Damon Mcknight
The Austrian Alps are a year-round destination, offering outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and natural wonders. In winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to the slopes, while spring sees the arrival of hikers exploring flower-strewn meadows and verdant valleys. The Austrian Alps are home to picturesque towns, alpine peaks, and scenic drives, as well as historic sites such as the Eagle's Nest, Mozart's birthplace, and the historic Old Town of Salzburg. The region also boasts natural wonders like the Hohe Tauern National Park, with its 266 mountains, endless forests, lakes, and waterfalls. With its mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, the Austrian Alps offer a captivating and enchanting experience for visitors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Activities | Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, horseback riding, rafting, paragliding, climbing, exploring |
| Scenery | Alpine peaks, deep gorges, emerald valleys, flower-strewn meadows, verdant valleys, waterfalls, wild rivers, glaciers, lakes, forests |
| Transport | Car, bus, hiking, biking, cable car, gondola, train |
| Towns | Innsbruck, Salzburg, Grossarl, Berchtesgaden, Seefeld |
| Castles | Fortress Hohensalzburg, Mirabell Palace, Schloss Hellbrunn |
| History | Old Town, Eagle's Nest (Hitler's mountaintop chalet), birthplace of Mozart, cathedrals, abbeys |
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What You'll Learn
Explore the old town of Innsbruck, Salzburg or Tyrol
The Austrian Alps are home to some of the country's most charming old towns, including Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Tyrol. Each town offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making them must-visit destinations for travellers exploring the region.
Innsbruck's old town, known as "Altstadt," is a picturesque destination filled with medieval charm. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with colourful buildings, boutiques, and restaurants serving traditional Austrian cuisine. The town square, dominated by the Golden Roof and the Hofburg Innsbruck, is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The Golden Roof, with its 2,738 gold-plated tiles, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding Alps. The Dom zu St. Jakob and the nearby Christmas Market are also popular attractions. With its mix of historical landmarks and modern amenities, Innsbruck's old town provides a delightful blend of the past and present.
Salzburg's old town, also known as "Altstadt," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps. The town is renowned for its ornate Baroque architecture, pretty palaces, and bustling market squares. The Hohensalzburg Fortress, a medieval castle that overlooks the town, is a key landmark and the largest fully-preserved fortress in Central Europe. The Old Town is also home to the Residence, the New Residence, and the Residence Fountain, adorned with horses, dolphins, and giants. Mozartplatz, a square dedicated to Mozart, features a statue of the composer. The Salzach River adds to the town's picturesque quality, with the Mirabell Palace and Gardens offering a peaceful escape.
Hall in Tyrol is a popular tourist destination, known for its charming old town with narrow streets and a vibrant Christmas market. The town's long history dates back to the 13th century, when it thrived as a salt mining centre. The town's name, "Hall," reflects this connection. The upper and lower town squares feature notable attractions such as the Sigmund Fountain, the town hall, and the parish church. The Magdalen Chapel houses Gothic works of art, including the oldest frescoes in Hall. With its unique blend of history and culture, Hall in Tyrol offers visitors a glimpse into the past.
Exploring the old towns of Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Tyrol provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich history and cultural heritage of the Austrian Alps. Each town, with its own distinct character, architecture, and natural surroundings, offers a memorable and enchanting experience for travellers seeking to discover the beauty of this mountainous region.
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Discover the natural wonders, from waterfalls to wild rivers
The Austrian Alps are a nature lover's paradise, with towering mountain ranges, lush valleys, forests, meadows, Alpine pastures, and crystal-clear lakes. The region is crisscrossed by powerful rivers and streams, providing a stunning backdrop for a range of outdoor activities.
One of the most popular ways to experience the natural wonders of the Austrian Alps is by hiking the numerous trails that wind through the mountains. These trails offer the opportunity to discover breathtaking waterfalls, such as the one accessible from the Grawa alm, which can be reached by car. The Austrian Alps also boast idyllic, easy hiking trails that lead past several waterfalls, including the natural monument of the Screw Waterfall in Tyrol. For those seeking a challenge, there are hiking tours that cover around 8km with over 1000m of altitude up and down.
The Enns River in Styria is known for its fast-moving torrents and white-water rapids, offering a thrilling experience for rafters and kayakers. The Isel in East Tyrol is another highlight, known as one of the last free-flowing glacial rivers in the Alps.
For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, there are scenic drives and cable car rides that offer panoramic views of the Alps. The cable car up to the Nordkette range in Tyrol is a popular choice, offering a bird's-eye view of the pastel-coloured buildings below.
The Austrian Alps are also home to picturesque towns and villages, such as Sölden in the Ötztal Valley, which was featured in the James Bond movie Spectre. Salzburg, with its historic Old Town and Baroque gardens, is another must-visit destination.
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Visit historic sites, including castles, palaces and cathedrals
Austria is brimming with centuries-old castles, palaces, and cathedrals that transport you to the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque eras. Many of these sites are carefully restored and opened to the public, offering guided tours that showcase the extravagant daily lives of the nobility. Here are some must-visit historic places in the Austrian Alps:
Ort Castle
Located on a tiny island in Lake Traun, Ort Castle is one of the oldest buildings in the Salzkammergut region. Legend has it that the giant Erla built the castle out of love for the lake nymph Blondchen. The castle gained fame through Austrian television, featuring as the 'Schlosshotel Orth'.
Greinburg Castle
Greinburg Castle holds the distinction of being the oldest inhabited castle in Austria. Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Austria, this castle continues to be a residence while also welcoming visitors.
Linz Castle
Linz Castle has undergone numerous changes over the years and now houses a museum. Visitors can explore the castle's rich history and admire the panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Clam Castle
Clam Castle offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to stay overnight in bower apartments and suites furnished with 18th-century decor during the summer months.
Eggenberg Castle
Located in Styria, Eggenberg Castle is the largest and most significant Baroque castle complex in the region. It houses parts of the Universalmuseum Joanneum, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past.
St. Anton
St. Anton, known as the "cradle of alpine skiing," is part of the largest connected skiing area in Austria. It offers stunning scenery and world-renowned ski slopes. The town also features a futuristic glass-walled building at 3,048 meters above sea level, which was featured in the James Bond movie "Spectre."
Cathedral Churches
The Austrian Alps are also home to numerous gorgeous churches that offer a sense of calm and showcase impressive architecture. Some notable ones include the mountain chapel in Kaprun, the church in Lesachtal, and the church in Rottenstein, which is located close to Steinfeld in Carinthia.
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Adventure through the mountains, with hiking and biking trails
The Austrian Alps are a year-round destination, with skiers and snowboarders flocking to the slopes in winter, and hikers and bikers taking to the trails in spring. The region is known for its dramatic scenery, with emerald valleys, towering snow-capped peaks, and thickly forested foothills.
Mountain biking
Austria is renowned for its mountain biking, with a vast network of trails catering to all abilities. The Kitzbühel Alps, for example, offer forest trails, mountain singletrack, and low-level family routes. The town of Solden is another popular destination, with its many trails, tracks, and activities for all levels. The whole area has been described as a "proper bike and ski circus".
Mountain bikers can take advantage of the country's excellent infrastructure, with cable cars providing easy access to freeride trails. There are also plenty of cosy restaurants and lively bars to enjoy après-ride.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Austrian Alps, with trails to suit all fitness levels. The Streif trail, for example, offers a mix of steep sections, rocky paths, wildflower fields, and narrow paths through wooden gates. The Lechweg short break trail from Steeg to Fussen is another popular route, known for its beautiful nature and fresh Alpine water.
For those looking for a challenge, the hike up to the summit of Erlhof Ledge reaches an elevation of 2,117m. The reward is incredible views of Alpine ridges and Lake Zell. Alternatively, hikers can take the gondola up the Hahnenkamm and walk back down, or explore the historic Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), Adolf Hitler's mountaintop chalet, with panoramic views of Germany's Bavarian Alps.
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Enjoy the views from the cable cars and gondolas
The Austrian Alps are a year-round destination, with skiers and snowboarders flocking to the slopes in winter and hikers taking to the trails in spring and summer. Cable cars and gondolas are a popular way to take in the stunning views of the Alps and its surrounding areas.
Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is a great base for exploring the Austrian Alps. The Nordkette Cable Car runs straight up from the town, stopping first at Hungerburg, where you can board a second cable car, the Seebgrube, to continue higher. At the second stop, you'll find panoramic views of the town, the river, and the surrounding mountains, as well as a cafe with outdoor seating. The journey to the top takes about 20 minutes, and there are hiking trails accessible directly from the cable car platform.
From Ramsau, in Styria, you can take a cable car to the Dachstein massif and enjoy breathtaking views from the Dachstein Skywalks at 2,700 meters above sea level. The viewing platforms here offer a unique perspective of the surrounding valleys and mountains, with only an inch of glass between you and the abyss. For an even more thrilling experience, you can ride on the roof of the cable car gondola!
If you're visiting Salzburg, you can access the Gipfelwelt 3000 cable car, which operates during the first week of May when other cable cars in the region are typically closed. Salzburg's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also worth exploring, with its medieval streets, Baroque towers, and historic palaces.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, parasailing is an option that provides a bird's-eye view of the Alps and the surrounding landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
The Austrian Alps are a year-round destination. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to the slopes, while in the spring, summer, and fall, hiking is a popular activity. The Austrian Alps also offer mountain biking, horseback riding, and water sports.
Grossarl, a town 86 km south of Salzburg, is a perfect weekend getaway in the Austrian Alps. It offers a mix of activities, including hiking, spas, and relaxation. Sölden, a town in the Ötztal valley, was a shooting location for key scenes in the James Bond movie Spectre.
The Austrian Alps feature countless gorgeous waterfalls, picturesque towns, alpine peaks, and scenic drives. The largest conservation area in Central Europe and the Alps, Hohe Tauern National Park spans 1,856 square kilometres and includes Austria’s highest peak, Grossglockner, as well as endless forests, 550 lakes, wild rivers, and about 250 glaciers.
The historic Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), Adolf Hitler’s mountaintop chalet and the former southern headquarters of the Nazi party, is located in the alpine town of Berchtesgaden, an hour’s drive outside of Salzburg. Salzburg’s Old Town (Salzburger Altstadt or Altstadt Salzburg), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the birthplace of Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Fortress Hohensalzburg, Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, and Mozart's Birthplace are all popular cultural landmarks in the Austrian Alps.
