Austria's Best Hiking and Culinary Regions 2025: A paradise for enjoyment!

Austria's Best Hiking and Culinary Regions 2025: A paradise for enjoyment!

In Austria's picturesque landscapes, the hiking villages have come together to recognize six regions as outstanding travel destinations for hikers and foodies. This award focuses on the harmonious interplay of nature experiences, hiking and regional cuisine. Food is not viewed here as a mere addition to the hike, but is recognized as a central component of the overall experience. This philosophy becomes particularly clear when you consider that the culinary highlights are often served in alpine landscapes, idyllic vineyards or impressive gorges.

The award-winning regions are characterized by uncompromising quality of products, creative kitchen concepts and radical regionalism. The dishes offered there tell stories from the respective area and reflect local production. From rustic experiences such as traditional Stone Age barbecues to sophisticated alpine “fine dining”, gourmets will find a wide range of culinary delights here.

The best hiking and culinary regions

The six regions that were able to secure the designation “Best Hiking & Culinary Regions” in 2025 are:

• Bad Kreuzen in Oberösterreich
• Thermen- & Vulkanland in der Steiermark
• Mittelkärnten in Kärnten
• Region Hochkönig in Salzburg
• Kitzbühel in Tirol
• Paznaun – Ischgl in Tirol

The aim of this award is to combine scenic beauty with the authentic taste of the regions. The focus is on a holistic offer for all lovers of nature and good food.

Experience alpine delights

The cuisine of the Alps is often seen as a reward for the efforts made during a hike. Many hut owners design their food offerings specifically with hikers in mind. These include well-known dishes such as Käsespätzle, whose origins are often assumed to be in Vorarlberg. The preparation also varies regionally, especially in the types of cheese used. Another popular dish, especially in the autumn months, is chanterelle goulash with bread dumplings. These seasonal chanterelles are not only delicious, but they also cannot be grown commercially, which gives them a special touch.

Other culinary highlights of Alpine cuisine are the Brettl-Jause, which consists of coarsely chopped bacon, sausage, cheese and vegetables and is served on a wooden board. The Kaiserschmarrn, a dish that Emperor Franz Joseph is said to have loved, is the source of sweet legends. Not to be forgotten are the blackberry or blueberry dumplings, which can be used as seasonal delicacies and can be dusted with a pinch of sugar.

The use of fresh ingredients, often from local farms, not only enhances the taste of the food but also highlights the culinary diversity of the region. Hikes allow guests to experience Alpine cuisine and the variety of regional herbs up close.

This combination of hiking and excellent cuisine makes Austria a unique destination for connoisseurs and nature lovers who are looking for authentic experiences. Community and regionality are the focus and create unforgettable experiences in the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

For more information about the award-winning regions and culinary experiences in Austria, visit the pages of aviation.direct and wanderdoerfer.at.