The best walks and hikes in Kalkalpen National Park
4.6
(6653)
51,499
hikers
77
hikes
Hiking in Kalkalpen National Park offers diverse experiences within Central Europe's largest continuous forest wilderness, featuring ancient beech forests with UNESCO World Heritage status. The landscape is characterized by a highly karstified terrain, including numerous springs and hidden gorges within the Sengsengebirge and Reichraminger Hintergebirge mountain ranges. Trails lead through dense woodlands, past rugged rock formations, and to panoramic viewpoints over the "sea of trees." The park provides a range of hiking opportunities from easy walks to challenging alpine routes.
Best hiking trails in Kalkalpen National Park
- The most popular hiking route is Luchs Trail Stage 2, a 5.4 miles (8.7 km) trail that takes 3 hours 10 minutes to complete. This moderate path traverses varied forest terrain, offering insights into the park's natural environment.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Schaumbergalm and Ebenforstalm from Molln (Bodinggraben) - Kalkalpen National Park, a difficult 8.8 miles (14.2 km) path. This route leads through forested valleys and up to alpine pastures, providing expansive views.
- Local hikers also love the Von Rettenbach hinauf zum Hohen Nock – wandern in Pyhrn-Priel, a 7.6 miles (12.3 km) trail leading through mountain forests and up to the Hohe Nock peak, often completed in about 7 hours 7 minutes.
- Hiking in Kalkalpen National Park is defined by ancient beech forests, karst landscapes, and rugged mountain ranges, with options for easy family-friendly walks and more challenging alpine tours.
- The routes in Kalkalpen National Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 1,500 reviews. More than 11,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Kalkalpen National Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.6
(127)
940
hikers
8.69km
03:10
480m
480m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.6
(72)
529
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.8
(36)
477
hikers
12.3km
07:07
1,280m
1,280m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(31)
188
hikers
5.77km
01:38
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(30)
160
hikers
5.46km
01:44
220m
220m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Kalkalpen National Park
Austria's Kalkalpen Trail – Giant rocks & alpine meadows
On the cusp of the wilderness – Lynx Trail
From a family hike to a summit climb – hiking in Pyhrn-Priel
From a family hike to a via ferrata – hiking in Pyhrn-Priel
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Cycling in Kalkalpen National Park
Road Cycling Routes in Kalkalpen National Park
MTB Trails in Kalkalpen National Park
Mountain Hikes in Kalkalpen National Park
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Tips from the Community
The paths are often narrow, and in some areas a sense of direction is required
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A beautiful viewpoint with a magnificent panoramic view of the Haller Mauern, Totes Gebirge, Reichraminger Hinterberge, and, in good weather, much further afield... The climb is also worthwhile. Even during the ascent, first across alpine meadows and then along a narrow path, there are always beautiful views.
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Easily accessible from the Ebenforstalm, the last few meters require using your hands. Great views of the Hochschwab region, Eisenerz Alps, Haller Mauern, Tamischbachturm, Tieflimauer, Kleiner and Großer Buchstein, Sengsengebirge…
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A very beautiful summit with a fabulous 360-degree panorama 🫵😉
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An ideal starting point for numerous hikes and a delicious destination for a final stop 🫵😉
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The Hohe Nock (1,963 m) is the highest peak in the Sengsengebirge Mountains and – when traversed from east to west – the last major summit of the tour before descending through the Budergraben valley. It offers magnificent panoramic views of the Kalkalpen National Park, the Totes Gebirge mountains, and the Gesäuse. On clear days, however, the Hohe Nock is a popular destination, and it can get quite crowded – those seeking absolute peace and solitude should ascend in the early morning hours and during the week.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Kalkalpen National Park?
Kalkalpen National Park offers a wide variety of hiking experiences with over 70 trails. These range from easy walks to challenging alpine tours, catering to all fitness levels.
What makes hiking in Kalkalpen National Park unique?
The park is Central Europe's largest continuous forest wilderness, featuring ancient beech forests with UNESCO World Heritage status. You'll experience a highly karstified landscape with numerous springs, hidden gorges, and panoramic views over a 'sea of trees' within the Sengsengebirge and Reichraminger Hintergebirge mountain ranges.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Kalkalpen National Park has several easy trails perfect for beginners and families. For example, the In the Valley of the Wood Trail is a family-friendly option that showcases the ancient forests. Another accessible route is the Naturerlebnisweg „Von Alm zu Alm“.
Can I find waterfalls or gorges along the hiking trails?
Absolutely. The park's karst landscape features numerous gorges and springs. You can explore areas like the Große Klause Gorge or the scenic Bodinggraben. The Schleierfall Waterfall is another beautiful natural monument to discover.
Where can I find the best panoramic views in Kalkalpen National Park?
For breathtaking panoramic views, consider hiking to the Wasserklotz Summit, which offers expansive vistas of the 'forest sea' and distant peaks. The Hoher Nock, the highest peak in the park, also provides incredible mountain panoramas.
Are there any circular hiking routes in the park?
Yes, many trails in Kalkalpen National Park are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. These are ideal for day trips and exploring different facets of the landscape without retracing your steps.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Kalkalpen National Park?
The best time for hiking is generally from spring to autumn (May to October), when the weather is mild and trails are clear. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn offers stunning foliage in the beech forests. Some trails may be suitable for winter hiking, but conditions can be challenging.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in Kalkalpen National Park?
Dogs are generally welcome in Kalkalpen National Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of other hikers. Always clean up after your dog and respect local regulations.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Kalkalpen National Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,500 reviews. Reviewers often praise the untouched wilderness, the ancient beech forests, and the well-maintained trails that lead to stunning viewpoints and serene alpine pastures.
Are there opportunities for multi-day hikes or hut-to-hut tours?
Yes, the park offers options for multi-day adventures. The Kalkalpenweg is an 11-day, 150-kilometer long-distance trail that traverses the park, including remote sections of the Reichraminger Hintergebirge. There are also cozy huts like Schaumbergalm and Ebenforstalm where you can stay overnight.
How can I get to the trailheads using public transport?
While some trailheads are accessible by public transport, options can be limited, especially for more remote areas. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance or consider using a combination of public transport and local taxi services. For detailed information, consult the official national park website: steyr-nationalpark.at.
Are there guided tours available with park rangers?
Yes, Kalkalpen National Park offers guided hikes with national park rangers. These tours provide deeper insights into the region's unique nature, ecology, and wildlife, including the rare lynx population. It's a great way to learn more about the park's conservation efforts.
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