Austria is a country of rich cultural heritage, breathtaking mountain scenery, and delicious desserts. It is also home to world-famous luxury ski resorts. Each city is unique and unrepeatable in its own way. Maybe that’s why tourists bring a sea of bright impressions along with colorful photos of Austria from the trip.
Trekking in Austria
Trekking in Austria is a fascinating excursion to ancient monasteries and cities, fantastically delicious cuisine, and an unforgettable vacation, regardless of the season. Tourism is one of the main sources of income in this country.
In the warm season, hikers are attracted by crystal clear, picturesque lakes. In winter, the real ski pilgrimage of tourists from all over the world begins. Well, art lovers come here all year round, where a great number of theaters, permanent exhibitions, and museums await them.
Therefore, every traveler will find something special here. Hiking holidays Austria will win the hearts of everyone who comes to the mountains.
What is Eagle Walk?
Eagle Walk is a long-distance trail located in Austria, often referred to as the queen of all hiking trails in Tyrol. Tyrol is a geographical, historical, and ethnographic region in western Austria and northern Italy. It takes its name from the medieval castle of Tirol, located in the southern part of the region.
There are about 420 kilometers to traverse in the heart of the Alps! The silhouette of 2 flying eagles will be marked on the map if you trek all the distance. The entire challenge is divided into 33 stages (24 and 9). The total vertical ascent is 31,000 meters.
2 parts of Eagle Walk
The main operating city is Innsbruck. From there, you can easily get by public transport to the beginning of the Eagle Walk or only to the stage of your choice. Innsbruck has a beautifully located airport. A plane is the most convenient and fastest option for getting to Austria.
Eagle Walk is a challenging trekking route. Hiking companies have a lot of variants of hiking tours in Tyrol. You can choose any Adlerweg tour package depending on your physical fit, experience in hiking, and budget. You can go for 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and more days.
The first part of Eagle Walk is a 320 km hike from east to west. The trail begins in St. Johann in Tirol and ends in St. Christoph am Arlberg. Stages 1-12 form the eastern wing. Stage 13 (a short stage) forms the eagle’s head. Stages 14-24 form the western wing. The elevation one climbs along the entire route is about 23,000 meters up and 20,000 meters down. The route passes through 6 alpine mountain ranges – Wilder Kaiser, Rofan, Karwendel, Tuxertal Alps, Wettersteingebirge, and Lechtal Alps. The course of the Eagle Walk also allows you to explore another interesting trail – the Goetheweg Trail in the Karwendel range.
The second part of Eagle Walk is located in East Tyrol. The 93-kilometer hike between the Venediger mountain group and Großglockner (Austria’s highest peak) is a commune with the 3,000-foot peaks of the Taurus Mountains. The second part of Eagle Walk implies 9 stages during which one climbs 8,000 meters up and almost as much down. The start is in Ströden, and the finish is in Kals am Großglockner.
The best time for Eagle Walk in Tyrol
The best time to go on the Eagle Walk is during the summer, from the second half of June to the end of September. However, it is worth considering what winter was like during the season. In June and even early July, there may still be a lot of snow (especially on the high passes). If you have any doubts, you can write an e-mail or call, for example, individual hostels located along the route.
Eagle Walk is a varied trail regarding the type of ground you hike on. There are gravel sections where trekking sandals can easily cope, and there are stages where professional hiking shoes are a must. It is recommended to take two pairs of shoes, especially if you are going to hike for many days. We also recommend you get an EHIC card in case of health problems.
Packing list for your Eagle Walk
You will need good preparation and the right gear to make this route comfortable and safe. Here is a list of things that are recommended to bring with you on the Eagle Walk hike:
- Map and compass. Despite modern technology, having a physical map and compass with you is worthwhile in case of device or signal problems.
- Suitable clothing. You should include light and comfortable hiking clothes, a windbreaker or raincoat, a hat, gloves, socks, and other layers of clothing for different weather conditions.
- Footwear. Good hiking boots or hiking sneakers with sturdy soles and good cushioning.
- Overnight gear. A tent, sleeping bag, and mat to insulate against moisture and cold are needed if you don’t play to stay in huts overnights.
- Personal hygiene items. Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, towel, and other necessary items.
- First aid kit. A basic first aid kit with dressings, antiseptics, bandages, analgesics, and other medications.
- Flashlight or head flashlight. It is advantageous in case of nighttime travel or sudden poor visibility.
- Sun protection. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and headgear are needed to protect from the sun’s rays.
- Insect protection. Mosquito and tick repellent.
This is a basic list of things you may need on an Eagle Walk hike. However, it is recommended that you research the route, weather conditions, and terrain features before heading out to be as prepared as possible for the adventure.
Dishes you should try in Tyrol during Eagle Walk
Tyrol is not only mountains, cows, or distinctive music. It’s also food! We recommend tasting Tyrolean specialties as a reward for completing another stage of the Eagle Walk! Tyrolean dishes are made of simple but good-quality ingredients. Taste-wise, they should appeal to every person:
- Traditional Tirolean Käsespätzle. It is a hearty and comforting dish that consists of small, soft egg noodles (spätzle) mixed with melted cheese and often caramelized onions. It’s a popular comfort food in the Alpine region, perfect for cold weather.
- Tiroler Groestl. This dish consists of pan-fried diced or sliced potatoes until crispy and golden brown. These potatoes are then combined with various leftover meats such as roast pork, beef, or sausage, which are also sliced or diced.
- Germknödel. It is a sweet and fluffy yeast dumpling, typically filled with a mixture of plum jam and often served with a topping of vanilla sauce and poppy seeds.
- Kaiserschmarrn. It is made by preparing a pancake batter typically enriched with ingredients like eggs, flour, milk, and sometimes sugar. The batter is cooked in a pan until it’s set and slightly browned on the bottom. Then, the pancake is torn or cut into smaller, irregular pieces using spatulas or forks. These torn pieces are flipped and further cooked until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Cheesy bread dumplings in broth. It’s a comforting dish showcasing the region’s flavors and is loved for its rich, savory, and cheesy qualities.
In addition, we recommend tasting apple strudel (Apfelstrudel), the most popular pastry in Austria.
Conclusion
The Eagle Walk is a symphony of natural beauty and human perseverance. It is a trail that beckons those seeking to test their limits, discover hidden gems, and forge unforgettable memories. So, lace up your hiking boots, embrace the call of the wild, and set forth on this remarkable journey. Eagle Walk in Tyrol awaits. It is ready to unveil its wonders to those willing to answer its majestic call.
