Safety Tips for Hiking in Austria and Important Emergency Contacts

Austria is one of Europe’s premier destinations for mountain hiking, combining well-marked trails, alpine huts, dramatic ridges and accessible high-altitude routes. Despite its excellent infrastructure, the Austrian Alps demand respect, proper preparation and an understanding of local safety practices. Weather changes rapidly, terrain varies from easy valley walks to demanding alpine ascents, and emergency access can be limited in remote regions. Knowing how to prepare, how to behave safely and who to contact in case of an accident is essential for anyone hiking in Austria.

Key Safety Principles and Common Risks in Austria

Austria has a highly developed mountain culture with precise trail marking systems, efficient rescue services and widely available alpine huts. Still, several risks are common:

• Rapid weather changes: Storms, fog and temperature drops can develop quickly, especially in Tyrol, Salzburg and Styria.

• Exposed terrain: Many popular routes include steep sections requiring sure-footedness and confidence with heights.

• Loose rock and scree: Frequent on high alpine paths, increasing the risk of slips.

• Avalanche risk in winter and spring: Even outside ski season, snowfields remain dangerous.

• Cattle pastures: Throughout the Austrian Alps, hikers often cross grazing areas where livestock—especially cows with calves—must be approached with caution.

• Crowded trails: Popular routes can become congested, causing overtaking pressure or navigation mistakes.

Understanding these risks allows hikers to prepare more effectively and avoid unnecessary accidents.

Practical Safety Advice for Hiking in Austria

Understand the Austrian Trail Marking System

Austria uses a clear, colour-coded system:

• Red: Easy to moderate trails (Wanderwege).

• Blue: Challenging, technical trails requiring experience.

• Black: Difficult, exposed alpine routes requiring climbing skills or via ferrata equipment.

Knowing the classification helps you choose routes aligned with your experience.

Check Weather Forecasts Before and During the Hike

Rely on reputable Austrian meteorological sources such as:

• ZAMG – Zentralanstalt für Meteorologie und Geodynamik (national weather service)

• Bergfex Weather

• Austrian Alpine Club (ÖAV) forecasts

Weather in the Alps can change dramatically after midday; start early and be prepared to adjust your plans.

Respect Alpine Livestock

Much of Austria’s mountain terrain includes grazing areas. Farmers expect hikers to behave responsibly:

• Keep at least 20–30 metres distance from cattle.

• Do not touch calves.

• If a herd blocks the trail, make a wide detour.

• Keep dogs on a short leash (or avoid taking them near cattle).

• Move calmly and avoid loud noises.

Cattle incidents, while rare, make up a significant portion of Austrian mountain accidents.

Carry Adequate Equipment

Austrian rescue teams frequently report that inadequate gear causes avoidable emergencies. Essential items include:

• Sturdy hiking boots with good grip

• Trekking poles

• Waterproof and windproof clothing

• Map, compass and GPX track

• Fully charged phone + power bank

• First-aid kit

• Emergency blanket

• Sufficient water and high-energy food

• Sunscreen and sunglasses

For black-rated alpine routes, carry a helmet; for via ferratas, full ferrata gear is mandatory.

Use Alpine Huts Wisely

Austria has one of the best networks of huts in the world. They offer:

• Food and lodging

• Weather information

• Local trail updates

• Emergency help if needed

Plan your route around hut availability, especially for multi-day treks.

Understand Avalanche Safety

During winter, spring and often early summer:

• Check avalanche reports from lawinen.report (Austrian Avalanche Warning Service).

• Avoid steep snowfields if you lack the proper equipment (crampons, ice axe).

• Never cross snow bridges or cornices.

Avalanche risk continues long after ski season ends.

Know When to Turn Back

Austrian rescue teams emphasise that turning around is one of the most important safety decisions.
Turn back if:

• Weather deteriorates

• Visibility drops

• You or someone in your group feels unwell

• You are behind schedule

• The terrain becomes too technical

Safety always comes first—summits can wait.

Emergency Contacts in Austria

Austria has a highly efficient mountain rescue network. In case of an accident, use the following contacts:

📞European Emergency Number: 112

Works anywhere in Austria. Recommended if you have limited battery or low signal.

📞Mountain Rescue Austria – Bergrettung: 140

This is the direct number for mountain emergencies in Austria.
Call 140 if:

• You cannot self-rescue

• Someone is injured or immobile

• Weather or terrain makes continuation unsafe

• You are lost and cannot regain the trail

📞 Alpine Club Emergency Services (ÖAV)

While not a phone number, huts operated by Alpine Clubs (ÖAV + DAV) provide assistance and coordination with rescue teams.

Tip:

If you have no signal, try:

• Moving to higher ground

• Turning your phone off and on

• Switching to airplane mode and back
  Emergency calls can sometimes connect with ANY available network, even if your provider has no coverage.

Hiking in Austria is an extraordinary experience, but it requires awareness, preparation and respect for alpine conditions. By understanding trail classifications, monitoring weather, behaving safely around livestock, and carrying appropriate equipment, hikers significantly reduce their exposure to risk. Knowing how to contact rescue services—especially the dedicated 140 mountain rescue number—adds a crucial safety layer. With the right knowledge and planning, Austria’s mountains can be enjoyed with confidence, responsibility and peace of mind.