Lynx Trail

The Lynx Trail leads from the Kalkalpen National Park to the Gesäuse National Park and from there on to the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal wilderness area.

Kalkalpen (Limestone Alps) National Park

The trail starts in the Kalkalpen National Park. It is located in the Upper Austrian pre-alps and covers an area of over 20,000 hectares. This makes it the second-largest national park in Austria. The protected area in the Limestone Alps extends over two mountain ranges, the Sengsen and Reichraminger Hintergebirge, whose highest point is the Hoher Nock at 1,963 meters.

The national park was established in 1997 and was internationally recognized by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) the following year.

It is not without reason that the protected area is considered Austria’s national forest park. Over 80% of the national park area in the Limestone Alps consists of forest, making it the largest contiguous forest area in the country. While natural beech forests have been pushed back to a few areas in Europe – and are mostly restricted to small areas – beech dominates the forest landscape of the Limestone Alps

Gesäuse National Park

The Gesäuse National Park is the second protected area that you enter along the Lynx Trail and subsequently hike through. Crossing the Haller Mauern, you cross the border from Upper Austria into Styria and enter the Ennstal Alps. Like the mountains of the Kalkalpen National Park, they belong to the Northern Limestone Alps. At 12,000 hectares, the Gesäuse National Park is the third-largest national park in Austria, with its highest peak at 2,370 meters. The Hochtor is therefore also the highest point in the Ennstal Alps. The Gesäuse is also Austria’s youngest national park. It was founded in 2002 and recognized by the IUCN as a Category II national park the following year.

And although the Gesäuse is located in Upper Styria: Some people think they are in Tyrol because the mountains are so impressive. They have steep rock faces that look as if laid out with a ruler. Walls that can easily compete with the Dolomites. It is this impressive alpine terrain that has always fascinated explorers and was already captured by the spirit of alpinism at the turn of the century. Alpine history was written here.

Dürrenstein-Lassingtal Wilderness Area

The Kalkalpen National Park has forest, the Gesäuse has rock and water. The third, and last, protected area along the Luchs Trail can keep up despite its steep competition. And how? The Dürrenstein-Lassingtal wilderness area has the Rothwald, the largest primeval forest in Central Europe. It is located partly in southwest Lower Austria, in the Mostviertel region, and partly in Styria, in the Salza and Lassingtal valleys. When you think of the Mostviertel, you might initially think of leisurely walks, gently rolling hills, and, of course, fruit and cider. But it also has an alpine side. Gorges and caves, rocks and primeval forests. All of this can be found in the wilderness area, which covers 7,000 hectares. Around half of this is made up of old mixed beech forests and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The wilderness area is subject to the strictest protection and a road ban to preserve these old forests. It was officially declared in 2002, recognized by the IUCN as a Category I wilderness area in 2003, and expanded by 3,500 hectares in Styria in 2020 to a total of 7,000 hectares.

The best time of the year to hike the Lynx Trail is summer. You can already start earlier in May and hike through October. However, if you start early or end late, you have to be aware that there still can be snowfields that have to be crossed or even snowfall. Since you are in a mountain area you also have to be prepared for quick weather changes, heavy rain, and sometimes snowfall. Be prepared for every condition. Check the local weather forecast before attempting the stages and make sure to have proper equipment. Some of the stages are also very long and have a lot of elevation gain, be sure that you are in the right condition to master them.

Be sure to send your family or friends your hiking plans, including details such as your anticipated start and end times, selected trail route, and emergency contact information. This is an essential safety measure in case of emergencies.

Stay updated on weather conditions in the area you plan to hike. Avoid starting your hike during severe weather events such as thunderstorms, heavy rain, or extreme heat, which could jeopardize your safety.

Bring at least two liters of water and plenty of energy-rich snacks to maintain your energy and prevent dehydration and exhaustion.

Familiarize yourself with trail and carry a map and compass or download the GPX onto your mobile. If you go the mobile route, be sure to bring a power bank!

Invest in appropriate hiking gear, which should include comfortable, supportive footwear; proper clothing such as warm base layers and a hardshell rain jacket; hiking poles; a well-fitted backpack; and essential equipment like maps, a GPS device (if necessary), and a first-aid kit. For a detailed gear list suitable for long-distance trails, we put together a gear guide!

Follow the principles of Leave No Trace to minimize your environmental impact. Stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, and show respect for wildlife and natural habitats.