After the Alpine snow has melted and the countryside has erupted into green, Austria is one of Europe’s most alluring summer resorts. Past its baroque capital cities and imperial heritage, Austria waits with crystal lakes, rugged mountains, and endless outdoor pursuits—all wrapped in peaceful beauty.

Dive into Crystal-Clear Lakes

Austria’s lakes are famous for their beauty and purity. To sail, swim, or merely sunbask on quiet shores, these lakes are ideal as a summer getaway.

• Wolfgangsee — Near Salzburg, this blue lake is in the rolling countryside and picturesque villages of St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang. Ideal for boat excursions and water sports.
• Wörthersee — Carinthia’s sunny lake is a beach club and lakeside café culture, topped by summer party festivals.
• Zeller See — Framed by snow-covered ridges, the Zell am See lake combines relaxation with blockbuster Alpine landscapes.
• Attersee — Austria’s largest freshwater lake, enjoyed for sailing and diving, flanked by rolling hills and multi-colored villages.

Overcome Towering Mountains

Trekkers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts will enjoy unlimited paths and wide plateaus in the Austrian mountain chains.

• Grossglockner High Alpine Road — A road full of scenery through one of Europe’s most wonderful mountain routes to Austria’s highest point. Stop along the way to take hikes, sightseeing, and marmot-spotting.
• Schladming-Dachstein — Trekkers’ heaven of Alpine walks, suspension bridges, and glacial landscapes.
• Zillertal Alps — Boundless trekking trails, scenic huts, and emerald green pastures are the promise for those entering these charming mountains.
• Stubai Valley — South of Innsbruck, it presents spectacular waterfalls, glaciers, and child-friendly trekking trails.

Savour Austrian Summer Traditions

Festival time in Austria is summer, with music, food, and culture.

• Salzburg Festival — Renowned worldwide for classical music, opera, and theatre performances in historical settings.
• Village Alm Festivals — Maintain authentic Tyrolean traditions with folk music, home cooking, and alpine dances.
• Danube Wachau Valley Wine Harvest — Enjoy good Austrian wines in riverside scenery along the Danube.

Leisure and Scenic Escapes

Every summer day doesn’t have to be filled with something to do. Austria also has peaceful retreats where the emphasis is on relaxation.

• Wachau Valley — Take a Danube boat tour, explore historic abbeys, and stroll through vineyards.
• Bad Gastein — Picturesque spa resort popularized by thermal spas and Belle Époque architecture, surrounded by mountain scenery.
• Millstatt Abbey & Lake — Mix history with lake recreation in Carinthia.

Outdoor Adventures for Everyone

• Cycling the Danube — Scenic cycling from Passau to Vienna, with castles, vineyards, and villages in between.
• Paragliding in Tyrol — Glide over alpine valleys for spectacular views.
• Stand-up Paddleboarding — Experience it on Wolfgangsee or Wörthersee for a serene lake adventure.

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Why Austria Should Be Your Summer Vacation Destination?

Few destinations combine nature, outdoor recreation, cultural treasures, and friendly hospitality as much as Austria. From summitting mountain pastures, dining by the lake, or soaking up the festivals, Austrian summer holidays guarantee memories to last an eternity.

Throw on your hiking boots and swimsuit – Austria awaits!