Why Austria should be on your Bucket List for 2022

There are some experiences we must try at least once in our lifetime. Bathing in a waterfall, playing in the snow in summer or sleeping in a real palace are some of them. These things are possible in Austria.

These are your top 8 Austrian things to should do before you die!

Experience snow in summer

Snow in Summer? Yeah we don’t even know how that is possible but it is. Summer snow is not unusual in Austria and there are 9 glacier ski resorts in Austria at above 3000 meters where you can experience snow all year long!

Our favourite is the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in Zell am See Kaprun. The ICE Arena Kitzsteinhorn offers numerous snow activities like tobogganing, skiing and even a snow beach.

On the viewing platform "Top of Salzburg", you will get a glimpse of the unbelievable views to the surrounding mountain world and even more snow!

Kitzsteinhorn Glacier – Gipfelwelt 3000 © Kitzsteinhorn

Bathe in one of Austria’s waterfalls

Imagine living in a country with over 700 waterfalls, insane! Austrias waterfalls are among the highest in Europe.

On your hike through a forest, perhaps you'll come across a creek. As you follow it up into the mountains, it cascades over rocks, forming a small waterfall. Time for a quick dip!

Gastein Waterfalls is a must visit. The best way to experience the healing powers of the Gastein waterfalls is a visit to the “Felsentherme”, a thermal bath supplied by some 18 hot springs. And yes, you can take a shower under a waterfall right there.

The water falls about 340 metres downwards over three levels right into the centre of the town of Bad Gastein, which was built around the waterfalls.

Waterfalls Bad Gastein

A cup of coffee in a traditional Viennese coffeehouse

Fit for a high-end magazine cover. Sit in one of the cosy booths or at a small marble table in a Thonet armchair as a waiter in a fancy black suit serves you a "melange" coffee and a piece of the famous Sachertorte.

Find out more about our favourite coffeehouses.

Coffeehouse Konditorei Gerstner in Vienna © OEW, Harald Eisenberger

4. Sunrise hike and breakfast At The Mountain Top

Feshly-brewed coffee is waiting for you as the morning sun rise over a mountaintop.

Inhale crisp and fresh air, while you observe colours changing into a lighter blue and a thin line of orange and pink splits the horizon.

Our favourite places to see the sun rise:

Zugspitze mountain in Tirol (2,962 m) – take the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn cable car up to the top for a mountain breakfast.
Dachstein mountain (2,995 m) – various hiking options for all levels; to make it to the summit, climbing experience is necessary. Have breakfast at the Glacier Restaurant.

Morning Hike Nationalpark Hohe Tauern © Franz Gerdl

Feel like an empress or emperor for a day

You can actually stay overnight in one of Austrias amazing palaces. Walk in the footsteps of emperors and knights by spending a day exploring these historical buildings.

Stay overnight at Schönbrunn Palace and experience the former summer residence of the Habsburg family like real royalty.

Austria Trend Hotels offer you the opportunity to stay at the Schönbrunn Palace Grand Suite - the only suite available for outside guests at Palace.

Schoenbrunn Palace

6. Jump into the water of an turquoise lake

When the weather is warm, it’s time for a dip in the lake. Something we wish we can try!

Some of Austria's 236 swimming lakes are surrounded by majestic mountains, some by lively forests, some by vineyards - take your pick.

Here’s where to go for a swim on a hot summer day

7. Attend a classical concert

Vienna's State Opera is known worldwide for it’s classical concerts.

Besides the stunning architecture; you’ll be closer to greats like Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and Richard Strauss.

Prepare to be simply immersed in some of the best musical performances in the world.

Where to hear classical music in the most beautiful surroundings:

Vienna State Opera
Musikverein in Vienna: home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Esterhazy Palace in Eisenstadt: Joseph Haydn's original location of work
Concerts at Mirabell Palace in Salzburg

Concert in Salzburg

8. Spend the night in an alpine hut

What more could you want from a holiday in the Austrian Alps than to wake up at sunrise, open the shutters, and admire a beautiful mountain scenery right at your doorstep?

There are countless mountain huts to rent in the Austrian mountains. You can go for self-catered or choose one of many inns that offer accommodation in rooms or apartments.

Discover where to sleep in a mountain hut:

Mountain Hut in Altenmarkt Zauchensee

Main Image:

Mountain Hut at the Patscherkofel