Spring hiking in Europe: The most beautiful routes you have to experience

The sun is warming up, the snow is slowly disappearing from the mountains and the landscape is coming back to life. Spring is the ideal time for your first longer treks, when you can enjoy mountain hiking without the summer crowds and scorching heat. Which routes in Austria, Slovenia and Italy should you definitely not miss this year?

3 great spring treks in Europe

Climbing Waxriegel in the Schneeberg Mountains, Austria

Want to experience an alpine adventure just an hour from Vienna? The ascent to Waxriegel (1,888 m above sea level) will take you through blooming mountain meadows, quiet forest paths and rocky ridges. On this route, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Vienna Basin, the Raxalpe and the distant peaks of Lower Austria.

There are several routes to the summit, but the most beautiful spring route is from the Losenheim car park via the Fadensteig. There may still be snow in the upper sections, so snowshoes are a good idea. Along the way you will encounter beautiful viewpoints, running streams and maybe even marmots.

Quick info:

• 📍 Start: Losenheim (parking lot by the cable car)
• 🎯 Peak: Waxriegel (1,888 m above sea level)
• 🕓 Duration: 6 hours
• 📏 Route length: 17.5 km
• 📈 Elevation: 1,500 m
• 🎒 Difficulty: medium
• 🐾 Dog friendly: yes
• 📱 You can find it in the Adventurer app

To the source of the Soča River, Julian Alps, Slovenia

In the Julian Alps, an adventure awaits you at the emerald beauty of Europe – the Soča River. The spring trail to its source leads through a picturesque valley, surrounded by babbling streams, suspension bridges and dramatic cliffs.

From the final road in Trenta, you will take a marked trail through the forest and a rocky gorge to the spring itself. It springs from a deep cave and the color of the water will completely enchant you. The cozy seating area near the trail is ideal for a picnic or just to enjoy the grateful silence of the mountains.

Quick info:

• 📍 Start: Trenta parking lot (Info center)
• 🎯 Destination: Source of the Soča River
• 🕓 Duration: 5 hours
• 📏 Route length: 12 km
• 📈 Elevation: 675 m
• 🎒 Difficulty: easy
• 🐾 Dog friendly: yes
• 📱 You can find it in the Adventurer app

Alpine pastures of Alpe di Siusi, Dolomites, Italy

The Dolomites shine with their unique beauty in spring, and Alpe di Siusi, the largest alpine pasture in Europe, invites you on a trek that you will fall in love with from the first step. Flowering meadows spread out under impressive limestone peaks, while the silence of the mountains is disturbed only by the murmur of mountain streams and the distant tinkling of bells from grazing cows.

The ideal route is from Compatsch via Saltria and back, with a possible detour to the Puflatsch or Spitzbühl viewpoints. We recommend stopping at the Rauchhütte hut and tasting South Tyrolean cuisine. This combination of views, atmosphere and local food is exactly why hiking in the Dolomites has such a buzz.

Quick info:

• 📍 Start: Compatsch
• 🎯 Circuit: Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm
• 🕓 Duration: 6 hours
• 📏 Route length: 19 km
• 📈 Elevation: 604 m
• 🎒 Difficulty: medium
• 🐾 Dog friendly: yes
• 📱 You can find it in the Adventurer app

How to prepare for the first spring hikes?

Clothing in layers
Spring weather changes faster than mountain streams. Layering is key to comfort: functional underwear as a base layer, a lightweight thermal layer, and a windproof softshell or waterproof jacket for unexpected showers. Outdoor clothing – how to choose and layer it correctly

The right shoes
In spring, higher elevations may still be covered in snow or mud. Ankle-high trekking boots with a waterproof membrane and a good sole will provide you with stability on slippery terrain. If you plan to climb above 2,000 m above sea level, crampons or telescopic poles are not a bad idea.

Enough water and energy
Low temperatures are deceiving – your body burns a lot of energy anyway. At least 1.5 liters of water is a must, and on some routes you can refill your supplies at mountain huts. As for snacks, nuts, protein bars and dried fruit will keep you going all day.

Why go on a trek in spring?

• Fewer tourists – spring trails allow you to enjoy nature in peace without the summer crowds
• Blooming meadows – alpine flowers give the landscape a fairytale atmosphere
• Ideal weather – no scorching heat, but fresh mountain air and pleasant temperatures

Want to discover more unique treks? Follow Adventurer! In our app you will find detailed route descriptions, altitude profiles and current trip tips. Our map will guide you step by step, and for every adventure you conquer, you will not only gain experiences, but also well-deserved experience points!