With 270 kilometers of piste, 70 lifts, and 60 mountain huts, the stats speak for themselves. It’d be tough to run out of new areas or runs to explore. However, the mountain takes a very relaxed approach to the whole affair. “Home of Lässig,” the resort’s moniker, an Austrian saying for laidback or casual, should give you an idea of the kind of holiday you’ll get at the Skicircus. It was a tremendous introduction to European skiing and an easy choice for a ski holiday in Austria. Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn does just about everything exceptionally well.

Tips For A Ski Trip To Skicircus

Stay In More Than One Area

The “Skicircus” is not just one resort, but three that together form Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, a mouth full. Which is why it’s often referred to as “Saalbach.” The three different areas are Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Saalfelden-Leogang, and Fieberbrunn. Each resort has a plethora of lifts, restaurants, and accommodation options. All three resorts have their defining characteristics and terrain.

While we spent a week in the region, it was still nowhere near enough time to ski every piste, but it was enough to ski every area and lift of the resort. This was much easier as we stayed in Fieberbrunn, Leogang, and Hinterglemm. That may be too much movement for most on a ski trip, but we highly recommend staying in at least two areas over a week for some variety.

Saalbach and Hinterglemm are the most extensive resort villages of the three, with various restaurants and the best apres ski bars. They also host various events throughout the year. Saalfelden and Leogang offer the most activities, such as Nordic skiing. Meanwhile, Fieberbrunn is a small village that can cater well to families and is the epicenter for freeriding.

It’s A Very Approachable Mountain

As the home of “Lässig,” the resort has a laid-back skiing approach. It’s not known for its extreme skiing or the glitz like Switzerland’s most popular resorts of Zermatt, St. Moritz, or Verbier. Instead, the Skicircus is a well-rounded ski area that can cater to any desire.

Intermediate and beginner skiers will appreciate how the pistes are well laid out. There are a plethora of beginner-friendly runs, and everything is marked with a plethora of maps. It’s tough to find yourself lost in Skicircus despite the 270 km worth of groomed pistes, a truly impressive feat. And when your legs feel tired, there’s a cozy mountain hut serving food at nearly every lift.

There’s terrain for experts and advanced skiers too, which makes for a great ski destination for groups with mixed ability levels. Those looking to challenge themselves will appreciate the expansive freeride options off the pistes.

Hire A Guide For A Day

Fieberbrunn is well known in the freeride community since it hosts the World Tour competition. It has a wealth of terrain that can cater well to any ability level, whether an expert or beginner. Those just starting out or anyone unfamiliar with the terrain will greatly appreciate the resort’s certified freeride guides. They know all the best powder stashes and off-piste routes around the region.

It’s not just the off-piste guiding across all of the ski resorts. Many guides, coaches, and instructors can help you improve your technique, whether you’re an expert or a beginner. We always find it best to book in advance if you’re on the higher end of the spectrum to ensure you have the most advanced guide. The terrain here skews more on the intermediate side of things, but the area has a few challenging lines and routes.

Tackle The Challenge

It’s not just the freeride terrain that offers experienced skiers a challenge, but also the Skicircus Challenge circuit. It’s the largest ski circuit in the Alps and requires quick laps to complete in one day. The circuit covers 12,400 meters of vertical, 65 km of piste, and 32 lifts.

The average circuit time requires around seven hours of skiing and can be started from any lift base. Every skier who completes The Challenge that is registered with Skyline.cc will receive a small prize and be entered into a raffle for a grand prize at the end of the season.

Buy Your Ski Pass In Advance

If you purchase your ski pass in advance, like many resorts, it offers a good chance for savings. It’s easy to purchase lift tickets in advance on Saalbach.com. North Americans will be shocked to see the single-day lift ticket prices compared to the modern lift infrastructure. Not only are the lifts and services far better at Skicircus, but day tickets average around €65 a day. Our local mountain, Lake Louise, charges well over €100 daily for a lift ticket.

Enjoy The Apres-Ski

The Skicircus fully embraces the mindset of having a good time with numerous apres-ski bars across the resort and at most of the resort bases. Saalbach and Hinterglem are the most well-known for their lively apres-ski scenes. There’s a huge variety of apres-ski bars between the two, so skiers are spoilt for choice regarding their scene.

Some popular bars between the two destinations are Goaßstall, Hinterhag Alm, London Pub, Burgi’s Bar, Bauer´s Schi-Alm, and Schwarzacher. We appreciated Schwarzagger as it’s conveniently located at the bottom of the Unterschwarzach Lift with night skiing.

Try Night Skiing

While we’re on night skiing, if your turns during the day didn’t fill you up, continue into the night with night skiing. The floodlit slopes off the Unterschwarzach Lift in Hinterglemm offer night skiing every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until 9:30 pm. A regular day ticket is valid for night skiing, but they also offer a discounted night ticket, which is great if you want to ski a little and arrive late in the day.

Spend A Day Off The Slope

It’s not just the pistes that will keep you entertained, as there is plenty to do around the region. Whether you want to go for a winter hike, nordic skiing, curling, sledding, ice skating, or even take a horse-drawn sleigh, there are many winter activities to enjoy in the snowy weather in the Austrian Alps.

They even have unique activities like winter hiking with a llama and a slope-side alpine coaster. A stand out is the Nordic Park on Lake Ritzensee in Saalfelden Leogang, as it’s a great introduction to Nordic skiing. The ski center even has a snowpark for children to teach them the sport.

It’s A Favorite For Ski Families

We mentioned earlier that the ski area is great for groups of mixed abilities, and that’s true for families. The area caters to families with ski schools, children’s areas, and ski kindergartens. Kids capable of their first turns will also love the fun slopes, learn-to-ride parks, and fun trails. Families can also save with discounted family tickets and packages.

Land A New Trick

While we weren’t tearing up the fun slopes, we did have fun with a couple of laps in the Nitro Snowpark Leogang. It has various rails, boxes, and a kicker line. However, what stood out was the mini-airbag jump, which was perfect for attempting a new trick in a safer environment. Some ski and snowboard schools offer freestyle coaching for those working on their technique.

It’s Rich In Mountain Huts

There are more than 60 mountain huts and restaurants along the slope, so there is a huge range of options. It means there is something to cater to nearly every budget and taste. Of course, no trip to the Austrian Alps is complete without one classic dish like käsespätzle, kaspressknödel, or kaiserschmarrn.

Our favorite was the kaiserschmarrn, a dessert best described as a shredded pancake. Naturally, with most food in the Alps, it can be pretty hearty. However, if you’re after lighter fares, you can find everything from rotisserie chicken to sushi in the slopeside restaurants here.

There’s a Huge Variety Of Hotels

With all the skiing, you’ll want a comfortable place to stay and a diverse range of hotels and accommodation options. They cater to almost every budget, preference, and visitor. You can find everything from a luxurious mountain resort with a spa to a cozy ski apartment. There are also slopeside hotels, chalets with traditional Tyrolean architecture, and modern boutique hotels. Additionally, family-friendly accommodations with multiple rooms and beds are easy to find.

When picking out a hotel, we suggest narrowing down the village or town first, as Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Fieberbrunn, Leogang, and Saalfelden offer visitors something different. Whatever you could want between the various villages and ski areas. We stayed in the village of Fieberbrunn, slopeside in Hinterglem, and at the base of the lift in Leogang. If you’re traveling with your gear, we like to book accommodation with a ski room as it makes life much easier.

You Can Have a More Affordable Ski Trip

Most importantly, Saalbach can be a surprisingly affordable ski destination. While many North American readers may be surprised to hear that skiing in the Alps can be a more affordable option, it’s true. The resort is easily accessible from Munich, Innsbruck, and Salzburg, so renting a vehicle is unnecessary. Various budget-friendly hotel options, including self-catering, can help save money.

Even those with a bit more budget will appreciate that the knowledgeable guides in Austria are nearly half the price compared to Swiss guides. The on-mountain food and shopping are similar at a fraction of the price compared to ski resorts a few hours away with similar offerings. As one last tip, if you’re looking to save money, be prepared to hop on the ski bus as the more central accommodation fetches higher rates.

Catch The Ski Bus

Through the valleys between the ski areas, towns, and lifts, regular buses follow local or ski-specific routes. Those without a vehicle won’t have to pay for costly taxis every time as the buses are free with a valid ski pass. We stayed in the village of Fieberbrunn, which is not at the base of the lift, so we had to catch the super easy bus.

When is The Best Time To Visit Saalbach?

Like any ski resort, January and March are our favorite times to book a trip. We find February too busy with elevated prices and crowds too much on piste. January is usually a good time in Saalbach for good snow conditions, better prices, and fewer crowds, especially after the holidays are finished. We visited in mid-January and never stood in a lift line for more than two minutes, including the weekend.

March tends to be a bit busier, but it’s still a better time to visit than February. It can be a mixed month as the weather is more variable. However, it’s the best time for apres-ski as the area hosts several events, and the warmer weather is more conducive to enjoying the outdoor patios.

This country has a ton of history and interesting facts to learn. Whether you’re traveling to Austria or interested in the culture, we’ve compiled some fun Austrian facts for you. Here are some interesting Austria facts to learn about before visiting.

Fun Facts About Austria!

1. Austria is a Landlocked Country

No beach days in Austria, guys. Austria is landlocked, which is one of those well-known facts about Austria. But what it’s not lacking is neighbors. It’s bordered by Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and even little ol’ Lichtenstein. That’s a lot of border crossings!

2. Most of Austria is High Altitude

This Central European nation sits in the Austrian Alps. As a result, only about 30% of the country is found anywhere below 1,640 feet. Most of it is tall – like, really tall. The highest peak is 12,461 feet above sea level. The mountains naturally affect the culture of the country and how people live.

3. Austria was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire

Aka Austria-Hungary. This was a union between the two empires of these countries in 1867. It comprised many kingdoms in Southeastern Europe, including Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia. Ruled by the Habsburg dynasty, it was one of the most influential, powerful, and biggest European countries. Issues within the empire led to WWI, after which it collapsed.

4. Austria has a Big Roster of Famous Composers

This is one of my favorite fun facts about Austria. Famous names like Franz Liszt (born in Austria), Mozart, Strauss (both junior and senior), Schoenburg, Josef Haydn, and Franz Schubert were all from Austria. Classical and orchestral music is still a big deal in the country.

5. Vienna was a Creative and Cultural Hub of Europe

A lot of those composers would have been active in Vienna. The beautiful European city and capital city of Austria drew creatives and intellectuals from all over Europe – thanks in part to its own intellectual heritage, delicious Austrian food, and, of course, its famous coffee houses.

Beethoven (not Austrian) spent most of his life here. Sigmund Freud hung out here, and so did Leon Trotsky, former Yugoslavian dictator Josip Tito, and Adolf Hitler.

6. Yes, Hitler was Austrian

Okay, this is not so much a fun fact about Austria. So, in a way, Germany (with help from Austria) didn’t just start the First World War. It’s also how the Second World War began… kind of.

After serving in WWI, Hitler got into politics in Munich and led the Nazi party to power. The war led to 85 million fatalities, and there hasn’t been a war like it.

7. Austria Isn’t Called Austria in German

It’s called Österreich, which means “Eastern Realm,” or something like that. It was first recorded in 996 AD as Ostarrîchi. It was called this because Austria was once the easternmost portion of Bavaria. Hence the German.

8. The Habsburgs were Based in Austria

Properly referred to as the House of Habsburg, this royal dynasty began in the 11th century and became the most distinguished noble house in Europe. Every single Holy Roman Emperor, bar one, was a Habsburg. That lasted until the Empire ceased to exist in 1806, creating the Austrian Empire.

9. After WWII, Austria was Split Apart

We think this is one of those little known Austria facts. These were the British, French, American, and Soviet occupation zones. The country was split into four and run by the Allied Commission for Austria. Vienna, the capital, was also divided into four and was effectively an international zone. This lasted until 1955.

10. Austria’s National Day Celebrates the Allied Forces Leaving

Yep. Well, sort of. On October 26, 1955, the Austrian Parliament passed a law of “permanent neutrality.” This day, October 26, is celebrated as the country’s National Day each year.

11. Austria is Home to the Oldest Restaurant in Europe

Founded in 803 AD in the walls of an abbey, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium is a super, super old restaurant and inn. It’s the oldest still in existence, anyway. Greats like Mozart and Christopher Colombus are said to have eaten at the restaurant.

12. Half of Austria’s Electricity Comes from Hydropower

This is one of my favorite facts about Austria. It may seem strange for a country with no coast, but hold up: there are waterfalls, rivers, and a lot of water streaming down the mountains all the time. Hydroelectric dams are the way to do it, with Kolnbrein Dam being the tallest. Combining wind, solar, and biomass power plants, Austria makes about 60% of its electricity from renewable sources.

13. Austria Doesn’t Have a Big Population

Austria has a population of 8.83 million people. 1.8 of these people live in Vienna. To compare, London, UK, has a population of 8.7 million. Austria’s second-largest city only has a population of 255,000.

14. 19% of Austria’s Population are Foreign-Born

What an interesting fact about Austria! That’s a lot for a European country. If you’re looking for hard numbers, that’s about 1.69 million people not born in Austria living in Austria. All people inside and outside the EU come to Austria looking for better prospects.

15. You Get to Know Your Teachers in Austria

In the Austrian equivalent to elementary school, kids are taught in classes by one teacher for four years. They’d be like a family member by the time you moved on to junior high. Oh, and also, you only go to school from 8 am to 12 pm. Four hours a day? Not bad.

16. Sigmund Freud was an Austrian Jew

He sure was. He was a neurologist who lived and worked in Vienna and is considered the founder of psychoanalysis. He analyzed people’s dreams, came up with the theory of being fixated based on various stages of your childhood, the id, ego, and superego, and is supremely influential. After escaping the threat of Nazism in the 1930s, Freud died in London.

17. Red Bull came from Austria…

… Via Thailand, that is. Dietrich Mateschitz, an Austrian entrepreneur, went on a trip to Thailand in 1982. Looking for a cure for jetlag, he found Krating Daeng, an energy drink formulated in 1975 to help keep Thai laborers refreshed. He took the formula back to Austria as “Red Bull,” and, needless to say. It was a hit. Don’t worry; the Yoovidhya family, who originally came up with Krating Daeng (which also means “red bull” in Thai) own 51% of the business.

18. Winter Sports are Big News in Austria

So big that they’ve hosted two Winter Olympics and the very first Youth Winter Olympics. All those winter sports – like bobsleigh, luge, skeleton, and classics like ski jumping and slalom – have the benefit of many dedicated facilities in Austria. Why would you not, with all those mountains and all that snow?

19. It Never Gets Very Warm in Austria

Another reason winter sports are probably such a big thing is that the snow never melts. Well, mostly anyway. Every 300 meters you go upwards, the temperature goes down by 5°C. Chilly. The hottest average temperature for Vienna is 19°C, and the lowest average is -1°C. Needless to say, it’s cold here.

20. During the 19th century, Vienna was Involved in Nine Major Wars

This is one of those wild facts about Austria, don’t you think? It was a tumultuous time, that’s for sure. At the start of this century, you had Napoleon marched all over Europe. Then there was the Austro-Prussian War in 1866. The list could go on. With all these wars going on, the average life expectancy during this time in Vienna was just 38.

21. Vienna Boasts one of the Largest Cemeteries in the World

Totally. It’s called Vienna Central Cemetery. And inappropriately enough, it was opened on October 31, 1874 (Halloween, if you were wondering). Spanning over 600 acres, it’s the site of over 330,000 graves and 3,000,000 internments. The first person to be buried there – Jacob Zelzer – was interred 15 days after it opened. Viennese people joke, “It’s half the size of Zurich, but twice as much fun.”

22. Austria has the Largest Ice Cave in the World

A cool fact about Austria: it boasts the world’s largest ice cave. Located in Werfen, the Eisriesenwelt is completely plastered with ice in its 26-mile-long interior. It was only known locally until 1879, before which the locals regarded it as the entrance to hell. A bit cold for hell, though, right? Fast-forward to right now, and it gets over 200,000 visitors a year. Temperatures are below freezing, and no photos are allowed.

23. The oldest known natural human mummy in Europe was found in Austria

Sort of, anyway; it was on the Austria-Italy border. He’s over 4,000 years old, and his name is Ötzi. The Iceman (as he’s also known) was found in 1991 by two German tourists. They thought he was just some ice climber who’d not made it; little did they know, he was super old.

24. Croissants are Not French

A diabolical fact about Austria now, as we imagine, many of you are reeling in shock. No croissants are not French. They are just one of the many pastry-based delights you can find in Austria – particularly in Vienna.

Croissants, alongside other pastries that proliferated through Paris, were known as Viennoiseries: a selection of Viennese-style treats that either came from Vienna or were born in Paris after the Viennese fashion.

25. Coffee is Super Important to Austrian People

In Vienna’s golden age, there were tons of different coffee shops. Today, there are still loads. Old coffee shops still exist, like 19th-century establishments Café Central and Café Landtmann. They were the places where intellectuals created, sat, drank coffee, and exchanged ideas.

There’s a Viennese blend – Wiener mélange – which is kind of like a cappuccino. Around 90% of Austrian people drink coffee. There’s even a name for a 3 pm coffee break (with pastries, of course) – jause.

26. There’s a Long History of Organic Farming in Austria

This is another of my favorite fun facts about Austria. Starting up from around 1927 to 1935, the Carinthian region of Austria began seeing the emergence of organic farms. As of 2010, 21,800 farmers were managing 545,000 hectares of organic farmland. That’s pretty good!

27. The Austrian Flag is One of the Oldest in the World

Based on the coat-of-arms of the Babenberg dynasty, the Austrian tricolor of red, white, and red was first attested in 1230. But it’s thought to have been used as a national flag from around the 15th century.

28. Postcards as We Know Them Come from Austria

Though the first postcard known to be sent was from a London writer (to himself) in 1848, it was the Austrian government who allowed the use of postcards throughout the country in 1869 – and beyond. It was, in fact, a postcard from Vienna with an image on it that became known as the first postcard as a souvenir: the picture postcard.

29. Austria Made the Waltz Popular

You know that dance, usually in a ballroom, everyone’s turning around as they walk along in a big circle? Yeah, the waltz. That wasn’t always so fancy. The nobility danced minuets, as composed by Haydn and Mozart, but the working people danced this thing known as a Landler.

As aristocrats copied it from commoners’ dances, it became the waltz. This style of dance, adopted by high society in 1780s Vienna, became uber-popular throughout Europe.

30. Vienna has a Palace with 1,441 rooms

Wow, those Habsburgs sure knew how to live, didn’t they? Built in its current form between 1740 and 1750, the Schonbrunn Palace is a grandiose Rococo edifice and one of the most spectacular buildings in Austria. It’s got a lot of rooms – almost 1,500 of them. That’s impressive.

31. Military Service is Compulsory for Men in Austria

Yep. All males under the age of 35 must have completed six-month conscription in the military or a nine-month stint in the civil service. Between 17 and 51, all Austrian males are subject to compulsory military service.

32. Austria and Australia get Confused a Lot 

We’ll finish this article with one of our favorite facts about Austria. Post gets sent to the wrong country; people book flights to Down Under instead of the Alps, social media mix-ups, and news channels confuse them (CNN did it)… You can see why.

For example, one Australian parcel was sent to Austria five times with five “Missent to Austria” stamps (yes, there’s a specialized stamp for it). An amazing fact about Australia – we mean Australia. Argh! Austria.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Austria! See below for more facts around the world!

Sure enough, we were surrounded by Austrian flags, and that tiny dot on our GPS confirmed we had arrived. On a tight budget, the only problem was that we had to sleep in the rental car. This time around, we arrived in the Tyrol capital with plans and a list of all the best things to do in Innsbruck. With our snowboards in tow, we made plans to explore Innsbruck by sight and slopes properly.

It’s the only city where you can ski, explore a grand palace, window shop, and savor a strudel all in one day. In many ways, it’s everything we love about Austria. A modern and historical city that within minutes places you in the heart of the Alps with cowbells ringing and fresh Alpine air. Here are the best things to do in Innsbruck from our personal experience.

Where is Innsbruck, Austria?

Before we dig into the best things to do in Innsbruck, let’s dig into location. Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol, Austria’s western state, and one of Europe’s best places to visit. It is the fifth largest city in all of Austria and is a popular stop for many on a European road trip. Munich is a two-hour drive away to the north, with Bolzano being 1.5 hours away to the south.

Innsbruck is well known for being an internationally known winter sports mecca. The city hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics and the Winter Paralympics in 1984 and 1988. It’s a great spot to ski and snowboard in the winter while providing plenty of summer hiking opportunities. Innsbruck is a colorful city; to us, it is one of the most beautiful mountain cities in Europe and the world!

The Best Things to do in Innsbruck

Visit the Hofkirche

Wondering what to do in Innsbruck? A visit to The Hofkirche can’t be missed if you enjoy grand European churches.  The Gothic church was built in the mid-1500s and is located in the center of Innsbruck. As impressive as it is from the outside, you have to go inside to marvel.

The interior of the Hofkirche is grand, to say the least. The main attraction is the Cenotaph of Emperor Maximilian I, which is surrounded by 28 statues depicting his various ancestors and heroes, including Leopold III and King Arthur.

Act Brave at the Bergisel Ski Jump (Bergiselschanze)

The Bergisel Ski Jump is a world-class ski jump hill that can be seen from just about anywhere in Innsbruck. It’s an unmistakable icon of the city and was redesigned by the famed Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid.  The venue has been used in two Olympic games (1964 and 1976)!  

Each year, the Bergisel Stadium plays hosts the annual Four Hills Tournament in January and a Summer Grand Prix Jumping Event. However, visitors can get views from the beautiful ski jump every day.

The main tower stands 47 meters tall and provides impressive views over all of Innsbruck and the Alps. After taking the gondola to the top of the ski jump, you can look down and feel what it’s like to be a daring ski jumper. Or you can enjoy the peaks of Patscherkofel, Nordkette, Hohe Munde, and Serles from the restaurant and cafe on a clear day!

Feel Grand at the Imperial Palace (Hofburg)

Unfortunately, the Imperial Palace was closed for renovations when we were in the city, but it is consistently ranked as one of Innsbruck’s best things to do!

Completed in the year 1500 under Emperor Maximilian I, it is now the third most important historic building in Austria. You can wander the Hofburg freely or take a guided tour!

Check out Ambras Castle

Less than two hours after arriving in Innsbruck, we knew we had to make our way to the lovely Renaissance castle perched above Innsbruck. Built-in the 16th century and connected with Archduke Ferdinand II, Ambras Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region of Tyrol. Depending on how into Renaissance history you are, one could easily spend a few hours rambling about the castle.

Although we aren’t huge on museums, Ambras Castle is truly unique. The highlight is the Spanish Hall, a lavish and divine hall fixed with 27 full-figure portraits of Tirolean Habsburg rulers. They still hold formal events in the Spanish Hall to this day, such as concerts. Another highlight is the Chamber of Art and Curiosities, where you will find rare objects and artifacts from the 16th century giving a glimpse of Renaissance life.

Walk Around Altstadt von Innsbruck (Old town)

If you have just arrived in Innsbruck and have no idea where to start, head to the center of town. Innsbruck’s Old Town boasts incredible buildings, some even dating back to the 1500s. The Old Town is where you can take iconic photos of a colorful town beneath the Alps, grab a bite to eat, enjoy a cappuccino, gorge on apple strudels, shop, and just enjoy the atmosphere.

The Old Town is buzzing almost any time of the year throughout the day. So, it’s a great place to find tourists, locals, and students from the University. Many of the other attractions mentioned in this post are also located in the old town, and you could easily allocate a day to the old town.

Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck

The main reason we were dying to go to Innsbruck (besides the beauty, of course) was Olympia SkiWorld. As the “Capital of the Alps, there are a plethora of ski slopes. Olympia SkiWorld is a ski area with nine resorts within the Innsbruck area. They are easily accessible from Innsbruck, and there is a free ski bus to shuttle you around.

The ski resorts that are included are Kühtai, Nordkette-Seegrube, Patscherkofel, Axamer Lizum, Muttereralm, Rangger Köpfl, Glungezer, Schlick 2000, and the Stubai Glacier. We planned for three days in Innsbruck and only had time for a select few resorts.

On our first day, we made our way up to Nordkette as the funicular is located right in the city center. Unfortunately, when we reached the top of Nordketter, there were whiteout conditions, and our visibility was no beuno.  But we enjoyed playing in the snow, admiring the alpine trees, having a gluhwein, and dancing inside the Cloud Nine Iglu Bar!

There is something around Innsbruck for all levels and abilities. Just because it’s the Alps doesn’t mean you have to be an expert skier. Prices are pretty reasonable to get the Olympia SkiWorld pass, which gives you lift tickets to all nine resorts; check here for more info.

Head Down or Up Nordkette

One of the best things to do in Innsbruck in the winter and summer is going up to Nordkette. The mountains are always close to Innsbruck, and you can travel from the middle of Innsbruck to 1900 meters above sea level with the Nordkettenbahnen lifts in less than thirty minutes.

Nordkette is the northern mountain range that stands above Innsbruck. The view from the top is simply astonishing and presents several hiking and photo opportunities. In the winter, the mountain is best known for freeriding down some of the steepest routes in Europe. It’s truly a paradise for off-piste riding! Check out our ski and snowboarding packing list if you plan to ride!

Become a Bobsledder!

One of the best things to do in Innsbruck in the winter is seeing the Olympic track. At the Olympic ice track in Igls, adults and older children can experience the feeling of Olympic a bobsledder barrelling down the track. Don’t worry; you don’t have to train like an Olympian to get a feel for this activity.

Two guests can be cradled between an experienced driver and a brakeman while racing around 14 corners in under 60 seconds. You must book this activity in advance.

32 BEST Destinations to Spend Winter in Europe

Admire the Golden Roof

One of the best free things to do in Innsbruck is to check out the Golden Roof. “Goldenes Dachl” in German is an iconic landmark in Innsbruck’s Alt Stadt. The gold roof dates back to 1500, when it was built for Emperor Maximilian I to mark his wedding to Bianca Maria Sforza.

It is decorated with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles and is truly a sight to be seen. Although you can’t observe festivals and tournaments like the Emperor, you can certainly admire the handicraft of this gorgeous roof from down below.

Cross Country Ski

There are many cross-country ski trails around Innsbruck to enjoy the surrounding nature. All you need is a pair of skis, and you’re off into the beautiful Austrian countryside.

Some notable places to take to the trails are the Bilgeriloipe trail in Kuhtai, the Mieming Plateau, and the village of Praxmar. Ask any local, and they’ll be sure to tell you this is one of the best things to do in Innsbruck.

Toboggan Ride

An excellent alternative to skiing or snowboarding, especially for families with young children, is tobogganing! You don’t need much to get started, just some warm clothes and a sled. Spending a day or night on a sled doesn’t cost much, and it’s a great way to enjoy the fresh winter air!

We didn’t realize how exhilarating sled riding was until we tried it in Trentino. Now we are completely hooked and try to do it at least once a winter. Innsbruck offers several toboggan runs, some at night. Maria Waldrast is located at the base of Serles Mountain and is one of the most popular places to go for a ride.

Go for a Hike

Another great free thing to do in Innsbruck is go hiking. Even though Innsbruck is a city, there are plenty of places around to hike and enjoy the fresh air.

There are so many beautiful places to be uncovered around Innsbruck and Tyrol, from easy to multi-day mountain treks.

Some notable trekking areas are:

• The Karwendel – One of the largest natural landscapes in central Europe.
• The Zirbenweg Trail – One of the largest stone pine forests in Europe and extremely popular for hiking
• Lüsens – A good base for climbing the surrounding peaks

Visit the Alpenzoo

After a year on safari in Africa, it’s safe to say we aren’t zoo people anymore. However, Innsbruck’s Alpenzoo is one of the highest in Europe and is home to many Alpine animals. That means you can come here with the family to see bears, wolves, moose, bison, and many birds of prey.

It’s also the only zoo in the world where you can find the wallcreeper bird. Although the animals at the zoo may not be in the wild, the Alpenzoo is famous for reintroducing species back into their natural habitats, including the Alpine ibexes in Austria!

Admire Swarovski Crystal World

The Swarovski Crystal World just outside of Innsbruck is extraordinary. A day trip here is a fun way to explore all things crystal. The Crystal World has the world’s largest Swarovski store, and it’s sure to dazzle.

Crystal isn’t the only attraction here; the Swarovski crystal world features an outdoor garden. “The Giant” is the thematic centerpiece of the whole area. It is said that the Giant set out to experience a world of wonders and settled in Wattens to watch over the gardens and his wonders. It’s a stunning piece of artwork and impressive.

Have a Drink at the aDLERS Hotel

If you’re looking for great views in the city of Innsbruck, then the best place to head to is aDLERS Design Hotel. aDLERS Design Hotel is the tallest building in the city and provides astonishing views of the capital of the Alps (and, of course, the Alps themselves).

Floor 12 has a beautiful modern bar that provides innovative cocktails or coffee for those looking to relax while doing some work.

Right next door is their restaurant which serves up delicious food to guests of the hotel and outsiders! We had a few cups of coffee here and a few meals and thoroughly enjoyed the hotel, bar, restaurant, and even outdoor terrace (although it was a bit chilly).

We stayed at the aDLERS Hotel while in Innsbruck. Every room here has open views of the city, and it’s literally right next to the train station. Could it get any better?

Day Trip to Seebensee and Drachensee

Seebensee and Drachensee are two of the most beautiful lakes in Austria, and the hike to them has located just a 1.5-hour drive away from Innsbruck. One of the best days out in the mountain you can have is hiking to these beautiful alpine lakes.

Seebensee is a high mountain lake that sits at 1,657 meters. It is surrounded by colossal peaks that make up the Wetterstein mountains and Mieminger Chain. Reaching the lake requires a bit of hiking, but you can cut some of the hiking out by taking the Ehrwalder Almbahn (cable car) to Ehrwalder Alm to start your hike. The hike to Seebensee is an easy hike along a well-maintained trail that will take you anywhere between 3-5 hours.

For a bit more Austria hiking, continue hiking 250 meters up to the Coburger Hütte for a fantastic apple strudel and to get the best views of Drachensee. From the Coburger Hütte, you can hike down to Drachensee to get an up-close look at it! We loved our day out hiking to these two lakes and consider the day trip one of the best things to do in Innsbruck.

The Best Restaurants in Innsbruck

Innsbruck has just about anything you could want in terms of dining. You’ll be able to find tapas restaurants, Italian, sushi, Mexican, and of course, Austrian cuisine.

• Machete – Burrito Kartell: If you’ve had enough schnitzel and want something a little different. This is the best Mexican joint in Innsbruck!
• Gasthof LAMM: This is an upscale fine dining restaurant we highly recommend for romantic evenings out.
• Restaurant Olive Wiltener Platz: Simply amazing vegan creations creating a fresh and sustainable menu in the heart of Innsbruck.

Where to Stay in Innsbruck

General Info

• We were surprised to find that Innsbruck has its own airport, and it’s literally right in the middle of the city. Several direct flights from around Europe include Berlin, Amsterdam, London, and Stockholm.
• Innsbruck is well-connected by the ÖBB rail network. Travelers can easily connect Innsbruck to Vienna, and onto Salzburg.
• Innsbruck is the fifth largest city in Austria.
• Much of Downtown Innsbruck is walkable; however, they also have an efficient bus network to get you around!
• To make the most out of your trip to Innsbruck, check out the Innsbruck Card.
• Check out our European packing list for your trip to Europe!
• Austria is within the Schengen Zone. Make sure to check your embassy’s website for visa restrictions.
• Austria uses the Euro note (€).  ATMs are easy to find around the city – check out our travel banking post for more.
• Learn Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in German –“Hallo” and “Danke”

The Innsbruck Card

Get the Innsbruck Card to maximize your savings and experiences!

The Innsbruck Card grants free entry to 22 museums and attractions, selected lifts and cable cars in the region, free use of public transport and free use of the Sightseer hop-on hop-off bus. Calculate how long you are staying as the card can be purchased for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

• 24 hours: € 53.00 adult / € 26.50 children
• 48 hours: € 63.00 adult / € 31.50 children
• 72 hours: € 73.00 adult / € 36.50 children

Think soaring Alps, enchanting towns tucked underneath waterfalls, dreamy landscapes, and unique baroque architecture. Austria packs a whole lotta punch for a relatively small country!

From mountain villages, to beautiful events and the best Christmas markets in the world, there are plenty of reasons to travel to Austria. Let us help you choose where the best places to visit in Austria are for you!

Austria Travel Tips

• Currency: Euro
• Language: German. Learning a few words in the local language may be helpful before arriving. Most Austrians speak English.
• Visa: Austria is a member of the Schengen Agreement; check with your embassy to see if you need visas to enter the Schengen.
• What to Pack: A great rain jacket, wool sweater, hiking clothes, wool socks, travel camera, & down jacket.
• Drinking water: Austria’s water is rated among the top five best drinking water in the world.
• Best time to travel to Austria? Austria is a year round destination. However the best times to travel are during the summer months – June to September. And during the winter for ski.

Best Places to Visit in Austria

Vienna 

The capital city of Vienna is a vibrant city situated in the heart of Austria along The Danube River. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe to visit. The city is known for its beautiful palaces including Imperial Hofburg Palace, Schonbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace. It’s also known for its long history and colorful culture, highlighted in the many museums such as the Sisi Museum, the Natural History Museum, Albertina and the Museum of Art History.

Here you’ll see works by Michelangelo, Rembrandt and many others. Other top attractions include St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Vienna Operahouse. Many visitors to the city enjoy immersing themselves in the coffee house scene that Vienna is renowned for. 

Innsbruck

Situated on the banks of the River Inn, Innsbruck is mostly known for being a top ski area in Austria but the city is also known for its stunning alpine scenery and unique architecture. In the pedestrian-only Old Town, you’ll find many of the city’s top boutique shops and eateries. Beyond the Old Town, there are plenty of things to do in Innsbruck.

Head up to the Old Rathaus Tower where you can get fantastic views of the city and surrounding area and uncover its long history at the Golden Roof Museum, Ambras Castle and the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum. Hofkirche gothic church, Alpine Zoo Innsbruck and the popular shopping area of Maria-Theresien Strabe are some of the other notable attractions. 

Feldkirch  

At almost 800 years old, you can bet that the small town of Feldkirch along the River Rhine in western Austria has much history to be explored! The Schattenburg Museum features an incredible art collection housed in a barrack that’s more than 700 years old and the lovely Old Town district is home to many historic fountains and buildings including Schattenburg Castle. 

Other popular attractions in the town include the Radio Museum, Wildpark Feldkirch, Kunstpalais Liechtenstein, Rectory St Nicholas and Galerie Sechzig.

Klagenfurt am Worthersee

Klagenfurt am Worthersee is only a small city but it’s big on history, culture and world-class attractions. Situated along beautiful Lake Worthersee, the town dates back to the mid-1100s.  

Today, its narrow streets and picturesque Old Town District are great places to explore if you’re a fan of baroque architecture, galleries, cafes and lively street markets such as the Benedictine Market. One of the best ways to get around the city is by bicycle and you can rent one at several places. 

There is a trail along the nearby Drau River that is great for biking and hiking. Other notable attractions around the city include Pyramidenkogel Tower, Lindwurm Fountain, the Museum of Modern Art and Reptilienzoo Happ.

Seebensee and Drachensee

Seebensee and Drachensee are two of the most beautiful lakes in Austria, and the hike to them has located just a 1.5-hour drive away from Innsbruck. One of the best days out in the mountains you can have is hiking to these beautiful alpine lakes.

Seebensee is a high mountain lake that sits at 1,657 meters. It is surrounded by colossal peaks that make up the Wetterstein mountains and Mieminger Chain. Reaching the lake requires a bit of hiking, but you can cut some of the hiking out by taking the Ehrwalder Almbahn (cable car) to Ehrwalder Alm to start your hike. The hike to Seebensee is an easy hike along a well-maintained trail that will take you anywhere between 3-5 hours.

For a bit more Austria hiking, continue hiking 250 meters up to the Coburger Hütte for a fantastic apple strudel and to get the best views of Drachensee. From the Coburger Hütte, you can hike down to Drachensee to get an up-close look at it! We loved our day out hiking to these two lakes and consider the day trip one of the best things to do in Innsbruck.

Montafon

Montafon is a beautiful long valley in Vorarlberg. In both winter and summer it offers visitors a staggering amount of things to do.

In summer, there are 1,161 km of hiking trails surrounded by three different mountain ranges – Rätikon, Silvretta, and Verwall. Wander the trails while passing Austria’s most famous residents – cows. While hiking you are never too far away from mountain huts and huts and alpine taverns.

Bike tours are popular here, with e-bikes taking over so outdoor enthusiasts can go deeper into the mountains. We recommend the Wasserstubental Tour, which is almost 60 km of pure beauty.

You don’t have to work too hard here though to enjoy the views as there seem to be an endless amount of cablecars to get you high in the alpine.

In the winter this area is a skiing mecca, with the small town of Gargellan being a particular highlight. Come January and February there are some epic powder dumps here. With the kids? Enjoy night tobogganing under the stars!

Grossglockner High Alpine Road

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road (in German Großglockner Hochalpenstraße) is the highest surfaced mountain road in all of Austria. The road is conveniently named after Grossglockner, which is the highest mountain in Austria.

You can even see the Grossglockner from a viewing area, the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe. You can also hike to get up close and personal to Grossglockner (the photo above is from an epic hike we did). Serious mountaineers and alpinist can also summit Grossglockner.

The road was built as a scenic route, and every summer, you’ll find hundreds of bikers and motorists driving the road on any given day. Driving or biking this road is one of the best things to do in Austria!

The road starts near beautiful Fusch and ends in Heiligenblut, both stunning towns in their own right.

Alpbach  

If there ever was an Alpine town that looks like a postcard, it would have to be Alpbach in western Austria. It’s beautiful, that’s for sure! But it’s also serene and isolated which means it’s an ideal place to head to when you just want to get away from it all.

In winter, it’s the skiing that attracts many visitors. In the warmer months, hiking is a popular activity but there are many natural areas that you can escape to where you can admire the beauty and just enjoy the peacefulness. 

Linz

Situated in northern Austria along the Danube River, the beautiful city of Linz isn’t a top tourist destination but there are many reasons why it should be and why you should check it out if you’re planning a trip to the country. 

This city has it all: history, architecture, culture, stunning scenery, world-class shopping and fascinating attractions.   

Linz Castle is the most popular attraction but other must-see attractions include the 8^th-century St. Martin’s Church, Linz Botanical Garden, Stift St. Florian Abbey and Mauthausen Memorial.

Wels

Wels is a picturesque city along the banks of the Traun River. The city is known for its vibrant downtown district full of historic buildings and for its central location which makes it an ideal base for exploring the region. 

Check out the 13th-century Ledererturm Tower and admire the ancient stained-glass windows at Stadtpfarrkirche Church. Local history and culture are alive and well in the Museum Angerlehner, the Austrian Pastry Museum and the Stadtmuseum Burg Wels Museum.  

Don’t miss the Welser Tiergarten Zoo, Welios Science Center and Zoo Schmiding which are just a few of the many top attractions in the city. If you happen to be there in December, be sure to check out the amazing Christmas markets that are set up. 

Sankt Polten

Sankt Polten is the biggest city in Lower Austria, but with only 55,000 residents, it really isn’t all that big. 

It’s just big enough to be home to many amazing attractions but small enough to enjoy a relaxing vacation close to sprawling countryside and nature areas. Learn about the region’s past at the Lower Austria Museum, House of History and Stadtmuseum St. Pölten Museum.  

Escape the urban landscape at Hammer Park or Ratzersdorfer See Lake.  Admire historic architecture at Herzogenburg Monastery and enjoy stunning vistas from the Klangturm observation deck. 

Villach

Located along the Drava River in a mountainous region in southern Austria, Villach is a top destination for people seeking ideal skiing and hiking conditions. Fishing on Lake Faak, paragliding at Gerlitzen Mountain and hiking along the Alpe-Adria-Trail are just some of the popular outdoor pursuits in Villach. 

Other popular activities in and around the city include checking out the shops, galleries and cafes of the Old Town Square, relaxing in the thermal pools at KärntenTherme Warmbad spa and exploring the many attractions including the 14th-century Parish Church of St. Jakob, Landskron Castle, Dobratsch Nature Park and Affenberg Landskron Animal Park.

Eisenstadt

Eisenstadt is another small Austrian city located in the eastern region of the country. It’s mostly known for its high number of historical attractions that highlight the region’s long history such as Österreichisches Jüdisches Museum and  Landesmuseum Burgenland.  

Another reason why so many people choose to visit Eisenstadt is its stunning palaces including, Esterhazy Palace and the Baroque Palace of Schlosspark.

Bad Ischl

If you’re looking to get away from it all and kick back in the lap of luxury, Bad Ischl is the place to be! 

Located in Upper Austria along the Traun River, the remnants of salt mining in the area gave way to a unique opportunity that resulted in the town being renowned for its spas and salt pools that are said to have healing powers. 

When you’re not relaxing at one of these spas, there are many museums and historic places to check out around town including Kaiservilla residence, Stadtmuseum Bad Ischl Museum, Leharvilla Museum and Sisi’s Cottage. Don’t forget to take the Katrin Cable Car to visit an incredible nature reserve! 

Maria Alm 

The enchanting village of Maria Alm is a picture-perfect example of a rural Austrian town with vast fields, chalets, mountains and outdoor markets and, in winter, it’s one of the most stunning ski regions in the country. Explore the quaint little village and its cafes and shops or spend a day hiking at Hundstein Mountain and Schönfeldspitze.

Lech Am Arlberg

If we were to pick one of our favorite ski resort towns in Europe, it would be Lech Zurs Arlberg in Vorarlberg. Lech is exactly what you could want out of a winter trip to Europe.

The village ambiance is tough to beat due to a wide selection of boutique hotels, all intimate in size due to strict ordinance laws. You won’t find mega hotels or foreign investments in this former farming village.

It’s all distinctly Austrian, with restaurants, hotels, bars, chalets, and B&Bs run by local families. Everything in the village is modern and luxurious but understated so that you won’t be completely gobsmacked here. This charm is what continues to draw regulars from around the world year after year.

Dürnstein   

As far as small towns go in the Lower Austria region, none are quite as pretty as Durnstein. Situated along the Danube River, it’s mostly known for its wine production, and colorful buildings. The town is home to many historic sites too including Stift Dürnstein Monastery, Göttweig Abbey and the ruins of Burgruine Durnstein which was where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. 

A must-do while in the area is wine tastings and Domäne Wachau Winery and Weingut Tegernseerhof Winery are two fabulous places to try out some local wine. 

Hallstatt  

Hallstatt has a long history that dates back to the Iron Age, but now it’s one of the most amazing vacation spots in the world. This small town on Lake Hallstatt in the beautiful Salzkammergut region is known for its 16th-century homes, quaint alleyways lined with shops and cafes and abundance of outdoor pursuits including skiing and snowshoeing in winter and hiking in the warmer months. 

Visit the world’s oldest salt mine at Salzwelten Hallstatt and visit some of the historical attractions including Museum Hallstatt and Charnel House. Care to see some phenomenal Alpine views? Check out the Treppe ins Nichts Viewing Platform. (Psst – visit in October for some of the best fall colors in Europe!)

Bregenz

Lake Constance is the third biggest lake in Central Europe and located around it are beautiful cities and villages including Bregenz. Step back in time at the ruins of Burgruine Hohenbregenz and Gebhardsberg and take a hike along one of the trails at Pfander Mountain which are accessed via a cable car. 

Alpine Wildlife Park, Eagle Observatory and Kunsthaus Bregenz Museum of Contemporary Art are some of the other must-visit attractions in the area. 

Zell am See  

Hit the slopes or the trails early and kick back in a spa all before dinner which can be enjoyed in one of the lovely restaurants in the medieval town center. This is life in the lakeside village of Zell am See.  

Lake Zell is a popular recreational area for visitors who enjoy paddleboarding and sailing and a trip on the scenic Pinzgauer Lokalbahn mountain railway is well worth it! Some of the notable attractions in the town include St. Hippolyte Church, Schmittenhöhe Mountain and Gipfelwelt 3000 Viewing Platform. 

St. Gilgen  

St. Gilgen is a tiny village situated in a scenic setting on Lake Wolfgang surrounded by rolling hills. Perhaps the setting will look familiar; some scenes from the Sound of Music were filmed here! 

A popular thing for visitors to do in the village is to take a cruise on the lake to get a better look at the amazing scenery but hiking at nearby Fuschlsee Lake is also popular. Take a trip to the summit of Schafberg Mountain where you’ll find a great restaurant and learn about local history at the Museum Zinkenbacher Mahlerkolonie.

Melk

Melk is located in a scenic location at the mouth of the Wachau Valley along the Danube River. Like many of the small cities around Austria, the center of life in Melk mostly takes place in the historic Old Town District.  

This is where you’ll find the very old buildings that give the city its character and many shops and restaurants. Atop a hill above this district is the huge 11th-century Melk Abbey which is a baroque Benedictine monastery. Schallaburg Castle, Paradiesgarten Garden, Albrechtsburg Castle and Schloss Artstetten Castle are some of the other popular attractions. 

Lienz   

Medieval charm, unique culture, the great outdoors and world-class historical attractions. These are just some of the things that draw visitors to the beautiful village of Lienz. Check out Bruck Castle where you’ll admire a 500-year-old art collection and learn about 750 years of history. 

Take a cable car up Lienzer Bergbahnen – Zettersfeld and enjoy spectacular mountain views. Visit Osttirodler Sommerrodelbahn Hochstein Lienz and catch some thrills on the roller coaster or take a hike along one of the trails. 

Spend an afternoon at Adventure World Assling where you’ll find a summer toboggan run and a wildlife park.  

Bludenz

Mountains and valleys make up the beautiful landscape surrounding Bludenz and one of the best ways to enjoy those views is with a trip in a cable car to the summit of Muttersberg. 

If you love to golf, you’ll love the challenging game that awaits you at the scenic 18-hole Golfclub Bludenz-Braz. For non-golfers, hiking at Mondspitze is a popular choice. Other notable attractions include Gayenhofen Castle and Museum der Stadt Bludenz Oberes Tor.  

After a long day, head to Fohrenburger Brewery which is one of the top breweries in the country. 

Salzburg

Located on the River Salzach in the northwest region of the country, Salzburg is widely known for being the birthplace of Mozart but it has so much more to offer to visitors! The Old Town district is where you’ll find many 16th and 17th-century landmarks such as the Residenzbrunnen fountain, the Salzburg Residenz and the Getreidegasse pedestrian zone. 

Look up and you’ll see the majestic Hohensalzburg Castle towering above the district. Other attractions include Mirabell Palace, Salzburg Cathedral and Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn.  

Of course, you can also visit the birthplace of one of the greatest composers of all time, and don’t forget to check out the stunning Baroque Gardens where scenes from The Sound of Music were filmed. 

Bad Gastein

Bad Gastein is a pretty spa town situated in a high valley of the Hohe Tauern Mountains. The town is known for its pristine nature which includes the must-see Gastein Waterfall, thick forests, sheer mountain cliffs and the hiking areas of Ankogelbahn and Graukogel. 

The center of town is known for its unique Belle Epoque architecture and is also where you’ll find The Gasteiner Museum. Don’t miss the Stubnerkogel Suspension Bridge where you’ll be able to admire stunning mountain views. 

Finkenberg

Located in the Tuxer Valley, Finkenberg is a beautiful mountain town known for its ski culture and abundance of places to downhill ski in winter and hike in the summer. In winter, Penken Mountain, Horbergbahn – Mayrhofner Bergbahnen, Rastkogel Bahnen and Harakiri, which is Austria’s steepest ski run, are top places to be. In the warmer months, visitors take to the trails at Tuxertal, Rastkogel and Ahornspitze.

Krems an der Donau

Krems an der Donau is a beautiful small city along the Danube River in the Wachau Valley in Lower Austria. This ancient city is known for its wine production and historic architecture. 

There are many great attractions around the city including Kunsthalle Krems Art Museum, Landesgalerie Niederösterreich, Karikaturmuseum Krems Art Museum and Göttweig Abbey.

Graz

Graz is a fairly large city that’s said to be one of the most beautifully preserved in all of Central Europe. Today, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vibrant culture and beautiful Baroque architecture. 

The city’s history and culture is highlighted in the many museums such as the Mohren Apotheke’s Theriak Museum, Graz Municipal Museum, Robert Stoltz Museum, Graz Art Museum and Landeszeughaus Armory Museum. 

At Schockl, you can take a gondola to a mountain peak where there are hiking trails and many of the city’s shops and restaurants can be found in the Old Town District. Other popular attractions include Mariatrost Basilica, the 17th-century Schloss Eggenberg Palace, Schloßberg Park, Uhrturm and the museum and birthplace of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Where are the best places to visit in Austria for hiking?

• Innsbruck
• Lech
• Dachstein
• Zillertal Alps
• Silvretta Alps

Where are the best places to visit in Austria for skiing?

• St. Anton am Arlberg
• Lech-Zürs am Arlberg
• Mayrhofen
• Sölden
• Alpbach
• Innsbruck

How to travel around Austria?

The easiest ways to travel around Austria are by train and by car. Search for train timetables and tickets in Austria on OBB.

It’s also possible to rent a car in Austria (or nearby Germany) and road trip around the country, which is a fantastic way to explore the countryside.

13 Helpful Car Rental Tips For First Timers

Where are the most beautiful towns in Austria?

There are so many beautiful towns and cities. We recommend Innsbruck, Salzburg, Hallstatt, and Lech!

How many days in Austria is enough?

You could spend months doing all the best things to do in Austria, but in reality, you probably don’t have that much time. We recommend spending at least a week in Austria, but 10 days would be ideal.

Some of the best hikes in Austria will have you climbing mountains and looking down over the colorful towns below; others will have you walking alongside sunny meadows and clear lakes. Whatever hike you most enjoy, you’ll find it for sure in Austria.

The Best Hikes in Austria

Gratlspitz Mountain

If you’re staying in Alpbach, don’t miss this hike. Sometimes referred to as “Round the Gratlspitz,” since the path takes you on a winding route through two mountain peaks, this is a beautiful hike with unparalleled views that make the nearly 2000-ft climb totally worth it. 

The route is an almost five-hour journey, so come prepared with water and snacks. Along the way, don’t miss the other sights, including old mining tunnels, a beautiful lake, and the Hösl chapel.

Location

Alpbachtal

Insider Tip

Though the pathways are pretty well-kept, there are definitely rougher areas with loose rocks and uneven footing, so be sure that your footwear is appropriate for hiking.

Lünersee Circuit Trail

If an alpine lake sounds cool to you, make sure you drop a pin at the Lünersee Circuit Trail. Located above Brandnertal, the route is easily accessible once you reach the area via cable car. Because it’s relatively flat (being lakeside), this is an excellent option for traveling families, particularly those with younger kids.

This is a relatively short little loop, but it’s just as beautiful as the longest of adventures. Clocking in at a total of six km (around two hours to complete fully), and with turquoise lake views for which this region is so well-known, it’s a great little gem that can easily be done without giving up your entire day.

Location:

Vorarlberg

Insider Tip:

Extending your hike is possible by hiking to Schesaplana, the highest peak in the Rätikon Alps.

The Eagle Walk

This is a long one! The Eagle Walk is one of Austria’s best-known routes, and it spans an astonishing 280 km, stretching from St. Johann and finishing at St. Anton am Arlberg. Luckily, it’s divided into 24 parts, so you can choose which stage of the hike is best suited to your needs.

Since the hike spans such a vast distance, different parts of it will allow you to see varied terrains. Austria has a ton of beautiful blue lakes, tiny villages and towns, and some of the world’s best mountain ranges.

Location

Vorarlberg through Tyrol

Insider Tip

Be sure to research the natural elements of each section for things like altitude and difficulty, since this will range dramatically from one part to another.

Nock/Art Hiking Trails

This series of hikes melds hiking with art. Located in Carinthia, the Nock/Art hiking trails are a series of six trails that mix the great outdoors with modern works of art. Along each of the six routes are different pieces of art from creators all over the world, and many are made from materials native to the area. The routes all range in difficulty, with some being super flat and walkable (great for kids) and others requiring a little mountaineering and climbing over scraggly parts.

The area has plenty of gems to visit, too. Don’t miss out on Bad Kleinkirchheim, a picturesque nearby village, and the other natural wonders of the nature reserve.

Location

Carinthia

Insider Tip

These trails are best done between May and October to appreciate the greenery of the region. 

Kröndlhorn

This is a longer hike, but it’s worth it, so it was a quick addition to the list of best hikes in Austria. It’s a solid seven hours there and back, but the views at the peak will make you glad you made the trek. Located in the Kitzbüheler Alps, the Kröndlhorn is among the tallest peaks in the area at a whopping 2,444 m—making it super popular with hikers and climbers.

The round trip is almost 14km, and there is some scrambling and actual light climbing involved in reaching the summit, but we promise the views are worth the upward hike. On the way up, there’s even a lake to help you cool down for a bit if you need it.

Location

South Tyrol

Insider Tip

Look out for the little chapel at the summit.

Hintersteiner See

Not far from the village of Scheffau is a beautiful lake—Hintersteiner See. It’s a beautiful spot surrounded by nature, and it’s an easy hike loop around its shores (only an hour and a half, or 5km). There are shuttle buses available for transport from nearby Scheffau to facilitate your trip there and back, so no car, no problem.

The lake itself makes for a great hiking view. Not only does it provide fantastic natural scenery, but the water is crisp and clear since the lake is fed by natural springs underground. There is a section open for swimming, but even in summer, the water can be quite chilly! 

Location

Tyrol

Insider Tip

Though nearby Scheffau is most visited in the summer, the area turns into a ski resort in the snowy winter months.

Karlsbader Hütte

Karlsbader Hütte is on the southern Austrian border, in the Gailtal Alps. Start your journey from the town of Lienz and drive up to the mountain hut Dolomitenhütte (this route costs €8). Look out for the sign indicating the hiking path (“Steig”) and follow that. This hike is around two hours one way. In the summer, you can camp overnight.

The hike itself offers a plethora of views—and not all of them down! Despite its name, this mountain is all limestone and no dolomite, but it’s stunningly beautiful all the same. In peak hiking season, you’ll have plenty of company as this is a very popular route to hike. 

Location

East Tyrol

Insider Tip

There’s still a lot of snow up until July, so if you want to see more of the mountain, visit in the later summer.

Halltal Salt Mining Trail

For more than 600 years, the Halltal Valley was primarily used for mining salt. Though the mines have been closed since the 1960s, the path used to transport the salt out of the mining area has been converted into an educational hiking trail, complete with signage explaining the history of the area. The hike finishes at an old mining shaft, where visitors can walk the first few meters.

This is a family-friendly hike and even offers an interactive quiz corner for young visitors. Though the amenities are child-friendly, there are definitely some more elevated parts to this trail (which is about 10km long, or about 5 hours), so it may be better suited to older children.

Location

Northern Tyrol

Insider Tip

Don’t miss the Bergerkapelle chapel and the Ladhütten huts.

Tiefenbach Gorge

There’s been a lot of mountain talk on this list of best hikes in Austria, but no mention of gorges—until now. This is a short hike at only an hour and a half each way, but definitely not short on natural beauty. For most of this walk, you will be quite high up, especially as you walk parallel with the rushing Brandenberg rapids below. The area is rich with interesting rock formations, fresh rushing waters, and verdant green forest. Looking down from the bridges, you will even spot canoers making their way along.

The path is 4km. Once you reach the end, you will come to a meadow; just beyond this is the Jausenstation Tiefenbachklamm, an excellent restaurant where you can refuel before heading back.

Location

Tyrol

Insider Tip

For safety reasons, the gorge routes are closed to the public on heavily rainy days.

Gaislacher See

If finishing a hike at a top restaurant 10,000 feet up sounds cool to you, then don’t miss this hike. From Sölden, there’s a gondola to take you up to Gaislacher See – a beautiful alpine lake where you can complete a loop around the stunning lake with its crisp water. Heads up; this loop takes only two hours in total but is very steep, so good shoes and some hiking experience is recommended.

Finish off at the legendary Ice Q Restaurant, which you might recognize from the James Bond movie Spectre. The food here is hailed as some of the best in Austria.

Location

Tyrol

Insider Tip

Stay in nearby Sölden for proximity and a quaint village experience.

Walderalm

If there’s such a thing as a wildflower enthusiast, this might be their dream hike. Walderalm’s alpine walk is rife with beautiful wild blooms sprawling across sunny meadows. It’s set amidst quaint little mountain cabins and backdropped by the Karwendel Mountains. Talk about a view worth seeing.

Gnadenwald, at the foot of the Karwendel Mountains, is a great spot to stay and explore once you’ve finished your hike.

Location

Tyrol

Insider Tip

Early summer is the best time to visit, especially if you’re here for the flora.

Senn’s Wonder Walking Trail

This is an informative and educational hike, but we promise you won’t be bored—and neither will your kids. Senn’s Wonder Walking Trail is a self-guided walking tour offering opportunities to learn about local flora and fauna, geology, and animal habitats. There are interactive displays and areas where you can experience these exact displays of nature, including a “drunken forest,” which shows gnarled trees native to the area.

Sennhütte Hut at the end of the hike is the perfect spot to stop and recharge your batteries while sampling specialties of the area.

Location

Tyrol

Insider Tip

Despite the amazing amenities offered, this is a free hike with zero entrance fee.

Drei-Seen-Rundwanderung

The name of this hike translates to ‘three-lake walk,’ simply because the hike takes you past three lakes, each more beautiful than the last – the Ampervreilasee, Selvasee, and Guraletschsee lakes. Considering the number of lakes, it’s a short hike, clocking in at only three hours roundtrip. That said, the difficulty is a little higher than many due to rougher terrain and lots of ups and downs.

You’ll walk through stunning meadows and hilltops full of alpine roses if you are there in early summer. There’s even a restaurant at the top where you can sample local dishes. 

Location

Tyrol

Insider Tip

Not far from here is the Alp Selva, known for its excellent cheeses.

Margaritzenstausee and Sandersee

This is an excellent option for a day hike. It’s located off the Grossglockner Alpine Road in Hohe Tauern National Park, home to Grossglockner Mountain – the tallest mountain in the country. While this hike won’t take you up that famed peak, it will take you high enough for some pretty awesome views of it.

You can start this hike at either end. But if you’re in it for the views, we recommend starting in Glocknerhaus so you can see the terrain unfold before you the closer you get to the base of the mountain. You’ll pass interesting and beautiful sights like the Margaritzenstausee Reservoir, the Pasterze Glacier, and Sandersee Lake. 

Location

Carinthia

Insider Tip

After Sandersee, you can keep going to Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, but be warned that the shuttle back to Glocknerhaus comes, at most, three times a day.

Giglach Lakes

Much like a workout cool down, we’re ending the list with an easier hike. Giglach Lakes is composed of two actual lakes, an upper and a lower, set in the mountains and reachable from Ursprungalm, which is accessible by a toll road. From Ursprungalm, it’s only an hour to the lakes.

There are mountain huts as great rest areas between legs of the hike, but even so, the full journey is three hours roundtrip, less than 9 km. The lakes are beautiful and picturesque, so be sure to bring your camera—you’ll be thankful that you did. 

Location

Styria

Insider Tip

For more of a challenge, this path is the beginning section of the Schladminger Tauern high trail, which spans several days.

Vorarlberg is the westernmost province in Austria and borders Switzerland. It has everything you could want from a winter destination. If you’re hungry for the slopes, like us, Vorarlberg has large resorts, intimate villages, and plenty of snow to go around.

Tips For The Perfect Austrian Ski Holiday

Pick up a guide

After visiting almost 20 different ski resorts in one season, we have found without fail that the best way to ensure we enjoy our day is to pick up a guide. Generally the larger the resort, the more you will benefit from a guide/instructor. It doesn’t matter your ability level as even expert riders and professionals hire a local guide who knows the mountain to show them the best places to head.

With fresh powder on our first day in Lech, we tackled some of Lech’s famous off-piste opportunities with our seasoned guide Berdnand. It was our first day of the season off-piste and we could not have asked for better conditions or terrain. The Vorarlberg region is famed for its off-piste opportunities with much of the skiable terrain above the treeline. All of this terrain is best accessed with the knowledge of a guide and proper safety equipment.

Rent or bring your own

There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to bringing your own gear or renting ski and snowboard equipment. If you have your own equipment and are flying from overseas, I would recommend at least bringing your boots as a carry-on. Nothing will fit like your own boots, and quality boots like my Burton Raiders are designed to form fit around your feet.

If you’re flying to the destination, it most likely makes sense to rent your gear. Flying with equipment can be a pain in the ass. You don’t need to assume rental gear will be the worst stuff ever as many rental shops have top-quality gear and you can also demo the latest pro setups. As with many things in life you get what you pay for, pro gear is costly, and rundown gear is cheap.

That said, we travel with our gear, but we also put in 20 days on the slopes around Italy, Austria, and Switzerland. A lot depends on the length of your trip and how many days you’ll actually ride or ski. If you’re looking for a great snowboard bag, we’ve used the Dakine Low Roller Bag.

If you’re a skier, this bag is great for traveling. Also, as a tip, if you’re using a rental car, you don’t need an SUV to get gear around just a standard vehicle with an open seat. We stick our gear upright in the seat with the tips under the front seat to avoid paying extra for a larger car.

Get off the slopes

If tackling the pistes or free ride options are not you’re calling, there are other activities to give a try. There are a wide array of winter activities to enjoy in Vorarlberg.

Or you could strap on a pair of snowshoes and head deep into the woods or trails and get closer to nature. We spent an evening walking from Lech to the neighboring village of Zug for dinner. With a village atmosphere known for being excellent hosts, you can enjoy wonderful alpine food around the area.

There are also several sled tracks which is always a blast. We didn’t take part in any of the tracks due to lack of time, but we’ve been sledding multiple times and find it’s something fun for everyone as you barrel down the mountain. It’s a particular highlight for a group of friends or families. It doesn’t matter your age just have some silly fun!

Cross-country skiing is big in the area, with tracks all over Voralberg. Before heading to Gargellen, we stopped by Bielerhoehe to take in the views of Piz Buin. The area is a stunning winter wonderland with glaciers and jaw-dropping mountain views. We spent an afternoon cross-country skiing on several tracks before snowing off the mountain.

There is also a small area to ski, snowboard around, and do some ski touring. In the summer, multi-day hikes are also quite popular here. Piz Buin is accessible via gondola from the village of Partenen, which can be easily reached within the Montafon region with an efficient bus system that connects the various ski areas and villages.

Just don’t assume the only thing you can do on a ski or snowboard holiday is ski or snowboard. They’re often the best way for groups to have fun together because riding or skiing in a group can be difficult on the pistes. We’ve done all sorts of activities around the slopes and suggest you research the individual offerings of every village and resort.

Nail your transportation plans

Once you’ve settled on the destination, you need to firm up flights and transportation. Vorarlberg can be accessed via international flights to Zurich, Munich, and Milan. In addition, smaller regional flights operate out of Innsbruck, Altenrhein, and Friedrichshafen.

We’re often big advocates of renting a car and driving ourselves from sight to sight. However, when it comes to a ski holiday in Austria, we suggest sticking to public transport, taxis, and private transfers as it is quite efficient and definitely safer in winter. If you plan on renting your gear or want to save a buck, public transport is amazing in the region, with a network of trains and buses linking almost every village in Austria.

To reach Lech am Arlberg you can take a train to the Langen am Arlberg railway station then a bus (bus 91) or private taxi to the village. Or you can opt for private or public transfers from the airport. Zurich airport, for example, has a ski bus that will deliver you to Lech am Arlberg from Zurich for around €80 in return. That comes out cheaper than renting a car, and you’re not liable if you spin out into a snowbank.

Chase the snow

This may be tough for everyone as plans are often made well in advance. However, if possible, it’s best to watch the weather and snow reports of the region and make your decision on where to base yourself.

Both of the villages we chose to go to in Austria are at a high elevation and virtually guarantee good quality snow, which we found plenty of! If you’re making late-season plans look at the snowfall averages and who has had a good season before booking tickets.

Pick the right region

The key to a good vacation or holiday is to not overextend yourself. We travel full time and have made travel our job, so we’re able to canvas a larger area, but with limited time it’s best to concentrate on one area. One of the best in Austria and Europe, for that matter, is Vorarlberg. Vorarlberg, Austria, was an easy choice for us when we were planning our recent Europe trip. They have fantastic ski resorts and what is widely considered to be one of the best areas to ski in the world.

So once we settled on Vorarlberg, we began to pick our destination (or destinations) within that area. We picked two of Vorarlberg’s best villages – Lech and Gargellen. Each with its own distinct feel. We chose Lech am Arlberg because it’s a massive resort that is well known for being the best in the world. While Gargellen is a lesser-known resort with a lot to offer for those looking for a quiet mountain village.

Lech am Arlberg

If we were to pick one of our favorite European resorts, it would definitely be Lech Zurs Arlberg. The village ambiance is tough to beat due to a wide selection of boutique hotels, all intimate in size due to strict ordinance laws. You won’t find mega hotels or foreign investments in this former farming village.

It’s all distinctly Austrian, with restaurants, hotels, bars, chalets, and B&Bs run by local families. Everything in the village is modern and luxurious but understated, so you won’t be completely gobsmacked here. This charm is what continues to draw regulars from around the world year after year.

There are a limited amount of beds in Lech, which in turn decreases the number of visitors on the slopes. We never had to wait in line here and rarely felt crowded on piste despite less than ideal weather closing many runs. And despite being well known for celebrities and royalty Lech puts on an open atmosphere for all to enjoy.

As Americans, we still can’t get over the fact that a lift ticket to one of the most famous resorts in the world costs only €55 compared to $100+ for average resorts in North America. Our first evening in Lech was magical as we wandered around the town, snapping photos and ducking into a bar for a drink.

There’s a lot more to Lech than a beautiful village. It’s often credited as one of the birthplaces of alpine skiing. A wide array of pistes are connected with neighboring resorts to form the largest ski area in Austria. The pistes are well groomed with snowmaking capabilities – if they even have to use them due to regular snowfall every year.

To make matters only better, they have awesome chairlifts. It’s tough to complain about a chairlift that is fast, covered with a bubble, and has seat warmers. Yes, you read that right. Many of the chairlifts have seat warmers! Alpine sports were done for the region with a high elevation and terrain that begs skiers and snowboarders to ride.

Lech is famed for its freeride opportunities, and as our first taste of off-piste, we were not disappointed with the fun terrain, deep powder, and fresh lines. We recommend picking up a guide with intimate knowledge of the mountain to make the most of your time on your Austrian ski holiday. The early bird gets the worm here at Lech, and the early risers are the ones likely to find untouched tracks.

Gargellen

The best-kept secret in the whole region is Gargellen, and I’m even a little nervous to write about it and let it out! Gargellen is a wonderfully charming town with no through traffic, so there are few day trippers and a strong local vibe.

With only a couple of restaurants, bars, and hotels, the village is anything but overwhelming, making it so special. The mountain village is high up in the mountains and is the highest in the Montafon region, with almost guaranteed snow. That couldn’t have been truer on our visit as the snow was piled high over our heads.

The same day we arrived in Gargellen, a large winter storm hit the area hard with a meter of snow, forcing the roads to close. Everyone in Gargellen, including ourselves, was cut off from the world until roads were to open back up. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise as Gargellen sits at a high elevation and is only accessible via a long mountain road, so when the snow really falls, road closures can sometimes happen. Granted, the last occurrence was sometime in 2011.

After two days of enjoying the heavy snow, the skies cleared up, and we were treated to a stunning mountain. Just behind the mountains lies Davos-Klosters in Switzerland. However, Gargellen draws a much smaller crowd than its Swiss neighbor. In good conditions, it’s possible for experts to take ski tours over to Switzerland for the day, and in the summer, hikers can follow in the footsteps of smugglers to the neighboring country.

We had several days on the mountain and had a chance to get familiar with the resort. It’s not massive in size, but it does offer several nice groomed pistes, ski routes (closed for us), and off-piste opportunities.

As solid intermediate riders, we had a great time, but there is nothing challenging here for expert skiers unless they’re off to explore the mountains on a ski tour. What made our trip so amazing was a wonderful powder day on the slopes – a common occurrence with high elevation. It’s almost impossible to beat a powder day with sunny skies!

Get the right accommodation

Accommodation in Austrian ski villages is often small boutique hotels offering wonderful local service. These hotels are well appointed and offer an intimate experience. We love that many hotels offer the ability to book a room on half board. Half board is a great option as it simplifies your ski holiday. This supplies you with breakfast and dinner while you only have to pick where to have lunch on the slopes. Other features to look for when it comes to accommodation in the Alps are a dedicated ski room, sauna, and proximity to the slope.

In Lech am Arlberg, we stayed at the wonderful Das Georg. It was charming and quirky with gold and purple portraits of Lech’s famous guests like Tina Turner and Princess Diana. The boutique hotel is tastefully decorated with modern appointments, a sauna, and a ski room.

Our room had a wonderful view of the mountain and village. After a cold day on the mountain, we enjoyed relaxing our legs in the wooden parlor along with some snacks and a coffee. The hotel does not offer a restaurant, so there is no half-board option, but that is not a problem with plenty of restaurants in the village – just make sure to book reservations for dinner in Lech.

Our hotel, the Alpenhotel Heimspitze, in Gargellen, has to be one of our favorite places we’ve ever stayed. The lovely staff and hoteliers could not have treated us better. The hotel is wonderfully charismatic, with mountain charm and modern rooms. Most important to us, they had great food and a delicious breakfast – with delicious vegetarian options (hard to come by in the alps). If you’re looking for a low-key holiday in a beautiful little Austrian village, then come to Gargellen and stay at this hotel. Trust me, you won’t want to leave!

Pack right

Bring all your winter clothing items with you to Austria before you arrive because if you need a pair of mittens in a European ski town, you’ll pay a steep price for them. Here’s our guide to packing for a ski and snowboard trip, showcasing an extensive list of items you’ll want. Decathlon is a great option for finding outdoor gear at a reasonable price if you’re heading to big cities in Europe. We’ve been shopping here for years, and it’s safe to say it’s our favorite European store.

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