Austrian Alps – welcome to a postcard-perfect destination that beckons with its majestic mountains, lush valleys and picturesque villages. Today we show you the best things to do in Austria with tips for trips and hiking routes to the Austrian Alps for your holiday. Enjoy the Austrian Alps in summer as a couple or as a family with children.
Things to do in the Austrian Alps in summer – map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of the best things to do in the Austrian Alps. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in the guide to where to go in the Austrian Alps. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
Best Things to do in Austrian Alps, Austria: Top Places to visit
1. Wolfgangsee
Wolfgangsee in Austria, a lake with turquoise water surrounded by forests and high mountains, is located in the Salzkammergut area near Salzburg. It is perfectly situated for day trips to Salzburg as well as Hallstatt and the Dachstein mountains (see next point).
Enjoy a swim in the crystal clear water or a boat trip, follow the lake’s well-maintained path around the lake and enjoy the charm of the traditional lakeside villages of St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen and Strobl.
HOTELS WOLFGANGSEE 😴
These accommodations include a SommerCard, which gives you free access to the Schafberg Toboggan Run, the Wolfgangsee ferries, the Strobl toboggan run and other attractions in the area.
Things to do in the Wolfgangsee area:
Circular route around Bürglstein
The easy circular route around Bürglstein is located near Strobl and runs partly along the lake and partly through the forest. There is a free car park at the beginning. The route is 4 km long and will take you about 1-1.5 hours.
Zwölferhorn
The Zwölferhorn is a popular peak at Wolfgangsee, from where you can enjoy some of the best views of the lake. If you are looking for an area where you can spend the whole day, the Zwölferhorn is ideal. There are a number of hiking trails and mountain huts.
You can reach the top by an easy route or by cable car from Sankt Gilgen.
The Schafberg Railway
The Schafberg Railway is one of the best things to do at Wolfgangsee. The lower station is in St. Wolfgang and the ride up takes 35 minutes. In high season there are a lot of people here, it is better to book tickets in advance. Along the way, you can expect spectacular views and an unusual experience, because you don’t just see a cog in the Alps. Check out the official website for more information.
You can also walk to the top of the Schafberg – the hike up takes about 3-4 hours depending on your fitness and the weather. From the top, you’ll enjoy a postcard-like view of turquoise lakes nestled among the Alpine peaks.
Where to stay at Lake Wolfgangsee:
These accommodations include a SommerCard, which gives you free access to the Schafberg Toboggan Run, the Wolfgangsee ferries, the Strobl toboggan run and other attractions in the area.
- Hotel Peter: Stylish four-star hotel right on the promenade in St. Wolfgang, with free parking and excellent cuisine.
- Strandhotel Margaretha: Design hotel right on the lake with a private beach and free parking.
- Hotel-Garni Schernthaner: Family-run hotel in the centre of Sankt Gilgen just a few steps from the lake
- Seehaus Familie Leifer: Studios and apartments with kitchenette, free parking and lake views in St. Wolfgang
- B&B Schwarzes Rossl: Cheap B&B near the lake in St. Wolfgang
Read more about Wolfgangsee in the previous article (including photos, tips for trips and hiking routes).
2. Dachstein mountain range
The Dachstein is a dramatic mountain range in the northern limestone Alps and one of the most popular areas in the Austrian Alps. Explore the picturesque town of Hallstatt, enjoy the view from the suspension bridge or the famous Five Fingers lookout, or enjoy a trek around the alpine lakes of Gosauseen.
HOTELS DACHSTEIN 😴
Things to do in Dachstein, Austria:
Hallstatt
Hallstatt is an iconic Alpine town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled at the foot of a lake amongst prominent mountains, with a dominant church that towers over the surrounding Alpine houses.
In Hallstatt you can visit the salt mines or the Skywalk “Welterbeblick” – for more information, see the article about the Dachstein mountains in Austria.
Ice and Mammoth Cave – Five Fingers Viewpoint
The Five Fingers Lookout is one of Austria’s most famous lookout points. From here you can enjoy fantastic views of the Hallstatt area.
The viewpoint can be reached by cable car from Obertraun. The first Dachstein Krippensteinbahn I stops at the Ice and Mammoth Caves.
The second cable car, the Dachstein Krippensteinbahn II, connects here and takes you to the Five Fingers viewpoint. From the cable car, you have about 1 kilometre to walk and then you will enjoy the magnificent views of Hallstatt, Hallstatt Lake and the surrounding mountains.
The view itself is free. There is a fee for the cable car (you can also walk) and the caves. Opening times and cable car fares can be found here.
From the cable car, it’s just a few steps to the World Heritage Spiral, another viewpoint right at the top of Hoher Krippenstein with fantastic views of Hoher Dachstein (the highest peak of the Dachstein massif).
Suspension bridge – Skywalk viewpoint
The Skywalk with its suspension bridge can be found near Ramsau am Dachstein and is most easily reached by cable car, which saves you almost 1,000 vertical metres.
After the climb, you come to the Skywalk observation deck. Once you’ve had your fill, you can continue on to the suspension bridge. At an altitude of 2,687 m, it is the highest suspension bridge in Austria.
The 100 m long bridge turns into an iron walkway from which you can turn to the Stairs to Nowhere viewpoint. And that’s exactly what it is. The stairs really lead nowhere. All you see is a deep valley. It’s exactly the kind of place where your adrenaline jumps really high :).
Continue along the iron walkway and you will enter the Dachstein Ice Palace. Would you like to enjoy more panoramic views? Continue towards the Seethalerhütte, which you will find below the highest peak of the Dachstein massif – Hoher Dachstein (2995 m). The route is about 2 km long.
Waterfalls Riesachfälle and Lake Riesachsee
The beautiful Riesachfälle waterfalls are a short walk from the famous Schladming ski resort. Although geographically they are no longer part of the Dachstein mountain range, it is only a short distance away.
Park your car in Seeleiten (there are buses here too) at the end of the Untertalbach valley (in 2021, parking cost €9) and take the orange Alpinsteig Höll trail around the Riesachbach. It takes a good pair of shoes and a sure foot, but it’s worth it. The route continues to Lake Riesachsee. You can extend your journey to the Preintalerhütte mountain hut.
Lakes Gosauseen
The Gosauseen lakes consist of 3 lakes – Vorderer Gosausee, Gosaulacke and Hinterer Gosausee. The route starts at the largest of them, Vorderer Gosausee, where you park and walk around the lake. Most visitors choose to go around the first of the lakes, but if you have time, head to all three lakes in turn, as they are definitely worth seeing.
If you want to enjoy the spectacular views of the Dachstein massif, take the Gosaukammbahn cable car from the Vorderer Gosausee lake and continue on one of the routes – you can choose from easy or more challenging routes.
Without children, I recommend climbing to the top of Grosser Donnerkogel (2050 m), which is an easy, sometimes moderately difficult route.
Read the detailed guide to the Dachstein in the previous article.
Where to stay in the Dachstein area:
- Seehotel am Hallstättersee: Cosy hotel with great value for money on the shores of Lake Hallstatt
- Dormio Hotel Obertraun: Fully equipped resort in Obertraun a short walk from the lake (swimming pool, playground, garden, free parking, restaurant).
- Lodge am Krippenstein: Stylish mountain hotel right on the top of Krippenstein with fantastic views
- COOEE Hotel: Fantastic hotel in Gosau, located halfway between the Wolfgangsee and the Dachstein mountains. Possibility of half board, rich facilities, free parking.
- Alpine Club: Fully equipped apartments in Schladming with great value for money, children’s and tennis court and other facilities.
How to save in the Dachstein-Schladming area
The following accommodations include the Dachstein-Schladming Sommercard, which you will receive automatically upon arrival. The card is valid from 18 May to 1 November for anyone staying in partner accommodation for at least one day. Valid from 13:00 on the day of arrival, during the stay including the whole day of departure.
With the card you can travel free on local and regional buses, use the cable cars (Planai, Hochwurzen, Reiteralm and even includes a cable car to the Dachstein glacier if you stay for at least 2 days) + additional discounts on attractions in the area.
Partner accommodation with the Dachstein-Schladming Sommercard:
- Tauernblick: Cozy hotel in Schladming with wellness and half board
- Pension Hofweyer: Traditional alpine guesthouse in Ramsau am Dachstein with spectacular views and garden
- TUI Blue Schladming: Cozy, modern hotel with free parking and great value for money
- JUFA Hotel Schladming: Pleasant three-star hotel in the centre of Schladming, with spa and rich breakfast
3. Hochkönig Mountains – things to do in the Austrian Alps
The Hochkönig mountain range stretches along the border with Germany and is flanked on the other side by the Berchtesgaden Alps.
Enjoy the area around the Hochkönig glacier, which escapes mass tourism. Here, you’ll enjoy nature all to yourself, soak up the tranquillity of the hiking trails and feel the warmth of the locals who are happy to chat with you.
Hiking in the Hochkönig Mountains, Austria:
Hochkönig Glacier
The Hochkönig glacier is the dominant feature of the whole area with its height of 2941 m. In winter you can ski here, in summer you can go on one of the hiking trails. More information about skiing on the Hochkönig glacier can be found here.
Ascent of the Hochkönig glacier
You can hike up the Hochköng Glacier to its highest point. However, expect a considerable elevation gain of around 1,600 m. It can be done in a day, but you just need to start really early (the climb takes about 5 hours).
Park your car in the Dientner saddle, from where you will head to the Erichhütte mountain hut. At the hut, continue to the right along the red marked hiking trail towards the Hohe Scharte saddle and then the Birgkarscharte saddle. From here you will make the final ascent to the top, where there is a smaller hiking trail.
The way up is strenuous and requires plenty of water and good physical fitness.
Easy route around the Hochkönig massif
If you are looking for an easy, pleasant route suitable for children with nice views, you should definitely choose the Königsweg. It runs along the entire southern part of the Hochkönig and has several access routes that make it easy to get to the trail.
Along the way you will see lots of cows, horses and sometimes a waterfall. You will dine in one of the typical Austrian chalets with typical Austrian smiling service.
Karbachalm cable car
This viewpoint should not be missed by anyone who wants to have the Hochkönig massif in the palm of their hand.
You can leave your car in the car park at the Karbachalm lower cable car station in Mühlbach am Hochkönig. A restaurant and easy hiking trails await you at the top, from which you can enjoy the surroundings, including Hochkönig.
The best accommodation around the Hochkönig Glacier:
- Harry’s home: Stylish rooms and apartments with breakfast included, strategically located in Bischofshofen, from where you can hike to the Dachstein glacier, Salzburg and other nearby places
- Hotel Der Burgblick: Modern and comfortable hotel strategically located for exploring the Hochkönig Glacier and the Salzkammergut around Salzburg
- Ramada Apartments: Fully equipped, cosy furnished apartments, with swimming pool and free parking
4. High Tauern National Park, Alps in Austria
Hohe Tauern National Park forms the backbone of the Austrian Alps. Immerse yourself in unspoilt alpine nature with steep peaks, cascading waterfalls and lush meadows.
Enjoy a hike on one of the trails and take a drive along the alpine road, from which you can enjoy fantastic views of the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak.
HOTELS ZELL AM SEE – KAPRUN 😴
These accommodations include a SommerCard, which gives you free access to cable cars, public transport and attractions in the area. All guests will receive their card automatically on arrival. Valid from 15 May to 31 October.
Things to do in the Hohe Tauern National Park:
Kitzsteinhorn glacier
The Kitzsteinhorn glacier is one of the most popular places in Austria to enjoy year-round skiing. In addition, there are plenty of other things to do – explore the Alps from the Summit World 3000 viewpoint, hike one of the hiking trails or rent a mountain bike and ride the trails. More information about the Kitzsteinhorn glacier can be found here.
Wasserfallboden and Mooserboden dams
The sight of the high mountain dams Wasserfallboden (1672 m) and Mooserboden (2036 m) made me fall in love with the Alps for the first time. The dams lie in the Kapruner Tal valley and can be walked in one day.
The ticket office can be reached by bus 660 (runs from Zell am See via Kaprun) or by car, which you can park in the Kesselfall parking garage (free of charge). Buses leave from the ticket office and take you to the dam together with the funicular. The whole trip is an experience in itself, especially the steep cable car.
On this link you will find up-to-date information on the Mooserboden dam (ticket prices, opening times, cable car, news).
The Grossglockner Alpine Road and the Pasterze Glacier
Are you looking for a day trip where you can enjoy the beautiful nature and views from morning to night? Take the Grossglockner Alpine Road, where you will see, among other things, the longest Pasterze glacier in the Hohe Tauern National Park directly below the Grossglockner peak. The marmots will run around you and you will enjoy the view of the highest peaks of the Austrian Alps.
The Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse is one of the most beautiful panoramic roads and certainly one of the most beautiful places in Austria. Don’t miss it if you plan to visit the Austrian Alps in summer.
The road connects Fusch an der Grossflocknerstrasse and Heiligenblut and is 48 km long.
Along the way, near Heiligenblut, there is a turn-off to the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höche lookout, from where you can see the Pasterze glacier and the Grossglockner peak.
Check here for up-to-date information about the Grossglockner Alpine Road (price, opening hours, news).
Lakes Grünsee, Weißsee and Tauernmoossee
The Alpine lakes Grünsee, Weißsee and Tauermoossee are located near the Enzingerboden power station near Uttendorf. This is also the starting point, as the lower station of the cable car to Weißsee with a stop at Grünsee is located here.
The cable car takes you to the first of the lakes, Lake Grünsee. From Grünsee another cable car leads to the highest lake, Weißsee. If you plan to walk, count on about 2-3 hours to the Weißsee.
The surroundings of the Weißsee are interwoven with hiking trails – easy trails and challenging hikes. For example, you can descend to the Tauernmoossee reservoir. You can also walk (or cycle) here from the power station in the opposite direction.
Apart from hiking, you can also enjoy great skiing on the glacier – more information here.
Read more about the Hohe Tauern National Park in the previous article (photos, description of routes, map). Zell am See is strategically located for exploring the Hohe Tauern. In addition, selected accommodation includes a SommerCard with free access to lifts and attractions – see article for more information.
Where to stay in the Hohe Tauern National Park:
- Elements Resort Zell am See: Four-star resort with fully equipped apartments, outdoor pool, restaurant, fitness room and free parking.
- AvenidA Mountain Lodges: Stylish aparthotel in Kaprun with complete facilities for a relaxing holiday
- Das Alpenhaus Kaprun: Modern hotel in the centre of Kaprun with spa, swimming pool and half board included
- Hotel LukasMayr: Pleasant three-star hotel in Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße with half board
- Residence AlpenHeart: Cheap hotel in Bad Gastein with Czech-speaking staff
5. Zillertal Alps – things to do in the Austrian Alps
On the Austrian-Italian border, in the region of Tyrol, the Zillertal Alps stretch. They will amaze you with their glaciated peaks, long valleys, clear lakes and far-reaching views.
Visit the Krimmel Waterfalls, the largest waterfalls in Austria, enjoy the view of the Schlegeis Dam or ski all year round on the Hintertux Glacier.
HOTELS ZILLERTAL ALPS 😴
Things to do in the Zillertal Alps:
Hintertux Glacier
The Hintertux Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the world. If you like to ski, this is a guarantee that you will ski here all year round. More information about skiing on the Hintertux glacier.
Tip: The best accommodation for glacier access is Hotel Thermal-Badhotel Kirchler which is just a few minutes from the cable car and provides all facilities including a spa and restaurant.
Schlegeis Stausee Alpine Road and Schlegeis Dam
Another high mountain road in Austria is the Schlegeis Stausee Alpine Road, which lies just over the border from Italy. In 2023, you will pay €15.50 by car and €11.50 by motorbike. It is open from mid-May to the end of October.
The road is 13 km long and will help you bridge 800 vertical metres to an altitude of 1780 metres. The Schlegeis Stausee may not offer the views of the Grossglockner road, but it makes up for it at the finish with the Schlegeis high-mountain dam with its clear water surrounded by Alpine peaks.
Take a walk around the dam on a well-maintained path or follow one of the hiking trails:
Hiking trail to Pfitscher’s cottage
Pfitscher’s hut (Italian Rifugio Passo di Vizze) is just over the border in Italy. The route is 7.4 km long in one direction and will take you just over 2.5 hours. Most of the time you go through the valley and only towards the end you have to climb up to the Pfitscherjoch saddle. From here, you are just a short walk from the hut, which is located right by the Jochsee lake. The path is easy and part of a cycle path.
Tourist route to Olperer’s cottage
Olperer’s hut is located directly above the Schlegeisspeicher dam, so you can enjoy the best view of the dam from here. Lots of people come here for the iconic photo on the small suspension bridge. At the top you will climb 600 vertical metres (2 hours).
Zillergründl Dam
The Zillergründl dam is located east of Mayrhofen at an altitude of 1850 m. You can walk directly to the dam along a 4 km trail from the Bärenbad Inn. The second, more popular option is the bus directly from Mayrhofen station, which runs every hour during the summer season.
You can take an easy walk around the reservoir to the Hohenaualm hut (1.5 hours one way; suitable for bikes and strollers). Would you like to see the dam and its surroundings from a bird’s eye view? Then head to the Plauener Hütte (less than 2 hours away).
Zillertal high mountain road
Experience breathtaking views of the Zillertal Alps on the 50 km long Zillertaler alpine road. The road takes you from 500 m to 2020 m.
In 2023 you will pay 8 € for the passage (motorbikes 5 €). It’s definitely worth the price, because you can easily spend the whole day here. You can park your car in one of the car parks, have a refreshment in one of the mountain huts and choose a hiking trail to continue into the mountains. Check out the official website for more information on the hiking trails.
Finkenberg
Between the peaks of Penken (2095 m) and Knorren (2081 m) lies the popular Finkenberg area. It is easily accessible and ideal for a trip with the family. You can reach the top on foot or by cable car from Finkenberg or Mayrhofen.
Walk along easy trails, enjoy the views from the restaurant or continue on to the top of the Wanglspitze on the excellent ridge route (1.5 hours one way).
Krimmel Waterfalls
The Krimmel Waterfalls are 380 metres high waterfalls where you will not be left with a dry thread. The waterfalls are divided into three cascades connected by a 4 km long paved path. There are 11 stops along the way, where you can almost reach the waterfalls. The higher you go, the fewer tourists there will be at the falls.
The Krimmel Waterfalls are reached via a turn off the Gerlos Strasse toll road. It’s passable all year round (don’t forget the necessary tyre gear in winter) and will set you back €11 (motorbikes €8) in 2023).
At the Krimmel Falls there is a huge parking lot, an information centre and stalls along the path to the falls. There is a small fee to enter the waterfalls.
Where to stay in the Zillertal Alps:
- Hotel Thermal-Badhotel Kirchler: Popular hotel a short walk from the cable car to the Hintertux glacier, with restaurant and spa
- das Alois 4 Sterne Superior: Stylish hotel in Tux with high quality service and excellent cuisine (half board option):
- ZillergrundRock Luxury Mountain Resort: Luxury resort in the Mayrhofen valley with rooftop pool, spa and excellent half board included
- VAYA Zillertal: Stylish four-star hotel with swimming pool, spa and half board
- Explorer Hotel Zillertal: New, modern hotel in the middle price range, with sun terrace, bar and wellness area
6. Gesäuse National Park – Austrian Alps in summer
The Gesäuse National Park is part of the Ennstaler Alps, which are not among the highest, but still absolutely breathtaking.
The park is located in the north of Austria between Admont and Hieflau. It is characterized by lush green forest combined with rugged limestone peaks. Both climbing enthusiasts and those who just like to wander through the beautiful nature will find their place here.
Excursions and hiking in Gesäuse National Park:
Hike to the Heßhütte mountain hut and the summit of Hochzinödl
The Heßhütte is a popular landmark in the Gesäuse National Park at an altitude of 1699 m, located in the saddle between the Hochtor and Zinödl peaks. The hut can be reached via the alpine pastures after a 2.5-hour walk from the south side in the direction of Johnbach (car park at the Kölblwirt restaurant).
You can spend the night in the hut and the next day go on a moderately demanding hike over the Hochzinödl peak (2191 m) on the panoramic trail through the Zinödl mountain range. The views of Hochtor, the highest peak in the Gesäuse National Park, are divine.
Trek to the Haindlkarhütte
The mountain hut Haindlkarhütte can be found at an altitude of 1150 m in the shadow of the Hochtor rock massif (2369 m). There is a moderately demanding trail leading here.
The route to the Haindlkarhütte starts at the Haindlkarparkplatz car park, which can also be reached by bus. From here you will start from an altitude of 600 m on the trail 658, which will lead you to the hut. Then you can continue on to the Gsengscharte saddle (1228 m).
Long-distance route Hüttenwanderweg
The Hüttenwanderweg is a long-distance route, part of which you can walk between Johnsbach and Radmer an der Stube. In this section the route is 10 hours long, with no guarded sections.
Where to stay in Gesäuse National Park:
- Pension Triebenerhof (Trieben)
- Pension Landgasthof Buchner (Admont)
- Haus Loidl (Sankt Gallen)
7. Lienz Dolomites – best places in the Austrian Alps
Who wouldn’t love the Italian Dolomites. Did you know that you can experience a similar sight in the vicinity of Lienz, Austria?
The Lienz Dolomites are a mountain group belonging to the Gailtal Alps, which are part of the Southern Limestone Alps. Unlike the Italian Dolomites, the Lienz Dolomites do not contain any limestone.
Hikes and hiking trails around Lienze, Austria:
Karlsbader Hütte and Lake Laserzsee
The mountain hike starts at the Dolomitenhütte hut, from where you start along the trail towards the Karlsbader Hütte and Lake Laserzsee (ascent about 2 hours).
Tristacher See
Lake Tristacher lies south of Lienz. It is a place where you can enjoy a great swim or a beautiful walk around the lake surrounded by mountains. You can park right by the lake or walk here directly from Lienz (about 1.5 hours from the centre).
Steinermandl Peak
The Steinermandl peak can be found north of Lienz at an altitude of 2213 m. It is very easily accessible by cable car and the views from here are fantastic.
The place is an ideal starting point for several hiking trails. For example, the easy route to Lake Neualplseen around the Goiselemandl peak (2433 m), which takes 2.5 hours round trip.
Hochsteinhütte and Hochstein Peak
The mountain hut Hochsteinhütte is another popular excursion point. You can reach the hut by a toll high-mountain road. The hut is located just below the Hochstein peak (2057 m), from where you can continue along the marked trails.
Where to stay in the Lienz Dolomites:
- Hotel Holunderhof: Modern aparthotel with all facilities
- Walter’s Gästehaus: Comfortable, fully equipped apartments suitable for families with children
- Haus Elena: Cheap, clean B&B with garden and mountain view
8. Silvretta Mountains – Austrian Alps in summer
Not far from the border with Switzerland lies another beautiful part of the Alps – the Silvretta Mountains.
Silvretta is largely in Switzerland, but the Austrian part is more popular for tourists. The mountain range attracts all those who want to admire the more than 3000 m high peaks, glaciers and green river valleys.
Excursions and hiking tours in the Silvretta Mountains:
Silvretta high mountain road
The Silvretta high mountain road takes you past lakes, one of which is more beautiful than the other. The road leads from Partenen in Montafon to Galtür. Its length is 22.3 km and the highest point is the Bielerhöhe saddle (2032 m).
The Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse is charged at €18 (€14.50 for motorcycles) – prices are valid for 2023.
One of the attractions of the Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse are lakes. At the Bielerhöhe Pass you will pass Silvretta Stausee and then Vermunt Stausee towards Partenen. From Silvretta Stausee you can hike further up the mountain to the Wiesbadener Hütte.
On the other side of the Silvretta mountain road lies the popular Kops Stausee lake. Unlike the previous two lakes, you can only get here on foot or by bike. There are several trails to choose from – the shortest is about 5 km long (2 hours).
Montafon Valley
The Montafon Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Austrian Alps, starting in the Verwall Alps in the north and stretching south to the Silvretta Mountains. A number of hiking trails lead here. All you have to do is pull on your hiking boots and head out into the mountain countryside.
Where to stay in the Silvretta Mountains:
- All-Suite Resort Paznaun: Modern mountain aparthotel with outdoor pool and wellness area
- TUI BLUE Montafon: Four-star hotel in the Montafon Valley with complete facilities, wellness and half board
- Alphotel Garni Salner: Cozy hotel in the mountain town of Ischgl with great value for money
9. Lechtal Alps, Austrian Alps
The Lechtal Alps can be found in the west of Austria in Vorarlberg. It is a small mountain range, the main centre of which is Lech am Arlberg.
If you’re looking for more peace and quiet, head here. There are far fewer people here than, for example, around Dachstein or Zell am See.
Hiking and things to do in the Lechtal Alps:
Lakes Formarinsee and Spullersee
The journey starts at Lake Formarinsee, reached by bus from Lech. You can walk around the lake to the Freiburger Hütte, from which you will have a great view of the popular Rote Wand (2704 m).
From the hut you continue towards Steinernes Meer (translated as “stone sea”) and Spullersee. The more challenging part is about half an hour through the Steinernes Meer and then around the Gehrengat ridge, where you will appreciate hiking poles. The high valley leads to the Spullersee lake. The trail is moderately difficult and in wet conditions in the area of the rocky sea it is harder to walk.
From Lake Spullersee you can then take the bus back to Lech.
Lake Körbersee
The Körbersee is a small alpine lake with great panoramas and easy trails that are easily navigable even in bad weather. The easiest way to get here is from the Salober car park around the Kalbelesee lake (approx. 1 hour) or from the town of Schrocken along the cycle path (2 hours).
Lake Verwallseee and the suspension bridge
The easy route leads to the last hike, which you will find south of the popular resort of Sankt Anton am Arlberg. The journey takes just over an hour and is ideal for families with children, as there is a playground and a rope park along the way.
At the end, you will walk across the 35 m long suspension bridge over the Rosanna River and past the beautiful Lake Verwallsee.
Where to stay in the Lechtal Alps:
- Apartments ALPtyrol: Design apartments and rooms in the centre of Sankt Anton am Arlberg, great price for the location
- Hotel Jägerhof: Four-star wellness hotel with complete facilities
- Hotel Ehrenreich: Very cosy Alpine hotel in Sankt Anton am Arlberg with restaurant and free parking
10. Stubai Alps – things to do in the Austrian Alps
The Stubai Alps are adjacent to the Zillertal Alps, but unlike them they are even more rugged. They form a perfect contrast of white peaks and green valleys.
Enjoy skiing on the Stubai Glacier and the view from the Top of Tyrol lookout at an altitude of 3,210 metres.
Take the hiking trails around the glacier or to the Kreuzjoch saddle, which also offers countless trails of varying difficulty.
HOTELS STUBAI ALPS 😴
When booking these hotels, you will receive a free Stubai Super Card on arrival, which includes free use of local transport, cable cars and discounts on activities in the surrounding area (valid from late May to mid-October).
Things to do in the Stubai Alps:
Stubai Glacier
The Stubai Glacier is another place in the Austrian Alps with ideal conditions for skiing – you can ski here from October to June. More information here.
The whole area around the Stubai Glacier is ideal for hiking in summer. There are several hiking trails of varying difficulty that lead through the mountains, which are lined with huts where you can refresh yourself.
Top of Tyrol and Glacier Cave
Does he want to see the Stubai Alps in all their glory? At any time of the year, take a trip to the Stubai Glacier to enjoy the view from the Top of Tyrol lookout.
Another attraction here is the Glacier Cave, in front of which stands a huge mammoth.
Peak Serles
Travelling to the Stubai Alps with children? Experience a great family day out at the foot of Mount Serles. There is a children’s playground, a bobsleigh run, a small dam, a restaurant and views of the surrounding Alps. The top is reached by cable car from Mieders.
Panoramic route over the Kreuzjoch saddle
A cable car will take you to the Kreuzjoch saddle from the village of Fulpmes. The saddle has a playground, mountain huts and a number of hiking trails. From here you can hike to the top of Krinnenköpfe, where there is a small skywalk at 2139 m.
More experienced hikers can go in the other direction to the top of Niederer Burgstall (2436 m) and from there continue to the top of Hoher Burgstall (2611 m). You can descend back down past the Starkenburger Hütte.
Where to stay in the Stubai Alps:
When booking these hotels, you will receive a free Stubai Super Card on arrival, which includes free use of local transport, cable cars and discounts on activities in the surrounding area (valid from late May to mid-October).
- Premium Activehotel Bergkönig: Stylish four-star hotel with spa, swimming pool, sun terrace and half board
- Hotel Stubaierhof: A beautiful Alpine hotel with a traditional style, swimming pool, excellent cuisine and access to the Stubai Glacier or Innsbruck
- Schönherr Haus: Modern and cosy apartments and rooms with wellness and delicious breakfast
- Hotel VAYA: Modern and stylish hotel in Kühtai with complete facilities and spectacular views (does not include the Stubai Super Card, but you get a free Innsbruck Welcome Card with a minimum 2-day stay)
This was our travel guide to the best things to do in the Alps in Austria. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More information about the Alps
AUSTRIAN ALPS: Tips for the most beautiful places in the Austrian Alps in a separate article. Or head straight to Tyrol or the Hohe Tauern National Park. Other popular destinations in the Austrian Alps are the Dachstein mountain range or the beautiful Lake Achensee.
Zell am See is one of the most popular areas to stay in the Austrian Alps. Here is a detailed guide and what to visit around Zell am See.
Wolfgangsee is one of Austria’s most beautiful lakes, with swimming opportunities and plenty of activities in the surrounding area.
BAVARIAN ALPS: Get inspired by the best things to do in the Bavarian Alps.
DOLOMITES: We have prepared a detailed guide with tips on the best hikes and hiking routes in the Dolomites.
Passo Pordoi is our favourite pass in the Dolomites. For tips on hiking routes in the Sassolungo area, see the article on Passo Sella.
Another beautiful pass is Passo Giau. No visit to the Dolomites is complete without Tre Cime and the iconic Lago di Braies. In separate guides you will find everything you need to know before visiting.
