Transform Your Summer: Explore the Beauty of the Austrian Alps with This Travel Guide

Exploring the Austrian Alps

Adventures on Your Doorstep

The Austrian Alps are like a playground for anyone who loves being outside. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or a chill stroll in nature, there’s got something to make you smile.

• Hiking and Trekking: You won’t run out of trails in Austria. Whether you’re up for a challenging mountain climb or want a gentle wander around a sparkling lake, the paths suit all levels. Check out the 256-mile long Adlerweg across Tyrol or the scenic Pinzgauer Spaziergang near Zell am See if you fancy a walk that comes with a view (PADI). For more ideas, we’ve rustled up a list of scenic hiking trails in austrian alps that might tickle your fancy.

• Skiing and Snowboarding: While snow sports scream winter fun, you can hit the slopes in summer at high-altitude spots. Swing by Ski Arlberg, one of the most extensive ski areas, and find slopes perfect for both newbies and seasoned pros (PADI). Discover our picks for the best skiing spots in austrian alps and get your gears ready.

• Diving: With a ton of lakes around, diving is a must-try. Known spots include lakes like Achensee and Weissensee. Even in the heart of Vienna, Neufeldersee Lake lets you dive with freshwater fish and see some incredible sights underwater (PADI).

Beautiful Lakes and Splashes

The Austrian Alps don’t skimp on breathtaking views. From serene lakes to dramatic waterfalls, take a moment to drink in these stunning sights.

• Lake Achensee: This lake is called the “Fjord of the Alps” for a reason. Its crystal-clear waters are surrounded by majestic mountains, ideal for a dip, a sail, or just chilling out with a view.

• Lake Wörthersee: In the south, this warm lake is a hot spot for swimming, water sports, and enjoying sunny beaches.

• Millstätter See and Weissensee: Enjoy stunning views and clear waters. Dive into Millstätter See or follow nature trails around Weissensee; either way, you’re in for a treat.

• Neufeldersee Lake: Located in Vienna, it’s spot on for urban diving adventures, offering unique experiences with local fish and the underwater scenery.

Popular Lakes in Austria

The Alps aren’t just for grown-ups. Kids will find plenty to do, too! For a holiday jam-packed with fun, check out our guide on family-friendly activities. Whether you’re hiking new trails or soaking up the sun by a lake, the Austrian Alps make any summer holiday an unforgettable experience. And hey, if you fancy a bit of pampering, why not crash in one of the luxury chalets in the Austrian Alps?

Culinary Delights in Austria

Traditional Austrian Dishes

If you’re hitting up the Austrian Alps, eating like the locals is absolutely mandatory. Austria’s kitchen magic offers a smorgasbord of eats that’ll make your taste buds dance.

First up is the mighty Wiener Schnitzel. This golden-fried piece of heaven is practically Austria on a plate. Typically hanging out with fried potatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and a side of onions, it’s the dish that sums up the Austrian spirit (Travel Triangle).

Then there’s Knödel, the dumpling dynamo of Austria. Perfect as a sidekick or when floating in soup, these dumplings can go sweet or savoury. It’s kind of like picking your favourite child—but with food (Travel Triangle)!

Dig into Tafelspitz, another heavyweight of the Austrian flavor game. Picture this: beef simmering alongside veggies and herbs, all mingling in a cozy broth. It’s usually the star on the dinner table, mingling with minced apples or the zing of horseradish or sour cream and chives (Travel Triangle).

For something hearty from the mountains, try Tiroler Gröstl. A hefty mix of potato, beef or pork bits, cozying up with butter and onion—topped triumphantly by a fried egg. Find it often where the air’s thin and the mountains call.

A Taste of Austrian Street Food

Wandering through street food stalls is a must-do for a true taste of Austria amidst your summer travel guide to Austrian Alps. The Viennese Apfelstrudel is the sweet superstar here—a flaky wrap hiding apples snuggled with cinnamon, sugar, and raisins. It’s a crowd-pleaser among locals and those just passing through (Travel Triangle).

Make sure to hit up the lively street markets, where discoveries await. From hustle-bustle stalls to hole-in-the-wall kiosks, the street eats in Austria pack a punch that’ll have your taste buds doing somersaults.

Mix in these traditional bites with some street food marvels, and your culinary trek through Austria will leave you with a deeper love for its culture and flavors. For extra tips on where to roam and sights to behold in the Austrian Alps, check out our guides on scenic hiking trails in Austrian Alps and family-friendly activities in Austrian Alps.

Tips for Exploring the Austrian Alps

Getting ready for a trip to the Austrian Alps? Brace yourself for some jaw-dropping beauty. Let’s hash out a few nuggets of wisdom to make your adventure smooth and memorable.

Best Times to Visit

The Austrian Alps have something going on all year, but each season brings its own flavor. If you’re not a fan of following the crowd (and like saving some cash), think about visiting during those quiet patches between the busier seasons.

When it comes to snagging good deals and avoiding tourist overload, spring (May) and autumn (September to November) are your best bets. You’ll find cheaper hotels, more ticket options on popular transport routes, and a calmer vibe than the busy ski rush (December to April) or summer hustle (June to August).

Transportation and Travel Tips

Heading around the Austrian Alps? Piece of cake if you jot down a little plan. Check out these tips and tricks to get around like a pro:

• Highways and Vignettes: If you’re driving, remember the golden rule: highways in Austria often need a vignette. Plus, some roads have tolls, from €5-20, especially the scenic routes. Smaller mountain paths might also hit you with a €10-30 toll charge (Travel Tip Zone).

• Public Transportation: Austria’s transport system is slick and efficient. The trains are perfect for hopping between cities, while buses and taxis can ferry you to more rural hideaways.

Looking to pinch those pennies? Try these moves:

• Advance Train Tickets: Snatching train tickets in advance can slash costs by a good chunk. Give private rail operators a peek for deals. If you’re riding the rails often, a Eurail Austria pass might be the golden ticket, starting at €144 for three days.

• City Tourist Passes: Tools like the Vienna City Card, Innsbruck Welcome Card, Graz Card, Linz Card, and Salzburg Card toss out discounts galore. You get deals on digs, free rides on some transport, and even complimentary museum visits. If you’re a city buff, these passes pack a punch.

Curious about activities that kids will love or where to rest your head in style in the Austrian Alps? Check out our guides on family-friendly activities in the Austrian Alps and luxury chalets in the Austrian Alps.

Festivals and Cultural Traditions

Dive headfirst into the heart and soul of the Austrian Alps, where its festivals and traditions paint a lively picture of cultural richness. This summer travel guide to Austrian Alps will whisk you away to the buzzing Almabtrieb and Alpabzug cattle drives and other smashing festivals that pulse with Austria’s historic spirit.

Almabtrieb and Alpabzug Events

Around summer’s end, the hills are alive—not with music but with the raucous sound of cattle descending into the valleys. The Almabtrieb and Alpabzug events are pure, unadulterated Austrian tradition. The cows get dolled up and strut their stuff down from the mountain pastures to the people’s delight. States like Tyrol, Styria, Salzburg, and Vorarlberg play host to these alfresco parades. Stand-out spots to catch the action are Hofgarten im Brixental, Kufstein, Pertisau am Achensee, Reith im Alpbachtal, Söll, Zillertal, and Gerlos (Moon Honey Travel).

Most of these shindigs are free—easy on the wallet for sure. But beware, Mother Nature sometimes throws a spanner in the works. Wolves have been causing havoc by munching on livestock, leading to some gigs being pulled, like in the Hochkönig area of Salzburg.

Unique Festivals in Austria

Once you’ve had your fill of cows, Austria holds more quirky shenanigans that flaunt its vibrant culture.

Keep your eyes peeled for Samson parades in Lungau, Salzburgerland, and nearby Styria. These summer blowouts (June to August) feature ginormous 5-7 meter figures, symbolizing toughness and community pride. With an honor lime punched by UNESCO, these parades have bands blasting and guards strutting in classic get-ups (Travel to Austria).

Feeling springy? Trot over to the Narzissenfest in Ausseerland, Styria. Since 1959, this daffodil bash morphs the whole town into flower-pickers, wrapping up with a boat parade on Lake Altausseersee. Folks don traditional garb to celebrate the season’s zest and local customs (Travel to Austria).

Your jaw’s sure to drop witnessing the summer solstice shows in the Wachau region of Lower Austria. These celebrations light up with creatively-shaped bonfires and jaw-dropping fireworks against the backdrop of the charming Danube Valley and vine-clad landscapes. Crowds gather—whether on dry land or afloat on cruise vessels.

By throwing yourself into these festivals bright with enthusiasm, you get a real sense of the spirited and lively traditions gracing the Austrian Alps. Snag some exploration tips for the Austrian Alps and find out the top skiing locations in the Austrian Alps for a ton of fun across all seasons.