Summer Holidays: The Austrian Way

A leisurely hike, a boat ride on a lake, a visit to a family adventure park and traditional food festivals. That is what awaits you when embracing the Austrian lifestyle this summer.

For many of us, city life sometimes feels like a never-ending hamster wheel. Meetings at the office followed by quick lunch breaks, rushing home to pick up your children from school. Then dinner with clients or back to the couch, binge-watching the latest Netflix show. It can be truly overwhelming. But what if we told you that life didn’t always have to be this way? In Austria, we like to do things a little differently - we do things the Austrian way. And you are invited to discover and embrace Austria’s lifestyle in all its facets this summer.

Summer holidays the Austrian way means taking a step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And instead, fully immersing yourself in exciting adventures, authentic nature, and building traditions together with your family as well. Imagine swapping business meetings for walks by the lake. And taking strolls through nature of the breathtaking Alpine panoramas instead of motionless Netflix sessions.

Also, instead of sharing files at the office with faceless names, try sharing food and experiencing new cuisines with your loved ones. We recommend a large portion of Kaiserschmarrn, ideally enjoyed on the sun terrace of a cosy hut. Replacing boring and insincere business small talks for quality time together with the ones you care about. That sounds magical, doesn’t it?

Moreover, surely when you are low on energy at the office, you might go for a chemical canned drink. But not in Austria, where you can have a glass of Austria’s famous tap water instead.

Experiencing Austria like the locals this year sounds like a dream, right? And you can turn it into your own reality! You can enjoy both exciting outdoor activities as well as lazy days in the sun, or a mix of both - whatever your heart desires. Either will be a great relaxing break from city life. Further, no matter where your summer adventure takes you, Austria’s regions will each enchant you with its enchanting and unique vibe. Let us show you what holidays “the Austrian way” could look like in the most popular regions in the West of Austria this summer.

HEILIGENBLUT – THE AUSTRIAN WAY 

The legendary mountain climber village of Heiligenblut is regarded as probably one of the most beautiful in the entire Alpine region. It is set in a picturesque mountain landscape at almost 1,300 metres above sea level, against a unique natural backdrop in the Hohe Tauern National Park. As it is watched over by the mighty summit of the Grossglockner (3,798 metres), the highest mountain in Austria.

The Heiligenblut Adventure Park offers a high rope course, climbing wall, playground and café – the perfect place for children to spend their day!

Guided walks in the Hohe Tauern National Park are also becoming increasingly popular. With activities such as watching wildlife, glacier trekking or night tours. A popular activity in summer is panning for gold in the gold diggers village. This reconstructed village tells the history of the gold miners who prospected for gold here between the 14th and 18th centuries.

Located in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, the Großglockner High Alpine Road is a scenic mountain route that showcases breathtaking views of the Austrian Alps. The road ascends to an elevation of 2,571 metres and presents stunning vistas of Austria's highest mountain, and the surrounding Alpine landscape and opportunities to stop and meet marmots and walk up to refreshing waterfalls.

ST. ANTON AM ARLBERG - THE AUSTRIAN WAY 

St. Anton Am Arlberg and its neighbouring villages are a hub for active travellers, couples, and families with kids in tow alike. Hiking, biking, mountain yoga, trail running - you name it. Holidays in St. Anton means having it all at your doorstep!

Enjoy a fun day out in the Verwall Adventure Valley: Go for a leisurely stroll, bike, cross a cable suspension bridge or challenge yourself to a ropes course in the midst of beautiful nature in this family-friendly recreational area.

Head on a torch-lit hike: Experience the Arlberg region on a romantic guided night walk. The tours are included in the St. Anton Summer Card. 

ZELL AM SEE-KAPRUN - THE AUSTRIAN WAY

Looking for mountains, lakes, and picture-perfect panoramas at your doorstep? Then, Zell Am See-Kaprun might just be the perfect place. Enjoy an Austrian summer splitting your time between the lake, the mountains, and even icy glacier adventures. 

Go for a stroll, then cool off in the lake: Mountain or water? In Zell Am See, you have both at your fingertips. Go for a walk around the lake, stroll around the town center and then take a dip into the lake or rent an electric boat or kayak for some more sporty fun.

Enjoy winter in the peak of summer: Take the gondola up Kitzsteinhorn glacier and explore Gipfelwelt 3000, including the ICE ARENA, Salzburg’s highest situated viewing platform (at 3,029 m), a restaurant and a cinema.

Spend a magic night at a gorge: The Sigmund Thun Gorge is spectacular any day and time of the year but the guided night walks on Mondays (3 July - 4 September) come with torches and a campfire as a bonus.

ZILLERTAL - THE AUSTRIAN WAY

Tyrol's largest side valley invites you to enjoy a world full of natural wonders far away from the hamster wheel. Here, exciting outdoor adventures in a stunning setting are just as much a part of everyday life as the beloved local traditions.

Explore the High Mountain Nature Park Zillertal Alps: This beautiful national park spreads across 422 km2 and is home to 85 glaciers and countless three-thousanders. Go for a leisurely hike and immerse yourself in your surroundings.  

Take a tour through the eternal ice: The Hintertux glacier is a playground for adventurers to cool off from the heat at an ice cave - open all summer! Then take your kids to Europe’s highest adventure playground.   

Head to a different summit every day: Take one out of ten summer cable cars up a different mountain every morning - which is included in the Zillertal Activcard. And enjoy the breathtaking views from the different summits – the perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries.

To sum up, holidays the Austrian way are truly an irreplaceable experience. And when having the Zillertal Activcard, planning it all will surely be a piece of cake!