Autumn holidays in Austria: a practical guide!

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You fancy an autumn holiday where you can unwind and be active. You're considering the Austrian mountains for the fresh air and beautiful scenery, but you have some questions. Will there be enough to do in autumn, or will you end up in a deserted mountain village?  Many summer attractions are closed by then, and the ski season hasn't started yet. You want to avoid ending up somewhere deserted, with lifts hanging idle and restaurants closed.  You also wonder whether the weather in autumn is suitable for a holiday in Austria. So, is Austria the right choice for your autumn holiday with your family or partner?

This blog was written by René Schwarte, founder and co-owner of Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu. In this article, we promise you practical tips and insights for a wonderful autumn holiday in Austria. We will show you the best places to go to find both peace and activities. We will tell you what you can do if the weather is bad, so that a rain shower does not spoil your fun.

You'll also discover how to make the most of autumn in Austria, from relaxing in warm thermal baths to exploring the culture and enjoying fun family activities. By the end of this blog, you'll know exactly how to plan a versatile autumn holiday that suits you, without having to worry about closed ski lifts or spending boring days indoors.

The autumn holidays are an ideal time to rest

For many people, the autumn holidays are the last quiet moment before the busy holiday season begins. They provide the perfect opportunity to escape and recharge. Moreover, autumn in Austria is often surprisingly beautiful and mild. Did you know that the average temperature in October is still around 15 °C? This is ideal for exploring the colourful countryside.  At this time, the mountains turn from green to golden yellow, orange and red, creating a spectacular sight. As it is not yet high season, it is wonderfully quiet, with no hordes of tourists and plenty of sunny hours. The autumn holidays are the perfect time to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery before the winter rush begins.

Austria is also a hit in autumn

It is a fantastic autumn holiday destination, provided you know where to go. The summer rush is over and the skiing season has not yet begun, but this is precisely why autumn has its own charm. Nature is perhaps at its best during this period. Hikers can enjoy fresh mountain hikes.

Mountain lovers are also in for a treat, as the trails are often almost deserted. However, it is important to take the in-between season into account. In autumn, the weather can be more erratic, and some facilities are open for a limited time. But don't let that put you off! If you're well prepared and make the right choices, you'll see that Austria has a lot to offer in autumn — we'll help you with that in a minute. You'll benefit from lower prices and more available accommodation.

Not every region is bustling: choose the right destination

An important lesson for a successful autumn holiday in Austria is to choose your region carefully. In October, some high-altitude ski villages can feel deserted as they are in between seasons. Many cable cars stop running at the end of September and mountain restaurants close, so there is little to do without a car.

You don't want to arrive in a village where everything is literally closed, except perhaps the supermarket. That is why it is a good idea to check in advance whether the lifts and mountain huts at your intended destination are still open in autumn. You can often find this information on the region's website. If there is no information about indoor or autumn activities, If not, chances are the place has little to offer at this time of year. Fortunately, there are plenty of areas that come alive in autumn. Some well-known holiday resorts keep their facilities open for longer. In Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, for instance, the gondolas usually operate until the end of October.

The Wilder Kaiser – Brixental region and the lively town of Westendorf are also bustling in October.  In some Austrian mountain regions, such as the Wilder Kaiser area, children's play areas can still be found on top of the mountains in autumn. While parents enjoy the view, little ones can entertain themselves in a wooden 'Kristall Express' play train.

​​​​​​​Such facilities remain open while the lifts are in operation, even in October. In addition, pay attention to the location of your destination. Lower-lying valleys and southern regions tend to experience milder weather for longer. Carinthia (Kärnten) in the south, for example, is known for its long Indian summer. You can often still enjoy hiking there in October without it being too cold. The Bregenzerwald (Vorarlberg) and the Tannheimer Tal (Tyrol) are also great places for autumn nature walks, as they are not extremely high and the lifts are sometimes still open.

​​​​​​​Reading tip: hiking in Austria – what you need to know!

Winter sports in the autumn holidays

Do you like winter sports? Then you can enjoy them in autumn, too! In Austria, there are glacier areas where you can take your first ski runs in October. The Hintertux Glacier in Tyrol, for example, is open all year round. The glacier slopes in Sölden in the Ötztal, usually open as early as October. In fact, Sölden often hosts the first World Cup ski race of the season at the end of October thanks to its early snow conditions.

As well as Hintertux and Sölden, you could consider the Kitzsteinhorn glacier near Kaprun or the Stubai and Pitztal glaciers. These areas offer groomed slopes during the autumn holidays, and the added bonus is that they are much quieter and cheaper than in winter. Of course, the valley doesn't feel wintry yet, and you have to go high up into the mountains to find snow, but being able to ski in the morning and enjoy the autumn sunshine in the valley in the afternoon is quite special.

In short, not everywhere is suitable in autumn, but the solution is simple: choose a destination that is known for its autumn activities and open lifts, or even glacier skiing. This way, you can be sure that you won't end up in a deserted village and can make the most of your holiday.

Relax in thermal spas and wellness centres

An autumn holiday wouldn't be complete without some relaxation. After a bracing hike in the mountains, there's nothing more blissful than warming up in a hot bath or sauna with stunning mountain views. Austria is a wellness paradise, with dozens of thermal baths and spas located throughout the country. So allow yourself to relax! Consider the famous Gastein thermal baths in Salzburgerland, for example. Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein have been popular destinations for centuries thanks to their natural hot springs.

The thermal water there emerges from the ground at around 46 °C from as many as 17 springs. Imagine swimming in warm mineral water while autumn leaves fall outside. As well as the baths, Gastein has modern spa centres with saunas, steam baths and even healing caves. So you can enjoy nature and health in one place. You can also enjoy wonderful wellness in Tyrol. The Aqua Dome in Längenfeld, for example, is located in the middle of the Ötztal Alps.

You don't necessarily have to go to a public bathhouse either, as many hotels and chalets in Austria have their own wellness facilities. Hotels with spas and flats with private saunas are often affordable in autumn and can make your holiday even more relaxing. After a day outdoors, you can unwind in the sauna or take a dip in your hotel's indoor pool. This combination of activity and relaxation makes your holiday very fulfilling.

What to do when the weather is changeable?

Autumn weather can be unpredictable, with full sunshine one day and fog or rain the next. What can you do when the weather is bad? Fortunately, Austria offers plenty of entertainment even then. The important thing is to choose a destination with a programme of activities for bad weather. Many regions have indoor facilities, so you won't be bored when the mountains are shrouded in cloud.

Soak up the culture!

When it rains, one of the best things to do is to soak up some culture. Austria has beautiful cities and villages brimming with history. Consider taking a day trip to Salzburg or Innsbruck, both of which are easily accessible from many holiday destinations.

Salzburg, the city of Mozart, is cosy in autumn and less busy than in summer. Stroll through the picturesque old town with its shops and cafés, visit the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress, or explore a museum.  Did you know that Salzburg has an incredibly cool natural history museum called the Haus der Natur?

This interactive museum, complete with aquariums and dinosaur skeletons, is a must for all ages, especially on a rainy day. Alternatively, you could visit Mozart's birthplace or take a tour of Schloss Mirabell. Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, allows you to effortlessly combine city and mountains.

Start in the historic city centre. However, Innsbruck has plenty to offer even when the weather is less favourable: the Folk Art Museum, the Swarovski Kristallwelten Museum just outside the city or the Hofburg, the former residence of Empress Sisi. If you have children with you, you could even spend an afternoon at the Alpenzoo (Europe's highest zoo) or at an indoor playground. Innsbruck has it all within easy reach.

Indoor attractions

Would you prefer to stay near your holiday destination? If so, ask about indoor activities in the region. Many mountain villages nowadays have indoor attractions. These include indoor climbing halls, bowling alleys and children's play paradises. Family destinations such as Serfaus and Fiss have large indoor play areas where children can climb, slide and run around. In the Zillertal, you will find indoor 'Playarenas' full of trampolines, climbing walls and ball pits.

In the Zillertal, you will find indoor 'Playarenas' full of trampolines, climbing walls and ball pits. Teenagers might enjoy an afternoon of go-karting or a visit to a nearby cinema. And let's not forget the museums: almost every region has an interesting one. Whether it's a mining museum in an old silver mining town, a farm museum about alpine agriculture or a small gallery, a rainy afternoon is the perfect opportunity to experience some local culture. This is also a great way to learn something new about the region you are staying in.

Prepare for changeable weather

A little rain shouldn't stop you from going out. With the right clothes — a macintosh and an umbrella — a walk in the woods or a visit to a waterfall can be magical in the mist. Reward yourself afterwards with a hot chocolate or a cup of goulash soup — it tastes even better when you're coming in from the cold! In short, whatever the weather, there are plenty of options, from cultural activities to indoor games or relaxation. This means that every day of your holiday will be worthwhile, regardless of the forecast.

Fun autumn activities in Austria

Autumn in Austria offers unique activities that aren't as prevalent in other seasons. Enjoy typical autumn excursions that will delight families and couples alike.

Autumn markets
Regular autumn markets and harvest festivals take place in villages and towns in October. These convivial markets offer a variety of products, from pumpkins and apple strudel to handmade wool items, and are a great place to experience the local culture. These markets are often accompanied by an Erntedank (harvest festival) or, if you are there early in autumn, a traditional Almabtrieb parade. During an Almabtrieb, cows adorned with bells and flowers return from the mountains to the barn.

Wildlife and nature parks
If you are out and about with the family, then a visit to a wildlife or nature park is highly recommended. In autumn, many animals put on weight as they prepare for winter. Austria has several wild parks, which are large outdoor zoos or reserves where native animals live. One of the most well-known is the Wildpark Ferleiten near Zell am See, where you can see all kinds of Alpine animals along a scenic route. Near Innsbruck, the partly outdoor, partly sheltered Alpenzoo is particularly popular with children, who love feeding the otters and seeing the lynxes.

​​​​​​​Sporting activities
Sporting activities no longer have a real low season either. Do you like an adrenaline rush? Go mountain biking through the autumn forests — many bike parks remain open until mid-October, and the trails covered in autumn leaves offer a unique experience. For those seeking more adventure, options like wall climbing and paragliding are also available. All activities are carried out with the necessary guidance and safety measures, and in autumn it is often quieter, giving you extra space.

Culinary delights in autumn
Finally, don't miss out on the culinary side of autumn. At this time of year, restaurants offer special game menus (autumn is game season, so why not try some deer goulash or trout from the mountain lakes?). Austria is also renowned for its Gemütlichkeit, so why not settle down in an Almgasthof with a crackling fire after enjoying some outdoor activities? Treat yourself to a slice of freshly baked apple strudel with vanilla sauce or enjoy kaiserschmarrn as the ultimate reward.

You will also find seasonal produce such as mushrooms, pumpkins and chestnuts on the menus. Feast your eyes! In short, the autumn holidays offer a variety of activities, ranging from the traditional and relaxed to the exciting and sporty. There is something for everyone, ensuring both children and adults have a great time.

Conclusion

Finally, remember why you're taking this trip: to experience peace and adventure with your family or partner. Austria in autumn offers the perfect setting for both. You can avoid the crowds, experience nature at its most beautiful and gain new energy. With the right preparation and the tips from this blog, you'll be all set for an unforgettable experience.