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Trail running in the 360° Alps

© Philipp Reiter Trailrunning in der Nationalpark Region

Trail running in the 360° Alps

Running off the road

Run away from everyday life - along narrow paths, through cool forests and up to panoramic mountain trails. Step by step, a landscape opens up that breathes with you. Trail running challenges the body and clears the mind. With every kilometre, the view becomes wider, the rhythm calmer, the moment more intense.

In the mountain world between Pyhrn and Priel, challenging trails lead through alpine terrain and past rustic mountain pastures. In the valleys around the Kalkalpen National Park, you are accompanied by tranquil forests and clear streams. The trails around Bad Hall and Steyr lead through gentle expanses - many routes also run along the fresh river valleys of Enns, Krems and Steyr.

Eine Person rennt den Wildererweg entlang.
Routes
© Wandern am Wildererweg in der Urlaubsregion Pyhrn-Priel.
Ausblick vom Sonnseitn Trail in Molln
General conditions & equipment
© Sonnseitn Trail - Molln (c) Andre Prinz
Frau mit Rucksack vor einam Zug am Bahnhof
Travelling by public transport
© Foto OEBB/Philipp Horak: Cityjet

Condition Distance and altitude metres

The trail running routes in 360° Alpenland are carefully categorised according to fitness and technique.

Fitness is assessed by distance and metres in altitude. There is a 6-star system for this:

⭐⭐⭐ easy (blue)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ medium (red)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ difficult (black)

The tour name indicates the fitness level (e.g. L1 = level 1).

Levels:

  • L1: 0-5 km, < 250 metres in altitude
  • L2: 5-10 km, < 500 metres in altitude
  • L3: 10-15 km, < 800 metres in altitude
  • L4: 15-20 km, < 1,200 metres in altitude
  • L5: 20-30 km, < 2,000 metres in altitude
  • L6: > 30 km, > 2,000 metres in altitude
© Philipp Reiter Trailrunning in der Nationalpark Region

The ideal trails in 360° Alpenland at a glance

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Interesting facts about trail running in 360° Alpenland:

Between the mountains of Pyhrn and Priel, the wild trails in the Kalkalpen National Park and the wide meadows around Bad Hall, you will find ideal conditions for trail running in Upper Austria in 360° Alpenland. Technical climbs, flowing forest trails and quiet river valleys around Steyr are all close together - perfect for a varied running experience.

The conditions are ideal from spring to late autumn. In summer, higher altitudes offer pleasant temperatures, while autumn days impress with clear views and colourful forests. Even in winter, snow-free units are possible in the valley area around Steyr, Kirchdorf an der Krems and Bad Hall.

Technique level 1

1-2 points/stars in Outdooractive
These routes consist mainly of wide forest, woodland and meadow paths. In some sections there are rooty, stony and somewhat steeper passages. These tours are ideal for beginners to trail running.

Technique level 2

3-4 points/stars in Outdooractive
The trails include many rooty, stony, sometimes steep and slightly sloping sections. More surefootedness and experience as a trail runner is required here.

Technique level 3

5-6 points/stars in Outdooractive
The trails include rooty, stony, steep and downhill sections, as well as exposed sections with easy rope protection. A high level of surefootedness and experience is a basic requirement here.

200 or 2,000 metres.

Depending on the route, the altitude metres range from a moderate 200-400 metres in the Alpine foothills to a challenging 1,000 metres and more in the mountains between Pyhrn and Priel. This range makes the 360° Alpenland a multifaceted training area.

To get started, 200 to 400 metres in altitude per unit is sufficient. In 360° Alpenland, such profiles are easy to plan - for example on panoramic trails or shorter mountain routes near Hinterstoder. What is important is the regularity, not the steepness. Stamina is built up through continuity.

The 360° Alpenland combines alpine challenges, vast landscapes and cultural sites in a small area. Those who run here experience Upper Austria in all its depth - from the peaks in the south to the river valleys around Steyr. Sport, nature and culture intertwine and create space for real exercise.

Alpine terrain requires preparation. Weather changes, loose stones and steep descents are all part of the experience. Those who plan tours realistically, pay attention to forecasts and assess their own fitness level will experience trail running in the Alps safely and consciously.

Incorporate targeted uphill sections. Run in short strides, keeping your upper body slightly inclined forwards. The mountains of Upper Austria offer ideal training stimuli for sustainable strength endurance.

Trail running is permitted on marked trails in the Kalkalpen National Park. The official routes are categorised according to fitness (L1-L6) and technique (level 1-3). This means: clear orientation, transparent levels of difficulty and a framework that combines the experience of nature and nature conservation. Those who stay on the designated trails protect sensitive habitats and experience the unspoilt forest wilderness of Upper Austria responsibly.

Respectful interaction with nature

Stay on the trails when trail running, take your rubbish back with you and respect nature.

With grazing animals:
Keep your distance, reduce your speed and avoid making noise. Do not touch calves and use existing gates. Keep dogs on a short lead. If animals approach: stay calm, keep out of their way and do not run away.

Principle: Hikers, bikers and trail runners share the paths with mutual consideration.

The basic equipment includes trail running shoes with tread, weather-appropriate clothing, a hydration system and a small first aid kit. Especially in alpine sections between Pyhrn and Priel, weather protection and navigation are crucial.

The equipment you need depends on the tour, distance and weather. If in doubt, it is better to take a little more than too little - especially in the mountains, where the weather can change quickly.

Recommended basic equipment:

  • Weather-appropriate running clothing (e.g. rain jacket, gloves, headgear, sun protection)
  • Trail running shoes
  • Sufficient fluids and snacks
  • Trail running rucksack or running belt
  • Mobile phone + maps
  • Emergency equipment: rescue blanket, small first aid kit, whistle
  • Other: e-card/insurance, some cash

Also useful depending on the tour:
Headlamp, spikes/spikes, folding poles.

The public accessibility of our trail tours is important to us for reasons of sustainability. We therefore recommend travelling by public transport or carpooling to reduce traffic and protect the environment.