One of Europe’s top skiing destinations in winter, the Austrian Alps are sometimes overlooked as a place to visit in summer. But once the snow seekers go into hibernation and the ski schools shut up shop, the mountains, meadows and valleys here take on a different look — and other activities take centre stage. You’ll find hiking, climbing and biking routes across the Alps, as well as beautiful lakes to swim in. Travellers chasing an action-packed break can try cycling in Kitzbühel or paragliding in St Anton, while those in search of peace and quiet could venture to the nature park in Zillertal. For culture and food, visit the bustling city of Innsbruck or head to Paznaun-Ischgl. Here, discover the right Austrian Alpine region for you.
The Mariahilf district in Innsbruck set against the majestic Nordkette mountain range.
Photograph by Frank Heuer
Scenic mountain biking on the recently opened Sonnenrast trail in Kitzbühel.
Photograph by Kitzbühel Tourismus, Thomas Griesbeck
Innsbruck
Best for: a city break
This mid-Alpine urban centre in the west of the country is the gateway to the Tyrolean mountains. For many, it offers the best of both worlds, with an attractive old town, interesting sights — such as the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) — and the Nordkette Cable Car that cruises up to the surrounding peaks. Summer brings a fun programme of events, including a series of open-air concerts held in the courtyard of the Kaiserliche Hofburg (Imperial Palace). Learn about local history and culture while paddling on the River Inn on a city rafting tour with Stubai Rafting or try Up Stream Surfing, a fun combination of river surfing and wakeboarding.
Kitzbühel
Best for: mountain biking
A place that holds many accolades for its skiing facilities, glitzy Kitzbühel also flexes its muscles in summertime. Take biking, for example — the area has hosted a cycling marathon, Der Kitzbüheler Radmarathon, since 2021 and boasts one of the most challenging road ascents in Austria: the Kitzbüheler Horn. Mountain bikers will love the recently opened Sonnenrast trail or the single-track Hahnenkamm route, which runs all the way back to the town.
Paznaun-Ischgl’s local delicacy, the creamy and herbaceous mountain cheese.
Photograph by TVB Paznaun-Ischgl
Climbing on Schladming-Dachstein’s majestic 2,995m-high Dachstein Mountain.
Photograph by Peter Burgstaller
Paznaun-Ischgl
Best for: Alpine cuisine
Cool air and rocky peaks see cyclists flock to the 25-mile-long Paznaun Valley in summer for events such as the E-Bike World Championship, but there’s another draw here, too. Alongside Ischgl’s high-end restaurants are a number of rustic mountain huts, which from July to October offer seasonal dishes developed by local chefs. Traditional cooking is combined with gourmet flair, with last year’s highlights including Alpine beef with wild herbs, and nettle ravioli with barley, cheese and chicory. Also, be sure to taste the region’s signature cheese, Paznauner almkäse (mountain cheese), which gets its distinct taste from alpine herbs.
Schladming-Dachstein
Best for: views
With more than 300 lakes and 100 waterfalls, the Schladming-Dachstein region is one of the most water-rich in Austria — take a short hike to Spiegelsee on the Reiteralm to see the mountains mirrored on the glass-clear water of the lake. The region’s standout feature, however, is the majestic Dachstein Mountain. The mountain station at 2,700m above sea level is easily reachable by cable car and offers views as far as the Czech Republic and Slovenia. A suspension bridge, a viewing platform and the snappily titled ‘Stairway to Nothingness’ await visitors here, while a shiny new cable car station is scheduled to open in May 2024.
A relaxing yoga flow at the Mountain Yoga Festival in St Anton am Arlberg.
Photograph by Teresa Arias
Hiking through the impressive Wilder Kaiser Mountains in St Johann in Tirol.
Photograph by Mathaeus Gartner
St Anton am Arlberg
Best for: outdoor activities
Known as the birthplace of Alpine skiing, St Anton am Arlberg has a fascinating history that’s shared with visitors year-round at the local Museum of St Anton am Arlberg. In warmer months, the town provides the perfect base from which to try a whole host of outdoor activities. Adrenaline-seekers can try paragliding or canyoning, while those seeking relaxation can unwind at the Mountain Yoga Festival St Anton — and those wanting a bit of everything can make for the action-packed Mountain Sports Festival. Whatever you go for, St Anton am Arlberg is easy to reach by train thanks to regular high-speed connections from Vienna and Zurich.
St Johann in Tirol
Best for: local charm
St Johann in Tirol sits at the foot of the impressive Wilder Kaiser Mountains, alongside the charming villages of Oberndorf, Kirchdorf and Erpfendorf. There are ample activities on offer in the region, including hiking, road cycling and mountain biking, golf and swimming. For a true taste of the area, check out the many local farm shops and cafes to pick up outstanding fresh produce or visit the traditional St Johann Weekly Market to sample regional specialities such as brodakrapfen (a pasty-like snack filled with potato and cheese).
Stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Zell in Zell am See-Kaprun.
Photograph by Gregor Kuntscher
Exploring Nature’s Ice Palace at the Hintertux Glacier in Zillertal.
Photograph by Tom Klocker
Zell am See-Kaprun
Best for: swimming and watersports
On a calm day, the mountains around Lake Zell are reflected in the clear water below. Refreshing water temperatures and lakeside lidos make this Salzburgerland spot popular for swimming, as well as stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing and sailing. Not far away is the modern Tauern Spa, with 12 pools and a selection of wellness areas including 10 saunas and steam rooms — try the rock crystal sauna with different infusions such as mint and citrus or lemongrass and eucalyptus, and be sure to set aside ample time to take in the surrounding scenery.
Zillertal
Best for: nature
The wide Zillertal valley is located to the east of Innsbruck. There are plenty of areas dedicated to outdoor sports here, including an extended ski season and year-round activities on the Hintertux Glacier, but also parts that remain almost untouched. The High Mountain Nature Park Zillertal Alps covers a 160sq-mile area and is home to thousands of animal species, including 500 kinds of butterfly, and more than 1,000 plant varieties. From May to October, themed hiking tours led by the experienced park guides — such as the ‘herb walk’ or wildlife watching — provide fascinating insights into the local flora and fauna.
Plan your trip
Direct flights are available from many UK airports to Vienna and Munich, with good onward train and road connections from both. Flight connections to airports such as Innsbruck and Salzburg can be less regular in summer than in winter. Trains from London to the Austrian Alps take 11 hours or more. For more information, visit austria.info
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