AUSTRIA / Hut-to-hut 4 to 5 day hike recommendation

I haven't done this (yet) but have thought about it. (Ended up going to Switzerland and the Dolomites instead, but Austria is still on the list). I suggest you get a copy of "Walking Austria's Alps: Hut to Hut" as it is very helpful. Also consider joining the Austria Alpine Club, British Section, for comprehensive information and gbetter rates on the huts. At least have a look at their website!

Thanks, Lola. Will follow your suggestions. Hope you get to go too someday.

Debbie, I found when I was thinking of an Austria trip that transportation into some of the mountain regions was not as easy as Switzerland. But maybe I was too easily discouraged. Or too easily seduced by the extensive Swiss transport system! But one of the huts I had on my half-planned trip was on the Austrian-Italy border. I think it was called Bellavista and it worked into a traverse of the Alps from Italy to Austria. I don't remember the details but the village of Solden (or maybe Sölden) was in there someplace. I'll have to look at a map and see if I can figure it out. The book I suggested has some nice loop trips, some not far from Innsbruck.

Thanks again, Lola. I really appreciate your help. There is so much information out there, it's a bit overwhelming to know where to begin.
Debbie

I have done this one: http://www.stubai.at/en/sommer/wandern/stubaier-hoehenweg and this one:
http://www.alpineclubvienna.org/tripsheets/trips2009/Zillertal.pdf Both are fantastic and don't require any special technical skills. Just about every hut has access to the valley floor so your do as much of either route as you want.

Thanks, Jeff...these are fantastic links. I will spend some time researching these.
Debbie

Hi Debbie, Lola's suggestions are good ones. I had bought that particular book and joined the AACUK, and did the classic Karwendel hike from Scharnitz to Pertisau, Austria (Chapter 7 in the book if memory serves) back in 2009. Snowpack at higher altitudes that some summers can last well into late May / June can force detours, just as an aside for planning purposes. You can get by with a backpack of 35-40 liter capacity (maybe even smaller?) for a tour of this length; I stashed my big suitcase in the Munich central train station for the five days and it worked out fine taking trains / buses to and from the mountains. I never needed to carry food... just plenty of water. Don't forget earplugs. Anyway, for me: a terrific experience, wonderful scenery, friendly people... it changed my life (we live here in shouting distance to these mountains now) and we get to the huts a few days every summer... There are lots to choose from and lots to see... Enjoy~