7 Hidden Gems in Austria’s Nature

Austria is rich with undiscovered gems with an endless number of breathtaking landscapes, from the Danube River in the East to the majestic Alps in the West. If you are looking for a refreshing time away from the city, you will surely want to know about these beautiful nature spots in Austria.

1)The Most Spectacular Natural Ice Cave in Zillertal

This natural ice cave, which can be found in the stunning Zillertal Alps 25 meters below the ski slopes of the Hintertux glacier, was discovered in 2007 by a local mountaineer. When you step into this one-of-a-kind natural wonder you will be able to discover a glacial crevasse filled with stunning ice stalactites, enormous sparkling ice crystals, and frozen waterfalls. Ever considered traversing a mysterious ice cage at a height of 3000 meters? Or do stand-up paddling on a sea underneath a mountain? There is also the option of taking an ice bath in the glacier lake for those of you who are more adventurous. You only need some warm clothes and bravery to enjoy this exceptional experience throughout the entire year.

2) Grüner See (Green Lake) in Styria – the greenest lake in Austria

In a cul-de-sac valley in the Styrian Alps, there lies a tiny, emerald-colored lake that is considered one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Austria. If you can go to Green Lake in the spring or early summer, you can almost have the place to yourself and take in the breathtaking landscape.

What makes Grüner See's unique is its reliance on the weather and the changing of the seasons. Visitors are treated to a spectacular natural view as soon as the snow melts and Grüner See fills with clean water from the surrounding mountains: The lake shimmers in deep emerald green. It is a natural beauty that is especially worth viewing in May and June when it can be up to ten meters deep. After that, the water level keeps going down until autumn. Plan your visit carefully because the water can potentially entirely dry up in the winter.

3) Alpbach in Tyrol – Austria’s prettiest village

Do you recall those picture-perfect alpine communities that we have seen in literature and movies, tucked high in the mountains and too good to be true? A prime example of it is Alpbach. There are only 2,600 inhabitants in this tiny traditional alpine community, and they all live in similar traditional wooden Alpine homes with lovely fresh flowers peeking from the balconies.

There is a theory that this is also how Alpbach got its name. Alpbach translates to "a flowery village" in English. Alpbach was named one of the most gorgeous villages in Europe a few years ago, for the same reason.

4) Bregenzerwald in Vorarlberg - the subtle joy of artistic creation

If a list of the most significant architectural regions in the world were to be made today, then Vorarlberg would undoubtedly be in the top ten.

The twenty-three settlements of Bregenzerwald are situated southeast of Lake Constance. The locals have always gone to considerable lengths to regulate their environment in harmony with an agriculturally formed landscape. The architecture of the villages, which combines traditional and modern (timber) styles gives them a stunning aspect. For instance, the Women's Museum in Hittisau and the cutting-edge Werkraum Haus in Andelsbuch, which highlights Bregenzerwald's inventive handicraft, both features changing exhibitions.

A closer examination is also worthwhile of the quaint communities. You will be surprised by how often new and old (wooden) buildings are juxtaposed. You can learn a lot of things about architectural oddities by taking one of the 12 "Umgang Bregenzerwald" hamlet excursions. Here, the food is both inventive and regional. Many goods are produced by small farms, cheesemakers, and artisanal businesses, particularly the well-known Bregenzerwald Mountain and Alpine cheeses. Take a special gastronomic excursion and try these offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dessert.

5) Nationalpark Neusiedlersee Seewinkel in Burgenland

The Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park guards a physical border region with high biodiversity and is situated at the western margin of the Pannonian lowlands and the edge of the Alps. It is only one hour from Vienna.

The Seewinkel combines components of several landscape types: huge wetlands, grazing areas, meadows, dry grasslands, sand steppes, and salt sites. They are located close to one another and resemble a form of mosaic. The lone steppe national park represents one thing for the tens of thousands of migratory birds: a crucial resting place between their winter home and breeding grounds. One of Europe's most significant birdwatching hotspots, the lake's beaches are also a haven for cyclists, walkers, and horseback riders.

6) The Mountain Village of Heiligenblut in Carinthia

The fabled mountaineering community of Heiligenblut is thought to be among the most picturesque in the entire Alpine area. With its historic homes and renowned Gothic church tower, it is situated in a scenic mountain setting at over 1,300 meters above sea level in the Hohe Tauern National Park, which is guarded by the Grossglockner, Austria's tallest mountain at 3,798 meters.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, which connects Carinthia with Salzburg during the snow-free season, is one of the most well-traveled routes in the nation. A stunning sports arena appears in the area during the winter, inviting people to come ski, freeride, go on ski excursions, winter treks, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skates, or toboggan during the glistening natural paradise.

7) Lünersee – the pearl of the Alps

The Lünersee lake was chosen as Austria's most beautiful location in 2019 by viewers of an Austrian TV program. At the beginning of the Brandnertal valley, at a height of 1970 meters, is Lünersee Lake. It is regarded as the Rätikon Mountains' turquoise gem. It was formerly one of western Austria's greatest reservoirs and was formerly the biggest natural mountain lake in the eastern Alps. In 1959, Its holding capacity was increased to an excellent dam.

The lake is surrounded by high mountain peaks, craggy cliffs, and gentle green pastures. The water is very pure and emits a lovely turquoise shimmer when the sun is out.

 Main Image Credit: (c) OEW by Dietmar Denger