4.6
(3802)
18,249
hikers
9
hikes
Hiking around Hopfgarten in Defereggen offers diverse trails within the Defereggental valley, situated at the base of the Großvenediger and within the Hohe Tauern National Park. The region features an alpine environment with high mountain lakes, waterfalls, mountain rivers, and glaciers. Valleys such as Zwenewaldtal and Grünalmtal provide routes through alpine pastures. The Schwarzach stream also includes a water adventure trail.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
4.7
(3)
10
hikers
14.6km
06:28
1,030m
1,030m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(1)
30
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
13
hikers
6.95km
02:01
130m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
3
hikers
2.98km
00:55
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.3
(3)
6
hikers
10.0km
03:56
570m
580m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Popular around Hopfgarten in Defereggen
A pleasant circular route to start your holiday, also suitable for walking with children.
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Mountains, nature right by the water, there is still a lot more to discover. https://youtu.be/VvyXE5M5WHw?si=GImwtBVfXZ4L1weG 😘 for more information, check out my YouTube channel: Jörg the Gravelrider ! https://youtu.be/VvyXE5M5WHw?si=GImwtBVfXZ4L1weG
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Great panoramic mountain, Glanzalm is currently (2024) no longer managed.
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When we visited, the path was unfortunately quite overgrown and therefore difficult to walk in sections. The rest stop was also unfortunately quite run down. Long sections are in the sun - on hot days it is better to start very early, as it gets very, very hot along the path. From Ratzell you have to cross pastures - signs warn against walking with a dog. We can confirm this, but it was doable with large detours. If you are planning a circular route via Glanzalm or Edelweissweg, inform yourself beforehand - the path was closed on most days due to work on the avalanche barrier above and the risk of rockfall.
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Central rest stop on the Apollo butterfly trail with several small huts with seating and weather protection (also against the heat). Unfortunately, when we visited, it was almost completely overgrown, including the path to get there (you have to climb up a little from the actual Apollo trail, you can see it from the trail and you can't miss it). In the huts there are information boards and a guest book - probably also the stamp, but that was gone.
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This viewpoint with a bench and some shade is located on the way. Beautiful view of the valley and mountains including information board
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Beautiful little chapel, well maintained and looked after. Unfortunately it is not open at all times of the day.
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There are 9 bus-accessible hiking trails in Hopfgarten in Defereggen, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find 2 easy routes, 6 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route.
The best time for hiking in Hopfgarten in Defereggen is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During this period, the weather is most favorable, and trails are typically free of snow, allowing access to the stunning alpine landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and cascading waterfalls that characterize the region.
Yes, Hopfgarten in Defereggen offers several easy bus-accessible trails perfect for beginners and families. A great option is the Acherntal Pond – Chapel in the Austrian Alps loop, which is 6 km long with minimal elevation gain, making it a pleasant walk for all ages. Another family-friendly choice is the Eckin-Mühle Watermill loop, a shorter 3 km route.
Yes, for those seeking a more challenging experience, there is 1 difficult bus-accessible route available. The region, part of the Hohe Tauern National Park, offers demanding trails with significant elevation, such as summit routes to peaks like Regenstein (2891m) or the Ohrenspitzen, which provide rewarding panoramic views. While specific difficult bus-accessible routes are fewer, the area caters to experienced hikers.
Absolutely. Many of the bus-accessible trails in Hopfgarten in Defereggen are circular, allowing you to return to your starting point without retracing your steps. Examples include the Bench with mountain view loop, the Acherntal Pond – Chapel in the Austrian Alps loop, and the Eckin-Mühle Watermill – Acherntal Pond loop.
The Defereggental valley, often called a "Mountain-Water-Paradise," is rich in natural beauty. You can discover crystal-clear high mountain lakes like the idyllic Geigensee, and impressive waterfalls such as the Glaurit waterfall. The region also features winding mountain rivers and glaciers. Many trails offer stunning viewpoints of the surrounding Hohe Tauern National Park, including vistas of the Glockner and Venediger groups.
Yes, the region is dotted with mountain huts that serve as excellent rest stops and provide refreshments. Notable huts include the Volkzeiner Hütte, Zupalseehütte, and Lasörling Hut. The Eckin-Mühle Watermill – Bloshütte loop specifically leads to the Bloshütte, offering a great opportunity for a break.
Expect a diverse alpine landscape characterized by pristine nature. You'll hike through lush alpine pastures and meadows in valleys like the Zwenewaldtal and Grünalmtal, encounter dense forests, and witness the dramatic scenery of the Hohe Tauern National Park with its towering peaks, glaciers, and abundant water features like lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. The Schwarzach stream also features a water adventure trail for unique natural encounters.
Yes, the region offers themed trails that provide unique insights into the local environment and history. One such trail is "Im Reich des Apollo" (In Apollo's Kingdom), which focuses on the life cycle of the Apollo butterfly and delves into historical events of Ratzell. These trails often combine natural beauty with educational elements.
The bus-accessible trails in Hopfgarten in Defereggen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 3,700 ratings. Hikers frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, the variety of landscapes from gentle valleys to challenging alpine terrain, and the accessibility of these routes via public transport, making it easy to explore the region's untouched wilderness.
Generally, dogs are welcome on hiking trails in Hopfgarten in Defereggen. However, it's always advisable to keep them on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or within the Hohe Tauern National Park to protect wildlife. Be sure to check specific trail regulations or local signage, and always carry water for your dog.


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