For many individuals, the most well liked months imply escaping to the seaside, which might depart landlocked international locations resembling Austria a much less apparent summer time vacation selection. However maybe that’s precisely what makes it so interesting to fellow summer time in Austria stans like myself. Don’t get me fallacious, I am keen on the coast – I imply, I reside within the Algarve – however I often desire my sandy escape within the shoulder season when the mid-day warmth is much less intense and crowds far fewer.
That’s why I’ve been gleefully spending a few of my summer time holidays in Austria over the previous few years. For a very long time, I’d solely visited in winter, charmed by the snowscapes, ice caves, and festive markets. However now, my seasonal loyalties have shifted. From the beginning of summer time solstice celebrations to the creeping in of the wine harvests in autumn, these blissful and brilliant months are awash with unforgettable outside moments.
I really like how, because the solar climbs larger, the power within the cities rises too. How the mountains seemingly stand taller as soon as they’ve shaken off their winter snow coat. And, with ice a distant reminiscence, the glowing lakes lure you in as soon as extra. Positive, snowboarding is nearly a winter faith for these obsessed with pistes, and people freshly dusted peaks add additional enchantment to the Christmas markets. However in case you ask me, Austria’s magic is in these milder, hotter days, when you’ll be able to put two toes ahead, dive into a blinding lake, or just take pleasure in a stein of beer on a sun-bathed terrace.
There are quite a few causes to go to Austria in summer time, loads of unbelievable concepts of what to do when the solar is radiating and an abundance of various itineraries you’ll be able to comply with – whether or not on foot, bike, prepare or automobile – with out snowboarding being the snowy staple. Right here, I’ve tried to share my picks of the perfect on your Austrian summer time vacation, simply in case you’re nonetheless on the fence about when is really the perfect time to go to Austria.
Causes to go to Austria in summer time
For those who’re weighing up the explanations to vacation in Austria this summer time or nonetheless deciding if it’s higher to attend till the winter snow turns the nation right into a powdery-white wonderland, let me let you know why I really like Austria in summer time.
Cities are nonetheless particular sans snowboarding and snow
If there may be one factor that Austria does very well, it’s the nation’s Christmas Markets – the sort that utterly transforms an already snow-coated metropolis into one thing much more enchanting. Salzburg was even the birthplace of (most likely) the primary Christmas carol, Silent Night time. However that doesn’t imply they’re one-season wonders, and summer time in Austria is simply as memorable.
In Salzburg, a year-round pageant and live performance programme makes it magical in the summertime when performances transfer outdoors to the likes of the Mirabell Palace’s backyard. Vienna’s espresso tradition and classical structure give solution to overflowing terraces and picnics within the Stadtpark. And in sustainable Graz, with the heavy-student inhabitants off for the summer time holidays, the UNESCO-listed Previous City feels barely calmer.
Maybe essentially the most notable city distinction could be present in Innsbruck. Wedged in a valley between mountain ranges that you just really feel could be touched from the Previous City, the town is an absolute haven for winter sports activities lovers. Cable automobiles run proper from the town as much as the peaks and pistes, and seeing folks carrying skis on the excessive road isn’t even an oddity. Quick ahead to the top of spring, and also you’ve acquired a very completely different image: the Previous City’s well-known gold roof shines and not using a snow topper, terraces overflow, and people cable automobiles hold operating however now to epic climbing trails by Tyrol’s well-known mountains. Innsbruck in summer time is one thing particular, however that’s additionally true of Austria in summer time as an entire.
Outdoors dwelling equals summer time holidays in Austria
Austria’s cities are fascinating year-round, however maybe, like me, you’d reasonably spend your summer time vacation in Austria outdoors? No drawback! This Alpine escape is an absolute al fresco marvel within the hotter months, and also you don’t even must strap in your climbing boots to take pleasure in it!
Summer time in Austria is available in loads of completely different kinds. Need to sit again, chill out, and soak within the solar and surroundings? Take a Danube river cruise and witness the Wachau wine area slip by from the surface deck, or head to Styria’s open-air museum to dive into the nation’s historical past. You’ll be able to even do nothing atop the Alps, whether or not it’s taking the city-centre cable automobiles in Innsbruck or driving the gondola to a ‘Cinema of Nature’ atop The Asitz Mountain.
Then, after all, you’ve acquired all these tempting cafe terraces in Vienna, lazy strolls alongside the shores of Lake Hallstatt earlier than staring in awe at maybe the nation’s most well-known village and heaps of incredible biking trails which join medieval castles, conventional taverns and distant settlements. Spending summer time in Austria means spending summer time outdoors, and that’s by far one of many nation’s greatest heat month appeals.
Shedding the crowds is straightforward
One in all my favorite issues about Austria is how straightforward it’s to search out your individual distant slice of serenity, and a summer time vacation in Austria will reward you loads of peaceable moments in case you choose your vacation spot correctly.
For certain, a few of the most well-known locations to go to within the nation, resembling Hallstatt or Salzburg’s many points of interest, will at all times be common, however take pleasure in an Austrian metropolis break in much less well-known Linz, or a mountain escape to Saaflden Leogang, and also you gained’t discover it laborious to get away from the crowds. Even whenever you board a busy cable automobile in Innsbruck up the Patscherkofel, you gained’t must stroll too far to search out the straightforward joys of Austria’s summer time silence.
The identical can apply to a few of the nation’s finest cultural points of interest, even in case you’ll by no means get Vienna’s Imperial Palaces to your self. Nonetheless, on a summer time day, many individuals will likely be extra inclined to be outdoors than strolling across the Rein Abbey close to Graz or Innsbruck’s Ambros Palace.
Lake swims over solar, sea and sand
Maybe the largest hurdle for many individuals to beat when planning their summer time vacation is the truth that Austria is landlocked. However irrespective of whether or not you like the seaside or have zero curiosity in tanning, this mountainous nation greater than comes by with a superb different: excellent, crystal-clear, and tempting lakes.
After a day of kayaking or lounging round Lake Wolfgangsee in Salzburgerland, you’ll shortly see that spending summer time in Austria could be as equally concerning the water as heading to the coast.
Kitesurf at Lake Neusiedl, marvel on the turquoise fringes of Lake Achen in Tyrol, or head to Lake Constance, the place you’ll be able to hop on a ship after bathing to go to two different international locations – Germany and Switzerland – all on the identical day. Austria’s lakes are a real summer time oasis, and the dearth of a shoreline shouldn’t be a purpose to skip Austria in summer time.
Harvest and produce, particularly on summer time’s fringes
In relation to meals, I believe it’s honest to say that Austria’s conventional heaty mountain staples aren’t precisely what you need to eat on a scorching summer time’s day. Nonetheless, there may be way more on the menu than that.
The most effective summer time locations for contemporary meals, farmers’ markets, and even start-of-season wines is the fertile area of Styria. Right here, you’ll be able to spend some days having fun with the perfect issues to do in Graz: sightseeing and consuming sustainable world delicacies earlier than venturing out to the close by vineyards and farms. Orchards, vineyards, and farmland coat the countryside simply past the town’s limits, and also you’ll be showered with delicious dishes, whether or not they’re chilly cuts at a typical Buschenschank or mouthwatering plates at award-winning eating places.
The mountain trails come calling throughout Austria’s summer time
The lofty peaks of Austria’s Alps could be most celebrated in winter, due to the piled-high snow, glaciers, and snowboarding alternatives. As soon as that every one melts, nonetheless, you’re left with hovering slate peaks, beautiful Alpine forests, and not frozen lakes – all of which implies one factor: climbing.
Sure, Austria in summer time is a real hikers eden, with trails for all skills. In Innsbruck, I used to be amazed at how accessible the mountains have been with tailored step-free platforms to the cable automobiles. In Leogang, I fell in love with the paths to a nonetheless lived-in Hermitage and people who have been lined with paintings, whereas in Wachau, the low-slung hills and flat river-side trails provide an much more low-impact possibility.
Nonetheless, it’s these grand, lofty and epic trails that get essentially the most consideration, and in case you love adrenaline and journey, you’re in for a deal with. The Stubai Glacier continues to be an unbelievable sight in summer time, the waterfall trails within the Excessive Tauern are a deal with, and rock climbers and bikers are equally rewarded at spots resembling Bikepark Leogang. Summer time in Austria means strapping on these boots and inhaling that contemporary Alpine air, a very blissful solution to benefit from the sunshine.
Tradition and the classics can be found year-round
To finish on a considerably unoriginal observe, I have to trot out that now well-known quote: “The hills are alive with music” – as a result of they very a lot are, particularly in summer time.
Mountains and music go hand-in-hand throughout the nation, and summer time is probably the perfect time to soak all of it up. Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is awash with leisure in the course of the greater than century-old Summer time Competition – in truth, Salzburg’s live performance programme is packed year-round. Within the Leogang Mountains, summer time classical performances happen up within the Japanese Alps earlier than being re-played by audio system in little huts.
Throughout the nation, in Graz, the Springfestival marks the arrival of summer time in Austria, whereas Vienna’s museums and cultural establishments are accompanied by loads of outdoors occasions and festivals. Then, in Innsbruck, these lengthy summer time evenings imply conventional people concert events and festivals are in full swing. As tempting because it could be simply to sit down in a beer backyard and soak within the solar by the night, I’m certain you’ll discover these lengthy summer time nights in Austria find yourself being packed out with music, artwork, festivals and good occasions.
Finest issues to do in Austria in summer time
Choosing out the perfect issues to do in Austria throughout summer time is not any straightforward activity, and this checklist may simply be for much longer, however listed here are simply 5 of my favorite summer time actions.
Take pleasure in a summer time metropolis break in Innsbruck
All of Austria’s cities have an superior environment in summer time, however Innsbruck in summer time is probably the town break most remodeled. Spend your days up the highest of mountain ranges – you’ll be able to attain the two,300-metre heights of the Nordkette Vary in round half-hour – or watch summer time ski jumpers at Zaha Hadid’s spectacular Bergisel constructing. Then, dip right into a palace or museum earlier than absorbing the lengthy Tyrol summer time nights alongside the river with leisure. It’s the right pocket-sized Alpine metropolis break.
Hike up The Asitz Mountain
My favorite hike to this point in Austria wasn’t essentially the most intense and even the very best. In truth, you’ll be able to just about get to all of The Asitz Mountain’s points of interest by way of cable automobile. No, what makes the ‘Mountain of Senses’ – because it has been nicknamed – so interesting is the cultural inclusions dotting the mountainside. Sit again on a lazy chair and admire Mom Earth on the ‘Cinemar of Nature’, hike the artwork gallery path to the still-water pool installations, or sit inside a small picket hut known as a TONspur and take heed to a classical live performance replay. That is summer time in Austria at its most cultured finest.
Take pleasure in Salzburg’s Summer time Competition
There are such a lot of summer time occasions and festivals throughout the nation, but it surely’s the Salzburg Summer time Competition which has stood the check of time and has been delivering world-class performances for over 100 years. For those who’re heading to the town of Mozart in July or August, attempt to seize a ticket to a live performance.
Cruise the Danube River and go to Wachau’s winery
You don’t have to be rich to take pleasure in a cruise alongside the Danube River – a minimum of if just for a day journey. For lower than €50, you’ll be able to ebook one of many mixed boat and prepare tickets, which can see you sail from Melk (dwelling of the well-known Abbey) alongside the Danube River, recognizing castles and vines alongside the way in which. Then, for the return, you’ll be able to take the scenic prepare by Wachau’s vineyards. It’s a wonderful summer time’s day trip and, unsurprisingly, probably the most common methods to spend a day in Austria.
Take pleasure in some R&R round Salzburgerland’s lakes
Austria’s lakes are one thing particular, and in case you go to the nation in summer time, you’ll definitely see them at their finest. My private favorite is Wolfgangsee as you will get there simply and shortly from Salzburg by public transport; there’s a handful of various villages round with boats connecting them; cable automobiles will convey you to the mountains alongside the cerulean pool, and watersport leases are straightforward to search out. For those who go, search out the distinctive Pink Bull HQ close by – it principally floats above its personal lake!
Easy methods to spend summer time in Austria: three pattern itineraries
Unsure the way to spend your summer time vacation in Austria? Listed here are just a few of my favorite summer time in Austria itinerary strategies to take advantage of one week within the nation.
4 fast-paced cities by prepare
Mix essentially the most well-known cities of Austria right into a summer time prepare journey over seven fast-paced days. Spend day one and two exploring the 2 sides of Vienna, with visits to Hofburg Palace and Belvedere Museum earlier than making time for the extra up to date sights and galleries. On day three, take a prepare to Graz (approx 2.5 hours) to discover the courtyards, clock tower and Styrian armoury earlier than consuming arguably the nation’s finest delicacies.
On the afternoon of day 4, board the prepare (round 4 hours) to Salzburg, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a night live performance, after which go to the Mirabell Palace and Hohensalzburg Fortress the next day. Day six will see you proceed to Innsbruck (2 hours), the place you’ll be able to go to the Imperial Palace and spot the Golden Roof earlier than heading to the Nordkette vary on the primary cable automobile of day seven. If that’s a bit too fast-paced for you, reduce out Graz – it’s an incredible metropolis however a bit little bit of a detour in comparison with the others.
Trails and lakes bookended by tradition
For those who’d desire to immerse your self within the pure great thing about Salzburgerland and Tyrol, spending every week having fun with landscapes, lakes, and epic trails, then that is the one for you. Spend the primary day days of your go to in Salzburg to get a bit of the town’s tradition earlier than heading out to Salzburgerland’s lakes. Base your self for just a few nights within the cute lakeside city of St Gilgen (reachable by bus from the town) and luxuriate in every part that summer time in Austria celebrates: pristine lakes, climbing trails, cable automobile rides, and watersports.
Subsequent, take your self off to Tyrol for just a few days. Both base your self in Innsbruck, and use the Innsbruck card to get to hikes by way of cable automobile connections up the Nordkette and Patscherkofel, or in case you have a automobile, you can spend a while hopping between a few of Tyrol’s different pure wonders, resembling Achen Lake.
Wine and tradition street (or prepare) journey
For my final suggestion – of which there may very well be many extra – why not spend your summer time vacation in Austria not simply absorbing the landscapes, but in addition the scrumptious wine. This may work as a street journey (simpler to get to vineyards) in case you have a delegated driver, but it surely’s additionally tempting and fairly simple by prepare if everybody needs to attempt greater than only a sip of wine. I’d additionally counsel coming in direction of the top of summer time, as the primary harvest in Styria begins in September.
Begin your journey in Graz to spend a day exploring the UNESCO-listed previous city of the town earlier than having fun with a few days exploring the close by Styrian vineyards and farmlands – plan a cease on the Open Air Museum to see historic homes and buildings in a well-preserved state. On day 4, head off to Vienna for an evening of cultured highlights – palaces, museums, or no matter takes your fancy. Then spend a few days staying alongside the Danube River, maybe close to Melk or Krems, which you should use as a base for Wachau winery visits, river cruises, and a guided tour of the spectacular Benedictine Melk Abbey.
Or, if you wish to be actually chill, escape to an Alpine lodge with a sauna, just like the beautiful Stockinggut Leogang, and do nothing however chill out, learn a ebook, and admire the views – they’re, in spite of everything, what makes Austria so particular within the first place!
