Ennstal Alps
Mountains Austrian Alps subrange with popular hiking and skiing
The Ennstal Alps in Austria offer limestone peaks, ski resorts and alpine pastures along the Enns valley; hiking, winter sports and via ferrata routes draw outdoor enthusiasts.
The Ennstal Alps are a mountain group in central Austria forming part of the Northern Limestone Alps, running along the Enns Valley. They include rugged ridges, limestone massifs and alpine pastures typical of the Eastern Alps.
The range offers hiking, climbing and winter sports where accessible; trails and mountain huts serve multi-day routes and local outdoor recreation. Peaks rise into the alpine zone and present limestone escarpments and cirques.
Alpine communities in and around the Enns Valley have used the mountains for alpine grazing, forestry and mining for centuries, with mountain tourism developing from the 19th century onward.
Located in central Austria along the Enns Valley; nearby towns include Liezen and Schladming and the range straddles provincial boundaries within the Austrian interior.
- Peaks over 2,000 m: Contains peaks that exceed 2,000 meters and is popular for hiking and alpine activities in summer and local skiing in winter areas.
How to Get to Ennstal Alps #
The Ennstal Alps are accessible by road and rail from Salzburg and Graz; the Enns River valley is served by regional train lines (ÖBB) with stops at nearby towns such as Schladming and Gröbming depending on which subrange is the destination. Driving from Salzburg typically takes 1-2 hours to reach trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Ennstal Alps #
- If hiking, take maps and an altimeter-many trails cross ridgelines where cell coverage is unreliable.
- Avoid the high alpine passes in early spring when snowmelt can make routes dangerous.
- Try local mountain inns (Gasthäuser) in the valleys for hearty fare and regional knowledge of trail conditions.
Best Time to Visit Ennstal Alps #
Summer and early autumn are prime for hiking and climbing; winter is for alpine sports in managed resorts.
Weather & Climate near Ennstal Alps #
Ennstal Alps's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1208 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (165 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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