On Walking Day, 27 April 2026, the big Austria on Foot Challenge will be launched nationwide. Over a period of 4 weeks - from 27 April to 27 May - everyone can take part, collect steps and thus contribute to achieving the step target. The aim is to walk around Austria 25 times together, which equates to a total of around 100 million steps. Sounds like a lot, but together we can easily achieve it. The challenge is intended as an incentive to choose the footpath. How much you actually walk is up to the participants themselves.
Information on participation and prizes
Everyone who takes part in the challenge and actively collects steps can win regional climate tickets and much more. Fancy it? All you need is a smartphone. Participation is easy via the Walk15 app: simply download the app via the link below and select the Austria on Foot Challenge. Then join Team Upper Austria and get started! The app on your smartphone registers every step. Of course, there will also be daily challenges with additional prizes to keep you motivated. VAMED thermal spa vouchers, Intersport trekking poles, sunglasses from United Optics, shoes from legero, well-stocked goodie bags from the Upper Austrian Transport Association and Österreich zu Fuß as well as ÖBB vouchers await.
Walking & public transport: the perfect combo
Why is the Upper Austrian Transport Association taking part in the walking challenge? Good question. The simple answer: walking and travelling by public transport is the perfect combination. People who walk to the station or public transport stop usually choose the easiest, most comfortable and healthiest route. Stress-free and sustainable! Many people don't even realise that they are already combining their public transport journeys with walking, that's how logical this combination seems.
Even if it's a short journey, every step counts. Just 4,000 steps a day contribute to well-being - the myth of at least 10,000 steps a day has long been outdated (information on oesterreichzufuss.at). If you would like to find out more about the topic, the Austria on Foot Challenge and the National Walking Day on 27 April, you should visit oesterreichzufuss.at. The initiative of the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure provides lots of information and suggestions for walking in everyday life.
So, let's get going! The Upper Austrian Transport Association is keeping its fingers crossed for all Challenge participants.