Lynx Trail
Through Austria's wild centre
13 stages through the Kalkalpen & Gesäuse National Park
A long-distance hiking trail connects three internationally recognised large protected areas in Austria over thirteen stages: the Kalkalpen National Park, the Gesäuse National Park and the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal wilderness area. This means that the Luchs Trail not only leads through three federal states, but also through the largest contiguous forest area in the country - through the home of the lynx.
After the shy forest cat was almost wiped out in Europe, it was able to regain a foothold - or paw - here. The Lynx Trail is a declaration of love. To near-natural forests, to biodiversity, to wilderness. The impressive beech forests of the protected areas were therefore declared Austria's first World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Luchs Trail is also a declaration of love for strong calves. Because over 12,000 metres in altitude and 250 kilometres have to be covered on a total of thirteen daily stages.
Frequently asked questions about the Luchs Trail:
The Luchs Trail is a long-distance alpine hiking trail through the heart of Upper Austria. It connects the Kalkalpen National Park with other protected areas in several stages and leads through unspoilt mountain landscapes, dense forests and quiet valleys - the habitat of the lynx.
The Luchs Trail comprises 11 stages. Each daily stage can be planned as an independent hike - ideal for anyone who wants to experience long-distance hiking in Upper Austria in a flexible way.
The classic starting point is in Reichraming in the Kalkalpen National Park. The finish is in Lunz am See.
Technically speaking, the Luchs Trails are of medium difficulty. There are no rope-insured or exposed passages that require a complete head for heights. However, you definitely need surefootedness and mountain experience for the steep and rocky passages. The Luchs Trail demands a high level of fitness. Depending on the stage, there are up to 1,500 metres of ascent and descent to contend with, and the trail can be significantly longer than 20 kilometres. On some stages, all three maximum values come close together, which means pure walking times of up to approx. 8 hours.
The walking times are calculated using the Outdooractive formula (Outdooractive is one of the world's largest providers of tour documentation and the market leader in German-speaking countries). This includes brisk walking times, which roughly correspond to the average speed of a well-trained mountain hiker. Important: The times given are pure walking times, i.e. Breaks must be added.
The route measures around 250 kilometres. This adds up to over 12,000 metres in altitude - a real long-distance hiking project in the Alps.
The ideal hiking season is between May and October. During these months, huts are open and the paths are usually free of snow. The Kalkalpen National Park is particularly lively in early summer.
The lynx symbolises the return of wild nature in the Alps. As a shy inhabitant of the forests, it symbolises intact habitats. The trail follows its territories - respectfully and attentively.
Each stage can be planned individually. This means you can organise a multi-day hike or experience individual sections as an intensive one-day stage - at your own pace.
Selected partner businesses, a practical luggage and shuttle service and a trail hotline are available to you along the Luchs Trail. This turns your Luchs Trail hiking trip into a carefree outdoor experience.
And best of all - the lynxes benefit too: by booking, you are supporting the conservation of the lynx population in the Limestone Alps, as the booking centre donates €10 to the national parks for every booking.
Your personalised Lynx Trail hiking tour starts with the first click - useful information at a glance: www.luchstrail.at
Sturdy mountain boots, rain protection, sufficient provisions and good tour planning are essential. Alpine experience is recommended for challenging stages - the trail is no walk in the park.