All good things come to those who walk

A growing number of British visitors are discovering Austria’s long, sunny summer and its pristine lakes and mountains as a refreshing, affordable and increasingly fashionable alternative to the beach.

Packed with useful advice, fabulous imagery and inspirational features on the best walks in the Austrian Alps, the new Walk Austria 2009 guide highlights each region’s unique walking and hiking trails as well as local culture, cuisine, advice from experts and information on sustainable walking holidays. Be inspired by first-hand reports from UK writers who travelled to twelve of Austria’s premier recreational regions, get the inside scoop from locals, and find essential travel information.

Arranged in a “best of” format, the guide features a large scale reference map with geographical locations and regional highlights, sample walking packages, and essential traveller information.

This year’s guide has been designed with reader-friendliness in mind and arranged in a ‘best of’ format making for a handy resource for UK and Irish travellers considering a walking holiday in Austria.

The Walk Austria 2009 guide is now available free of charge from the Austrian National Tourist Office, simply visit Aaustria.info/walk to order your copy.

Featured regions:

Vorarlberg / Bregenzerwald
The charm of the region lies in its ties to tradition; it’s the feeling that you’re experiencing ‘the way things used to be,’ right here on your present day holiday. Dairy farms dot the landscape and still remain at the heart of an area that is famous for its ‘Cheese Road’. Vorarlberg.travel, Bregenzerwald.at

Vorarlberg / Montafon
Perfect views of tidy pastures and fine high-altitude hiking on the well-known glaciated Silvretta - the 25-mile long valley, in the south of Vorarlberg, is enclosed by three distinct mountain ranges and a perfect starting point for all walking enthusiasts. Montafon.at, Vorarlberg.travel/en

Vorarlberg / Lech Zürs
In addition to its reputation as a world-class, all-season resort area, Lech Zürs is also special for its geology, its geography and its history. Don’t miss the unique “Sea of Stone” (Steinernes Meer) which 200 million years ago was once a coral reef, deep beneath the ocean. Lech-zuers.at, Vorarlber.travel/en

Ötztal
Skiers may be surprised to find out that when the snow melts, ushering in the colours
of a new season, the valley that is home to the popular ski resort of Obergurgl-Hochgurgl quietly transforms itself into a walkers’ mecca with surprises and wildlife around every bend. Obergurgl.com

Zillertal
There’s something to be said about a good meal after an active day spent in the mountains. Try just one delicious dish, created from locally-produced, organic foods, and you’ll see why the splendid chefs of the Zillertal region are at the forefront of Austria’s modern culinary tradition. Zillertal.at

Kitzbühel
A skiers playground for sure, but what happens in warmer weather? The answer is easy - if you can’t ski the famous Hahnenkamm, then walk it! This is just one of the many themed route options available to walkers in this well-known resort region. Kitzbuehel.com

Wilder Kaiser
More than 400 km of walking path make this area an absolute gem for your walking holiday. The region lives up to its name with pristine nature, plenty of wildlife and for those with a sharp eye perhaps even the treat of wild blueberries and sweet alpine raspberries along the way. Wilderkaiser.info/en

Tirol – The Eagle Way
The Eagle Way trail runs some 280 km in its entirety through a stretch of northern Tirol, with its central section leading you through the provincial capital of Innsbruck. The trail is divided into 31 stages, allowing you the flexibility of choosing an ambitious itinerary or a more leisure excursion of just a day or two. Tyrol.com/leading-resorts

Saalbach Hinterglemm
Locals will tell you that you’ve come to where Austria’s mountainous landscape is at its finest. A showcase of majestic peaks, towering ridges and the formidable sight of the Grossglockner, the highest glacier in the Austrian Alps, treat walkers as they negotiate the well-marked trails in the area. Saalbach.com

Zell am See-Kaprun
Here, walkers are able to experience an assorted range of natural topography - sometimes all in one day! From thickly forested landscapes emerge grassy slopes, gradually leading to snowy mountain tops where a new vista of crystal clear lakes and rolling farmland awaits. Zellamsee-kaprun.com

Carinthia
With over 2000 hours of sunshine a year and lakes stretching out in every which direction, it's easy to see how Carinthia earns the nickname of 'Austria's Alpine Riviera'. Carinthia-info.at

Europa Wanderhotels
Planning your first walking holiday in Austria? Choose from one of the 35 family-run Europa Wanderhotels scattered throughout Austria’s beautiful natural landscapes, with some of the most striking sights in the Hohe Tauern National Park. Wanderhotels.com