Tirol offers some of the most challenging long-distance hiking trails in the Alps, which require a high level of physical fitness and alpine experience. These include the Eagle Walk, which is characterised by steep climbs and exposed paths in sections and requires a high level of fitness to complete. The Berlin High Trail in the Zillertal Alps, which is technically demanding and offers spectacular glacier views, is one of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in Austria. The Paznaun High Trail is characterised by alpine challenges and breathtaking panoramas. Other highlights are the Lech High Trail and the Stubai High Trail, which are only suitable for experienced hikers due to their alpine terrain and long stages.
The listed Tirolean long-distance hiking trails are particularly challenging due to their alpine nature. They often lead through high alpine regions with steep climbs, long stages and exposed passages. Trails such as the Berlin High Trail and the Eagle Walk require surefootedness, a head for heights and stamina. Hikers also encounter changing weather conditions, which requires good planning and suitable equipment. The combination of technical difficulty and physical challenge makes these trails an adventure for experienced mountaineers.
To complete the challenging long-distance hiking trails in Tirol, surefootedness and a head for heights are essential, especially on exposed passages. A good level of fitness is necessary to master long stages with large differences in altitude. Knowledge of meteorology and the ability to assess alpine dangers are just as important as the correct mastery of orientation techniques. Hikers should also be familiar with carrying a heavy rucksack and have basic first aid skills to be prepared in case of emergency. In addition, some of these long-distance hiking trails lead to altitudes just below 3000 metres. At this altitude, snow fields often have to be crossed, even in summer.
