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Barrier-free holiday in the Austrian Alps

© by Franz Gerdl / Kärnten Werbung

Throughout Austria, you can enjoy barrier-free access to nature and the mountains. This is made possible by specially adapted paths, excursion destinations, railways, accommodations, restaurants, and programs.

Although barrier-free travel in Austria is not readily available everywhere, slowly but surely, more and more destinations offer at least some access for guests with restricted mobility or families with small children in strollers.

Focus on mobility

Whether hiking with a pram, wheelchair, or walker, or with other impairments, if you are looking for comfortable paths to walk, roll or drive, you find them in many regions of Austria. For example, Vorarlberg has 30 barrier-free hiking trails. Moreover, to get there, local public transport and mountain railways also focus on mobility for everyone. Check out their website for more information: Barrier-free holidays in Vorarlberg.

Geared to people with reduced mobility

The Kaunertal in Tyrol has received several awards for its numerous barrier-free offers. They offer barrier-free access to the mountains, and you can enjoy an entire range of facilities that makes your vacation more accessible and more enjoyable, such as accommodation, public facilities, shops, cash points, swimming pools, and many restaurants ready to welcome differently abled guests. Check out their website for more information: “Mountain freedom” – barrier-free holidays in Kaunertal in Tirol.

Rosshütte by Seefeld in Tirol

The funicular railway from the outskirts of Seefeld up to the Rosshütte plateau is barrier-free, which makes it easy for families with small children or wheelchair users to enjoy a trip to the mountain. Children will find numerous play opportunities, and the view from the Rosshütte at 1760 meters / 5774 ft above sea level is simply fantastic. For more info: Rosshütte Mountain Railway & Cable Cars

Pillersee in Tirol

The lovely little lake in northeastern Tirol offers different activities for the whole family. There is a walking and cycling path in the flat terrain around the lake, which also is suitable for prams or wheelchair users. The small lake Pillersee is perfect for swimming and water sports on hot summer days. At the northern end, you will find a beach and a larger grassy hill perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Here you can also rent stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats. Parking is available by the road right outside the village of St. Ulrich.

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Egger Alm and Dellacher Alm in Carinthia

Close to the border with Italy are two clusters of alpine huts, Egger Alm and Dellacher Alm. A continuously paved path leads through the beautiful high alpine area, connecting two Alm-huts groups. The difference in altitude between the pastures is minimal. The scenery is fantastic, with lush green alpine meadows, the view of the nearby mountain Poludnig (1999 masl.) and the glittering Egger Almsee. You’ll pass right next to the small idyllic lake. Barrier-free rest areas with benches along the 3.8 km long route are perfect for enjoying your surroundings. Egger Alm also has a restaurant. A minibus (Almshuttle) offers transport to the mountain twice a day.

Lignitztal in Lungau, SalzburgerLand

Lignitztal valley in Lungau, Salzburg, offers less crowded hiking. You’re surrounded by ragged peaks and a stunning landscape that changes between forest and pastures. You start by the barrier at the parking lot at the start of the valley and follow the gravel road. To the Hintere Lingnitzhütte at 1,566 masl. it’s a 3 km hike and a height difference of 172 metres. The gravel road is usually in good condition, and with prams and wheelchairs made for use outside of paved surfaces, the trip hike should not pose any problems. Bring a packed lunch for a picnic.

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Written by Arnold Weisz

Globetrotting multilingual communications specialist born in Vienna, Austria – with passion for scuba diving, golf and culinary delights! 15 years of experience as a scuba- and travel reporter for among others: X-Ray Dive Magazine and Dykking.