Lower Austria

Easy. Predominantly wide trails, but narrow paths are possible. Mostly gentle inclines, minor elevation gains; not necessarily barrier‑free.
Requirements: No special requirements. No special mountaineering equipment. 

Moderately difficult. Predominantly narrow paths, often steep. Steeply sloping terrain possible. Short secured hiking sections (ropes, artificial steps, ladders, etc.) possible.
Requirements: Hiking and mountaineering experience; surefootedness required. A good head for heights is sometimes necessary. Basic mountain and emergency equipment.

Difficult. Narrow paths, often steep. Terrain with a risk of falling. Frequent secured hiking sections (ropes, artificial steps, ladders, etc.). Hands are used to overcome easy climbing sections and for balance. In bad weather, the route quickly becomes hazardous.
Requirements: Alpine mountaineering experience; absolute surefootedness and a good head for heights. Alpine mountain and emergency equipment, including competent handling. 

Alpine routes lead into open alpine terrain and are not mountain trails in the sense described above. They may be visible as footprints in the terrain, but they can also be pathless. They may include exposed, slippery and fall‑prone terrain as well as unsecured hiking and climbing sections. As a rule, they are neither constructed nor maintained; therefore no reliance can be placed on markings or signposts as orientation aids. In bad weather, these routes quickly become hazardous.
Requirements: Alpine mountaineering and climbing experience; absolute surefootedness and a good head for heights; good physical condition; excellent orientation skills; reliable terrain assessment; alpine mountain and emergency equipment, including competent handling. 

Source / Further information

Amt der Niederösterreichischen Landesregierung Abteilung Wirtschaft, Tourismus und Technologie (Hrsg.)(2024): Wandern. Beschilderungshandbuch. - St. Pölten. online:  https://www.noe.gv.at/noe/Wirtschaft-Tourismus-Technologie/24_WST3_WandernNoe_Beschilderungshandbuch_UA.pdf .

Responsibility for the preparation and publication lies with the Office of the Lower Austrian Provincial Government, Department of Economy, Tourism and Technology. The content was developed by the department’s editorial team, supported by technical consultation from Alpines Wandermanagement GmbH. The signage manual summarises fundamental definitions, classification and signage guidelines, as well as practical implementation recommendations, and serves as a binding reference for trail managers, municipalities, tourism organisations and all actors involved in hiking trail management in Lower Austria.