Hiking Route „From the Glacier to the Wine“

You should book in advance, if:

• you need accommodation during peak season or on weekends
• you value a certain standard of furnishings and equipment
• you want to book accommodation in the immediate vicinity or on the hiking route
• you are travelling with several people

The tourist offices along both routes will be happy to help you find accommodation. Otherwise, it is sufficient to book by telephone the day before you arrive. However, if the hut is fully booked, the cabin owners and the tourist offices will be happy to help you find an alternative.

The northern and southern routes are in their entirety only accessible from June to the beginning of October. Before June, one must expect residual snow between the Dachstein and Stoderzinken, in the Gesäuse, on the Hochschwab and in the Schladminger Tauern. We therefore recommend the stages and sections in the two areas of Eastern Styria to Spa and Volcano Country and Schilcherland to Southern Styria for hikes in spring and late autumn. Numerous passionate long-distance hikers also like to use these route sections in spring to "warm up" for the main hiking season.

There are numerous camping and caravan sites along both routes - we have collected the most beautiful sites for you. Due to the good rail and bus connections along the route, you can also use them as a base and return in the evening after the hike. As in many European countries, "wild camping" is generally prohibited in Austria. The law states that camping is permitted in the wasteland, i.e. above the forest line. However, there are countless exceptions here. You are best advised to plan your tour well and make use of the network of cabins and campsites.

Generally, yes. We recommend registering your dog in advance at your respective accommodation. Dogs are welcome in many, but not all accommodations.

Please note that dogs are perceived as potential enemies by cattle, and especially by mother cows. The following behavioural measures ensure the safety of both people and dogs: Always keep your dog on a leash and take it into the middle of the group if possible. Please ensure that the dog behaves calmly, is kept on a lead and has a muzzle, as there are also children on the paths. If an attack by cattle is unavoidable, you should definitely let the dog off the leash immediately for both of your protection. This way, the dog is the target of the attack and the danger is averted from you. Dogs are usually quick enough to escape an attack by a cow. Please never pick up a dog and try to defend it against the cattle.

1.       Always adapt your equipment to the undertaking and make sure your backpack is light. Below, you will find recommendations for your journey of discovery along the hiking route “From the Glacier to the Wine". When it comes to clothing, breathable outdoor clothing that is suitable for all weather conditions is important. Likewise, please do not forget sunscreen & co:

• Jacket
• Protection against the cold (hat, gloves)
• Rain or insulating jacket
• Rain protection (poncho, peaked back, backpack protector)
• Backpack with padded straps and ventilated back
• Sun protection (sunglasses, sun cream and lip protection, cap)
• T-shirts, short and long sleeve
• Underwear
• Hiking trousers
• Hiking boots with non-slip profile soles
• Hiking socks
• Hiking poles (telescopic poles are ideal)
• Water bottle

What else should be in your backpack

• Identity card, insurance and membership cards (e.g. Alpine Club)
• Cash (as it is not possible to pay with ATM or with credit card at most cabins)
• First aid kit and personal medication (blister plasters, vitamin/magnesium tablets, etc.)
• Camera incl. batteries/replacement batteries, binoculars
• Mobile phone with full battery and charger (important phone numbers)
• Plastic bag for rubbish and/or dirty laundry
• Headlamp/small torch
• Pocket knife and lighter
• Toilet paper
• Tour book/diary incl. pen/pencil, playing cards, etc.
• Overnight utensils (cabin sleeping bag, toilet articles, comfortable shoes and clothes, towel, etc.)
• Hiking map and information material, GPS optional

Please always pack enough food (check availability at the respective stage location). Muesli bars, nuts or dried fruit, for example, are a good in-between snack. And: Don't forget to bring enough to drink!

Trails in the alpine area often require surefootedness and a head for heights - please bear this in mind when planning your tour. Good and precise planning provides safety and ensures more enjoyment during your holiday. Please take note of the available stage descriptions - including altitude profiles. If necessary, you can obtain information from alpine associations and local experts, such as cabin owners. If you are travelling in a group, please adapt your pace to the weakest members. And please do not leave the marked trail for your own protection and out of consideration for nature and wildlife.

Numerous bus lines or collective or hiking taxis as well as several train lines are available along the entire route. That way, you can return to your respective starting point. Please also note the numerous hiking- and valley-bus offers along both tours. Often, these are available at greatly reduced rates or even free of charge in conjunction with a regional all-inclusive card, as in the Schladming-Dachstein holiday region, Eastern Styria and Spa and Volcano Country. For more information, please contact the respective tourist region.

Please send an email to info@steiermark.com. Here, you can tell us exactly where you have noticed deficiencies and what needs to be improved. The information office of Styria Tourism will be happy to forward this to the relevant section of the Alpine clubs and tourism associations.