Lyla Lindsey
Austria is a beautiful country to visit in May, with varied weather depending on the region. The average daytime temperature is around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius in lower-lying cities, with cooler temperatures at higher altitudes. May is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy the natural beauty, culture, and history that Austria has to offer. Here are some suggestions for things to do in Austria during the month of May.
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What You'll Learn
Explore Vienna's food and drink festivals
Vienna is a great place to visit in May, especially if you enjoy food, drink, and music. The month is full of classical and culinary festivals.
One of the most prominent festivals is the four-day open-air Vienna Beer Festival, which takes place from the 8th to the 11th of May. The festival brings together brewers big and small in the very centre of Vienna. If you prefer wine, the VieVinum international wine festival takes place at the Hofburg palace from the 16th to the 18th of May. For those who like their drinks a little stronger, the Vienna Gin Festival is held on the 9th and 10th of May in the historical Semperdepot.
If you're looking for a wider variety of food and drink options, the European Street Food Festival, from the 10th to the 11th, features international food trucks outside the Stadthalle, offering culinary delights from around the globe. The Wiener Zitrustage, or Vienna Citrus Days, from the 23rd to the 25th of May, is another unique food and drink festival held in the Schönbrunn Palace orangery.
For those interested in the agricultural and viticultural offerings of the region, the Genuss Festival in the Stadtpark city park from the 9th to the 11th of May showcases the best of Austria's regional specialties. The Burgenland Kultinarium festival, from the 20th to the 23rd of May, also provides an opportunity to learn about and taste the food and drink of the Burgenland province, located just east of Vienna.
In addition to these food and drink festivals, Vienna also hosts various cultural and musical events throughout May, such as the Blues Festival, the Wiener Festwochen multidisciplinary art festival, and the Long Night of the Churches, where numerous Christian institutions open their doors to visitors.
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Hike in the mountains from Hallstatt
Austria is a great place to visit in May, especially for hiking enthusiasts. If you're looking for a picturesque hike, look no further than the town of Hallstatt, nestled in the stunning Austrian mountains. Here are some detailed suggestions for hikes in the mountains from Hallstatt:
Hike to Ebensee on Lake Traunsee
This 30-kilometre hike takes you along the oldest active pipeline in the world, offering informative insights into the Salzkammergut region. However, note that the section between Hallstatt and Bad Goiser village "Steeg" is currently closed due to rockfall hazards.
Day Tour between Hallstatt and Gosau
This challenging 8-9 hour hike is only recommended for experienced mountain hikers with good stamina. It promises breathtaking views and a sense of loneliness in the grandiose mountain world.
Hike to Simony Hut
Starting in Hallstatt, this hike takes you below the majestic Dachstein glacier. It is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Salzkammergut region, and witnessing the sunrise here is a dream come true.
Hike through the Echern Valley
This romantic hike takes you through the picturesque Echern Valley to the Glacier Garden, a relic of the last ice age. It is a family-friendly hike that takes around 3 hours, with great refreshment stops and swimming spots along the way.
High Plateau Hike
This hike begins in Hallstatt and takes you through the Echerntal Valley or, alternatively, by cable car to 1884 meters above sea level, where you can explore the karst landscape. It is a family-friendly option, with a leisurely 1.5-hour walking time and numerous information boards along the way.
Hike to Steingrabenschneid
This 2.5-hour hike offers beautiful views and unique flora and fauna. It is suitable for mountain-experienced children aged 10 and above, provided they have the right equipment.
Hallstatt is easily accessible by bus, train, and ferry, making it a convenient base for your hiking adventures. Remember to pack sturdy hiking shoes, suitable clothing, and other necessary equipment for your chosen trails.
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Take a motorcycle trip through southern Austria
Austria is a great destination for a motorcycle trip, especially in May when the weather is pleasant. The country boasts incredible scenery, from its high-altitude mountain ranges to its pristine alpine lakes and gorgeous valleys.
One of the most popular routes for a motorcycle trip through southern Austria is the Grossglockner Road, the highest paved road in Europe, which winds through the Austrian Alps and offers breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains, cascading waterfalls, and glaciers. The road is a motorcyclist's dream, with wide sweeping hairpins and excellent visibility. Along the way, make sure to stop at the Pasterze Glacier, the longest glacier in Austria, and take in the breathtaking views from the visitor centre.
If you're looking for a challenge, head south to the Stelvio Pass, which boasts 47 hairpin turns and switchbacks that will test your skills. On the other side of the pass, you'll find the Italian ski resort of Bormio and the ancient Bagni Vecchi spa baths. You can also cross the border into Italy, Switzerland, and Bavaria, Germany, to explore more of the region on two wheels.
For a more relaxed ride, cruise through the countryside and enjoy the beauty of the massive peaks and valleys that stretch out below. Stop in small towns like Seefeld, a hiker's paradise located at an elevation of 4000 feet, offering over 100 hiking routes of varying lengths and difficulty levels. Combine your love of riding with some cultural exploration in cities like Salzburg, where you can visit Mozart's birthplace and wander through the gardens of Mirabell Palace, or Vienna, with its stunning architecture, including the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Imperial Palace, and the State Opera building.
With its stunning scenery, cultural attractions, and excellent riding conditions, southern Austria is an ideal destination for a motorcycle trip in May.
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Visit the Whitsun Festival in Salzburg
If you're planning a trip to Austria in May, Salzburg is a great choice. The city has a lot to offer, including the famous Whitsun Festival.
The Whitsun Festival in Salzburg is a cultural highlight that has been taking place since 1973. It was established by Herbert von Karajan, who also founded the Summer Festival and the Easter Festival. The Whitsun Festival is known for its exclusivity, top-class artists, and distinctive venues. It is a brilliant complement to the Summer Festival and a great opportunity to experience exclusive festivals and concerts in Salzburg.
The festival usually takes place in early summer, around June, and is dedicated to various themes. For example, in 2024, the festival was dedicated to Mozart, with four exceptional days celebrating the composer's work, including operas, symphonies, and piano music. The festival also features sacred music, showcasing a different side of Mozart's artistry.
In 2025, the Whitsun Festival will be devoted to the wide variety of Venetian music. From June 6th to 9th, the programme 'Sounds of la Serenissima' will celebrate five centuries of music from the city of Venice. The festival will include opera, chamber music, and concert performances, showcasing the rich musical history of Venice.
If you plan to attend the Whitsun Festival, the Altstadthotel is a great accommodation option, located in the immediate vicinity of the festival venues. The hotel offers easy access to the festival site and the natural city mountain, providing a central location to enjoy the splendour of the festival during the day and immerse yourself in it in the evening.
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Enjoy the views in Hallstatt without the fog
May is a great time to visit Austria, especially if you're looking for beautiful scenery and hiking opportunities.
Hallstatt, a small village nestled in the Austrian Alps, is a popular tourist destination. Known for its stunning views, Hallstatt can be quite foggy during the winter months, adding to the enchanting, dreamlike quality of the village and the surrounding landscape. However, if you're looking to enjoy the views without the fog, visiting Hallstatt in May is a good option.
During May, the weather in Hallstatt tends to be more favourable, with a lower likelihood of fog and better visibility. You can explore the village and take in the panoramic views of the lake and mountain peaks. The Hallstatt Skywalk offers breathtaking vistas as you ascend, and the early morning or late afternoon-evening are ideal times to wander through the town when it's quieter as the tour groups have left for the day.
Hallstatt is easily accessible by train from Salzburg, and you can also take a ferry across the lake. The Bräu-Gasthof, located on the main street, is a popular place to stay and dine, offering excellent food and comfortable rooms with views of the lake and village.
In addition to Hallstatt, there are other places in Austria worth considering for scenic views and hiking in May. Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Seefeld are great options, with Innsbruck offering vistas of the mountains and Seefeld providing over 100 hiking routes of varying lengths and difficulty levels.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, May is an excellent time to visit Austria. The weather is pleasant, and the hiking and biking trails are open for business. It is also the last month of spring in Austria before the summer rush starts in June.
Hallstatt is a beautiful destination at any time of the year, but in May, you can enjoy the Alpine lake-side town without the risk of fog obscuring your view. There are plenty of hiking trails in the mountains that start near the town. The town of Seefeld in Tirol above Innsbruck is another great option, with 100+ hiking routes of different lengths and severity.
There are plenty of fun events and festivals in Austria in May. The Vienna Blues Spring festival, the Donauinsel Open Air music festival, the Whitsun Festival in Salzburg, and the Vienna Beer Festival are some popular ones. If you're looking for food festivals, the Genuss Festival in Stadtpark and the European Street Food Festival are great options.
In Vienna, you can visit the State Room of the Austrian National Library, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and the Upper Belvedere for art exhibitions. You can also enjoy the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra's annual open-air concert at the Schonbrunn Palace gardens. If you're in Salzburg, you can visit Mozart's hometown and explore the historic Old Town, Fortress Hohensalzburg, and Schloss Hellbrunn.
You can take a day trip to Melk for its monastery, which is right on the Danube River. The Wachau valley and the Village of Durnstein are also worth visiting, with grape-filled terraces and beautiful scenery. The mountains of Leopoldsberg and Kahlenberg are great for e-bike tours, offering panoramic views, lush greenery, vineyards, and local historical buildings.
