Welser Höhenweg, Mountain hiking trail in Upper Austria, Austria.
The Welser Höhenweg is a mountain hiking trail in Upper Austria that spans around 54 kilometers from Hinterstoder to Bad Ischl. The path follows the ridge line of the Totes Gebirge between 1,700 and 2,000 meters elevation and connects multiple alpine peaks along its course.
The trail was officially opened in 2020 and quickly established itself as a recognized mountain hiking route in the region. Shortly after its opening, a runner set the speed record for the entire distance at 14 hours and 15 minutes.
Five mountain huts dot the route and serve as social gathering points where hikers rest and connect with other visitors. These huts shape the hiking experience and create places of meeting throughout the high alpine landscape.
The hike demands alpine experience and solid physical fitness due to approximately 3,200 meters of total elevation gain. Sturdy footwear, weather-resistant gear, and early planning are important to walk safely and comfortably through the route.
As one of Austria's longest ridge trails, the path runs continuously along the crest of Totes Gebirge from east to west without descending to valleys. This uninterrupted ridge walk offers constantly changing views of the surrounding mountains and creates an immersive high-alpine hiking experience.
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