With a network of well-marked hiking trails in Obertauern, you can explore snow-covered forests, high alpine meadows, and wide-open ridges at your own pace.
The best part? You don’t always need snowshoes. Many trails are carefully groomed for easy walking in winter boots, making them perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the winter wonderland without strapping on skis. And if you’re craving a deeper adventure, there are plenty of routes where snowshoes let you wander off the beaten path into untouched powder.
From short scenic walks to half-day hut hikes, Obertauern’s winter trails invite you to slow down, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and see Austria’s snowiest ski region from a whole new perspective.
What to Expect from Winter Hiking in Obertauern
Winter hiking in Obertauern is all about slowing down and soaking in the atmosphere of Austria’s snowiest resort. The season here stretches from November well into spring, so you can count on crisp air, snowy forests, and glittering white landscapes long after other regions have turned green again.
The trails are well-marked and regularly prepared, which means you don’t have to be an experienced mountaineer to enjoy them. Some start right at the Obertauern pass summit, others begin in the quiet Gnadenalm valley, and a few even link surrounding villages like Untertauern and Radstadt. Wherever you set off, expect a mix of peaceful forest paths, open meadows, and wide panoramas that open up to the surrounding peaks.
Trail Highlights: The Best Winter Hiking Routes in Obertauern
From quick loops that families can tackle in under an hour to longer routes that lead to traditional mountain huts, winter hiking here offers a rhythm that’s both relaxing and rewarding. It’s the perfect way to step away from the ski slopes and discover a quieter, more intimate side of Obertauern.
Here’s a closer look at the routes that make winter walking here so special.
Gnadenalm Circular Path
This gentle loop is perfect for beginners and families, weaving through snowy meadows and along frozen streams in the quiet Gnadenalm valley. The path is well-prepared and easy to follow, offering wide views of the surrounding peaks and a peaceful, scenic atmosphere. At the valley base, Gnadenalm is also a small hub of winter fun, with tobogganing and horse-drawn sleigh rides adding to the charm of the area.
- Distance: 4.3 km
- Time: 1–1.15 hours
- Difficulty: easy
Seekar Walk via Hundsfeldmoor
This short and scenic path winds through the Hundsfeldmoor nature reserve, where wooden walkways cross snow-covered wetlands and open clearings reveal views of the surrounding peaks. Along the way, rustic huts like Seekarhaus and Kringsalm invite you to pause and warm up with hearty Austrian specialties before continuing your walk.
- Distance: 2.1 km
- Time: 40 minutes
- Difficulty: easy
Pass Summit to Sonnhof
Starting from the Obertauern pass summit, this short trail follows a gentle path with wide-open views of the surrounding mountains. It leads to the Sonnhof, a welcoming lodge and restaurant right beside the slopes, making it an easy yet rewarding walk; perfect for a quick winter outing before or after skiing.
- Distance: 1.7 km
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: easy
Schubertmulde Trail
Slightly longer and more varied, the Schubertmulde trail leads you through hushed valleys where animal tracks crisscross the snow and the air feels still and untouched. The path then rises to open viewpoints with sweeping panoramas of the Obertauern mountains, rewarding you with picture-perfect scenes at every turn. With gentle climbs and descents, it strikes the balance between a relaxing walk and a hike that feels like a real winter adventure.
- Distance: 5.3 km
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: moderate
Taurachtal Path (Untertauern to Radstadt)
This longer valley hike links Untertauern with the historic town of Radstadt, leading you away from Obertauern’s alpine loops into the quiet heart of the Pongau countryside. The trail winds through snow-dusted forests and open meadows where time seems to slow, offering a tranquil rhythm and plenty of space to simply enjoy the winter landscape. It’s a rewarding choice if you want to stretch your legs and experience the wider region beyond the ski resort.
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: ~3 hours
- Difficulty: moderate
Snowshoeing in Obertauern
Not all winter trails in Obertauern call for snowshoes. Many hikes are groomed and easy to walk in sturdy boots, including all the trails on our list.
But if you want to leave the prepared paths behind, snowshoeing opens up a whole new side of the mountains. With wide frames strapped to your boots, you can wander across soft powder fields, climb gently through forest clearings, and enjoy the silence of nature far from the lifts.
Some routes, like the Schubertmulde or deeper stretches around Gnadenalm, are especially rewarding with snowshoes. They give you freedom to explore beyond the marked tracks, yet remain safe and manageable for all experience levels.
Snowshoeing doesn’t require special skills, just a bit of energy and curiosity. Whether you set out with a guide or on your own, it’s one of the most memorable ways to experience Obertauern in its full glow.
Make the Most of Winter in Obertauern
Winter hiking is just the beginning. The region is full of ways to have fun in Obertauern beyond the ski slopes. You can join a guided snowshoe hike, book a torchlit evening walk, or let a local expert lead you to hidden spots that you might not discover on your own.
Valamar’s Snow Experience Concierge can design a tailor-made winter program for you. From picking the best winter hiking trails to arranging snowshoe rentals, sleigh rides, or even a full day of alpine adventures, they’ll handle the details so you can simply enjoy the magic of Obertauern.
Whether you’re walking to a hut, exploring with snowshoes, or taking a sleigh ride, Obertauern is more than just skiing; it’s winter at your pace.
