Austria holidays and resorts

With its rugged mountain peaks, thermal spas and hearty Tyrolean cuisine, holidays in Austria are for intrepid adventures and lovers of natural wellbeing

Stretching along the western side of Austria, the Tyrol and Salzburgerland regions are about wild mountain trails, flower-filled meadows, wooden chalets and rich green valleys. And with hundreds of walking trails suitable for all abilities, holidays in Austria are wholesome, invigorating and action packed. Sophisticated cities like Vienna complement the folk history of little towns like Ellmau, and the painted houses and cobbled streets of St. Wolfgang. At first Austria welcomes you with tradition and then pampers you with live music, festivals, fortified market towns, exclusive spas and lake cruises. 

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Walking holidays in Austria

Go big and tackle a section of the challenging 413 kilometre Adlerweg (Golden Eagle Walk) which stretches from St. Anton in the west to St. Johann in the east. Or catch the Wiedersbergerhorn gondola to the slopes above the chocolate-box village of Alpbach and explore the Kitzbüheler Alps. For a real challenge, head to Mayrhofen and try the 25 kilometre hike up the Zemmgrund valley and back - the highlight: one of the most famous Alpine huts in the Zillertal, the Berlinerhütte. Or for a laid back holiday, enjoy gentle rambles in the Wildschönau Valley or lakeside ambles in the Salzkammergut.

Buckle up for some Austrian action

One minute you’re whizzing down a steep mountain trail on your bike and the next thing you’re flying across the Kitzloch Ravine on a two kilometre zip wire, on an Alpine rollercoaster, floating above the valley in a paraglide or catapulting down some river rapids. In Austria, everyone just loves a bit of action. It's not all high adrenaline though, you can cool off with some wild swimming in the crystal-clear waters of a mountain lake, try paddle-boarding or enjoy a round of crazy golf.

Relax and see the Austrian sights

When you’re ready for a bit of R&R, you have options! In smart resorts like Kitzbühel, luxury is the name of the game with stylish restaurants and boutiques, or in Saalbach Hinterglemm there's a forest walking route dedicated to wild wellness. In Austria, you're never too far from a luxurious spa and they know how to relax. Take to the water in Zell am See with an afternoon boat cruise, or a day trip to see Europe's highest waterfall where the spray is said to be beneficial to your health and wellbeing. Or, why not explore the Medieval fortress in Salzburg or visit the golden roof in Innsbruck for a little culture.

Austrian food and festivals  

Every good Austrian walking holiday involves good food. Think schnitzels, goulash, Tiroler Gröstl (fried potatoes and meats, topped with an egg) and the classic strudel. And of course, Austria is famous for its rustic and remote huts where first-rate chefs serve gourmand local dishes to weary walkers. Try and coincide your visit with Kitzbühel’s culinary festival at the end of August, or head to Söll or Ellmau to enjoy a weekly village evenings with live music and tasty local food.

Regions in Austria

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It is hard not to fall under the spell of the mountain villages in the Austrian Tyrol. The picturesque wooden chalets laden by snow in the winter, transform into a feast of colour during the summer.

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Known as the ‘Fjord of the Alps’, Lake Achensee is nearly 10 km in length and 1 km wide whilst 133m at its deepest point. Known for it's stunning emerald-green colours and drinking water quality, a variety of water sports and boat trips are able to take advantage of the vastness of the water.

Resorts in Lake Achensee

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Green pastures full of flowers, cow bells tinkling, this is a superb area for walking. This unspoilt valley offers miles of marked trails through lovely rolling hills and FREE use of all lifts. Wildschönau means ‘wild and beautiful’ and this is certainly one of the most glorious valleys in the Tyrol, with a special rural character, many rustic mountain alms, and the spectacular Kundl Gorge to explore at the end of the valley.

Resorts in The Wildschonau Valley

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Music, mountains and some of the most staggeringly beautiful alpine scenery define the Salzkammergut area, which is known as Austria’s Lake District. This is the land of lakes, heaven for gentle walks following the shoreline, heading inland to the mountain foothills or exploring the wonderful woodland trails in the forests.

Resorts in Austria

Surrounded by meadows, forests and dramatic mountain peaks, this fairytale village has lost none of its ‘olde worlde’ charm with picturesque overhanging eaves and balconies full of flowers.

Great for: Walkers of all abilities, families with kids, nature

Ellmau village view

Ellmau is a pretty village located between the rolling hills of the Kitzbüheler Alps and the craggy Wilder Kaiser mountains. With a strong farming history, it's still full of character and tradition.

Great for: easy, moderate and challenging walks; families with kids, families with teens

Ischgl Town © TVB Paznaun - Ischgl - Stefan Kuerzi

There's lots of fun to be had in Ischgl, with varied walking through picturesque mountains and pastures, plus a wealth of adventure activities like zip-lining and mountain biking. 

Great for: easy, moderate and challenging walks; families with kids, families with teens

Kitzbühel is a fascinating place to explore with colourful old buildings and cobbled streets. Along with a huge network of walking trails, there's an exciting range of outdoor activities to inspire you as well.

Great for: easy, moderate and challenging walks; families with kids, families with teens

View of Mayrhofen from Steinerkogl

Explore the valleys of the Zillertal and hike amongst giant 3,000 metre peaks on your summer holiday to Mayrhofen. Wander through pretty valley villages and along the banks of reservoirs, or head up high and enjoy the view with a fantastic lift network.

Best for: challenging, moderate and easy walks; family holidays; solo travellers

This small and picturesque village in the scenic Stubai valley is surrounded by pine forested slopes and rocky peaks. There are more than 50 mountain huts dotted around the hillsides and the four walker's lifts and valley bus make it easy to explore the area.

Great for: easy, moderate and challenging walks; families with kids, families with teens

Seefeld Town in Summer

Discover the diversity of Seefeld on a summer holiday and enjoy easy ambles through the sunny mountain plateau or explore remote valleys and rocky mountain tops. Kids will love it too, with plenty to inspire and entertain them.

Great for: easy, moderate and challenging walks, families with kids

Strolling through St Anton village

A fantastic resort for keen walkers wanting to explore the vast high alpine trails and peaks of the scenic Arlberg region, this famous Tyrolean village enjoys an unhurried atmosphere in summer, and is surrounded by beautiful and dramatic scenery.

Great for: moderate and challenging walks; families with teens

St. Johann - View from Harschbichl to Wilder Kaiser © Mirja Geh Photography

This charming little market town set in the wide sunny valley close to Kitzbühel is full of Austrian traditions with a Baroque church and pretty town square. There's easy access to a wide range of walking routes, and lots of summer activities to try.

Great for: easy, moderate and challenging walks; families with teens

Söll Village View

Söll is a lively village in a lush open valley between the dramatic Wilder Kaiser peaks and rolling hills of the Bergwelt mountains. There's a huge variety of walking trails with fantastic lift network and lots of activities for children.

Great for: easy, moderate and challenging walks; families with kids, families with teens

Westendorf is an idyllic farming village on a sunny plateau, surrounded by alpine pastures and rolling hills. The village is friendly and welcoming with a peaceful atmosphere and there's lots walking with plenty to entertain young children.

Great for: easy and moderate walks; families with kids

Pertisau - View of Achensee from Alpengasthaus Karwendel © Achensee Tourismus

Beautifully situated on the scenic western shores of Lake Achensee, the largest and deepest lake in the Tyrol, Pertisau is known for its striking emerald waters, framed by the picturesque Karwendel and majestic Rofan mountain ranges.

Great for: easy, moderate and challenging walks; families with kids

Oberau

Oberau is a little gem, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle. Rolling hills and flower meadows, with hikes for all abilities, an excellent resort card and plenty of children's facilities, it offers excellent value for money.

Great for: easy and moderate walks; families with kids

Fuschl am See is a small, peaceful village with a real ‘holiday’ feel and a stunning lakeside setting at the foot of the Schober mountain. Enjoy free use of the lakeside lido with heated outdoor pool and lakeside bathing area.

Great for: Easy and moderate walks

St-Gilgen, Town view

A picturesque village of painted houses and winding lanes on the shores of Lake Wolfgang, St Gilgen is full of Baroque and Rococo character and offers delightful lakeside strolls and walks through the rolling hills of the Salzkammergut.

Great for: Easy and moderate walks

St. Wolfgang, Salzkammergut, Austria

An iconic village dating back to the 11th century, St. Wolfgang is famous for its operetta and pretty lakeside setting, with a medieval centre, historic cog railway and lake steamers. All guests receive a free all-day ferry boat ticket for Lake Wolfgang.

Great for: easy and moderate walks

  • from£628pp
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This pretty little village, with wonderful walking and a charming atmosphere, enjoys a truly picture-postcard setting at the foot of the Bischofsmütze and Dachstein Mountain peaks, surrounded by unspoilt scenery.

Great for: easy, moderate and challenging walks; families with kids

  • from£1199pp
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Known for its sophisticated skiing and royal connections in the winter, Lech in the summer is a chocolate box village with a river running through and wonderful opportunities for walks and wildlife spotting.

Great for: easy, moderate and challenging walks; families with kids

  • from£879pp
Obergurgl Oztal Alps Tyrol Austria (1)

The ideal resort for those wanting to experience high alpine walking, fresh mountain air and wildlife. This quiet, compact village is found at the end of the scenic Ötz valley with miles of extensive, well-marked paths directly from the hotel door.

Great for: easy, moderate and challenging walks; families with kids, families with teens

  • from£799pp
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This area is a walker's paradise in the summer with over 400km of well-connected hiking trails, lots of adventure activities and 80km of excellent mountain biking trails.

Best for: Walkers of all abilities, families, nature, activities, solo travellers

Inghams Guided Walks included

  • from£749pp
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Magnificently set below a medieval fortress, Salzburg is one of Europe’s loveliest cities and the birthplace of Mozart. On the banks of the river Salzach and surrounded by mountains, Salzburg’s picturesque and historic old city is a recognised World Heritage site.

  • from£769pp
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Located on the banks of the river Danube, Austria’s romantic imperial capital is alive with the music of Schubert and Mozart and is brimming with culture, art and majestic architecture. Enjoy the grandeur of Emperor Franz Josef’s ‘Ringstrasse’, the circular boulevard surrounding the Hofburg Palace, the State Opera House, Burgberg Theatre and numerous museums.

  • from£719pp
View of Lake Zell on a Summer Holiday to Zell am See (1)

Zell am See is one of the most scenic and well-loved summer villages in Austria. Beautifully located, directly on the shores of Lake Zell and surrounded by mountains with an abundance of varied walking trails and summer activities to enjoy.

Great for: easy, moderate and challenging walks; families with kids, families with teens

  • from£1159pp
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Located at 1,740 metres, Obertauern is a pretty village surrounded by mountain peaks and alpine pastures. There's 280 kilometres of walking trails, picturesque mountain lakes, plenty of family friendly activities and two cable cars to make accessing the mountains easy.

Currency: Euro

Fly into: Innsbruck, Salzburg or Vienna from May to October

Fly from: London Gatwick (Sat & Wed), Birmingham (Sat), Manchester (Sat) & Edinburgh (Sat) to Innsbruck

London Gatwick (Sat & Wed),                Birmingham (Sat), Manchester (Sat) to Salzburg

 

Austria Summer Holiday Deals
July 2024 Holiday Deals from £509 pp
August 2024 Holiday Deals from £649 pp
Mayrhofen Holiday Deals from £599 pp
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