Damon Mcknight
Austria is a small landlocked country in the heart of Europe, known for its picturesque mountains, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. While many people associate Austria with winter sports, the country is a joy to visit at any time of the year, and summer is high season. With temperatures climbing highest in July, it's the perfect time to explore the country's lakes and rivers, hike its mountains, and experience its unique culture and culinary delights. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your summer holiday in Austria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Summer |
| Weather | High temperatures |
| Scenery | Mountains, lakes, meadows, vineyards |
| Activities | Hiking, biking, climbing, cable car rides, swimming, skiing, sightseeing |
| Attractions | St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, Spanish Riding School, Schönbrunn Palace, Hohe Tauern National Park |
| Food | Traditional Austrian food, wine |
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What You'll Learn
Explore nature: mountains, lakes, and vineyards
Austria is known for its majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and idyllic vineyards. The country is crisscrossed by the towering peaks of the Alps, lush meadows, forests, and Alpine pastures. The unique mix of mountains and lakes works wonders for the body, mind, and soul.
Austria's mountains offer a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and climbing to mountain biking and high-altitude trail walks. The Schladming-Dachstein region, Zell am See-Kaprun, and Kitzbühel in Tirol are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. The Steinernes Meer, an impressive high plateau, features a hiking trail that runs below the Formaletsch to the Freiburger Hut and a mountain lake. The walk from the car park takes about 45 minutes. The Schiederweiher Lake in the Stodertal Valley, Upper Austria, is another great spot for an easy hike, with crystal-clear water and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
For those who want to explore the lakes, there are plenty of options for swimming, boating, and other water sports. The bathing lakes and rivers of Austria are known for their excellent water quality, with 88% of the country's bathing lakes rated as "excellent." Lake Neusiedl, situated in the Pannonian plain in the east, is a popular destination. Formarin Lake, with its strikingly blue water and the rugged Rote Wand (Red Wall) mountain as a backdrop, is another must-see. It can be reached by a scenic hike from Lech or by bus from Innsbruck.
Austria's vineyards also provide a delightful experience, with scenic trails winding through gentle and steep vineyard slopes. The regions of Wachau, Weinviertel, Burgenland, Vienna, and Styria offer stunning views surrounded by vines and traditional wine taverns serving regional delicacies and fine wines. The village of Seewinkel in Burgenland, known for its wine production, is home to a village museum and the Seewinkel National Park.
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Visit Vienna: St. Stephen's Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace, and the Spanish Riding School
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city steeped in history and culture. With its stunning architecture, picturesque gardens, and rich musical heritage, it is a must-visit destination when in Austria. Here are three iconic places to visit in Vienna during July or any time of the year:
St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephen's Cathedral, or Stephansdom, is a magnificent Roman Catholic church and the mother church of the Archdiocese of Vienna. With its construction lasting from 1368 to 1433, the cathedral stands tall at 136 meters (446 ft), dominating the Vienna skyline. Its multi-coloured tile roof has become an iconic symbol of the city. The cathedral's interior boasts a Gothic design, initiated by Duke Rudolf IV, with a three-nave choir and a middle nave dedicated to St. Stephen and All Saints. The north and south naves are dedicated to St. Mary and the Apostles, respectively. St. Stephen's Cathedral has been a witness to significant events in Austrian history and offers a glimpse into the country's religious and cultural past.
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace, located in the 13th district of Vienna, was once the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. The palace, with its Baroque architecture and vast gardens, spans over 300 years of history. It was built and remodelled during the 1740s and 1750s, and its name, meaning "beautiful spring," originates from an artesian well that provided water to the court. The palace has 1,441 rooms and is one of the most important cultural and historical monuments in Austria. It has been a major tourist attraction since the mid-1950s, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Habsburg monarchs.
The Spanish Riding School
The Spanish Riding School is an iconic Austrian institution based in Vienna, located between Michaelerplatz and Josefsplatz inside the Hofburg. It is dedicated to the preservation of classical dressage and the training of Lipizzaner horses, whose performances are a tourist attraction. The school's riders undergo intensive training, first working on the longe without stirrups and reins and then progressing to controlling the horses themselves. The performances are set to classical music, and the riders wear traditional uniforms, including brown tailcoats, bicorne-style hats, and white buckskin breeches. The Spanish Riding School is one of the Big Four most prestigious classical riding academies in the world, offering a unique experience for visitors interested in equestrian arts.
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Experience Austrian culture: food, wine, and music
Austria is a country steeped in culture, with a rich history of culinary delights, fine wines, and classical music. The summer months are a great time to visit, with many festivals and events taking place across the country.
Food
Austrian cuisine is known for its hearty dishes, with many traditional recipes featuring meat, potatoes, and dumplings. When in Austria, be sure to try the national dish, Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded and pan-fried veal cutlet. Sample some apple strudel, a popular dessert made with crisp pastry, fresh apples, and sweet spices. For a taste of Austrian cheese, head to the Schaukäserei, where you can also buy local crafts and ecological products. The Pitztal Wine & Food Festival in the Pitztal Valley is another great opportunity to sample Austrian cuisine, with traditional Tyrolean specialties like Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) and Speck (cured ham) on offer, alongside international dishes.
Wine
Austria is famous for its wine, and there are many wine festivals and events throughout the year. The Kufstein Wine Festival in July is a popular event, with over 100 booths showcasing Austrian and Italian wines. The Wachau Wein & Gourmet Festival, and the Pitztal Wine & Food Festival are also held in July, offering the perfect opportunity to sample a diverse range of Austrian wines. For a unique wine-tasting experience, try the exclusive Pino 3000, a blend of Pinot Noir grapes from Austria, Germany, and Italy, aged in an ice cellar at a mountain peak.
Music
Music is an integral part of Austrian culture, and the country has a long history of producing renowned musicians. The Austria Summer Music Festival in Weyer is a great opportunity to experience classical music performances, with solo and chamber music concerts, as well as a children's opera. The famous Bregenz Festival, held in July and August, features opera and orchestras performed on a floating lakeside platform, with the stunning backdrop of Lake Constance and the Swiss and German Alps.
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Adventure sports: hiking, biking, and skiing
Austria is a beautiful country with picturesque mountains, stunning landscapes, and cheerful people. The country is not just a winter destination, as it transforms into an idyllic summer paradise with lush green mountaintops, rolling hills, and crystal-clear lakes.
Hiking
Austria is famous for its hiking trails, which offer a sense of happiness, freedom, and connection with nature. The Hohe Tauern National Park is open all year round and accessible free of charge. From July to September, you can book a park ranger to guide you on a hike. The park also offers family-friendly trails, which are easy and short, with activities for kids along the way. The Schladming-Dachstein region is another great option for hiking trips, with inspiring moments in nature.
Biking
Austria is a great place for biking, with options for both challenging mountain bike climbs and leisurely rides. You can take a full-day bike tour from Vienna through the picturesque Austrian countryside and the wine-growing region of Wachau. The Danube River provides a beautiful setting for a ride, and the Salzkammergut region offers the chance to visit the village of Hallstatt and its crystal-clear lake.
Skiing
Although skiing is more common in the winter, it is still possible to ski in some regions of Austria during July. St. Johann in Tirol is a family-skiing paradise, with freshly groomed slopes and gentle slopes perfect for beginners. Kirchberg also offers skiing for all levels, with steep runs for professionals and gentle slopes for learners.
So, whether you're a hiker, biker, or skier, Austria has something to offer during the month of July, with its stunning nature, friendly culture, and delicious cuisine.
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Road trip: Paznaun-Ischgl, Innsbruck, and Schladming-Dachstein
If you're planning a road trip through Austria in July, you're in luck! The country transforms into a summer paradise with alpine lakes, rolling green hills, and plenty of outdoor activities. Here's a suggested itinerary for a road trip through Paznaun-Ischgl, Innsbruck, and Schladming-Dachstein:
Paznaun-Ischgl
Start your journey in the Paznaun Valley, a beautiful region in Tirol known for its ski resorts and summer hiking trails. Ischgl, the largest ski resort in the area, offers high-elevation skiing and stunning views of the Austrian Alps. The valley is also home to picturesque towns like Galtür, Kappl, and See, which are perfect for family-friendly skiing and free-riding. Don't forget to sample the local Paznaun cheese and beef, which are renowned in the region. To reach Paznaun, you can fly into Innsbruck Airport and take a bus, train, or taxi to your final destination in the valley. Remember to purchase a toll sticker for driving on Austrian motorways and expressways.
Innsbruck
From Paznaun, make your way to Innsbruck, the capital of Tirol. Nestled among the Karwendel Mountains and the Tux Alps, Innsbruck offers a mix of architectural splendour and outdoor adventures. Explore the Altstadt (Old Town) with its architectural splendour, or try hiking trails such as Nockspitze, Hundskopf, or the Rotmoosalm-Wetterstein Hut circuit trail near Seefeld in Tirol. If you're looking for a relaxing break, consider visiting the Aqua Dome Therme, a thermal spa hotel in the Ötztal Valley.
Schladming-Dachstein
Continue your journey to the Schladming-Dachstein region, known for its summer holidays filled with hiking trips, mountain biking, and family activities. The Dachstein mountains, straddling the borders of Salzburg, Styria, and Upper Austria, offer sweeping views of the limestone Dachstein South Wall. Hike the 5 Huts Trail or the Bachlalm to Neustadtalm circuit trail before making your way to Filzmoos, a base for exploring the magical Northern Limestone Alps. Ramsau am Dachstein, located on an elevated plateau, offers stunning views of the Dachstein mountain range and the Enns Valley.
With its mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and natural beauty, a road trip through Paznaun-Ischgl, Innsbruck, and Schladming-Dachstein is sure to create unforgettable memories of your time in Austria.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria has a lot of outdoor activities to offer in July. The summer months are perfect for hiking, biking, and climbing in the Austrian mountains. You can also cool off in the lakes or rivers like the Danube. If you're looking for a more relaxed activity, you can stroll through picturesque towns or enjoy a meal with a view.
Austria is known for its food and wine, with many taverns serving traditional Austrian dishes and shops selling traditional wear. You can also visit museums and admire the architecture, history, and art of cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Don't miss the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, where you can watch a classical style of equestrian display.
Austria is known for its mountainous landscapes and crystal-clear lakes. The Hohe Tauern National Park is open all year round and offers hiking trails and snowshoeing walks. The Alps are also visible from very far away in the summer, making it a great time to photograph them.
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