Almenweg FAQ

Which stages are suitable for children?

That depends, of course, on the age and physical condition of the child.  Children who already have experience hiking in the mountains can participate in the entire tour. The second stage "Majestic Panoramic Views" is particularly suitable for beginners, with several points along the way where you can interrupt your hike and hop on a hiking bus back to your original starting point. Equally family-friendly are stages 16 – 19. Awaiting children on the Grafenberg (elev. 1700 m) in Wagrain is an adventure-packed world that is quite beyond compare: ride the raft or cross a suspension bridge to the "Busy Bee" theme path, ride the Hachau Slide down into the low-ropes course, then it's time for Swing Forest with a stop-off in the climbing stadium, before exploring the "Path of Fascination" and returning to the Kinder Alm. Over 30 Adventure Stations promise hours of fun, for both big and small! www.wagraini.at

Can I hike any of the stages with a pram?

In general, the different stages of the Almenweg are reached via supply roads (with a gravel surface), most of which are suitable for prams.  On the Almenweg itself, it is better to carry smaller children in a baby backpack.  Each of the valley communities along the way offers numerous hiking trails and footpaths that can be enjoyed by families with small children in prams.  The book "Pram Hikes" (in German) was published by Elisabeth Göllner-Kampel and is available from the Alpine Association or from the Naturfreunde organization.

Where can I go with my dog ?

You can take your dog on all of the stages, though you must follow some simple rules when walking across alpine pastures: don't tease or do anything to upset the cows, calves, sheep, horses etc., instead behaving quite "normally" without displaying timidity on your part. Don't leave the designated pathways and keep your distance from all of the animals.
Dogs must be kept on a leash and not allowed to chase grazing animals.  Mother cows, especially, are very fearful when it comes to the safety of their calves. If, however, a grazing animal should attack your dog, let go of the leash and give the dog a chance to retreat to safety.

Do I have to make reservations for huts in advance?

We certainly recommend reserving in advance, especially if you are hiking with several other people.  Otherwise, telephoning the hut or mountain inn one day in advance will usually suffice.  If the hut happens to already be fully booked, the hill farmers are generally happy to help you find other overnight lodging options. 

Do I have to bring along my own sleeping bag?

Most of the huts provide bedclothes in their rooms and dorms. If you already have a lightweight sleeping bag that won't add unnecessary bulk or weight to your pack, please feel free to bring it along.

What kind of food and drinks will I get at the huts?

Every hut serves a so-called Brettljause, a country platter including cheese, bacon, sausage, butter and bread.  Summer in the Hills huts offer homemade or regionally produced items, as well as local specialties such as Fleischkrapfen, Blattlkrapfen with sauerkraut, Bauernkrapfen, Wetzstein noodles, French toast, blackberry dumplings, cheese noodles, hash, pressed-cheese dumpling soup, cured beef, wild game, pork roasts cooked in a charcoal oven, mushroom dishes, cheese spreads, a wide variety of cheeses, Kaiserschmarrn,  homemade pastries, fresh milk, buttermilk, goat milk, homemade juices incl. elderberry, apple and pear, home-distilled schnapps, hill-country coffee and clear mountain spring water.

What kind of hiking equipment is recommended?

Our equipment tips:

• Good shoes/boots
• Rain gear
• Underwear that wicks away sweat 
• Lightweight trousers
• Hiking socks
• Hiking boots
• Head covering
• Eye protection
• Sunglasses
• Sun cream
• Rucksack (padded straps, plenty of back ventilation)
• First-aid kit
• Cereal bar, drinks
• Hiking pole

What should I take into account when making my plans?

Prior to every tour, make sure that all participants - including the kids - possess the necessary alpine experience and physical condition. Hiking in the mountains often demands surefootedness and an absence of any vertigo issues.

Precise planning - incorporating the use of tour descriptions and maps, information from the Alpine Association and locals (incl. your hut hosts) - has decisive benefits. Also insure you have appropriate equipment and clothing: Above all, sturdy shoes/boots with a high ankle and soles that provide good traction, as well as protection against the rain and cold, are all very important. The group should always maintain the speed of its weakest member.  Pay special attention to anyone who is walking unusually slowly at the beginning of the tour.  And keep an eye on other group members for early signs of exhaustion.

Do not leave the marked paths and trails. Be very cautious when walking on steep grassy hillsides, especially when wet. Traversing steep fields of snow and/or glaciers is particularly dangerous.  Don't kick rocks down the hillside, since you may injure other hikers.  If you are forced to go through areas where there appears to be rockfall danger, do so one-by-one, quickly and without stopping.

Where do I obtain hiking pins?

Hiking pins are available at any tourist office in the Pongau region.  You will have to present your official stamps from each of the various stages, while there is also a minimal Euro 4.50 fee (3.50 with Guest Card) to cover our expenses.

How do I return to my original starting point?

Numerous buses, shuttles and hikers' taxis are available.  For additional information about fares and timetables, please call +43 6462 3303033.

In the Service section of the Almenweg website, you will find timetables for the hiking buses, while there is also a timetable search function there for your convenience as well. 

Can I also ride my mountain bike on the Almenweg?

No, the Almenweg is intended solely as a hiking route.  However, there are marked mountain bike trails in every town / region along the Almenweg. For further details, please visit:  www.bike.salzburgerland.com