Exploring The Austrian Alps: Must-See Attractions

The Austrian Alps are a sight to behold, with towering mountains, fairy-tale-like towns, and stunning architecture. The majestic mountain range stretches across the country, offering awe-inspiring Ice Age valleys, verdant heaths, and alluvial cones within Europe's largest national park, Hohe Tauern.

The Austrian Alps are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with popular activities including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and paragliding. The range also boasts spectacular cities such as Salzburg and Innsbruck, as well as the beautiful province of Tirol.

- Salzburg: This city is known for its rich history, stunning views, and Baroque architecture. Visitors can explore Fortress Hohensalzburg, wander through the Salzburger Altstadt, and take part in the Original Sound of Music Tour.

- Innsbruck: Innsbruck offers stunning views and a variety of winter sports. Visitors can ride the Hungerburg Funicular, explore the Altstadt von Innsbruck, and enjoy the Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen.

- Klagenfurt: This city is situated on the famous Lake Worthersee, one of the largest and warmest Alpine lakes in Europe. Visitors can enjoy winter sports on the lake or explore the surrounding mountain scenery.

- Nassfeld: Nassfeld is a well-known ski resort with 110 km of ski areas, 1000 km of hiking trails, and 950 km of cycling trails. The Sommerrodelbahn, a 2 km mountain roller coaster, is a must-try for adrenaline seekers.

- Grossarl: Grossarl offers 400 km of signposted hiking trails and numerous mountain huts. Visitors can hike to the Saukarkopf mountain and relax in one of the many spas.

- Schruns: Schruns is a small village surrounded by mountains, offering snowshoeing trails and winter hiking trails.

- Stuiben Waterfall: Visitors can hike up the well-designed trail alongside the waterfall and even climb alongside it using a wire cable.

- Wilder Kaiser: Wilder Kaiser offers a variety of summer and winter activities, including swimming and hiking at Hintersteinsee, cross-country skiing, and alpine skiing at Skiwelt.

- Kaprun: Kaprun provides a range of outdoor activities and is home to the Kitzsteinhorn, a famous skiing mountain. Visitors can also explore the Oldtimer Museum and enjoy family-friendly activities at the Maiskogel Family Mountain.

- Hallstatt: This village, situated on the western shore of Lake Hallstatt, is known for its 16th-century Alpine houses and cafes. Visitors can explore the Salzwelten salt mine, take a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt, and discover the Dachstein Caves.

Innsbruck: Enjoy the views from the Bergisel Ski Jump, take a cable car up to the highest peak, and visit the Swarovski Crystal World

Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region, is a must-see destination in the Austrian Alps. Here are three experiences you should not miss when visiting Innsbruck:

Enjoy the Views from the Bergisel Ski Jump

The Bergisel Ski Jump offers stunning panoramic views of Innsbruck and its surroundings. While you can admire the ski jump structure itself, which is impressive, the real highlight is the opportunity to climb to the top of the tower. From there, you can capture breathtaking photos of the city and the surrounding alpine landscape. The ski jump is easily accessible by walk or public transport, and the journey is definitely worth the effort. Keep in mind that there are a lot of steps to climb, so be prepared for a bit of a workout!

Take a Cable Car up to the Highest Peak

Innsbruck offers a range of cable cars and lifts that provide easy access to the region's highest peaks. The Nordkettenbahnen lifts and cable cars, for example, can take you from the city centre to over 2,000 metres in just half an hour. The Patscherkofelbahn gondola is another great option, offering views of more than 400 peaks. These cable cars allow you to comfortably reach breathtaking alpine landscapes, natural jewels, and mountain huts without the need for strenuous hiking.

Visit the Swarovski Crystal World

Swarovski Crystal World, located in Wattens, is a captivating brand experience celebrating the brilliance and beauty of Swarovski Crystals. It features dazzling art installations, exhibits in the Chambers of Wonder, and an enchanting garden. The on-site store is one of the largest Swarovski stores worldwide, offering a unique fusion of shopping and spectacular art. Additionally, at the entrance to Innsbruck's historic Old Town, you can discover the latest Swarovski jewellery alongside contemporary art installations.

Salzburg: Visit the 11th-century Fortress Hohensalzburg and explore the Baroque Old Town, Salzburger Altstadt

Salzburg is a beautiful city in Austria, known for its stunning natural scenery, rich history, and cultural attractions. Here are some highlights of what to see and do in Salzburg:

Fortress Hohensalzburg

This 11th-century castle complex is a striking landmark that towers over the city of Salzburg. Perched atop Festungsberg mountain at an altitude of 506 meters, it is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. The fortress was built at the behest of the powerful prince-archbishops of Salzburg, who wanted to protect their interests. Over the centuries, it has been expanded and fortified, serving as a city defence, casern, and prison at various times. Today, it stands as a magnificent example of medieval architecture and offers breathtaking views of the city and the Alps. Inside, you can explore the medieval Royal Apartments, admire the sumptuous state apartments, and learn about the fascinating history of the archbishops. Don't miss the "Salzburg Bull", a huge mechanical organ with over 200 pipes, which plays several times a day.

Getting to Fortress Hohensalzburg

You can choose to walk up to the fortress, which takes around 20 to 30 minutes from the Old Town, or take the Festungsbahn funicular railway, which will get you there in just under a minute.

Salzburger Altstadt (Salzburg Old Town)

The Salzburger Altstadt, or Salzburg Old Town, is a Baroque masterpiece. Its cobblestone streets, picturesque squares, and elegant architecture will transport you back in time. Here are some highlights of what to see and do in the Old Town:

• Salzburg Cathedral: This Baroque cathedral is known for its opulent artwork, grand architecture, and remarkable acoustics. It hosts concerts and cultural events and is definitely worth a visit.
• Schloss Mirabell & Mirabellgarten: This UNESCO World Heritage Site features serene gardens, beautiful florals, statues, and iconic movie scenes. It's the perfect spot for a leisurely walk.
• Altstadt von Innsbruck: Explore the charming medieval architecture, scenic river walks, and quaint cafes and shops of this historic neighbourhood. Don't miss the iconic Golden Roof!
• Christmas Market: During the festive season, the Old Town comes alive with a magical Christmas market. Handmade chocolates, traditional crafts, and festive decorations fill the air with holiday cheer.

Nassfeld: Try the Sommerrodelbahn, a 2km mountain roller coaster, and enjoy the ski areas, hiking trails and cycling trails

Nassfeld is a well-known ski resort in Carinthia, Austria's most southern state, sitting near the Italian border. It offers 110km of ski areas, 1000km of hiking trails, and 950km of cycling trails. Many of the trails are reached from the Milleniumsbahn, a gondola that takes you high into the Austrian mountains so you can enjoy amazing views from the start of your hike.

Make sure to try the Sommerrodelbahn, a 2km mountain roller coaster where you can reach speeds of up to 40km/hr! There are a few different options depending on your abilities, and it's even family-friendly, with a course designed for kids.

Nassfeld is a great base for a range of activities, and with so many trails, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Grossarl: Hike the 400km of signposted trails, including the Shuhflicker ridge walk, and relax in the spa

Grossarl is a small town in the Grossarl Valley, in the state of Salzburg. It is a great base for hiking, with 400km of signposted trails, including the Shuhflicker ridge walk. It is also home to several spa hotels, including the luxurious Hotel Nesslerhof, which has direct access to the ski slopes and offers a range of spa facilities, such as indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam baths, and massages.

The Hotel Nesslerhof is a family-friendly, ski-in-ski-out hotel, with gourmet dining and spacious rooms. It is located in the heart of a hiking paradise, with 400km of signposted trails to explore in the summer, and direct access to the Ski amadé ski resort in the winter. The hotel offers a varied mountain and health program, including DJ sessions, good drinks, and delicious food.

The spa and wellness area at the Hotel Nesslerhof includes indoor and outdoor pools, a steam bath, and a range of saunas and relaxation rooms. The hotel also has a picturesque living garden with an 800m2 natural swimming pond and a 25m outdoor pool, heated all year round.

Other spa hotels in Grossarl include the DAS EDELWEISS Salzburg Mountain Resort, the Vitalhotel Tauernhof, the Hotel Grossarler Hof, and the Hotel Kristall, all of which offer a range of spa facilities and have received positive reviews.

Wilder Kaiser: Swim and hike at Hinterstein Lake, and visit the ski resort, Skiwelt

Wilder Kaiser is a must-visit destination in the Austrian Alps, offering a range of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. One of the highlights of the region is Hinterstein Lake, a tranquil natural gem nestled in the Wilder Kaiser nature reserve. The lake spans 56 hectares and is up to 36 metres deep, offering breathtaking views of turquoise blue water against a majestic Alpine backdrop.

For those who enjoy hiking, there are several routes to choose from, ranging from easy to intermediate difficulty. The path around the lake offers magnificent views, with the southern shore climbing slightly to provide a panoramic perspective of the crystal-clear mountain lake. The northern bank is accessible to everyone and features a small natural beach lido. During the summer months, hikers can take advantage of the free "Hintersteinersee hikers' bus" from Scheffau's village centre to the lake.

Swimming is also a popular activity at Hinterstein Lake, thanks to its refreshing temperatures and clean water. The lake's outdoor pool, located on the north shore, offers sunbathing lawns, as well as rental services for sunbeds, umbrellas, and stand-up paddles.

For ski enthusiasts, the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser is a top-notch resort in the Tyrol region. It is the second-biggest ski resort in Austria, boasting 284 kilometres of pistes catering to all skill levels. SkiWelt connects picturesque ski resorts such as Ellmau, Söll, and Westendorf, offering a variety of wide, gentle pistes ideal for families and intermediates. Those seeking a livelier atmosphere can head to Söll, which is known for its vibrant après-ski scene and excellent night skiing opportunities. The resort also features 80 rustic ski huts, restaurants, and bars offering traditional Tyrolean hospitality and great value for money.

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