Austria is one of the most exciting places I have visited and the Austrian Alps are just as much adventure as relaxation.
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The Austrian Alps have a variety of adventures that will keep you occupied during summer and winter. I visited a few different destinations in the Austrian Alps and I loved all of them. Here are some of the best places to visit that you’ll love.
The Start of your Austrian Alps Trip
Ideally, you’ll have plenty of time to visit these seven magnificent places and be amazed by the wonders you’ll encounter.
Fortunately, distances in Austria aren’t particularly long so you can drive around the country, and it won’t take you more than six hours to go from Nassfeld to Schruns for example.
If you plan in advance and visit all these places in order, you won’t be driving for more than two hours each day.
Wherever you choose to start from, you will be sure to have a great Austrian alps trip. If you don’t have a vehicle of your own don’t worry. You can easily rent a car from most major cities and airports to visit these magnificent Austrian Alps.
Nassfeld, Austria
The Nassfeld is well known as a ski resort in Kårnten (Carinthia in English), Austria’s most southern state.
It’s near the Italian border. With 110 km of ski areas, 1000km of hiking trails and 950km of cycling trails, it is an adventurer’s paradise.
Many of the trails are reached from the Milleniumsbahn, a gondola that whisks you up high into the Austrian mountains so that you already have amazing views from the start of your hike.
Austria Travel Tip: Stay at the Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Carinzia you will receive a +Card which gives you a free gondola ride.
Make sure to try the Summer Rodelbahn, which is, in essence, a summer sled. In this case, it’s a 2 km track where you can reach speeds of up to 40km/hr!
There are a couple of different options and courses depending on your abilities. And there’s even a course designed for kids, so it’s very family-friendly.
Related Reading: Best Hiking Underwear: Top Picks for Wool, Moisture-Wicking and Antichafing
Where to Stay Near Nassfeld
Top Pick: Hotel & Spa Belibergerhof
A good option is the Hotel & Spa Belibergerhof in Bad Bleiberg, located ~30 minutes away from the Nassfeld Ski Area. This wellness hotel offers a spa, sauna and wellness area. It’s surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape.
Each guest room offers guests a mixture of traditional and modern decor. There is a daily breakfast buffet that caters to specific dietary needs such as gluten intolerance.
There are 2 fantastic restaurants to choose from and the hotel itself offers a wonderfully cozy ambience making guests feel at home and relaxed. Each room offers wonderful views of the Austrian mountains from the balcony.
Top Pick: Der Tröpolacherhof Hotel & Restaurant
Der Tröpolacherhof Hotel & Restaurant is located in the heart of Tröpolach just 300m from the Millenium Express Cable Car. Guests can enjoy the on-site sauna, steam bath and infrared cabin.
The guest rooms are spacious and come equipped with a balcony. Bathrobes are included in the private bathrooms. There’s an onsite restaurant that serves traditional Carinthian cuisine.
Guests can use the billiards table, table tennis and wi-fi in public areas. Bicycles are provided to guests free of charge.
Recommended Reading: Tour du Mont Blanc: The Best Way to Plan Your Epic Trek!
Grossarl
Grossarl is located just 86 km south of Salzburg or 205 km if you’re coming from Munich. It’s a perfect weekend getaway in the Austrian Alps.
It’s the ultimate travel destination if you’re seeking active relaxation – my favorite type of relaxation. It offers a mix of activities, in this case, hiking, but with spa time and time to relax as well.
We visited Grossarl in mid-September. Fall is a fantastic time to visit.
Grossarl offers an incredible 400 km of signposted hiking trails, many leading to one of the 40 or so mountain huts.
We tried a few different hikes including the Shuhflicker which is a ridge walk that culminates in an Alpine mountain peak with panoramic views. We also hiked to the Saukarkopf, one of the most beloved mountains in Grossarl.
Where to Stay When You Go to Grossarl
Top Pick: Berg-Leben Grossarl Hotel
The recently extended Berg-Leben Grossarl Hotel is located in the center of Grossarl and features a large top-floor spa area. It is conveniently located near the cable car and offers elegant rooms.
The rustic decor of the property adds to its charm and each room comes with bathrobes and slippers. Guests can make use of the spa facilities during their free time, which include a Finnish sauna, a steam room (sauna) and a hay bath. You can enjoy wonderful views of the Austrian Alps from the terrace.
Top Pick: Hotel Roslehen
The Hotel Roslehen is located in a quiet location in the center of Grossarl. The south-facing sun terrace offers guests perfect views of the mountains.
Guests can relax and enjoy the spacious Rosen Spa which includes a steam bath, Finnish sauna, infrared cabin and herbal sauna.
The Rosen Spa is unique and offers guests a rose garden and relaxation rooms with waterbeds. Massage treatments are also available. Bathrobes are provided free of charge.
Most rooms have a balcony. Breakfast is served daily and includes organic products. The property also offers a playroom, playground and petting zoo for children to enjoy. Free parking is also available.
Schruns: Snowshoeing in the Austrian Alps
I found out about Schruns, in the Austrian Alps by accident. I was itching to get in a weekend of snowshoeing but really didn’t know where to go that was reasonably close to Stuttgart, my home base.
Schruns is a small village of 3800 people in Vorarlberg in western Austria. It’s surrounded by mountains and lies 500 km west of Vienna and ~250km south of Stuttgart. You’ll need a car to get around easily.
Snowshoeing is not very popular in Europe, but luckily Schruns has a good selection of snowshoe trails and “winterwanderrouten” (winter hiking trails).
The lady at the tourist office was good enough to recommend two snowshoeing trails. You should also be advised that the hiking trails are only accessible with snowshoes.
Austria Travel Tip: If you’re looking for good routes to snowshoe or take part in other winter activities, ask the locals. I have discovered some best spots this way.
We did the Bartholomäberg region, just a few kilometres from Schruns. A good portion of the hike takes you past cottages and across roads.
Austria Travel Tip: Always make sure to have some food in case the mountain hut is closed which happens during off-seasons.
The next day, we found ourselves at the Silbertal Ski Area, just a short drive from Schruns. Our chosen trail started at the bottom of a downhill ski run. We cautiously trekked up the side of the trail.
The first viewpoint overlooked the mountain and had a small valley before leading up another mountain range. Spectacular! At one portion of the trail, we had to wade through knee-deep snow as there was no path.
Where to Stay When You Go to Schruns
Top Pick: Haus Stüttler/Duchscherer
Haus Stüttler/Duchscherer is located in Schruns and offers accommodation with a garden and free Wifi. The rooms are well furnished and offer comfort and charm.
Some units have balconies with a wonderful Austrian Mountain View. Guests can choose between rooms with private bathrooms or shared bathrooms. The property also offers parking with no extra cost.
Top Pick: Hotel Auhof
Hotel Auhof provides guests with comfortable accommodation and a spa area. The property also has its own on-site restaurant for your convenience.
Each unit comes with a TV and a bathroom with a shower and the apartments come equipped with a seating area and a kitchenette that includes a dishwasher.
The spa offers guests a Finnish sauna, a bio sauna and a steam bath and guests can request massages. Guests can relax in front of the fireplace in the common lounge and free Wi-Fi is provided in public areas.
Know Before You Go Snowshoeing in The Austrian Alps
- Due to its relatively low elevation, it’s a good idea to check the Snow Report before you go.
- For more info, see the Montafon Tourist Info Site.
- You can pick up the free “Aktivkarte Winter” in English, “Winter Activities Map”. The map is only available in German.
- It’s useful and relatively easy to use even if you don’t speak German. You may also get lucky as we did with the tourism information lady being a skier.
Stuiben Waterfall
Fortunately, Stuiben Waterfall was near the Aqua Dome where we were staying. They were even kind enough to arrange our own private guide to visit it. The hiking path up the waterfall is incredibly well designed.
There are several viewing platforms along the way, providing the best vantage points of the waterfall. Hiking to the top of the waterfall was just a short walk which only takes less than an hour and puts you just over 300m elevation gain on a gradual path.
Just past the waterfall, there’s the Stuiben Restaurant which makes a great rest stop if you’ve worked up an appetite after your walking tour.
The more adventurous can even climb up Stuiben Falls. Not only do you climb up alongside the 150m waterfall, but you actually cross it near the top on a wire cable. This looks like pure adrenalin!
Where to Stay When You Go to Stuiben Waterfall
Top Pick: Gasthof Leiter’s Hoatmatl
Gasthof Leiter’s Hoatmatl in Umhausen is the perfect place to get a full immersion in nature with a great view of the mountains. Guests can enjoy the onsite restaurant, free private parking and a garden to relax in.
The property offers guests free access to the sauna as well as free wifi throughout the property. Each room comes equipped with a closet, desk and private bathroom.
Top Pick: Aqua Dome
Aqua Dome in Längenfeld is a beautiful hotel to relax and enjoy a huge Spa area. With stunning views of the mountains and a selection of thermal baths, the hotel is the perfect wellness getaway.
There are several restaurants to choose from as well as a lounge and bar which are warmed by fireplaces. Read more about my stay here. I LOVE the Aqua Dome and highly recommend it.
Plan to be there on a Friday so that you can enjoy the unique outdoor pools that are lit up each Friday night.
Know Before You Visit Stuiben Waterfall:
- We visited Stuiben Waterfall with a guide, but it’s very well-marked, so it’s easy to visit on your own.
- We also stopped by the Archaeological Open-Air Park, which is en route to the waterfall. The open-air museum shows what life was like in prehistoric times. It’s more suited to children than to adults.
- The climb up Stuiben Waterfall is considered easy in that it’s not technical, so if you are familiar with Klettersteig (climbing along ropes while in a harness) you could do this on your own. If not, you can arrange a guided tour in Umhausen.
- Austria Travel tip: Most stores are closed on Sundays. We tried to find a place to rent climbing harnesses on Sunday morning, but they were all closed, so get your gear on Saturday.
- There are so many great hikes in the Ötztal that you should stay for several days.
- If you like waterfalls, also be sure to check out Krimml Waterfall – it’s Austria’s highest waterfall!
A Special Hiking Tour in The Austrian Alps
MoaAlm is a holiday concept where adventures are shared, and new friends are made. You will arrive as guests, but you’ll leave as friends is the promise on their website. After spending a couple of days with Barbara and Hubert, I can vouch that this is true!
MoaAlm is one of two WearActive homes – a small company that offers ‘Relaxingly Active’ holidays in Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria and on the Croatian Island of Vis.
You engage in activities tailored to you and to your adventure level. In the summer months, this includes hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and rock climbing to name a few. In winter, guests can choose between downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking and sledding in this alpine region.
We did several easy trails including hiking to the Dorfertal Valley and enjoyed several trips into the Hohe Tauern National Park and got in some views of the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain peak. During these hikes, I also had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful alpine pastures that litter the Austrian Alpine mountains.
Know Before Your Adventure in the Austrian Alps Begins:
- The nearest train station is in Lienz, about 30 minutes away. They will pick you up from there.
- Notify them of food allergies in advance. I have gluten allergy which was well accommodated, but given how remote MoaAlm is, the chef needs time to prepare.
- Check the MoaAlm website for themed weeks or sign up for their newsletter!
- There are no TVs in the rooms – which I saw as a huge plus!
- You will interact a lot with Barbara, Hubert and the other guests. If you are looking for a solace away from people, or time alone with your sweetheart, you may want to choose a more traditional type hotel where you will have more privacy.
Wilder Kaiser: Summer & Winter Activities
I visited Wilder Kaiser in summer and colder months of winter and I absolutely love it. This is my first option for a weekend getaway. Wilder Kaiser is conveniently located in the Tirolean Alps of Austria between Innsbruck, Munich, and Salzburg.
The Hintersteinsee (Hinterstein Lake) is perfect for swimming and hiking and summer and cross-country skiing in winter.
You can hike or e-bike to Gruberhof. The “Gruberhof” is the home of the “Bergdoktor” (alpine doctor), a popular TV show in Germany. Outside of filming site the farm is called “Köpfing”. If you are feeling ambitious you can continue up to Hohe Salve which I have snowshoed up in winter.
Hike the Asterbergsee. From the Asterbergbahn you can either take a chairlift or hike up to the Astbergsee. It’s a small alpine lake, but the views are stunning. There are a variety of paths you can do depending on how hard of a hike you’re looking for.
Check out Elmmau’s Summer Night. It’s held every Tuesday in the summer. Admission is free. Starting at 6:00 pm the street turns into a car-free pedestrian zone where you can shop traditional crafts. There are live bands playing music of all different types of genres, so you’ll find something to your taste.
In winter, on selected Monday evenings, you’ll find music, mulled wine stands and a festive après-ski atmosphere. Then, at 8:30 local skiers will demonstrate their skills. You can expect synchronized skiing to music and nostalgia skiing. The night ends up with a bang that lights up the night sky with a flurry of fireworks.
I enjoyed alpine skiing at Skiwelt. It is one of the largest and most modern ski resorts in the world. They have some great special events like night skiing. You can even watch the sunset from Skiwelt which I highly recommend.
Visit the ALPENIGLU – Igloo Village. Stop by for a drink, take a tour of the village or if you like to keep things cool, spend the night in the igloo hotel.
You can also try out Moonlight Tobogganing at Söll its really fun and not just for the kids.
Where to Stay When You Go to Wilder Kaiser
Top Pick: Bergpension-Ebental
Bergpension-Ebental offers comfortable accommodation just 1.7km from the Igloo Village. All rooms have a balcony with a view of the gardens as well as an on-site bar. The hotel has ski-to-door access as well as a barbecue area for guests and a daily buffet breakfast.
Top Pick: Gästehaus Hofer
Gästehaus Hofer offers ski to door access as well as a steam bath and a balcony. Apartments come equipped with a kitchen and dishwasher. Ski storage and an infrared room are available at the premises as well as a children’s playground and sun terrace.
Know Before You Go To Wilder Kaiser
- I stayed at the Gasthof Postwir in Söll. I LOVED my stay here
- I’d recommend spending 5 to 7 days at Wilder Kaiser. There’s so much to do, no matter how active you want to be.
- The Wilder Kaiser Guest Card (free when you’re staying in Wilder Kaiser) entitles you to free public transportation between all four villages and to the start of hiking trails.
- The tourism board offers a varied weekly program with 12 activities and guided hikes each week. Most of these are free. Ask for the updated program at the local tourist office.
- There are four villages that comprise Wilder Kaiser; Ellmau, Going, Scheffau and Söll. Ellmau and Söll are the largest of the four villages and the most popular with English-speaking tourists.
- The peak season at SkiWelt is from December to March, but it’s also open pre-season: in early December and post-season from March to April. Check the SkiWelt site for the most up-to-date information.
- Ski at SkiWelt but also get off the slopes to try snowshoeing winter hiking, and tobogganing.
- You can get to Wilder Kaiser from Kufstein with a shuttle. The cost is €15 each way. Details here.
- There are also shuttles to the ski lifts.
Innsbruck, The Austrian Alps
Innsbruck is a perfect place to visit if you are looking for city exploration and outdoor activities all in one.
You can visit the Swarovski Crystal World, which is very artsy and probably not what you will expect – I didn’t love it to be honest. Stroll down Maria-Theresien Strasse and lose yourself in the beautiful architecture and the perfect atmosphere.
You can marvel at the famous Golden Roof and visit the Ambras Castle. Enjoy the views from the Bergisel Ski Jump and take a cable car right up to the highest peak of this Austrian Alps.
Enjoy some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Austrian Alps and in winter find the most exciting snowshoeing trails that you can think of. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Hungerburg Funicular and to get in some mountain biking. And most importantly make sure to visit a Käserei (cheese shop).
Where to Stay in Innsbruck
Top Pick: Hotel Zach
Hotel Zach is located in a quiet location very close to Innsbruck’s old town. The hotel offers free wifi. Guests can enjoy rooms with bright wooden furniture and a private bathroom.
Enjoy a daily breakfast buffet with fresh fruit and more. Guests can enjoy the fitness room free of charge.
Top Pick: Hotel Innsbruck
Hotel Innsbruck is located at the bank of the Inn River, in the heart of the old town. Guests can enjoy spacious and comfortable rooms with air-conditioning and a minibar.
The hotel offers rooms with accessibility for disabled guests. Guests can enjoy the indoor pool and 2 spa areas.
Know Before You Go To Innsbruck
- Stay at the Hotel Schwarzer Adler, Austria Trend Hotel Congress Innsbruck or Hotel Zach which all have great locations.
- Get a city card or try something adventurous like paragliding.
- Innsbruck is an Austrian town located ~150km south of Munich. It wasn’t really far for us to travel to, around 90 minutes by car.
The Austrian Alps are incredibly beautiful and an amazing destination for hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing. And reward yourself for your efforts in one of the amazing wellness hotels you can find there for a perfect active relaxation vacation.
