How to get the most out of your summer holiday in Austria

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Many people think of Austria primarily in terms of winter sports. Understandably, perhaps, as it's a skier's paradise in winter. But if you travel to Austria unprepared in summer, you risk missing out or paying unnecessarily high prices. Without a plan, you might find yourself paying for each lift separately, or finding yourself in the blazing sun in a low valley while it's wonderfully cool at the top.

In this blog post, we'll show you how to make the most of your summer holiday in Austria. You'll receive a practical guide packed with specific locations, activities, pitfalls, and money-saving tips. This way, you can truly enjoy your summer holiday in Austria, without stress or regrets. This blog post was written by René Schwarte, founder and co-owner of Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu.

Austria in Summer

Austria has been rapidly gaining popularity as a summer holiday destination in recent years. More and more people are swapping a week at the beach for active days in the mountains. And rightly so: the nature is breathtaking, the mountain air is healthy, and the range of activities is enormous. Moreover, the amenities are top-notch: think well-marked hiking trails, pristine mountain lakes with beaches, and mountain huts where you can relax for lunch.

Yet, we see that those who set off without preparation can easily become overwhelmed. The options are so vast that it's hard to see the forest for the trees. You can make poor choices that can make your holiday less enjoyable or even more expensive, from paying for every excursion separately to visiting the wrong places at the wrong time. That's precisely why a clear, honest guide with real experiences is so important. We want you to be able to make the right choices and fully enjoy everything Austria has to offer in summer.​​​​​​​

What summer activities can you do in Austria?

What is there to do in Austria in the summer?

In summer, Austria comes to life and the possibilities are endless. Whether you are sporty or just want to relax and enjoy yourself, there is something for everyone.

Here are some popular activities:

Hiking and mountain tours: Discover countless hiking trails through forests, alpine meadows and gorges. Well-known valleys such as the Zillertal or Ötztal offer routes for every level, from easy panoramic walks to challenging mountain peak tours.
Read also: hiking in Austria

Swimming in lakes: Austria has many crystal-clear mountain lakes where you can enjoy swimming in the summer. There are often beaches or grassy meadows (sometimes for a small entrance fee) at lakes such as the Wörthersee or Wolfgangsee.

Cycling and mountain biking: Enthusiasts can cruise along cycle paths along rivers or take their mountain bikes into the mountains. Many lifts also take bikes up in summer, so you can enjoy spectacular descents.

Via ferrata: For the adventurous, there are via ferrata routes along rock faces. With guidance or the right equipment, you can climb safely to beautiful viewpoints.

White water adventures: Rafting and kayaking in mountain streams are popular group activities. In regions such as Salzburgerland and Tyrol, you can brave the wild rivers under supervision.

Summer tobogganing: Summer toboggan runs can be found throughout Austria. With a toboggan or cart, you can whizz down rails or a concrete track, providing fun for young and old alike.

Which regions in Austria are recommended in summer?

Every region in Austria has its own charm. Here are a few holiday regions that we would recommend in summer:

Innsbruck (Tyrol):

Innsbruck is perhaps Austria's most surprising summer destination. Why? Because it combines the best of both worlds. In the morning, take the cable car to the Nordkette, where you can stand high above the city among the mountain peaks. You can hike with a view of the Inntal or simply enjoy a latte on a panoramic terrace.

In the afternoon, dive into the old town, the Altstadt, where you can stroll past medieval houses, colourful facades and the famous Goldenes Dachl. Shopping, visiting museums, sitting at outdoor cafés: it's all possible. And everything is within walking distance of each other. For rainy days, there are plenty of indoor activities, such as the Tirol Panorama Museum or the interactive Audioversum.
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Tip: Consider staying just outside the city centre (such as in Igls or Axams). It's quieter there, but you can easily reach the city by tram or bus.

Kitzbühel Alps:

The Kitzbühel Alps are known for their gently rolling green mountains and endless hiking opportunities. Here you will find no rugged rocky peaks, but rather friendly alpine pastures, flower meadows and mountain huts where Kaiserschmarrn is waiting for you. Perfect for those who enjoy comfortable hiking, with or without children.

Village names such as Kitzbühel, Kirchberg, Brixen im Thale and St. Johann in Tirol not only sound cosy, they are cosy. In summer, many villages organise village festivals, farmers' markets or music evenings in the square. The mountain lifts run non-stop and take you to panoramic trails, high-altitude playgrounds or picnic areas with views.

​​​​​​​For children: Visit the Alpinolino discovery trail in Westendorf or the fairy tale trail on the Gaisberg. Most cable cars offer special family tickets or are free with a guest card.

Salzburg:

If you like variety, Salzburg is the place for you. Here you can hike in the mountains, swim in a lake and soak up the culture in a baroque city, all within an hour's drive of each other. The region is rich in natural wonders and world-famous sites.

Well-known highlights include: ​​​​​​​
-The Krimml Waterfalls: the highest waterfalls in Europe.
- Lake Zell am See: perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding or pedal boating.
- The Grossglockner High Alpine Road: an impressive high-altitude road with viewpoints, hiking stops and even snow in summer.
- And of course Salzburg itself: the birthplace of Mozart and a feast for culture lovers.

​​​​​​​Tip: If you are staying in the south of the Salzburgerland, consider a day trip to the Hohe Tauern National Park – one of the largest nature reserves in Europe.

Zillertal (Tyrol):

The Zillertal is a true paradise for active families. Everything here is geared towards child-friendly holidays with an adventurous edge. You will find several mountain lifts with access to play trails, themed routes and picnic meadows. 

You can also:

- Ride the nostalgic Zillertalbahn (steam train).
- Go tobogganing on the Arena Coaster, an exciting summer toboggan run.
- Cycle along the river on a flat cycle path.
- Or swim in outdoor swimming pools or at Lake Schlitters.

The valley is easy to navigate and easily accessible, with a wide choice of accommodation ranging from hotels to holiday homes.
Also read our blog "Discover How Beautiful Summer in the Zillertal Can Be"

Carinthia:

In summer, Carinthia feels almost like Italy, but with Austrian flair. It is the warmest region in the country and is located on the southern side of the Alps. Thanks to its mild climate and numerous lakes, it is the perfect place for water lovers.

Popular lakes such as the Wörthersee, Faaker See and Ossiacher See have turquoise water, beaches and often a surf school or boat rental. Here you can go paddleboarding, canoeing, swimming or just relax by the water. Many campsites and hotels are located directly on the water – ideal for families and those seeking peace and quiet.

​​​​​​​But the mountains are also close by. From the valley, you can drive or hike into the Nockberge or Hohe Tauern areas. A beautiful combination of water and altitude. Highlight for families: The Reptilienzoo Happ, the monkey park in Landskron or the castle with its bird of prey show, fun in bad weather or as a change of pace.

What are the absolute must-dos during your summer holiday in Austria?

There is so much to do that it is difficult to choose. However, there are a few excursions that should not be missed during your holiday: Take a mountain lift: Go up the mountain at least once by gondola or chairlift. At the top, you will find panoramic views, mountain meadows full of flowers and often a cosy hut for lunch.

Summer tobogganing: Try a summer toboggan run, such as the Alpine Coaster in Imst or the run in Zell am Ziller. You'll be laughing as you toboggan down the mountain through bends and over bridges.

Visit a waterfall: Austria has countless waterfalls. The Krimmler Wasserfälle (Europe's highest multi-stage waterfall) is impressive and refreshing on a hot day. You walk up alongside the roaring water, an unforgettable experience.

Stand on a glacier: Yes, even in summer you can see snow and ice. Visit a glacier such as the Kitzsteinhorn near Kaprun or the Stubai Glacier. You can even ski in summer on the Hintertuxer Glacier.

Drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road: This famous high alpine road winds your car (or bike) to an altitude of over 2,500 metres, right in the middle of the mountains. Along the way, there are viewpoints, museums and playgrounds. An ultimate road trip through the heart of the Alps.
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Hike through a gorge: A gorge is a narrow ravine with a whitewater river. Walk over wooden bridges and paths along steep rock faces while the water rushes beneath you. Well-known gorges include the Liechtenstein Gorge and the Sigmund-Thun Gorge – fairytale beautiful (and nice and cool on hot days).

​​​​​​​Stand-up paddleboarding on a mountain lake: Rent a stand-up paddleboard on a calm lake, such as Weissensee or Plansee. While paddling, you can enjoy the magnificent view and completely unwind on the water.

What are some common mistakes made during a summer holiday in Austria?

Even though Austria is fantastic in the summer, there are a few things that are less convenient or that you should be aware of:

Buying individual tickets for everything:

It is usually not wise to pay separately for every cable car and attraction. Many regions offer discount cards (Summer Cards). Such a card gives you free access or discounts on dozens of excursions. One example is the SalzburgerLand Card, which allows you to visit around 180 attractions and lifts for a fixed price. We used it ourselves and it paid for itself after just a few days, saving us a lot of money. You can also often get a free regional guest card through your accommodation, which allows you to use the local swimming pool or bus for free, for example. Ask about this, because individual tickets can quickly add up.

Staying in the valley during hot weather:

In July and August, it can get very hot in some valleys (30°C or more). If you stay down in a low-lying village, you will literally be baking. It is much better to seek out higher ground, take the lift to a higher alpine pasture or mountain peak. The air is cooler there and you can enjoy a more pleasant walk or simply relax in the shade of a hut.

Visiting busy hotspots in the middle of the day:

Famous places such as the Krimml Waterfalls or popular gorges and lakes can be very crowded around midday. If you don't like crowds, set off early. In the morning, it is quieter, cooler and you often have nature (almost) to yourself. Alternatively, choose a lesser-known place in the area – often just as beautiful and a lot calmer.

Don't forget rain or warm clothing:

The weather in the mountains can change quickly. If you start the morning with sunshine, you may be surprised by a thunderstorm or a cool breeze in the afternoon. So always carry a rain jacket or poncho in your backpack and dress in layers. Better to carry a sweater for nothing than to freeze on top of the mountain.

How much does a summer holiday in Austria cost?

How much does a summer holiday in Austria cost? While Austria isn't known as the cheapest holiday destination, you can make your holiday as expensive or as cheap as you like. Fuel and groceries are comparable in price to those in the Netherlands, and accommodation ranges from luxury hotels to basic guesthouses. Mountain lifts and attractions can seem expensive, but the aforementioned Summer Cards can save you a significant amount on entrance fees.

If you plan wisely and use discount cards, you certainly won't have to spend a fortune. Many natural attractions, such as waterfalls, mountain peaks and lakes, are free to enter or only cost a few euros to park at. While wild camping is prohibited, there are plenty of affordable campsites, mountain huts and holiday homes.
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Budget travellers should choose accommodation slightly outside the most popular hotspots, as these are often cheaper, and eat out at local eateries instead of the most expensive tourist restaurants. Overall, you can enjoy a great summer holiday in Austria at a reasonable price, especially compared to Switzerland, which is significantly more expensive.

Which type of accommodation should I choose: a hotel, a guesthouse or a mountain hut?

Which type of accommodation should I choose: a hotel, a guesthouse or a mountain hut? Your choice of accommodation depends on your preferences. Hotels often offer more luxury and amenities, such as swimming pools and extensive breakfasts, but that comes at a price. Guesthouses and inns tend to be smaller and more affordable. You can expect a clean bed and often breakfast, as well as personal contact with the owners, making them a good compromise between comfort and price.

Mountain huts offer a completely different experience: you sleep on the mountain, close to nature. They are usually basic with shared rooms and bunk beds and no private bathroom, but what an experience it is to watch the sunset on the mountain pasture in the evening and be able to head up the mountain first thing in the morning!
For families with children, a mountain hut can be an exciting experience, although it is less comfortable than a hotel. Then there are holiday homes and apartments, which offer a lot of freedom. You can cook for yourself and have plenty of space — ideal for larger families or if you're staying in one place for a long time.

Our advice is to think about what kind of trip you want. Do you want to be cared for every day? Choose a hotel. Or prefer budget-friendly and local? Go for a guesthouse. Looking for adventure and a back-to-basics experience? Try staying in a mountain hut for at least one night. Or, if you prefer privacy, rent your own cabin.

Browse all our accommodation in Austria.

Is it busy in Austria in the summer?

Is it busy in Austria in the summer? Compared to the overcrowded beaches and campsites in southern Europe, Austria's tourist hotspots are quite manageable, but you're still likely to encounter plenty of other tourists. Certain attractions, such as the Krimmler Waterfalls, Hallstatt (the famous lakeside village) and the Eisriesenwelt cave, attract thousands of visitors daily during peak season.

Mountain peaks with lifts, such as the Dachstein or the Nordkette near Innsbruck, are also popular in July and August. You'll notice this in the crowded car parks and at photo opportunities where you have to wait.

However, there are simple ways to avoid the crowds: set off early (before 10 am), opt for weekdays rather than weekends for popular excursions and ask locals about quieter alternatives. Often, in the same region, there's a lesser-known lake, waterfall or lift that's much quieter and almost as beautiful. Moreover, Austria is so spacious that you can quickly leave the crowds behind while walking or hiking.
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You could also consider visiting outside the peak season in June or September, when the weather is often still perfect and you'll have the trails practically to yourself. In short, yes, it can get crowded in popular spots, but with a little ingenuity, you'll always find the space and tranquillity you're looking for.

Is Austria a fun place for kids in the summer?

Is Austria a fun place for kids in the summer? Absolutely! It's a fantastic family destination at this time of year. Most mountain regions cater specifically for children. Many mountain lifts, for example, have playgrounds or adventure trails with slides, climbing courses and even small petting zoos at the top of the mountain. There are special family hikes, such as fairytale trails or routes with puzzles along the way. Many tourist offices also organise children's programmes, including guided treasure hunts in the forest and craft afternoons at the local farm.
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Regular mountain hikes, swimming in lakes and bike rides are also perfectly manageable with young children, and can often be done with a pushchair or baby carrier. It is also useful to know that high chairs, changing facilities and children's menus are common in Austrian mountain huts. You'll find that Austrians love children, and your offspring will be warmly welcomed everywhere.

​​​​​​​Also read our blog "A practical guide to an amazing holiday in Austria for beginners"

Conclusion

In short, an Austrian summer in the mountains is an unforgettable experience, provided you're well prepared. The tips in this guide will stop you thinking, 'If only I'd known!' Good preparation means you won't overpay, you won't miss any highlights, and you'll have a more relaxing trip. Without this knowledge, you're likely to either overspend or miss out on wonderful experiences. And that would be a shame. We hope this blog has helped you plan your summer adventure in Austria!