May is a magical time to hike in Austria. As winter’s chill fades, the snow-capped peaks start to thaw and lush alpine meadows burst into color. The hiking trails become more accessible, wildflowers bloom, and temperatures are ideal for outdoor adventures. This transition month offers hikers a rare chance to enjoy Austria’s natural beauty without the summer crowds. From dramatic mountain ranges to tranquil lakes and culturally rich paths, Austria in May is a hiker’s dream come true.
1. Krimml Waterfalls Trail (Hohe Tauern National Park)
One of Austria’s most spectacular natural wonders, the Krimml Waterfalls are the highest in Europe at 380 meters. The hike to the top of the falls is a well-marked, moderately challenging trail offering panoramic views, rest points, and educational stops about the area’s ecology. May is perfect for this hike as snowmelt adds volume to the falls, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.
Highlights:
- Europe’s tallest waterfall
- Accessible for families
- Unique misty microclimate with health benefits
2. Rax Plateau Hike (Raxalpe, Lower Austria)
Just an hour from Vienna, the Raxalpe is a classic alpine destination. Take the Rax cable car up to the plateau and choose from a variety of loop trails. The paths are lined with alpine huts offering hearty Austrian meals and jaw-dropping vistas of the Vienna Alps. In May, most of the trails are snow-free and the air is crisp and clean.
Highlights:
- Quick access from Vienna
- Traditional alpine huts
- Loop routes for all skill levels
3. Gosausee and Dachstein Glacier Hike (Upper Austria)
This hike around the Gosau Lakes offers one of Austria’s most iconic views: the shimmering lake reflecting the Dachstein Glacier. The trail is easy and family-friendly, with plenty of photo ops. More adventurous hikers can extend the hike into the Dachstein region for more challenging alpine experiences. May’s conditions are ideal for enjoying snow-capped peaks without deep snow underfoot.
Highlights:
- Stunning glacial lake views
- Low to moderate difficulty
- Gateway to Dachstein Glacier
4. Schafberg Hike (Salzkammergut Region)
The Schafberg offers one of Austria’s most panoramic summit views. Starting from St. Wolfgang, this hike is steep but rewarding. In May, the trail is generally snow-free below the summit, and the Schafberg Railway may start operations later in the month for those preferring a scenic train ride. The summit provides a 360-degree view over several lakes including Wolfgangsee and Mondsee.
Highlights:
- Lake and mountain views
- Historic cog railway option
- Popular photography location
5. Grossglockner High Alpine Road & Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe Trails
Austria’s tallest mountain, Grossglockner, is best admired from the High Alpine Road. In May, parts of the road reopen, offering access to several trailheads around the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe. The views of Pasterze Glacier and the towering Grossglockner peak are simply unmatched. Several short but steep hikes here are accessible and incredibly scenic.
Highlights:
- Views of Austria’s highest peak
- Glacial landscape
- Wildlife sightings (marmots, ibex)
6. Alpbach Panorama Trail (Tyrol)
Known as Austria’s most beautiful village, Alpbach is surrounded by scenic hiking trails. The Panorama Trail is a favorite in May, offering lush green meadows, rustic wooden chalets, and wildflowers in bloom. The path is well-maintained and suited to all levels of hikers. You’ll enjoy tranquil surroundings and glimpses into Tyrolean rural life.
Highlights:
- Traditional architecture
- Panoramic alpine scenery
- Great for relaxed hiking
7. Zirbenweg Trail (Innsbruck Region)
Starting from Patscherkofel cable car, the Zirbenweg Trail offers sweeping views of the Inn Valley and Nordkette mountains. It winds through centuries-old stone pine forests and is accessible in May once snow clears. This high-altitude path is relatively flat and peaceful, making it ideal for scenic walks above the city of Innsbruck.
Highlights:
- High-altitude walking
- Accessible by cable car
- Unique pine forest ecosystem
8. Seefeld to Scharnitz Plateau Walk (Karwendel Alps)
This hike leads you from the village of Seefeld to the mountain hamlet of Scharnitz through the heart of the Karwendel Alps. The route is a mix of forests, meadows, and alpine pastures, with snow-capped peaks looming in the distance. It’s suitable for intermediate hikers and is especially enjoyable in late May when the thaw reveals more trails.
Highlights:
- Scenic alpine plateau
- Wildlife and flora
- Quiet, less-traveled route
9. Wachau World Heritage Trail (Lower Austria)
For a lower-altitude hike that blends nature and culture, the Wachau World Heritage Trail is ideal. This path winds through vineyards, medieval villages, and ancient castle ruins along the Danube River. May is perfect for seeing the vineyards come to life and enjoying wine tastings along the way.
Highlights:
- UNESCO World Heritage landscape
- Castles and churches
- Local wine and cuisine stops
10. Ötschergräben Gorge Trail (Lower Austria)
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Austria,” the Ötschergräben is a dramatic gorge with footbridges, waterfalls, and rock formations. Hikers can choose various loops through the gorge and up toward the Ötscher peak. May offers great water levels in the streams and fewer crowds before summer peak season.
Highlights:
- Gorge hiking and waterfalls
- Suspension bridges
- Rocky and lush terrain
11. Kitzbüheler Horn Trail (Tyrol)
While Kitzbühel is famous for skiing, its summer trails are just as rewarding. The hike up the Kitzbüheler Horn provides stunning views of the Wilder Kaiser Mountains and surrounding valleys. May is shoulder season, making it quieter and offering early access to the alpine botanical gardens near the summit.
Highlights:
- Views of Wilder Kaiser
- Alpine flowers and gardens
- Peaceful spring hiking
12. Villacher Alpe (Dobratsch Nature Park, Carinthia)
This southern Austrian gem features diverse flora and fauna with a mix of cultural and natural sights. Hike from Villacher Alpe up to the Dobratsch summit, where you’ll pass chapels, forests, and geological wonders. In May, the park’s biodiversity flourishes, and the trails are generally clear of snow.
Highlights:
- Biodiverse landscape
- Mountain chapels
- Geological trails
Final Thoughts: May Hiking in Austria
Austria in May is a paradise for hikers. The weather is pleasant, the landscapes are vibrant, and the trails are gradually opening up after winter. Whether you’re looking for alpine adventures, serene lakeside paths, or culturally rich vineyard routes, there’s a perfect hike for you this spring. Each trail on this list offers something unique—be it a powerful waterfall, a glacial lake, or a panoramic peak—and May allows you to enjoy them in bloom and relative peace.
Before you go: Always check trail conditions, weather updates, and cable car schedules, as May can still bring unpredictable mountain weather. With proper planning, these 12 hikes in Austria in May will leave you with unforgettable memories of Austria’s incredible natural beauty.
