Austria Holidays

Fresh snow in the Austrian Alps Fresh snow in the Austrian Alps
Located in central Europe, Austria is a landlocked country sharing its borders with eight other countries.

The Alps mountain range dominates much of the Austrian landscape making it one of Europe’s most popular winter sports destinations. Ski resorts are in plentiful supply with slopes to test all levels of skill. Outside of the winter season visitors can take up a multitude of outdoor activities including mountain biking, climbing and hiking through Austria’s many valleys, meadows and forests.

With its rich history, and once great empire, Austria has much in the way of sights to see and places to visit. The capital city of Vienna is awash with grandiose buildings including palaces, theatres, museums and cathedrals. To the west of the capital, on the border of Austria and Germany, lies Salzburg the birthplace of Mozart. Many visitors come here to see the film locations used in the making of The Sound of Music.

Seasons in Austria are quite defined and, dependent on the reason you are visiting, will dictate the best time to go. For sightseeing, the months of June through to September are recommended though it can get very hot during August. For those arriving to enjoy the pistes the ski season starts around December and goes on through to late March.

Travellers' top tips for places in Austria Food & Drink
  • Niederau: When walking, stop at one of the inns for coffee and cake or beer and snack food. Use train-car to get around valley and buy a week long pass. StevieMcCBelfast
  • Seefeld: Take a trip up the Rosshutte funicular railway and take one or both of the cable cars to the summits. Spectacular views. Excellent restaurant. bet_fowler
Nightlife
  • Soll: don't expect nightlife in the summer ash666
Shopping
  • Zell am See: buy anything you need at the latest on a saturday morning as all shops even tourist office are closed on a sunday , only open place the jet garage CarlisleScotty
  • Saalbach: visit the farm shop at the Lindlingalm for real, home made products. jodenan
Weather
  • Obergurgl: The Hohe Müt restaurant and the Nederhutte are really good lunch places. Don't forget to drink Hot Chocolat with cream at the Top Mountain Star cafe. BB_reviews
  • Kitzbuhel: try the hot chocolate with rum and the gluwein! Gibbinsk

View Austria hotels on map

Map for Austria
Austria travel tips from your fellow travellers
  • Kitzbuhel: If skiing take the cable car 3S, lovely wide pistes, skiing through the trees to Jochberg delightful - but check bus times as it can be an hours wait. - by VenetiaDarling
  • Zell am See: In summer, go to The Lido on the other side of the lake and swim in the lake and pool then play on the water trampoline etc. - by Star-electra
  • Lech: Go and see the wood carver at work, visit Wart 6k passed Lech, Gentle slopes and great ghoulash cafe up on the slopes - by SeeBeeS0645
  • Zell am See: Get out of town and visit the many wonderful places in the region. - by TucsonCurt
  • St Johann: buy a summer card, which gives you unlimited access to regional cable cars and buses, very good value at about 58 euro for five days per adult. - by cag65