The Ultimate Autumn Experiences in Austria’s Cities

There’s nothing more beautiful than visiting Austria during the fall season, as you will see it from a completely different and charming view. As you will be able to walk around in the amazing weather and enjoy the various cultural events that light up the streets and add a different atmosphere. If you are a fan of jazz music then you will find that in Salzburg, or if you are into activities then you’ll certainly love the colorful hikes in Innsbruck that start right from the city of Vienna. It is worthwhile to climb up to the viewpoints and meander through the autumnal vineyards.

City Explorations with a View

You will be able to feel the magical vibes of Vienna as the seasons change.

Autumn offers hikers frequent clear days with breathtaking sights into the distance, which also benefits city tourists. Given the recent significant growth in the number of rooftop terraces in the city center, several locations now provide the chance to view Vienna from a higher perspective. The south tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of the iconic viewpoint spots. The final 343 steps get you to the top.

The Danube Tower, located on the other side of the river, provides a stunning perspective of Vienna and its surroundings. Visitors can take in the scenery from the restaurant's rotating 360-degree viewing platform or from the observation platform itself. The wonderfully colored vineyards, such as those in Grinzing, Nussdorf, or at the base of the Bisamberg, attract exercise enthusiasts.

The city as a Starting Point for Hikes

The best season to visit Innsbruck is in the fall. In addition to the abundance of delicious cuisine (pumpkins, in particular), the surroundings are simply breathtakingly beautiful. Autumn in Innsbruck is an experience unlike any other, with golden forests, crimson leaves crunching underfoot, and of course, the pink glory of the sun setting on the Alps.

Hiking is one of the most enchanted activities you can do in the autumn, which brings along a fresh set of things to keep you busy. The best part: Innsbruck's region boasts excellent hiking opportunities that start right in the heart of the city! You are passing by street cafés and enticing storefronts while strolling beneath the lovely arches of the ancient old town one moment. Five minutes later, you ride the cutting-edge Hungerburg funicular in silence up to the Nordkette for a restorative hiking excursion. From the city's heart of Innsbruck, it is simple to travel by public transportation to the starting locations in the surrounding villages and on the outskirts of the city.

You may have heard about New England in the fall, but Obsteig in the fall is slightly easier to get to and every bit as lovely! The little village of Obsteig is located about 30 mins from Innsbruck and is home to a stunning forest of larch trees. In October, these larch trees slowly turn golden, creating a rich mix of colors and aromas that is a real treat for the senses.

Autumn is the ideal season to go on a sunrise hike if you've never done one. You won't need to get out of bed too early because the sun rises at about 7 in the morning, and you'll be rewarded with a spectacular light show. One of the best places in Innsbruck to watch the sunrise is on the Rangger Köpfl mountain.

Rich Harvest & Musical Autumn in Salzburg

The answer to the question of what Salzburg has to offer in the autumn is simple: Jazz music playing in the streets, folklore, and leisurely strolls free from crowds. Additionally, many adventures unavoidably move indoors as the temperature gradually drops.

Harvest time is in the fall. The harvests of Salzburg's farmers are currently on display at the city's marketplaces. There is an endless supply of fresh produce. The natural world comes to life and beckons you to go trekking and walking. In Salzburg, there is certainly no shortage of places to do this, both in the center of the city and on Untersberg.

 Anyone anticipating that Salzburg will become quiet after the summer festival is over is utterly mistaken. That only signals the start of a season rich in variety: Jazz & The City, where international and Austrian musicians perform at the hippest spots in Salzburg, features the sounds of classical music. Admission is free and a lot of the music you hear in the fall is played in public settings, effectively turning the entire city into a stage.

Numerous traditional coffee shops in Salzburg beckon you to settle down, unwind, and enjoy those gloomy, foggy days of late autumn. The weather immediately loses importance as you enjoy a warm cup of classic Austrian coffee and a baked pastry.

 Main Image credit: (c) Innsbruck-Tourismus by Tommy Bause