Austria

The Alps & Tyrol

Discover the Allure of Innsbruck

  • Wander through Innsbruck's charming medieval Old Town, admiring the Golden Roof and historic architecture.
  • Ascend the Nordkettenbahnen cable cars, offering panoramic views from the city center to the high alpine peaks.
  • Visit the Hofburg Imperial Palace to explore the former residence of Habsburg emperors and its rich history.
  • Explore Ambras Castle, showcasing Habsburg art and armory collections in a Renaissance setting just outside the city.
  • Stroll along the Inn River promenade, enjoying the scenic mountain backdrop and vibrant city life.

Explore Tyrol's Picturesque Towns

  • Wander the well-preserved medieval streets of Hall in Tirol, known for its historic mint and charming atmosphere.
  • Experience the dazzling artistic installations at Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens.
  • Discover the unique charm of Rattenberg, Austria's smallest town, renowned for its glass artistry and medieval castle ruins.
  • Explore Kufstein with its impressive fortress overlooking the Inn River.
  • Visit the traditional Tyrolean village of Alpbach, known for its uniform architectural style and scenic beauty.

Embark on Scenic Hikes in Western Austria

  • Hike to the breathtaking Stuiben Falls, Tyrol's highest waterfall, in the Ötztal Valley.
  • Explore the diverse hiking trails in the Zillertal Valley, from gentle valley walks to challenging alpine ascents.
  • Discover the rugged beauty and panoramic views of the Karwendel Nature Park, offering numerous hiking opportunities.
  • Hike through sections of the Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria's largest national park with glaciers and high peaks.
  • Enjoy the lakeside trails and mountain hikes around the scenic Achensee, Tyrol's largest lake.

Experience World-Class Snow Sports

  • Ski or snowboard in the legendary resort of St. Anton am Arlberg, known for its challenging terrain and vibrant après-ski.
  • Enjoy the sophisticated slopes and charming atmosphere of Kitzbühel, home to the famous Hahnenkamm races.
  • Discover the high-altitude skiing and snowboarding in Sölden, with its glacier ski areas.
  • Experience the lively après-ski and extensive slopes of Ischgl in the Paznaun Valley.
  • Explore the family-friendly and interconnected ski areas of the Zillertal Arena.

Discover the Beauty of the Salzburg Region

  • Explore Salzburg city, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Mozart's birthplace, with its stunning baroque architecture and musical heritage.
  • Visit the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alps.
  • Stroll through the enchanting Mirabell Gardens, a masterpiece of landscape design with iconic "Sound of Music" backdrops.
  • Discover the picturesque lakeside town of Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut, famed for its stunning scenery and historic salt production.
  • Explore the Eisriesenwelt ice cave in Werfen, one of the largest ice caves in the world, near Salzburg.

Savor the Beauty of Vorarlberg

  • Visit Bregenz on Lake Constance, known for the modern Kunsthaus Bregenz and its lakeside promenade.
  • Enjoy the unique and spectacular performances of the Bregenz Festival on its floating stage in the lake.
  • Hike or bike through the scenic Bregenzerwald region, known for its traditional wooden architecture and sustainable tourism.
  • Explore the Arlberg region in summer for its challenging high-altitude hiking trails and stunning alpine landscapes.

Unwind in Carinthia's Lakes and Mountains

  • Relax by the turquoise waters of the Wörthersee, known for its vibrant lakeside towns and water sports.
  • Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Millstätter See, surrounded by the Nockberge mountains, ideal for hiking and relaxation.
  • Drive the breathtaking Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria's highest paved mountain pass, with stunning glacier views.
  • Visit the impressive medieval Hochosterwitz Castle, perched atop a dramatic rock formation with panoramic views.

Vienna & Wine Country

Discover the Imperial Grandeur of Vienna

  • Visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and its extensive gardens, including the Gloriette and Tiergarten.
  • Explore the vast Hofburg Palace complex, encompassing imperial apartments, museums, and the Spanish Riding School.
  • Marvel at the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral and ascend its towers for city views.
  • Admire masterpieces at the Belvedere Palace and explore its baroque gardens.
  • Experience Viennese coffee house culture and indulge in Sachertorte.
  • Enjoy a classical music concert or opera performance in a historic setting.

Vienna Beyond the Classics

  • Explore the vibrant Naschmarkt with its diverse food stalls and international flavors.
  • Immerse yourself in art and culture at the MuseumsQuartier.
  • Discover Hundertwasserhaus, an architecturally unique and colorful apartment building.
  • Explore the Danube Island, a recreational area for cycling, swimming, and relaxing.

Explore the Scenic Wachau Valley

  • Wander through the picturesque vineyards of this UNESCO World Heritage site along the Danube.
  • Visit the medieval town of Dürnstein and its castle ruins.
  • Explore the impressive Melk Abbey, a baroque masterpiece.
  • Cycle or take a scenic boat trip along the Danube River.
  • Discover charming wine taverns (Heuriger) and sample local wines.

Lower Austria's Castles and Abbeys

  • Explore the impressive Burg Kreuzenstein, a medieval castle with stunning views.
  • Visit Schallaburg Castle, known for its Renaissance architecture and exhibitions.
  • Discover the magnificent Klosterneuburg Abbey, with its historical and artistic treasures.
  • Explore the Roman city of Carnuntum and its archaeological park.
  • Hike or relax in the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) and visit Heiligenkreuz Abbey.
  • Experience the thermal spas and imperial history of Baden bei Wien.

Upper Austria's Imperial Connections and Lakes

  • Visit Linz and its modern Lentos Art Museum and interactive Ars Electronica Center.
  • Explore the historic imperial city of Steyr, at the confluence of two rivers.
  • Discover Gmunden on Traunsee and its picturesque Seeschloss Ort.
  • Enjoy the beauty of Attersee, the largest lake entirely within Austria, popular for sailing.

Burgenland: Nature and Culture

  • Explore the wine region around Lake Neusiedl (UNESCO) and sample local varieties.
  • Enjoy birdwatching in the unique landscape around Lake Neusiedl.
  • Visit Eisenstadt, home to the Esterházy Palace where Joseph Haydn worked.
  • Discover Forchtenstein Castle and its impressive treasury.
  • Explore the charming historic town of Rust with its stork nests and traditional architecture.

Styria: The Green Heart's Diverse Offerings

  • Explore Graz and its UNESCO World Heritage old town and the Schlossberg.
  • See the Lipizzaner horses at the Piber stud farm.
  • Relax in the thermal spas of Styria, known as the "Green Heart."
  • Hike in the stunning Schladming-Dachstein region with its glaciers and waterfalls.
  • Visit Riegersburg Castle, perched atop a volcanic rock with panoramic views.
  • Sample local culinary specialties like pumpkin seed oil (Kürbiskernöl).

Suggested Travel Itinerary

Austria - 6 Weeks

Days 1-6: Vienna - Imperial Capital

  • Arrive in Vienna. Explore the historic city center (St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, Graben).
  • Visit Schönbrunn Palace and its extensive gardens.
  • Explore the Belvedere Palace (Klimt's "The Kiss").
  • Immerse yourself in art and culture at the MuseumsQuartier.
  • Experience Viennese coffee house culture and try local pastries. Consider a classical music concert.
  • Explore the vibrant Naschmarkt with its diverse food stalls and international flavors.
  • Optional: Visit the Prater amusement park and ride the Giant Ferris Wheel for city views.

Days 7-13: Exploring Vienna's Surroundings

  • Wachau Valley: Explore charming towns like Dürnstein and Krems, enjoy a bike tour through the vineyards, and visit local wineries for tastings (Grüner Veltliner and Riesling are regional specialties). Experience a Heuriger (traditional wine tavern).
  • Thermenregion: Explore the Thermenregion (Thermal Region) south of Vienna, known for its unique wines (Rotgipfler and Zierfandler) and thermal spas. Visit local wineries, enjoy wine tastings, and perhaps relax in a thermal bath. Explore the town of Baden bei Wien.
  • Weinviertel: Discover the Weinviertel (Wine Quarter) north of Vienna, Austria's largest wine-growing region, famous for its Grüner Veltliner. Wander through the vineyards, visit wine cellars, and enjoy a Heuriger experience.
  • Explore the Roman Carnuntum archaeological site east of Vienna.
  • Visit the Seegrotte Hinterbrühl, an underground lake, south of the city.

Days 14-16: Salzburg - Mozart's Birthplace

  • Travel to Salzburg. Explore the Old Town (Getreidegasse, Mozart's birthplace).
  • Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views.
  • Stroll through the Mirabell Gardens.
  • Explore Salzburg Cathedral. Consider a "Sound of Music" tour.

Days 17-24: The Alps - Lakes and High Views

  • Travel to the Salzkammergut region. Explore Hallstatt, St. Wolfgang, and other picturesque lake towns.
  • Hike around one of the Salzkammergut lakes (e.g., Wolfgangsee, Traunsee). Consider a cogwheel railway ride up a mountain for views.
  • Drive a scenic route through the Austrian Lake District.
  • Visit the Eisriesenwelt Werfen (world's largest ice cave) near Werfen.
  • Explore the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, focusing on different viewpoints and hiking trails.
  • Consider a visit to the Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria's largest national park, for extensive hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Enjoy the thermal spas and wellness facilities in the alpine regions for relaxation.
  • Seasonal: Consider spending a day or two at a ski resort in the Dachstein West region, known for its family-friendly slopes and stunning views.

Days 25-32: Innsbruck - Capital of Tyrol

  • Travel to Innsbruck. Check into your accommodation.
  • Explore Innsbruck's Old Town (Golden Roof, Hofburg Imperial Palace, City Tower).
  • Take the Nordkettenbahnen cable car for stunning alpine views and hiking opportunities. Seasonal: Direct access to challenging slopes and a snow park.
  • Visit Ambras Castle with its historical collections.
  • Explore the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens.
  • Hike or bike along the Inn River.
  • Day trip to Hall in Tirol, a charming medieval town near Innsbruck.
  • Ride the Patscherkofelbahn for more mountain views and hiking.
  • Experience a traditional Tyrolean evening with music and food.
  • Explore local markets and sample Tyrolean specialties.
  • Seasonal: Explore the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck, encompassing resorts like Axamer Lizum (known for its challenging terrain) and Patscherkofel (family-friendly and panoramic views).

Days 33-42: Exploring Tyrol - Valleys and Mountains

  • Travel to the Ötztal Valley. Enjoy hiking (Stuiben Falls), visit the Aqua Dome thermal spa. Explore villages like Sölden or Oetz.
  • Travel to the Zillertal Valley. Consider the Hintertux Glacier, ride the Zillertalbahn steam train, enjoy hiking or mountain biking.
  • Explore the Achensee Lake region. Take a boat trip, hike in the Karwendel Alps, visit charming lakeside villages.
  • Drive along a scenic alpine road (e.g., Kaunertal Glacier Road or Silvretta High Alpine Road - check for seasonal openings). Enjoy viewpoints and short hikes.
  • Visit the Lechtal Valley, known for its natural beauty and hiking trails.
  • Explore the Wilder Kaiser mountain range, offering stunning scenery and hiking opportunities. Consider a cable car ride.
  • Discover charming villages like Alpbach (known as Austria's most beautiful village) or Rattenberg (Austria's smallest town).
  • Enjoy local cuisine at traditional mountain inns (Gasthöfe).
  • Consider paragliding or other adventure activities.
  • Seasonal Skiing & Snowboarding: Tyrol offers world-class resorts like Sölden (glacier skiing), extensive areas in the Zillertal, and the vast SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, catering to all skill levels.
  • Diverse Winter Activities: Beyond major resorts, explore family-friendly options (Christlum, Rofan), glacier skiing (Kaunertal), charming ski villages (Alpbach), and enjoy activities like ski touring and snowshoeing.