The Adlerweg, also known as the Eagle’s Way, is a long-distance hiking trail in Austria that spans across the Austrian Alps. The trail covers approximately 413 kilometers divided into 33 stages. Twenty-four stages take you through the Kaiser Mountains and the Arlberg and the other nine stages through the Venediger and Grossglockner mountain peaks.
Altogether, the trail takes you through some of Austria’s most scenic and breathtaking parts. The trail can be completed in one go or you can choose only to do sections. Additionally, the trail can be hiked in either direction. However from west to east is the most common, meaning that you start in St. Johann in Tirol and finish in Lucknerhaus.
Tirol
The Adlerweg begins in St. Johann in Tirol, a small town located in the Kitzbühel Alps. The first stage of the trail takes hikers through the Kitzbühel Alps. Here, you find stunning views of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range. The trail then continues through the Karwendel Mountains, known for their rugged peaks and dramatic landscapes. The Karwendel Mountains are also home to the largest nature reserve in Austria, where there is a variety of wildlife such as ibex, chamois, and golden eagles.
Tux Alps
As the trail continues, you will cross the Tux Alps, known for their glaciers and high peaks. The Tux Alps are also home to the Hintertux Glacier, where you can ski year-round. The trail then continues through the Zillertal Alps, known for its jagged peaks and deep valleys. One of the most challenging parts of the Adlerweg is the Hohe Tauern National Park, the largest national park in Austria. The park is home to some of the highest peaks in the country, including the Grossglockner, the highest mountain in Austria.
Zirbenweg
One of the highlights of the Adlerweg is the Zirbenweg, which is a trail that takes hikers through a forest of Swiss stone pines. The Zirbenweg offers stunning views of the Inn Valley and the surrounding mountains and is one of the most scenic parts of the trail.
The Adlerweg is a diverse trail with rugged mountain peaks, stunning foothills, lush forests, and various lakes. However, it is important to keep in mind that it is an alpine trail. This means that you should have a good level of fitness and know how to hike in mountainous terrain.
Good to know
Accommodation
On the Adlerweg there are several accommodation options ranging from mountain huts to hotels and guesthouses. It is recommended to make reservations since Austria is a popular destination for hikers. Unfortunately, wild camping is not permitted in Austria and therefore camping is not a suitable option for this trail.
When to go
The best time to hike the Adlerweg is from June to September when the weather is most favorable. You should be prepared for hot temperatures during the day and cool temperatures at night, especially at higher elevations. It is also important to be prepared for rain, as thunderstorms can occur in the mountains at any time.
Useful links
Official site
