Year-round approach supported by the new board: Austrian wanderdörfer seek consistent policy
The Austrian Hiking Villages, a renowned network of picturesque towns and villages, has undergone a significant shake-up in its leadership. The recent election during the 63rd General Assembly in Mittersill on June 26, 2025, saw the departure of two long-serving board members: Lukas Kroesslhuber (Wilder Kaiser) after 14 years, and Maria Maier (Wiener Alpen) after five years.
Thomas Wirnsperger (Großarltal) remains in office as chairman, while Gerhard Pilz (Schladming-Dachstein), Stefan Passrugger (Wagrain-Kleinarl), Christine Scharfetter (Hochkönig), Gunter Brandstätter (Mittelkärnten), Markus Hahn (Lech Zürs), and Cornelia Kriegner (Bregenzerwald) continue to serve on the board.
Two new members have been elected to the board, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to the table. Elias Walser, the Regional Director of Seefeld, has been elected as a member and deputy chairman. He brings extensive tourism experience and a strategic outlook to his new role. Innovative product development, recognised with the Tirol Touristica Award, is one of Walser's key strengths.
Andreas Purt, the Director of Mostviertel Tourism, has also been elected as a member of the board. Purt brings a strong network and comprehensive expertise from other committees.
The committee's term is from 2025 to 2028, and the current composition stands at nine members, including the two new additions. Walser will now play a crucial role in shaping the strategic development of the network, with a clear course set for 365 days of hiking per year.
For press inquiries, please contact Mag. Monika Pripfl at +43 (0) 4242/25 75 30 - 205 or email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). More information can be found on the official website of Wanderdoerfer at www.wanderdoerfer.at.
As of June 2025, the identities of the remaining new members of Austria's Hiking Villages board have not been disclosed. For the latest updates, we recommend visiting the Hiking Villages association's website or subscribing to their newsletter.
Elias Walser, in his new role as a member and deputy chairman, is expected to contribute innovative product development in the lifestyle and home-and-garden sections, based on his strategic approach and award-winning work. Andreas Purt, now a member, will bring his travel and networking expertise to the table, gained from his experience in other committees.
