Every year, towards the end of August, we hear the same sentence at the HOCHKÖNIGIN.
"It's a shame summer is almost over."
We understand why people say it. The days have been long, the alpine meadows are still bright green, and evenings on the terrace have a habit of lasting much longer than expected.
And yet, we always smile.
Because while many travellers think the mountain season is coming to an end, something entirely different is happening here in Maria Alm, in the heart of Austria's Hochkönig region.
For us, this is when hiking becomes even better.
The mornings are cool enough for a light jacket but warm enough to enjoy breakfast outside. After a clear night, the mountain air feels incredibly fresh, the limestone peaks of the Hochkönig massif seem almost within reach, and the hiking trails become noticeably quieter. As autumn slowly arrives, forests turn shades of gold and amber, the light becomes softer, and every viewpoint feels as if nature has turned the contrast up just a little.
This is why many of our returning guests don't choose July or August.
They book September.
Or October.
Not because they missed summer.
But because they've discovered one of Austria's most beautiful seasons for hiking.
Almost every day, someone asks us the same question:
"If we only have a few days here, which hike shouldn't we miss?"
We could simply hand over a hiking map with hundreds of marked trails.
It would be accurate.
But it wouldn't be particularly helpful.
When you're spending a few days in the Austrian Alps, you're not looking for every possible route.
You're looking for the ones you'll remember long after you've returned home.
So instead of listing dozens of hiking trails, we'd like to share the walks and hikes we genuinely recommend to our closest friends.
Our personal favourite.
A panoramic trail that truly comes alive in autumn.
And an easy mountain adventure starting almost directly from the HOCHKÖNIGIN that is perfect for families and for your very first day in the mountains.
