Austrian Alps Holidays
Austrian Alps Holidays
Home to crystal-clear waters, fresh Alpine air and lush mountain scenery, the Austrian Alps are detoxifying for the mind, body and soul. With a relatively low altitude and easy-going pace, our Austrian Alps holidays introduce you to the best bits of this beautiful region. Following stunning walking routes, you’ll discover the centuries-old history and culture of the country at places such as St Wolfgang’s antique cog railway and the Mozart Museum in St Gilgen.
Whatever kind of adventure you want to embark on in Austria, this is a unique and magnificent region with fantastic terrain perfect for alpine walking and trekking, as well as winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Leutasch is especially pretty, and its winter wonderland scenery is ideal for skiing, tobogganing and snowshoeing, so it’s no surprise it has hosted the Winter Olympics twice.
Perhaps you’d prefer to go cycling on one of our Austrian Alps trips and explore the lakeside trails and meadows during summer when the countryside is blanketed with wildflowers rather than snow. Salzkammergut has excellent cycle trails and is Austria’s famous Lake District, where still waters shimmer below alpine villages. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Hallstatt and the spa town of Bad Ischl are also great places to explore during your tour here.
Whichever Austrian Alps trips you choose, you’re guaranteed picturesque landscapes year-round and unforgettable experiences. From mountainside walks in the Tyrol and cross-country skiing to cycling in the Rettenbachtal Valley, Austria has it all.
Austrian Alps Holidays
Top 5 Most Beautiful Places to Visit on Austrian Alps Holidays
Bad Ischl: Known for its thermal springs, glistening lakes and mountainous backdrop, the spa town of Bad Ischl has a most beautiful setting and is set to become the European Capital of Culture in 2024. Dotted throughout the town you’ll see Baroque churches and grand architecture. Bad Ischl is also called the Imperial City as it was a regular stomping ground for Emperor Franz Josef as well as other emperors. Alongside the River Ischl, there are several buildings of interest, and it’s worth visiting the Imperial Villa, the Katrin, and the Congress and Theatre House.
Hallstatt: Nestled on the banks of the idyllic Lake Hallstatt, this pretty town stands against fjord-like hills and dates back to the Iron Age. A walk along the lakeside introduces you to the UNESCO World Heritage area where you’ll discover the extraordinary Dachstein Ice Caves and old salt mines. Each season brings with it new scenes to explore in Hallstatt, but autumn is especially captivating as intense colours paint the landscape. There’s plenty to do here too, whether that’s taking a boat trip on the lake, learning about the history at Museum Hallstatt or visiting the intriguing Charnel House which stands inside a Baroque chapel and houses over 600 painted skulls.
St Gilgen: The delightful village of St Gilgen rests on the shore of Lake Wolfgangsee in the Salzkammergut region of Salzburg. There’s a real elegance about it, with its blend of Baroque and Rococo architecture, frescoed houses and dramatic peaks. St Gilgen has long been associated with Mozart as it was home to his family, although it’s believed that Mozart himself never visited here. You can take the cable car up to Zwölferhorn mountain and enjoy sublime views over the valley, amble around the café-lined streets or visit the onion-domed church which features in the opening scenes of The Sound of Music.
Stubai Glacier: Affectionately known as the ‘Top of the Tyrol’, Stubai Glacier lies at over 3,000m and stretches for an incredible 42km. While it is a popular resort for skiing and tobogganing during winter, in the summer it’s a natural paradise for walkers, and boasts some of the finest views of the Italian Dolomites. As well as visiting the magnificent ice grotto in summer, you can also hike across the glacier and dine at the mountain restaurant, where uninterrupted panoramas unfold. On the summit of Stubai Glacier, there’s also a viewing platform that is just out over the cliffs.
Lake Schwarzsee: Surrounded by forest trails and the Wilder Kaiser mountains, Lake Schwarzsee is considered one of the most beautiful of the Austrian lakes. Although its name translates to ‘black lake’, its waters are ridiculously green and the warmest in the Alps, making it a great place to enjoy some wild swimming in the summer months. There are lots of walking routes around the area to choose from, leading you through pretty meadows and woodland interspersed by traditional farmhouses and mountain peaks.
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