Exploring Austria's Summer Wonders: A Travel Guide

Austria is a popular holiday destination, attracting tourists year-round with its incredible examples of historic architecture and towns and cities with their own unique cultural feel. The best time to visit Austria is during the summer, when the country is alive with festivals, including the Midsummer Night Celebration. Here are some of the must-see places in Austria during the summer:

- Vienna – Known as a cultural haven for music, fine art, and architecture lovers, Vienna is celebrated for its rich performance-art tradition, hosting over 200 balls a year, and a variety of classical music concerts honouring composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms.

- Salzburg – Famous for its long-standing musical traditions, Salzburg is also the birthplace of Mozart. Beyond its artistic attractions, Salzburg is surrounded by the breathtaking Alps, allowing visitors to explore the contrast of rich history and stunning natural beauty.

- Salzkammergut – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salzkammergut is an Austrian resort area surrounded by serene blue lakes, verdant hills, and snow-peaked mountain ranges. Outdoor activities include mountaineering, horseback riding, swimming, and cycling.

- Innsbruck – Having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, Innsbruck is considered one of the best winter sports destinations in the world. Beyond its ski slopes, Innsbruck has plenty to offer, including the Innsbruck Cathedral, the bell-making museum, and a number of local restaurants.

- Zell am See – For travellers seeking ultimate natural scenery and wilderness adventures, Zell am See is a must-visit destination. Surrounded by majestic alpine mountains, world-class ski slopes, and tranquil blue lakes, Zell am See is an outdoorsy paradise, offering activities such as sailing, hiking, and mountain biking.

- Weissensee – This lake, surrounded by mountains, is an ideal spot for hiking and mountain biking, followed by a refreshing swim in its cool waters.

- Graz – With a glorious Old Town heart and a lively student vibe, Graz is one of Austria's most fun-loving cities. Its Innere Stadt fuses Renaissance, Gothic, and Slavic architectural styles, with fascinating historical sites such as the Styrian Armoury.

- Hallstatt – Hallstatt has become the poster boy for Alpine Austria with its charming medieval towns and terraces of ivy-clad, half-timbered chalets. Beyond its beauty, Hallstatt has a long history dating back to the first millennium BC, centred around salt mining.

- Wienerwald – Just on the periphery of Vienna, Wienerwald is a favourite outdoor spot for locals looking to escape the city. This beautiful patchwork of hornbeams, oaks, fir trees, and spruce groves is also home to charming, untrodden villages.

Vienna – a cultural haven for music, art and architecture lovers

Vienna is widely considered a cultural haven for music, fine art, and architecture lovers. Known for its diverse architectural styles, Vienna has numerous well-preserved examples of Romanesque, Baroque, Classicist, and Art Nouveau structures.

The city is also celebrated for its rich performance-art traditions, hosting over 200 balls a year, and a variety of classical music concerts honouring the many famous composers who once called the city home. These include Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Haydn, Schubert, and Strauss.

The House of Music, also known as Vienna's Museum of Sound, is a must-see for music lovers. Housed in the historical palace of Archduke Karl in the old city centre, this museum features five floors of installations and displays celebrating music and sound. Interactive exhibits include the virtual conductor installation, where you can "conduct" a video projection of the Vienna Philharmonic, and Namadeus, an installation created after Mozart's musical game KV 516f, which includes the interactive Waltz Dice Game.

The Musical Instrument Museum, housed in the Hofburg Palace, exhibits five centuries of historical musical instruments. Here, you can see pianos once played by Mozart, Liszt, Mahler, and Clara Schumann.

Many of the apartments lived in by Vienna's famous composers have been converted into museums. You can visit the homes of Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, and Haydn, among others.

In addition to its musical offerings, Vienna boasts some of the best art museums in the world. The Belvedere Palace features works by the city's most famous painter, Gustav Klimt, while the Kunsthistorisches Museum is also well worth a visit.

Elegant waltzes and the music of Johann Strauss are synonymous with Vienna, but the city also offers a new Vienna sound, pioneered by local DJs in the hottest nightclubs.

Salzburg – famous for its musical heritage and surrounded by the Alps

Salzburg is a must-see destination in Austria. This picturesque city is nestled at the foot of the Alps and boasts a rich musical heritage. It is perhaps best known as the birthplace of the renowned composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The city's strong association with music is further highlighted by its role in the beloved musical film, 'The Sound of Music'.

The historic city of Salzburg is characterised by its stunning Alpine scenery, charming Old Town, and impressive medieval and Baroque architecture. The iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress, dating back 900 years, stands proudly above the city, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The Old Town, with its intricate network of cobblestone lanes and grand Baroque palaces, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling through these streets, one can easily imagine themselves in the world of 'The Sound of Music', as many of the film's iconic scenes were shot in this very setting.

Salzburg's musical heritage is celebrated annually during the Salzburg Festival, a prominent festival of music and drama established in 1920. The festival showcases Mozart's operas, with a highlight being the performance of Hofmannsthal's play 'Jedermann' (Everyman). The city also played a significant role in the real-life story of the von Trapp family, whose escape from Austria during World War II inspired 'The Sound of Music'. Visitors can explore the von Trapp family landmarks and join dedicated tours that bring the magical world of the film to life.

In addition to its musical fame, Salzburg offers a vibrant student vibe and a lively nightlife scene. Visitors can enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine and local brews in the many pubs and restaurants along the banks of the Salzach River. With its enchanting scenery, rich history, and cultural offerings, Salzburg truly comes alive during the summer months, making it an ideal destination to explore and enjoy.

Zell am See – a lakeside town offering outdoor pursuits and stunning scenery

Zell am See is a picturesque lakeside town nestled in the Austrian Alps, offering a plethora of outdoor pursuits and stunning natural scenery. Located on the shore of the crystal-clear Lake Zell, it serves as the perfect summer destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Here are some highlights of what makes Zell am See a must-visit place in Austria during the warmer months:

Outdoor Activities

Zell am See provides an array of outdoor activities to satisfy all tastes and fitness levels. The region boasts around 400 kilometres of well-marked hiking trails, ranging from leisurely walks around the lake to more challenging summit tours above 3,200 metres. Mountain biking and trail running are also popular, with diverse routes catering to all abilities. The surrounding mountains, such as Schmittenhöhe, offer additional attractions like mystical forests, adventure parks, and high-altitude promenades.

Water Activities

Water is a constant companion in Zell am See, with the idyllic Lake Zell at its heart. Swimming is a favourite pastime, and the lake features three lidos with various amenities like heated pools, dive towers, and waterslides. The water temperature in summer reaches a pleasant 23 °C, and the water quality is so high that locals claim it's fit for drinking! Boat tours and cruises are also available for those who want to explore the lake from a different perspective.

Day Trips

Zell am See is an excellent base for day trips to nearby attractions. The Werfen Ice Caves, the world's largest ice caves, are just 60 kilometres away. The Krimml Waterfalls, Europe's highest waterfalls, are also within a short drive, offering a stunning natural experience. For a cultural experience, the city of Salzburg, known for its musical heritage and "The Sound of Music" connections, is only about 90 kilometres away.

Old Town Charm

The old town of Zell am See is a delight to explore, with colourful wall paintings, balcony flowers, and picturesque buildings. Notable landmarks include the towering St. Hippolyte's Church and the Grand Hotel, both dominating the market square and shoreline respectively. The old town also features multimedia stations where visitors can use their smartphones to access local guides and learn more about the area's history and culture.

Summer Card Benefits

The Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card offers guests a range of benefits and discounts on various activities and attractions. It includes admission to certain sites, free travel on public transport, and special rates on excursions. The card is available to guests staying at participating accommodations and is valid from mid-May to the end of October.

Innsbruck – the 'Capital of the Alps', with a lively city vibe and easy access to the mountains

Innsbruck, the capital of the Austrian state of Tyrol, is a city nestled in the Inn Valley, surrounded by the Alps. With its colourful houses, medieval architecture, and mountain ranges, it is a charming destination for those seeking a lively city vibe with easy access to nature. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your visit to Innsbruck during the summer:

Old Town (Altstadt)

Innsbruck's Old Town will transport you back in time with its colourful buildings and stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks. Start your day by exploring this well-preserved historical centre, including the famous Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl). Built by Emperor Maximilian I between 1497 and 1500, the Golden Roof is adorned with 2,657 gilded copper shingles and rich decorations. Wander through the narrow lanes and discover landmarks such as the Triumphal Arch, an 18th-century Roman-influenced archway.

City Tower (Stadtturm)

Constructed in the 15th century, the City Tower offers a panoramic view of Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains from its viewing platform. Climb the 148 stairs to take in the sights and get a different perspective on some of Innsbruck's landmarks, such as the Golden Roof.

Hofburg Palace

As you make your way from the Old Town to the Nordkettebahnen lower station, you will pass by the Hofburg Palace. This magnificent baroque palace, built in the 1400s, was once the residence of the Habsburgs. It boasts grand architecture and is surrounded by the beautiful Court Garden and Theatre.

Nordkette Cable Car

Take the Nordkette Cable Car to explore the jewel of the Alps. This memorable experience offers spectacular views of the city and the surrounding nature. The cable car takes you straight from the heart of Innsbruck up to the Nordkette mountain, where you can enjoy hiking trails and breathtaking scenery.

Ambras Castle

Ambras Castle, set amidst beautiful gardens, is a Renaissance castle with detailed ceilings and paintings by renowned artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Velázquez. It is easily accessible by public transport and is one of the top destinations in the Tyrol region.

Bergisel Ski Jump

The Bergisel Ski Jump, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, combines sporting history with modern architecture. It offers impressive views of Innsbruck and the Alps from its viewing platform.

Alpine Zoo

The Alpine Zoo, located 750 metres above sea level, is one of the highest zoos in Europe. It focuses solely on alpine species, housing over 2,000 animals from 150 different species native to the Alps.

Innsbruck offers a wide range of dining, cultural, and shopping experiences, as well as easy access to nearby hiking trails and cable cars. Whether you're seeking history, natural beauty, or a lively city atmosphere, Innsbruck has something for everyone.

Salzkammergut – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by lakes, hills and mountains

Salzkammergut is a resort area in Austria, stretching from the city of Salzburg eastwards along the Alpine Foreland and the Northern Limestone Alps to the peaks of the Dachstein Mountains. The region is named after the salt mines that dot the area, with 'Salzkammergut' translating to 'salt demesne' or 'salt domain'.

In 1997, Salzkammergut was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is characterised by breathtaking views, mighty peaks, and spectacular caves. The region has long been a popular tourist destination, attracting both active and relaxation-minded travellers with its charming bathing lakes and unspoiled mountain scenery.

The town of Hallstatt is a highlight of the region, famed for its beautiful architecture and rich history. Hallstatt sits on the shores of Lake Hallstatt and is surrounded by towering mountain slopes characterised by bright limestone and flysch rocks. The town has a long history of salt mining, with traces of salt mining on the Hallstatt Salzberg dating back to around 2000 B.C. The salt trade brought great prosperity to the area, with burial objects documenting extensive and widespread trade relations.

In addition to Hallstatt, the Salzkammergut region includes several other charming towns and villages, such as Bad Goisern, Gosau, and Obertraun. The area offers a range of recreational activities, including swimming and water sports at the many lakes, mountaineering, cycling, horse riding, and winter sports. The region is also known for its spas, with Bad Ischl being a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

With its stunning natural scenery, rich history, and diverse recreational offerings, Salzkammergut is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Austria in the summer.

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