Ski resorts in Austria Photo: Florian Brandl, CC BY-SA, flickr.com
The Vilsalpsee in the Tannheimer Tal Photo: Hartmut Wimmer, Outdooractive Editors

Austria

Austria is a true Alpine country and thus predestined as a destination for outdoor athletes. Over 60% of the country's area lies in the mountains: From the Tyrolean Central Alps through the High and Low Tauern, the Northern and Southern Limestone Alps to the Vienna Woods.

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Destinations in Austria

Regions

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Burgenland

Burgenland is the kind of place that tourists return to over and over. In search for travel ...

Carinthia

If you are planning an action packed vacation, you have to consider Carinthia. Looking for some ...

Lower Austria

If you are planning an active holiday, there is no better location than Lower Austria. Hungry for ...

Salzburg

An active break in Salzburg offers everything but boredom. Hiking in the Salzburger Land is a ...

Styria

Beautiful landscape, kind people and dozens of things to do: Styria is a favorite destination ...

Tyrol

Tyrol is the kind of place that travelers return to over and over. Looking for travel suggestions? ...

Upper Austria

If you are dreaming of an sporty holiday, you can’t get around Upper Austria. In search for travel ...

Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The ...

Vorarlberg

For those who like to discover special things while traveling, Vorarlberg is richly endowed with ...

Activities in Austria

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Experience Austria's impressive nature

Mighty mountain ranges that cover two-thirds of the country, fresh air, intact nature, clean water, and a pleasant climate – this is Austria! To the north, Austria's unique cultural and natural landscape borders Germany and the Czech Republic, to the west Switzerland, to the south Italy, and to the east Hungary and Slovakia.

Nature can best be explored in the warm season by hiking, climbing, and biking. Those who want to master great alpine challenges set out to climb the 3798 m high Großglockner, Austria's highest mountain. Leisure hikers embark on a relaxed alpine tour or one of the many high-altitude trails. The opportunities for outdoor fans are incredibly diverse. In this travel guide, you will find countless tour suggestions – let yourself be inspired!

Austria in winter

In winter, Austria transforms into a dream of ice and snow – attracting many skiers, snowboarders, cross-country skiers, and various other winter sports enthusiasts to the region. No wonder – the country has its charms at different altitudes. Whether skiing in the Pitztal or on the Wilder Kaiser or enjoying a cozy snowshoe hike on the Zwölferhorn or the Thurner Gemeinde Alm. Added to this are the many thermal baths and wellness hotels where you can relax after a strenuous day on the mountain. Austria is a true winter paradise that you should definitely visit at least once.

Snowshoes · Schober Group
Thurner Gemeinde Alm (2,052m) from Zettersfeld (1,812m)
Ski Touring · Totes Gebirge (eng. Dead Mountains)
Sandling (1717m), the salt mountain in the heart of Austria
6% Open

Ski resorts · Ötztal Alps
Pitztaler Gletscher & Rifflsee
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Ski resorts · Ötztal Alps
Kaunertal Glacier
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Ski resorts · Allgäu Alps
Fellhorn / Kanzelwand
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Ski resorts · Wetterstein Mountains and Mieming Chain
Skiarena Seefeld
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Ski resorts · Silvretta
Silvretta Montafon
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Ski resorts · Kitzbühel Alps
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental

The most beautiful cities in Austria

The most beautiful cities of Austria

Palm House at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna

As Austria's capital, Vienna is probably the best-known city in the Alpine country. It is one of Europe's most important cultural and political metropolises and impresses with the highest quality of life. The picturesque old town leads through the magnificent history of the empire and fascinates with sights such as the Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace, and numerous museums.

Located on the Danube, the city also offers numerous opportunities for romantic walks, extensive bike tours, and lots of fun in the water.

Following the Danube westward leads to Linz. Once a steel city, it has now become a vibrant cultural laboratory and a trendy city. The connection to nature has not been lost in the capital of Upper Austria. With its botanical garden, skate parks, and city hiking trails, there is plenty to offer nature lovers.

Urban Walk · Austria
Prater Hauptallee
Urban Walk · Austria
Schönsten Plätze Wiens
Urban Walk · Linz region
Stadtrundgang Linz und Pöstlingberg

View over Innsbruck

Those who are passionate about nature and music should not miss a visit to the Mozart city of Salzburg. In addition to historical buildings and a rich history, the city is especially known for its virtuoso musicians. The city can also enchant with its nature, featuring gentle city mountains, extensive parks, and plenty of water for pleasant refreshment.

A UNESCO World Heritage site is Austria's second-largest city Graz. The capital of Styria combines a historic old town with futuristic architecture and is seen as a lively, colorful place that offers something for every taste. Active holidaymakers will find numerous tours in nature around the city, along the Mur River, up the Graz castle hill or Schöckl.

Demanding mountain adventures are also offered by Innsbruck. The city in western Austria is not only the capital of Tyrol but also of the Alps. Located in the Inn Valley at the foot of the Nordkette, the Karwendel, and the alpine Central Chain, it is a true paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts in both summer and winter.

Urban Walk · Salzburg and surroundings
City Walking Tour Salzburg
Urban Walk · Innsbruck region
Innsbruck
Urban Walk · Graz region
Schlossberg: Above the roofs historic city centre

Land of Lakes

Austria is also the land of lakes and thereby a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. A few facts: The largest inland lake in Austria is Lake Attersee in Upper Austria. The crystal-clear and turquoise shimmering lake is especially popular among sailors and divers. The shores offer wonderful opportunities for hiking and cycling.

The deepest lake in Austria is Lake Traunsee, also located in Upper Austria. At its deepest point, it is almost 200 meters deep. Around Lake Traunsee rise the foothills of the Totes Gebirge and the Höllengebirge. The Traunstein (1650 m) is one of the most popular hikes in Austria, no wonder, as the view is magnificent.

The Weissensee is considered the highest bathing lake in the Alps. It is located in the Gailtal Alps in Carinthia. The region is known for sustainable and nature-friendly tourism. In Carinthia, there are many other lakes surrounded by mountains where you can enjoy the summer.