Exploring Austria: Fun Activities And Adventures Await!

Austria is a country brimming with fun things to do. From the epic Alps and classical concert halls to gorgeous old towns and serious snow sports, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do in Austria:

- Visit the historic city of Vienna and explore its grand palaces, museums, and religious monuments, such as Schönbrunn Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and St. Stephen's Cathedral.

- Take in the beauty of the Austrian Alps by visiting Innsbruck, skiing at one of the legendary resorts, or hiking The Asitz Mountain.

- Explore the charming city of Graz, known for its Mediterranean-esque Old Town, the Styrian Armoury, and the Uhrturm (Clock Tower).

- Ride the Semmeringbahn railway, a World Heritage-listed train route that offers stunning views of the Austrian countryside.

- Sample the wines of the Wachau vineyards by boat or train, and don't forget to visit the picturesque town of Hallstatt while you're in the area.

- Attend a performance at the Vienna Opera House or the Spanish Riding School, or enjoy the floating opera on Lake Constance.

- Indulge in traditional Austrian cuisine, such as Wiener Schnitzel, Sacher Torte, and Apfel Strudel.

- Visit the Christmas markets in Vienna, which are especially magical during the festive season.

Explore the Salt mines of Salzburg

Austria has a lot to offer, from cultural tours to museums and natural sights. Here is a detailed overview of the Salzburg Salt Mines, one of the most popular attractions in the country.

The Salzburg Salt Mines offer a unique opportunity to step back in time and discover the history of salt mining in the region. Located in the Salzburgerland region, these salt mines are the oldest in the world to open their tunnels to visitors. The mines have recently been redesigned, with a new entrance and service area, and the story of salt is brought to life using cutting-edge technology.

Before embarking on your journey, make sure to wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes, as the temperature inside the mine is around 10°C, and the ground is stony. The entire tour covers a distance of about 1 kilometre and takes approximately 90 minutes. It is suitable for children ages 4 and up.

As you venture into the mountain, you will be outfitted in white miners' overalls and embark on a journey through four epochs of human history, starting with modern mining and salt production and travelling back in time to the Celtic miners of the Iron Age. Along the way, you will encounter:

• Miners' Slides: Two long slides, just like the ones the miners of old used, that lead to a subterranean salt lake.
• Salt Lake Adventure: A raft ride across a mystical salt lake, with iridescent reflections, that will thrill both young and old.
• Celtic History: Evidence of the legendary Celts, who mined salt here over 2,500 years ago, and a glimpse into their daily lives through audiovisual installations.
• Border Crossing: During the tour, you will cross the subterranean border between Austria and Germany.
• Mine Train Ride: A ride on a train deep into the heart of the Dürrnberg mountain.

In addition to the mine tour, there is plenty more to discover in the area:

• Celtic Mountain: A mountain full of family adventures, including a replica of the SALINA Celtic Village, where you can explore authentic reconstructions of their homes and workplaces.
• BAD ISCHLER Salt Manufactory: Watch the creation of extraordinary salt crystals in Austria's only showcase saltworks.
• Salzblick Restaurant: A self-service restaurant located on-site, open daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
• Salzwelten App: Enhance your experience with the free app, which includes an interactive treasure hunt and a virtual selfie feature.

Canyoning in Tyrol

The Auerklamm, located in the Oetztal region, is just a short distance from the Outdoorplanet Rafting & Canyoning Center in Haiming Oetztal by Imst. It is known for its thrilling slides of up to 18 meters, 40-meter abseiling sections, and a daring 16-meter jump into the water. This intermediate to difficult course is perfect for those with previous canyoning experience and strong nerves.

For beginners, the Alpenrosenklamm gorge offers a slightly tamer but equally beautiful experience. Here, you'll find plenty of rock pools, waterfalls, and slides that are perfect for newcomers to canyoning. The Rosengarten gorge, which includes the Schinderbach river and the Blue Grotto, is another excellent option for first-timers. This area features easy climbing sections, small slides, and jumps into deep rock pools, making it ideal for families.

If you're an experienced thrill-seeker, the Frauenbach gorge in East Tyrol will test your mettle. Accessible via a long series of steps cut into the rock, this challenging course features 26 abseiling sections and jumps of up to eight meters into turquoise plunge pools. The canyon culminates in two abseiling passages alongside 30-meter-high waterfalls.

White water rafting

Rafting Locations and Rivers

The Tyrol region is a rafter's paradise, boasting some of the best rivers for white water rafting in Europe. Here are some of the top spots to consider:

• Imster Schlucht Canyon: Located between the Inn River and the village of Roppen, this area is considered one of the top rafting destinations in Europe. It offers thrilling rapids, tall waves, and a challenging course that will excite experienced rafters.
• Ötztaler Ache River: The lower part of this river, between the villages of Oetz and Haiming, is renowned for its demanding rapids, with sections rated up to level IV on the international scale. It has hosted world and European championships, and its passages like "Waldschlucht" and "Boa Constructa" will test even the most seasoned rafters.
• Sanna River: Flowing into the Inn River in Landeck, the Sanna may be short, but it packs a punch with its rocky passages, steep cascades, and technical sections. Despite its low water level, this river is a challenge for rafters of all skill levels, with complex sections that even experienced guides find impressive.
• Tiroler Ache River: This river, flowing from Kirchdorf in Tirol to Schleching in Bavaria, is ideal for beginners and families. It offers a mix of gentle rafting and some more adventurous sections, like the wild Klobensteinschlucht and Entlochklamm canyons. You can even stop for picnics on the sandbanks along the way.
• Inn River (Tösener Schlucht): The upper section of the Inn River, from Pfunds to Prutz, presents a mix of challenges and easier stretches. With rapids, waves, and whitewater holes, it will thrill experienced rafters while also offering moments to relax and take in the stunning surroundings.
• Lech River: Rafting on the Lech River in the Lechtal Nature Park is a unique experience as it is Europe's last wild river landscape. The river offers a mix of challenging whitewater and calmer passages, making it suitable for beginners and children. Half-day and full-day trips are available, with the latter including a BBQ lunch by the river.
• Isel River: As the largest river in East Tyrol, the Isel provides an exhilarating rafting experience. Fed by meltwater from glaciers in the Hohe Tauern National Park, it offers a range of difficulties, from gentle to wildwater level VI. The season usually runs from mid-May to the end of September.
• Ziller River: The Ziller River in the Zillertal Valley is perfect for rafters of all ages, including children. The 6-kilometre stretch from Mayrhofen to Hippach offers a mix of calm waters and adrenaline-pumping sections. Experienced guides ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for all.

Rafting Tours and Centres

Tyrol has around 30 centres with certified guides offering rafting excursions tailored to different skill levels. Here are some notable ones:

• Outdoor Adventure Week: Based in Haiming, they offer tours for both experienced rafters and first-timers, with professional guides to navigate you through the thrilling rapids and narrow rock gorges.
• Rafting Center Haiming: Located conveniently at the exit points of the Imster Schlucht and Ötztaler Ache rafting trips, they provide warm and professional rafting equipment, certified guides, and a friendly Tyrolean guesthouse with good food.
• Wiggi Rafting Haiming: They offer an excellent experience for families, with very experienced and encouraging guides who go the extra mile to make the trip fun and memorable. They also provide comfortable transportation to the starting point.
• Adventure Club Kaiserwinkl Kössen: Specialising in the Tiroler Ache River, they cater to both first-timers and those seeking a new rafting challenge. Their guides ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, and they have instant booking confirmation.
• Sport und Natur Kössen: Also focusing on the Tiroler Ache River, they offer tours suitable for beginners with very good guides. Their tours include jumps and abseiling, and they provide instant booking confirmation.

Practical Information

When planning your white water rafting adventure in Austria, here are some essential things to keep in mind:

• Rafting season in Tyrol typically runs from May to October, with some variations depending on the river and section.
• Most rafting centres provide all the necessary equipment, including wetsuits and helmets. You usually need to bring your swimsuit, towel, and a sense of adventure!
• Some rivers, like the Ötztaler Ache, are not open to private rafters and kayakers. Be sure to research local rules and regulations before planning your trip.
• Rafting adventures can last several hours, and often include shuttle transfers back to the starting point.
• Age restrictions vary depending on the tour and river, with some tours catering specifically to families with children.

Tandem paragliding

Where to Go

The Austrian region of Tirol is renowned for its excellent paragliding locations. The region boasts numerous mountains, providing longer flight times compared to flatland areas. Here are some specific spots to consider:

• Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis: This family-friendly ski resort offers an exciting opportunity for paragliding. The Schönjoch ridge is an ideal take-off spot, offering good thermals in both northern and southern directions.
• Stubai Valley: With its numerous mountains exceeding 3,000 meters and exceptional thermals, Stubai Valley is a popular choice for paragliding enthusiasts. Flying is possible all year round, with the best thermal conditions from February onwards.
• Achensee Lake: Nestled in a fiord-like canyon, Achensee Lake provides ideal conditions for paragliding. The updraft of air created by the surrounding mountain range keeps paragliders airborne for extended periods.
• Zillertal Valley: This picturesque valley boasts numerous take-off spots at high altitudes and ample landing areas on the valley floor. The village of Zell am Ziller is a hub for paragliding, having hosted several World Cup events.
• Alpbachtal-Wildschönau: The relatively gentle slopes of this region make it ideal for paragliding throughout the year. The 1,450-meter Markbachjoch ridge is a popular take-off point, suitable for beginners and experienced pilots alike.
• Wilder Kaiser Mountains: This region offers plenty of gentle take-off spots and several paragliding centres providing tandem flights. It's an excellent choice for beginners to admire the stunning Kaiser Mountains from above.
• Lienz: The stable weather conditions in East Tirol make Lienz a hotspot for paragliding enthusiasts. The most popular take-off spot is Steinermandl in the Zettersfeld ski resort, offering excellent thermals and breathtaking views of the Dolomites.
• St. Anton am Arlberg: With a take-off spot at 2,330 meters above sea level, St. Anton am Arlberg provides an exhilarating paragliding experience. Two paragliding centres offer tandem flights for beginners and long flights of up to 3,300 meters for more experienced adventurers.
• Imst: Imst, the largest town in western Tirol, caters to both novices and experts. Instructors offer tandem flights for guests aged 5 to 80, with flight durations ranging from 8 to 40 minutes.
• Kaiserwinkl: The Unterberghorn mountain in Hochkössen presents fine paragliding conditions for novices and experts alike. Perfect wind conditions, excellent thermals, and a well-developed infrastructure, including two landing sites and cable cars, make it a top choice.

When to Go

Paragliding is permitted in almost all parts of Tirol, and the sport can be enjoyed throughout the year. However, certain months offer optimal thermal conditions. In the Stubai Valley, for example, thermal conditions are most favourable from February onwards.

What to Expect

Booking and Costs

You can book a tandem paragliding flight through companies like "Fly Tandem" in Salzburg and "Mountain Fly" in Innsbruck. The cost of a tandem paragliding flight can vary, but as an example, prices in the Innsbruck and Stubaital region start at €115.

Vienna pub crawl

Austria is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some fun things to do when visiting Austria, with a focus on the Vienna pub crawl experience:

Vienna, Austria's vibrant capital, offers a lively pub crawl scene that is perfect for those seeking a fun night out. The pub crawl typically starts at 9 PM and involves visiting multiple pubs and clubs, offering an exciting way to explore the city's nightlife. Here is what you can expect:

Meeting Point and Group Size

The pub crawl usually starts at a legendary pub located in the heart of Vienna. The meeting point is easily accessible, and participants can join any day from Monday to Saturday. The group is led by local guides and can vary in size, typically ranging from 20 to 50 people or more.

Number and Variety of Venues

During the pub crawl, you will visit around three to four different pubs, lounges, and clubs. These venues are carefully selected to provide a diverse and memorable experience. They include traditional pubs, trendy lounges, and vibrant clubs, each offering a unique atmosphere and drinking options.

Free Drinks and Games

The pub crawl includes three free drinks, typically consisting of two beers or long drinks and one shot. Additionally, there are plenty of drinking games and challenges along the way, such as Beer Pong, Team Chug, Twerk&Flip, and Drink&Dare. These games add to the fun and often result in more free drinks!

Socializing and Meeting Fellow Travellers

One of the highlights of the pub crawl is the opportunity to meet fellow travellers from all around the world. The social and interactive nature of the games and challenges encourages mingling and creates a friendly atmosphere. It's a great way to make new friends or simply enjoy the company of like-minded individuals.

Special Events and Surprises

The pub crawl often features special events, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays. These events can include additional games, contests, or themed nights. The organizers also accommodate bachelor and bachelorette parties, making the pub crawl a popular choice for celebratory occasions.

Final Stop at a Nightclub

The pub crawl culminates at a nightclub, where you can dance the night away. Thanks to the pub crawl, you'll get free entry (usually costing around 12€) and a complimentary drink. This is the perfect way to end the night, as you can continue enjoying the vibrant Viennese nightlife without any additional cover charges.

Affordable Price and Student Deals

The Vienna pub crawl is excellent value for money, typically costing around 10€ per person. This price includes the drinks, games, and entry to the nightclub. Additionally, they offer special deals for students and groups, making it an even more attractive option for those on a budget.

The Vienna pub crawl is a fantastic way to experience the city's nightlife and socialize with people from all walks of life. It is suitable for all kinds of groups, whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends. The variety of venues, drinks, and games ensure that your night will be full of surprises and lasting memories.

Frequently asked questions