AUSTRIA
Austria had been on our travel list for years, and we finally decided to dedicate two weeks to discovering this incredible country at a slow pace. Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, we planned a relaxing road trip through some of Austria’s most spectacular landscapes, changing hotels three times and using each one as the perfect base to explore a different region. We started our journey at one of the most beautiful places we could have imagined: a charming lakeside hotel set directly on the shores of Lake Hallstatt. With its private garden overlooking the crystal-clear water, it became the perfect starting point for exploring Hallstatt, the stunning Salzkammergut lakes, Salzburg, and the picturesque villages of the Wachau Valley along the Danube. From there, we headed into the heart of Tyrol, where we stayed in a beautiful wooden mountain chalet, hidden among green alpine meadows and surrounded by breathtaking peaks. It was the ideal base for hiking to spectacular viewpoints, visiting pristine waterfalls, and experiencing some of Austria’s most incredible mountain scenery. To end the trip, we treated ourselves to one final day of pure relaxation at the magnificent Aqua Dome, one of Europe’s most spectacular thermal spas, before beginning the drive back home.
This turned out to be one of the most relaxing road trips we’ve ever done. Crystal-clear alpine lakes, powerful waterfalls, scenic mountain roads, peaceful walks, charming villages, and endless green landscapes created the perfect combination of adventure and tranquility. It’s the kind of journey that allows you to slow down, disconnect from everyday life, and simply enjoy the extraordinary beauty of nature.
10 things to do in AUSTRIA
1. BE AMAZED BY THE COLORS IN MIRABELL GARDENS, SALZBURG
One of the very first stops on our Austrian road trip was the beautiful Mirabell Gardens, right in the heart of Salzburg. Best of all, they’re completely free to visit, making them an easy and worthwhile addition to any day spent exploring the city. The gardens are impeccably maintained, with colorful flower beds arranged in elegant geometric patterns, perfectly trimmed hedges, and several terraces offering different perspectives of the park. Every corner feels carefully designed, creating one of the most photogenic spots in Salzburg. One of our favorite areas was the long tree-lined avenue, shaded by tall trees and surrounded by flowers, where benches invite you to slow down, relax, and simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere away from the city’s busier streets. Whether you’re visiting Salzburg for just a few hours or spending the entire day exploring its historic center, Mirabell Gardens are an unmissable stop. They’re the perfect place to begin your visit, take a break between sightseeing, or simply enjoy one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces.
2. FALL IN LOVE WITH HALLSTATT
If there’s one place that completely stole my heart during our two weeks in Austria, it was Hallstatt. We chose a beautiful lakeside hotel directly facing the village, and I honestly couldn’t have imagined a better place to stay. Every morning we woke up to breathtaking views across the lake, with Hallstatt’s iconic church steeple reflected in the crystal-clear water. At sunset, the scenery became even more magical as the mountains slowly turned golden and the village lights began to sparkle. After each day exploring Austria, we would return to our hotel, cook dinner in the shared kitchen, and enjoy our meal on the terrace overlooking the lake. Those quiet evenings, surrounded only by the sound of the water and the mountains, became some of my favorite memories of the entire trip. Whenever we finished our daily itinerary a little earlier, we loved taking a relaxing walk along the lakeshore. It was peaceful, uncrowded, and offered endless postcard-perfect views across the lake toward Hallstatt. Needless to say, we ended up taking hundreds of photos from every possible angle. We also dedicated an entire day to exploring the village itself. Wandering through its narrow streets, browsing the charming souvenir shops, and admiring the colorful wooden houses decorated with flower-filled balconies felt almost surreal. Every corner seemed more beautiful than the last. Hallstatt is one of those rare places that truly lives up to its reputation. I completely fell in love with it, and I honestly believe it must be spectacular in every season—whether surrounded by colorful autumn forests, covered in winter snow, blooming in spring, or reflected in the calm waters of summer.
3. HIKE AND CRUISE THROUGH THE SALZKAMMERGUT
One of the highlights of our stay in the Salzkammergut was exploring two of Austria’s most beautiful lakes: Fuschlsee and Wolfgangsee. Although each has its own unique atmosphere, together they perfectly represent everything that makes this region so special. We started with Fuschlsee, where we decided to walk the entire trail around the lake. The complete circuit takes around 3 to 4 hours, but it’s an easy and relaxing hike suitable for almost everyone. Large sections of the path run directly along the shoreline, with crystal-clear water just a few steps away and small wooden piers where people stop for a swim. The scenery constantly changes between open lakeside views and shaded forest trails, making the hike surprisingly refreshing even on hot summer days. Along the way we watched people quietly paddling across the lake in canoes, families relaxing on the grassy shores, and swimmers enjoying the incredibly clear water. Our second visit was the equally beautiful Wolfgangsee, which immediately won us over with its charming waterfront. Colorful boats gently floating in the marina, flower-filled promenades, and crystal-clear turquoise water create an atmosphere that feels both elegant and incredibly peaceful. From there, we boarded one of the traditional boats and cruised across the lake to St. Gilgen. Seeing the surrounding mountains reflected in the bright blue water, while swimmers and paddleboarders enjoyed the lake below, was one of the most relaxing moments of the trip. The entire Salzkammergut lake district completely exceeded our expectations. If you’re planning a trip to Austria, dedicate several days—to exploring these magnificent lakes. They’re among the most peaceful and beautiful places we’ve ever visited, and they’re the perfect destination for anyone looking to reconnect with nature.
4. TASTE TYPICAL WINE IN THE WACHAU REGION
One entire day of our road trip was dedicated to exploring the charming villages of the Wachau Valley, and it turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the journey. What I loved most about Austria is how dramatically the scenery changes from one region to another. Just the day before we had been surrounded by crystal-clear alpine lakes, dense forests, and towering mountains. A couple of hours later, we found ourselves wandering through peaceful riverside villages with cobblestone streets, elderly locals chatting on benches, colorful historic houses, and endless vineyards stretching across the hills overlooking the Danube. Because we still had the drive back to Hallstatt ahead of us, we only had time to visit Dürnstein and Spitz, two picturesque villages just a few minutes apart. Dürnstein immediately won us over with its iconic blue church tower, narrow medieval streets, charming cafés, and small artisan shops. Spitz, on the other hand, felt quieter and even more authentic, surrounded by vineyards that almost reach the edge of the village. Although we only explored these two villages, the entire Wachau Valley deserves much more time. Driving along the Danube, stopping in the small wine villages, and admiring the vineyards covering the surrounding hills is an experience completely different from the alpine landscapes of the Salzkammergut, yet equally unforgettable. If you visit this region, I highly recommend taking your time, wandering through the villages without a plan, and stopping for lunch at one of the traditional restaurants to enjoy the excellent local wines produced in the Wachau. It’s the perfect way to experience one of Austria’s most beautiful wine regions.
5. HIKE ABOVE THE TURQUOISE SCHLEGEIS RESERVOIR TO OLPERERHÜTTE
Without a doubt, Olpererhütte was one of the most rewarding hikes of our entire Austrian road trip. Although the trail is only about 3 km each way, don’t underestimate it. The challenge isn’t just the elevation gain, but the terrain itself. Much of the path is covered with loose rocks and uneven stones, making several sections more demanding than they initially appear. We ended up taking almost twice the official hiking time, partly because of the steady climb and partly because we stopped countless times to admire the scenery and catch our breath. The adventure actually begins before the hike itself. To reach the trailhead, you first drive along a spectacular mountain road with limited access, so arriving early in the morning is definitely the best idea. Once you park, you’re immediately welcomed by the stunning Schlegeis Reservoir—an artificial lake created by the dam, yet so incredibly beautiful that it looks completely natural. Its turquoise water, surrounded by alpine flowers and towering peaks, already feels like a destination in itself. From there, the trail climbs steadily towards Olpererhütte, with every step revealing even more spectacular views over the lake below. Finally reaching the mountain hut and the famous suspension bridge is an unforgettable moment. Standing there, with the glacier behind you and the bright turquoise reservoir stretching far below, you quickly forget every difficult step of the climb. Once you reach the top, the panorama rewards every single meter of ascent. It was easily one of the most breathtaking views of our entire trip.
6. SEE INNSBRUCK FROM ABOVE AT NORDKETTE
We dedicated an entire day to Innsbruck, combining one of the city’s greatest strengths: the perfect mix of urban life and breathtaking alpine scenery. Our morning started with the cable car ride up to the Nordkette, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Austrian Alps. In just a few minutes, we left the city behind and found ourselves surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. From the top, we took a short walk along the ridge to reach one of the highest viewpoints, where the panorama becomes even more impressive. Looking down from the Nordkette, you can admire the entire city of Innsbruck stretching across the valley, framed by mountains in every direction. After spending the morning in the mountains, we returned to Innsbruck to explore its charming historic center. The atmosphere couldn’t have been more different. Colorful pastel houses, elegant streets, lively cafés, and long rows of bicycles parked throughout the city gave Innsbruck a relaxed and authentic character. Walking through the old town felt peaceful and vibrant at the same time, with the surrounding mountains always visible in the background. What makes Innsbruck truly special is exactly this contrast. In a single day, you can stand on top of a mountain admiring panoramic alpine views and, just a short time later, wander through one of Austria’s most elegant and welcoming cities. It’s a destination that perfectly combines outdoor adventure with the charm of a historic European town.
7. ESCAPE TO A MOUNTAIN LODGE LOST IN THE ALPS
One of the best decisions we made during our Austrian road trip was choosing an amazing mountain lodge in the middle of the Alps as our hotel for few days. I honestly consider it an experience in itself. Reaching it required driving up a steep mountain road full of hairpin bends, but every single curve was worth it. Once we arrived, it felt as though we had left the rest of the world behind. Surrounded by lush green mountains, with nothing but forests, meadows, and silence, it was the perfect place to slow down and truly disconnect from everyday life. From our terrace, we had an incredible view across the opposite mountainside. Every morning we woke up to an endless panorama of alpine peaks, while in the evening the landscape became even more magical as the sun slowly disappeared behind the mountains. The lodge also had a beautiful outdoor swimming pool which, most of the time, we had entirely to ourselves. It quickly became our favorite place to relax after a day of hiking and sightseeing. More than once, we found ourselves looking forward to returning from our daily adventures just to spend a peaceful hour in the pool, surrounded by complete silence, breathing the fresh mountain air and enjoying a glass of wine by the water. If you’re planning a road trip through Austria, I highly recommend choosing at least one accommodation completely immersed in the mountains. Disconnect from the noise, forget about the city for a few days, and allow yourself to experience the peace that only the Alps can offer. Sometimes the hotel itself becomes one of the highlights of the trip.
8. RELAX AT THE AQUA DOME THERMAL BATHS
For the final stop of our Austrian road trip, we wanted something completely different from hiking and sightseeing. We chose the spectacular Aqua Dome, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect way to end our holiday. We stayed at the hotel directly connected to the thermal spa, and from the moment we entered our room we knew we had made the right choice. Our balcony overlooked the surrounding mountains and peaceful alpine meadows, so every morning we woke up to a breathtaking panorama that perfectly reflected the tranquility of the Ötztal Valley. As soon as we checked in, we couldn’t wait to explore the spa. The Aqua Dome is enormous, modern, and surprisingly futuristic, with its iconic outdoor pools appearing to float above the ground against the backdrop of the Alps. Staying at the hotel also gave us access to several exclusive areas reserved only for hotel guests, making the whole experience feel even more special and relaxing. After hours spent moving between thermal pools, saunas, and quiet relaxation areas, we finished the day with dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. The buffet was exceptional, offering an incredible variety of dishes, from savory local specialties to delicious desserts. Looking back, I honestly couldn’t imagine a better ending to our Austrian adventure. If you’re planning a road trip through Austria, I highly recommend ending your journey with a night at the Aqua Dome. It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down, recharge both body and mind, and return home feeling as though your vacation has ended in the most relaxing way possible.
9. TASTE TRADITIONAL AUSTRIAN CUISINE
One of our favorite parts of the trip quickly became our evening routine. After a day spent hiking, exploring villages, or relaxing by the lakes, we always looked for a traditional Austrian restaurant or local beer hall to end the day. Austria has a wonderfully hearty cuisine, perfect after spending hours outdoors. Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying the famous Wiener Schnitzel, traditionally served with potato salad and cranberry jam—a combination that might sound unusual at first, but works surprisingly well. We also tasted the rich and comforting goulash, another classic mountain dish, ideal after a long hike. One evening, we ordered a traditional Pfandl, a generous pan filled with different cuts of grilled meat, bacon, vegetables, mushrooms, and potatoes—a delicious meal that perfectly represents the hearty flavors of Austrian alpine cuisine. No dinner was complete without sampling one of Austria’s excellent local beers. Sitting outdoors on a warm summer evening, enjoying traditional food with a cold beer after a day of exploring, quickly became one of the highlights of the trip. The local dishes are not to be missed, because they can become just as much a part of the journey as the mountains, lakes, and villages themselves.
10. SEE RAINBOWS REFLECTED IN THE KRIMML WATERFALLS
No trip to Austria would be complete without visiting the spectacular Krimml Waterfalls, the highest waterfalls in the country and among the tallest in Europe. Rather than stopping at the first viewpoint, we decided to hike the entire waterfall trail all the way to the mountain hut at the top. It was absolutely the right decision. The path constantly follows the waterfalls, offering countless panoramic viewpoints where you can admire the immense power of the water from different angles. The hike begins in the charming village of Krimml, where you’ll find lovely little souvenir shops before reaching the entrance to the trail. From there, the path gradually climbs alongside the waterfalls. Although it’s all uphill, the ascent is steady and never particularly difficult, making it suitable for almost everyone with a reasonable level of fitness. During summer, the waterfalls become even more magical. As the sunlight reflects through the mist, beautiful rainbows appear in front of the rushing water, creating an unforgettable natural spectacle. We found ourselves stopping over and over again, simply to admire the view and take more photos. After reaching the top, we rewarded ourselves with a well-deserved ice-cold Austrian beer at the mountain hut before making our way back down. It was the perfect ending to one of the most scenic walks of the trip. If you’re planning a road trip through Austria, don’t just stop at the first viewpoint. Take the time to hike the entire trail—you’ll experience the waterfalls from every perspective, and the views become more spectacular with every step.
When to go?
Winter
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Austria is a year-round destination, with each season offering a completely different experience. From snow-covered Alpine peaks and charming Christmas markets in winter to turquoise lakes, breathtaking mountain hikes, and scenic drives in summer, every time of year reveals a unique side of this beautiful country.
three unmissable stops
Best photos spots
I’m a photographer, so I’m always looking for the best corner in the world to make the perfect picture. Often, with great pleasure of my traveling companions, I also spend hours staring at the landscape, waiting for the perfect moment with perfect light. Therefore, when I decided to create my blog, I could not avoid to include a dedicated section to photography enthusiasts like me, always looking for the landscape that leaves you breathless. Hope you will enjoy these places where, in my opinion, you can enjoy wonderful landscapes and take the best pictures.
0 Comments