Leslie Massey
Austria is a beautiful country with lots to offer, but what happens when it rains? Well, there's no need to worry as there are plenty of fun indoor activities to keep you entertained. From exploring the many museums and historic sites in Vienna to trying out laser tag or visiting an ice cave in Hallstatt, there's something for everyone. So grab an umbrella and a warm jacket, and let's dive into some of the best things to do in Austria when it's pouring outside!
Things to do in Austria when it rains:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visit a cafe | Cafe Derbl, Calienna, Cafe Jelinek |
| Go to a museum | Furniture Museum, Vienna Hofburg, Virtual Reality Schönbrunn Palace |
| Go shopping | Neubaugasse, Kirchengasse, Gummistiefelhaus |
| See a light show | Light of Creation at Vienna's historic Votive Church |
| Go to the cinema | CineCenter, Cineplexx |
| Play laser tag | LaserMAXX Vienna, Moon Paintball |
| Visit a restaurant | Amerlingbeisl bistro, LaLa |
| Take a bus tour | Hop On Hop Off |
| Visit a tower | Danube Tower |
| Go to a gallery | WestLicht |
| Visit a cave | Dachstein Ice Cave |
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What You'll Learn
Explore Vienna's unique shops and extraordinary museums
Vienna is a true museum city, with around 100 museums and collections to choose from. If you're looking for something quirky, you're spoilt for choice. The Funeral Museum, for example, is dedicated to the idea that "death is inevitable, so let's celebrate it". It's located in the city's Central Cemetery.
If you're looking for something a little more light-hearted, you could visit the world-famous wax museum, Madame Tussaud's, where you can get up close and personal with the sculptures and take as many selfies as you like.
For film buffs, the Third Man Museum is dedicated to the classic film 'The Third Man', with various exhibits and original documents depicting life in post-war Vienna.
If you're a coffee lover, you could visit the small museum dedicated to the city's coffee culture, showcasing coffee machines from throughout the ages.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Xocolat chocolatier is a great place to treat yourself, while Meinl Am Graben is a must-go destination to sample a range of chocolates and coffee.
If you're looking for unique shopping, Vienna's got you covered. Head to the quirky Leopoldstadt District to find Myung-Il Song's boutique, Atelier Song, for artisanal luxury clothing and unique gifts. Song also recommends Rudolf Scheer & Söhne, a generational shoemaker that has been making handcrafted shoes since 1816.
If you're looking for something more historic, Kniže & Comp has been a mainstay in Vienna's shopping scene for nearly 200 years, selling luxury clothing, accessories, fragrances and soaps.
If you're looking for something more low-key, there are plenty of traditional coffee houses to choose from, such as Café Sperl, Café Sacher, and Café Central.
And if you want to get a little closer to the rain, you could climb the Danube Tower and see the old town from a different perspective.
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Visit the ice caves near Hallstatt
If you're looking for a unique adventure in Austria, look no further than the Dachstein Giant Ice Caves near Hallstatt. This mega-sized ice cave is one of the biggest in the world and offers a truly remarkable nature experience. Here's a detailed guide to help you plan your visit:
Getting There
The Dachstein Ice Caves are located just 3 miles (4.8 km) from Hallstatt, in the town of Obertraun. The best way to reach the caves is by taking the local Postbus 543 from Hallstatt. This bus runs hourly, providing convenient access to the attraction. Alternatively, if you have a car, there is a large parking lot available at the Dachstein Visitor Center. From the visitor center, you can purchase tickets for the lift up the mountain and the ice cave tour.
The Tour
The official guided tour of the Dachstein Ice Cave is an easy half-day activity from Hallstatt. The total time required, including round-trip transportation (bus, cable car, and hike), is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. The temperature inside the cave is 27°F (-2.7°C), so be sure to dress warmly. The tour involves climbing about 500 steps, but don't worry—none of them are particularly challenging. The cave is spacious, and you won't feel claustrophobic during the tour.
What to Expect
The Dachstein Giant Ice Caves offer a spectacular sight, with extensive cave systems and impressive ice formations. The neighboring Krippenstein Mountain of the Alps' Dachstein Range provides the perfect conditions for the cave to thrive. In addition to the ice cave, you can also explore the Mammoth Cave, which offers great trekking opportunities.
Nearby Attractions
After your visit to the ice caves, there are plenty of nearby attractions to explore. The 5 Fingers Lookout is a short distance away and offers a thrilling experience as you dangle high over the mountain's edge with breathtaking views. You can also take a cable car up to the second stop and hike to the 5 Fingers viewpoint. The area boasts wonderful Alpine hut restaurants, and there is excellent hiking above the tree line. If you're feeling adventurous, consider renting snowboard, ski, or snowshoe equipment from the Dachstein Visitor Center to explore the upper sections of Dachstein Mountain, which remain open even when the ice cave is closed during the winter months.
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Go to the cinema or shopping centres in Vienna
If you're looking for things to do in Austria when it rains, Vienna has plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained. Going to the cinema or shopping in one of the city's many malls is always a great option.
Cinemas in Vienna
When it comes to cinemas, Vienna offers a range of options to suit different tastes. For a classic experience, the CineCenter cinema with its iconic red-seated hall is a perfect choice. If you prefer modern amenities, the ultra-well-equipped Cineplexx provides a contemporary cinematic adventure. The city's malls also house multiplex cinemas, such as the one at the Donau Zentrum, offering the latest blockbusters alongside your shopping spree.
Shopping Centres in Vienna
Vienna boasts an array of shopping centres, from high-end luxury to unique local shops. Here are some of the top malls to explore:
- Donau Zentrum: Located in Kagran, across the Danube, this is Vienna's largest shopping centre with over 260 businesses. It offers a wide range of brands, including Hollister, KIKO, and KUSMI Tea, alongside a cinema complex.
- Lugner City: Found in Gablenzg, Lugner City offers a diverse shopping experience with over 100 shops, including well-known brands like H&M and Subway. It also features a multiplex cinema and hosts unique events, such as bodybuilding contests and autograph sessions.
- Ringstrassen Galerien: Located on the southern outskirts of Vienna Old Town, this shopping centre offers a mix of international and local brands.
- BahnhofCity Wien Hauptbahnhof: As one of the newest malls in Vienna, having opened in 2014, this shopping centre boasts over 90 stores, selling everything from literature to clothes and electronics.
- Shopping City Süd (SCS): Located on the outskirts of Vienna, SCS is one of Europe's largest shopping malls, with over 300 stores, dining options, and a cinema complex.
- Mariahilfer Straße: This vibrant shopping street in the heart of Vienna is lined with department stores, boutiques, and cafes, making it a haven for fashion enthusiasts.
- Shopping Center Nord: While smaller than other malls, this elegant shopping centre offers a variety of brand stores, restaurants, cafes, and cinemas, along with free unlimited parking.
So, whether you're looking to catch a movie or indulge in some retail therapy, Vienna has you covered even when it's pouring outside!
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Try laser tag in Vienna
If you're looking for something fun and active to do in Vienna when it's raining, why not try laser tag? Laser tag is an exciting, fast-paced game that combines fun and action with teamwork. It's a great way to get your heart pumping and have a lot of fun, especially if you're with a group of friends or family.
There are several laser tag arenas in Vienna, each offering a unique experience. One popular option is MAXX Entertainment Wien23, which offers a dynamic game with a high fitness factor. The game combines fun and action with teamwork, as you collect points by disabling the opposing team. MAXX Entertainment has different game modes, such as deathmatch, team deathmatch, and last-man-standing, as well as power-ups like rapid-fire, shield, spy mode, and invisibility.
Another option is the Moon Paintball arena, where you can play laser tag every Thursday and Friday from 4 pm to midnight. This arena offers a tried-and-tested paintball facility for those who want a more competitive and intense laser tag experience.
Laser tag is a great activity to get your adrenaline pumping and is perfect for those who enjoy a challenge. It's a fantastic way to spend a rainy day in Vienna, as it keeps you entertained and active while staying dry indoors.
In addition to laser tag, Vienna has a lot more to offer on rainy days. The city is known for its extraordinary museums, unique shops, and modern cultural delights. You can explore the Furniture Museum, which showcases masterpieces of furniture design, including imperial pieces from the Habsburgs. Or, you can visit the Vienna Hofburg, where you'll find the Imperial Treasury housing priceless treasures, such as the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian Imperial Crown.
If you're looking for a more relaxed activity, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast at Café Jelinek in the 6th district or try vegan superfood at LaLa in the 7th district. You can also wander through the streets of Vienna, exploring mystical-looking places like the Sternwartepark, Zentralfriedhof, or the Augarten. And, of course, there's always the option to catch a movie at one of Vienna's many cinemas or enjoy a cocktail in a trendy bar.
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Take a short hike to a lake or waterfall in Hallstatt
If you're looking for a short hike to a lake or waterfall in Hallstatt, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some detailed suggestions:
Hiking to the Waldbachstrub Waterfall
The Waldbachstrub Waterfall is one of the most beautiful attractions in Hallstatt. The hike to the waterfall is a medium-difficulty trail that is approximately 6 kilometres long and takes about 2.5 hours to complete. The starting point is the Kalvarienberg (car park P1), and the endpoint is the Waldbachstrub Waterfall. This hike is not suitable for prams, and the best time to go is from April to November, depending on the weather conditions. Along the way, you'll be treated to magnificent waterfalls, rushing glacier streams, a stone garden, and endless photo opportunities.
Family-Friendly Hike to the Waterfalls of Salzkammergut
For an easy and family-friendly option, consider the hike to the waterfalls of Salzkammergut. This hike takes approximately 2.5 hours and is suitable for children aged 10 and above who have some mountain experience. The trail takes you through the breathtaking Echern Valley, where you'll find the Waldbachstrub Waterfall. This hike is especially rewarding after extensive rainy weather, as the waterfalls will be gushing with water.
Walk Around Lake Hallstatt
For a gentle stroll, consider walking around Lake Hallstatt. This trail is almost 23 kilometres long and takes about 6.5 hours to complete. It is a moderate-difficulty hike that takes you through the Ostuferwanderweg on the eastern side of the lake and the Soleleitungsweg on the western side. This trail offers spectacular views and is one of the most popular hiking routes in the area.
Hike to the Simony Hut
This hike is a romantic journey through the picturesque Echern Valley to the Glacier Garden, a relic of the last ice age. It is a family-friendly hike that takes you along Lake Hallstatt and ends at the Simony Hut below the mighty Dachstein glacier. This hike is known for its gorgeous sunrise, so an early start is recommended.
Short Circuit Hike to the Waterfall
If you're short on time or simply looking for a pleasant walk, consider the short circuit hike to the waterfall in Hallstatt. This hike takes you to the waterfall on one side of the river and back on the other side. It is a moderate-difficulty trail that offers the beauty of the waterfall without requiring a full day of hiking.
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Frequently asked questions
There are plenty of things to do in Vienna when it rains, including:
- Visiting the city's many museums, such as the Furniture Museum in the 7th district, which features imperial pieces of furniture of the Habsburgs.
- Going to the cinema, with options ranging from classic, red-seated cinema halls to ultra-modern cinemas.
- Exploring the streets of Vienna and visiting beautiful, mystical-looking places such as the Sternwartepark, the Zentralfriedhof, and the Augarten.
- Enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants or cafes, such as Café Jelinek, a traditional coffee house, or Cafe Derbl, which offers homemade desserts and ice cream.
Here are some indoor activities to enjoy in Vienna when it's raining:
- Visiting the Imperial Treasury at the Vienna Hofburg, which houses treasures such as the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian Imperial Crown.
- Taking a virtual reality tour of Schönbrunn Palace, where you can experience the everyday life of the imperial family during the Austrian Empire.
- Enjoying a relaxed meal at the restaurant in the Danube Tower, which offers spectacular views of the old town, the Danube Park, and the Vienna Woods.
- Playing laser tag, which is a fun and entertaining activity that promotes team-building and strategy.
Hallstatt is a beautiful mountain village located in the Alps, and while it offers many outdoor activities, there are also things to do when it rains, such as:
- Visiting the Dachstein Ice Cave, which features magical ice formations and is accessible by cable car.
- Taking a short hike to a lake or a waterfall, such as the easy loop trail around Gosausee or the Echern Theme Trail, which features waterfalls.
- Exploring indoor caves, which offer protection from the rain while still allowing you to experience the natural beauty of the area.
- Enjoying a hot chocolate or tasting strudel at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the area, such as Cafe Derbl in the main square.
While specific locations were not easily found, there are some general indoor activities you can do in Austria when it rains:
- Going to the cinema or shopping.
- Staying indoors and enjoying a lazy day, having a big breakfast, or watching a movie.
- Visiting museums or art galleries.
