at the Voisthalerhütte – where Styrian favourites share the menu with Saxon specialities. Up on the Zirbitzkogel, the air is filled with the scent of herbs, and in the Zirbitzkogel mountain hut, a hearty mountaineer's soup warms the soul. Outside, cows graze in the pastures; inside, the table is set with whatever the season offers – honest, hearty, homemade. Alpine cuisine, the way only a mountain hut can do it.
For those who love heights
Whether rugged, remote or panoramic – between the Grimming and Hochschwab, Styria offers true alpine classics. On the Stoderzinken, every step echoes with history – from the summit to the little Church of Peace.
The Grimming, Europe’s tallest free-standing mountain, demands stamina – and rewards with breathtaking, wide-open views. In the Hochtor Group, challenging ascents lead straight into the heart of the Gesäuse National Park. The Reichenstein Group and the narrow ridge of the Haller Mauern require surefootedness – and offer dizzying views into the deep. Crossing the Buchstein Group, you feel the wild, untamed spirit of the terrain. And then there’s the Hochschwab – a vast mountain range full of huts, high trails, and moments that stay with you.
When mountains bloom
In spring and early summer, the Green Heart of Austria reveals its most colorful side. Some mountain ranges turn into true flower-covered peaks: on the Hochschwab, gentian, alpine primrose and even rare edelweiss light up the high, rocky meadows. On the Tauplitzalm, snow roses, orchids, alpine rose and gentian line the trails – a feast for all the senses.
In the Fischbach Alps, especially around the Stuhleck, the blooming alpine rose spreads like a pink carpet across the hillsides. And in early summer, the Stoderzinken and Zirbitzkogel are all about the vibrant bloom of Almrausch. Hikers at this time of year experience the mountains like a living painting – wild, delicate, and full of life.
Hidden paths, big moments
Not every summit needs to be in the spotlight – and that’s exactly where their charm lies. Climbing the Tremmelberg, you’ll find a quiet panorama and traces of mining history. The Amering Massif surprises with wide alpine pastures and solitary trails – perfect for those who cherish silence.
On the Koralpe, the view opens far to the south, all the way to Slovenia. And on the Salzstiegl, gentle ridges, rocky paths and a sense of freedom await – the kind you can’t plan for. These mountains aren’t stars – but they stay with you. For those looking for more than just elevation gain: true discoveries.
