What characterises a culinary hike?

Culinary hikes combine exercise in the great outdoors with fine food. There are huts and inns along the trails that offer regional specialities, a cosy atmosphere and in many cases a magnificent view of the mountains.

Who are culinary hikes suitable for?

These hikes are ideal for families, sports enthusiasts and food lovers. They offer a fine mix of physical activity and culinary rewards and can vary in difficulty depending on the route.

What is the difference between Falstaff and Gault Millau awards?

The Falstaff and Gault Millau awards differ in their focus and rating system. Falstaff uses a 100-point scale and focuses on wine, bars and regional gastronomy. Gault Millau uses a 20-point scale and focuses on fine dining, creativity and the quality of the cuisine. Both are therefore awards that people can rely on for a comprehensive culinary experience.

Hiking

Culinary Hikes in Tirol

Food never tastes quite as good as it does after a long day hiking in the mountains. When you finally get to the hut and settle down to a hearty meal, there is nothing quite like a big Wiener Schnitzel or some spinach dumplings to fill you up and recharge your batteries ready for the next day. Here is our list of the best walks and hikes in the mountains with a culinary highlights en route.

Five hut hikes for adventurers

Hiking is hungry work! And the higher you get in the mountains, the more calories you need to keep those legs moving. Good job that some of the best food in Tirol can be found at local huts in the region. Scroll down to find out more about haute cuisine in the high high Alps and prepare to sample the taste of Tirol.

- Difficultydifficult
- Length9.9 km
- Duration7:30 h
- Elevation uphill1,191 m
- PlaceReith bei Seefeld / Karwendel

Hike taking in one or two peaks above Seefeld
Perfect spot for sunsets at the Nördlinger Hütte
Homemade vegetable hotpots and Nepalese lentil dishes

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- Difficultymedium
- Length11.7 km
- Duration4:34 h
- Elevation uphill909 m
- PlaceNeustift im Stubaital / Stubaier Alpen

Impressive views of the Sulzenauferner glacier
Leads past the Grünausee, the largest lake in the Stubai Alps
Food served at the Nürnberger Hütte using produce from their own farm down in the valley

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- Difficultymedium
- Length7.0 km
- Duration5:30 h
- Elevation uphill1,000 m
- PlaceVals / Zillertaler Alpen

Ascent through the idyllic Valsertal Valley
Geraer Hütte at the foot of the Fußstein mountain
Simple but delicious traditional food
Recommended: Stinging nettle dumplings with mountain cheese

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- Difficultymedium
- Length10.4 km
- Duration5:00 h
- Elevation uphill1,050 m
- PlaceSt. Leonhard im Pitztal / Ötztaler Alpen

Impressive ascent with views of the Mittelbergferner glacier
Hut at the end of the valley serving as a good base for hiking and climbing
Recommended: Game burger made from local deer

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- Difficultymedium
- Length15.4 km
- Duration5:30 h
- Elevation uphill968 m
- PlaceHöfen / Allgäuer Alps

Hike with fine views of the Hahnenkamm mountain
Wonderful panorama taking in the Haldensee lake
Recommended: Kaiserschmarren in different variations

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Five Family Hikes to Huts Serving Excellent Food

When it comes to hiking with children, choosing the right destination is the most important thing. Playgrounds at the hut, exciting routes or adventure stations along the way are a good start. And the refreshment stop, the most proven lure of all time, is particularly good on these five hikes for families.

- Difficultymedium
- Length14.0 km
- Duration3:40 h
- Elevation uphill828 m
- PlaceNavis / Tuxer Alpen

Five huts along the route
Children’s playground at every hut
Some huts feature a petting zoo
Recommended: “Topfennocken” at the Stöcklalm

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- Difficultyeasy
- Length6.7 km
- Duration1:00 h
- Elevation uphill117 m
- PlaceKirchdorf in Tirol / Kaisergebirge

Learning trail along the way for children
Can be extended to take in the Schnacklerweg Adventure Trail
Game meat from locally hunted animals
Recommended: Selection of game dishes

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- Difficultydifficult
- Length7.5 km
- Duration4:00 h
- Elevation uphill789 m
- PlaceMutters / Stubaier Alpen

Good first mountain summit hike for older children
Muttereralmbahn cable car can be used to shorten the route
Excellent food served at the Götzner Alm hut

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- Difficultyeasy
- Length3.0 km
- Duration1:39 h
- Elevation uphill210 m
- PlaceRohrberg, Zillertal / Kitzbüheler Alpen

Food served at the Kreuzwiesenalm, known for its sweet and creamy “Melchermuas”
Available at the Kreuzwiesenalm: recipe book with traditional recipes from the Zillertal Valley

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- Opening hoursclosed
- Difficultyeasy
- Length1.0 km
- Duration0:30 h
- Elevation uphill81 m
- PlaceSt. Anton am Arlberg / Lechtaler Alpen

Adventure trail and several large herb gardens around the Sennhütte
Tree house and natural adventure playground near the hut
Small shop with homemade herb products

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5 Hut Hikes for Gourmets

Hiking in the fresh alpine air is a sure recipe to make you hungry. We have put together five hikes to huts serving gourmet food and spectacular views. Scroll down and prepare to have your appetite well and truly whetted!