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Austria
Carinthian Treasures: Crystal Lakes, Alpine Roads & Medieval Castles in Austria's Sunniest Region
≈ 23
Days
660
Km
22
Stops
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
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Discover
1
Complete your Carinthian journey at the Wildensteiner Waterfall in the south of the region. This impressive cascade is easily accessible in about 20 minutes uphill from the car park, with a viewing platform offering perfect vantage points.
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Though you cannot approach the waterfall directly, the viewing platform provides excellent perspectives of the water cascading down the cliff face. Free admission makes this a perfect final stop.
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Refreshments and a children's playground next to the car park make this an ideal family-friendly conclusion to your exploration of Carinthia's natural wonders.
2
Day
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1
Swim in Klopeiner See, a Carinthian lake with beautiful turquoise color surrounded by wooded Alpine hills. Despite its relatively small size (1.8 kilometers long, 800 meters wide), the water temperature can reach up to 29 degrees Celsius in summer - if you're looking for a warm lake, this is a safe choice.
2
Hike to the viewpoint at the top of Kitzelberg on the west side of the lake for the best panoramic views. The rocky 45-minute path from the free parking lot rewards with stunning vistas over the turquoise waters.
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The clean water and perfect facilities make Klopeiner See ideal for swimming and water sports. The surrounding area offers excellent conditions for hiking and cycling.
Next stop
Distance:
15 km
Travel time:
20min
3
Day
4 photos
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1
Explore Hochosterwitz Castle, one of Austria's most representative medieval castles and among the most interesting sights in Carinthia. Rising on a rocky outcrop near Sankt Georgen am Längsee, this fortress was built in 860 by the Osterwitz family and has maintained virtually the same appearance since the 16th century.
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Walk the famous 620-meter pathway through 14 gates, each with unique defensive elements that according to legend made the castle unconquerable. Collections of prehistoric objects, paintings, weapons, and armor await in the open rooms.
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The castle is visible from great distances thanks to its dramatic hilltop position. Open Easter to late October, with a lift available from the car park for those preferring not to walk through the gates.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
40min
4
Day
4 photos
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1
Step back in time at Friesach, boasting the title of the oldest town in Carinthia (attested since 860 AD) and the best-preserved medieval settlement in southern Austria. The old town center remains surrounded by almost completely intact 12th-century city walls stretching 1.8 kilometers.
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Explore the original medieval urban layout with the Hauptplatz surrounded by Gothic and Renaissance houses, many retaining characteristic arched arcades and medieval inner courtyards.
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Visit Petersberg Castle, built by Salzburg bishops in the 12th century on a hill overlooking the city, now housing the City Museum with archaeological collections, sacred art, and reconstructions of medieval life.
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Witness a unique experimental archaeology project reconstructing a medieval castle using only 13th-century techniques and tools. This extraordinary opportunity lets visitors see an authentic medieval fortress being built exactly as it would have been 800 years ago.
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Visit the 12th-century Romanesque parish church with Gothic frescoes and precious carved wooden altar, plus the Dominican women's convent founded in 1217 maintaining thousand-year-old monastic traditions.
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
25min
5
Day
4 photos
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1
Discover Gurk Cathedral, consecrated in 1200 and considered the most important Romanesque religious building in Austria. This architectural masterpiece features a 44-meter-high twin-towered façade and interior decorated with Romanesque and Gothic frescoes covering more than 1,000 square meters.
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Descend to the cathedral crypt, supported by 100 columns with carved capitals all different from each other, holding the sarcophagus of Blessed Emma. This is one of the purest examples of 11th-century Romanesque architecture in Europe.
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Visit the Diocesan Museum exhibiting one of Austria's richest collections of medieval sacred art. The bishop's palace adjacent to the cathedral houses historic frescoed rooms and a library with illuminated manuscripts from the 13th-15th centuries.
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Marvel at the Baroque high altar by Michael Hönel from 1740, housing the Gurk treasury with medieval sacred vestments, gold reliquaries, and the famous 12th-century Gurk chalice decorated with cloisonné enamels.
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
30min
6
Day
4 photos
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1
Discover Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, the capital of Carinthia and a captivating city impossible not to love from first glance. The old town revolves around the Alter Platz, the main square surrounded by numerous Italian-inspired Renaissance and Art Nouveau buildings that reflect centuries of cultural exchange with neighboring Italy.
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Visit the MMKK (Museum Moderner Kunst Kärnten), Carinthia's museum of modern art housed in Klagenfurt Castle, featuring one of the most important contemporary art collections in Austria. The museum showcases works spanning from early modernism to cutting-edge contemporary pieces.
3
Explore the Landhauspark where you'll find the Der Gesang fountain, a work by Kiki Kogelnik, the world-famous pop-art artist. The park offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city surrounded by elegant historic buildings.
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Visit Minimundus, a unique miniature park where over 160 miniature versions of famous landmarks from around the world are displayed - from the Eiffel Tower to the Taj Mahal - all set in beautifully landscaped grounds on the shores of Lake Wörthersee.
Next stop
Distance:
15 km
Travel time:
20min
7
Day
4 photos
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1
Hike through the Tscheppaschlucht, one of the most beautiful gorges in Carinthia where water gurgles between steep, jagged rocks creating amazing cascades and waterfalls. The well-maintained trail features metal and wooden bridges, ladders, and stairs for about 2 hours of exploration.
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Marvel at the Devil's Bridge (Teufelsbrücke) area, offering the best views of the spectacular waterfalls. The moderately difficult path rewards adventurous spirits with dramatic scenery.
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Combine your visit with the nearby Bodental Valley, home to the Sea Eye (Meerauge) - a small lake with beautiful blue-green color and extremely clear water. Continue to Märchenwiese (Fairy Meadow), a truly fabulous meadow surrounded by massive mountains just 20 minutes' walk away - perfect for families.
Next stop
Distance:
30 km
Travel time:
40min
8
Day
4 photos
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1
Explore the Wörthersee, the most famous lake in Carinthia and one of Austria's most exclusive bathing destinations. This 19.4-kilometer-long lake reaches temperatures of 28°C in summer due to its sheltered location, attracting tourists since the Belle Époque when Austro-Hungarian aristocracy built sumptuous Art Nouveau villas along its shores.
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Ascend the Pyramidenkogel, the world's tallest wooden observation tower standing 100 meters high, opened in 2013. A lift reaches the viewing platform in just 30 seconds, offering spectacular 360-degree views of the entire lake and the Carinthian Alps. Descend via the thrilling slide for an extra adventure.
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Visit Velden am Wörthersee, nicknamed the 'Austrian Monte Carlo' for its elegant atmosphere and famous casino. The Grand Hotel Schloss Velden, built in 1590 and converted into a luxury hotel, dominates the town with its Italian-style gardens and historic ballrooms.
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Enjoy Europe's largest non-marine beach, frequented by more than 10,000 people every summer day. The warm, turquoise waters and elegant lakeside promenades create a Mediterranean atmosphere in the heart of the Alps.
Next stop
Distance:
20 km
Travel time:
25min
9
Day
4 photos
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1
Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Faaker See, one of the most beautiful lakes in Carinthia with water like coffee in summer reaching up to 27 degrees Celsius. The relatively small size of this lake ensures rapid warming and creates perfect swimming conditions.
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Climb to Hochhinauf-Taborhöhe for the best views of Faaker See. The short trip rewards with panoramic vistas over the turquoise waters and surrounding mountains, with a rope park of various difficulties for adventure seekers.
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Explore the well-maintained private and public beaches, rent water sports equipment, and enjoy pleasant trails for easy walks. The impressive mountains surrounding the lake create a dramatic Alpine backdrop.
Next stop
Distance:
15 km
Travel time:
20min
10
Day
9 photos
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Discover Villach, Carinthia's second largest city that retains the unique charm of an Alpine village despite its size. Located on the Drau River which flows through its center, this lively spa town is crossed by the Drau cycle path, making it an ideal destination for outdoor holidays.
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Visit Landskron Castle, an impressive fortress in the surrounding hills that was voted one of the most beautiful places in Austria. The castle hosts falconry shows where you can see dramatic demonstrations of hunting with birds of prey against a stunning mountain backdrop.
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Experience Affenberg (Monkey Mountain), one of Carinthia's biggest attractions where more than 150 Japanese macaques roam freely in a natural setting. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into primate behavior and conservation.
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Relax at Warmbad Villach with the Kärnten Therme and Thermal Urquellenbad swimming pool. If visiting during carnival season, experience a veritable explosion of colors, or in summer catch the Villacher Kirchtag - Austria's largest folklore festival.
Next stop
Distance:
10 km
Travel time:
15min
11
Day
2 photos
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1
Ride the chairlift to Dreiländereck, the fascinating tri-border point where Austria, Slovenia, and Italy meet near Arnoldstein. The 15-minute ascent delivers you to a unique geographic location where three nations converge.
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From the top station, choose from hiking trails ranging from easy walks to day-long ridge hikes. The mountain chalet terrace offers refreshments with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks of three countries.
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Reflect on the significance of this meeting point of cultures, languages, and traditions. The Kärnten Card includes the cable car, open from late May to late September.
Next stop
Distance:
40 km
Travel time:
45min
12
Day
4 photos
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1
Drive the Villacher Alpenstrasse, a 16.5-kilometer scenic road climbing to 1,732 meters on the Dobratsch mountain massif. If you're looking for spectacular views of the Carinthian lakes, Dobratsch is ideal, with panoramic viewpoints along the route including the Alpine Botanical Garden and new Rote Wand lookout.
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Continue from the car park to the summit of Dobratsch with its panoramic restaurant and terrace - the 1.5-hour journey rewards with the whole of Carinthia spread before you. The views encompass countless lakes, valleys, and Alpine peaks.
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At the foot of the mountain, relax at the KärntenTherme thermal spa with its extensive water attractions and wellness facilities. The thermal springs here have been valued since ancient times for their healing properties.
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
35min
13
Day
3 photos
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1
Explore Nassfeld-Pressegger See, a beautiful area on the Austrian-Italian border that transforms into a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts in summer. With mountain biking, hiking, climbing, golf, and much more, it's perfect for singles, couples, and families.
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Ascend to Gartnerkofel for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Italian border region. In winter, this is one of Austria's largest ski resorts with over 100 kilometers of slopes.
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The well-developed infrastructure caters to all interests and abilities, from challenging mountain bike trails to gentle family walks through Alpine meadows.
Next stop
Distance:
55 km
Travel time:
1h05
14
Day
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1
Embark on a memorable day hike to Wolayersee, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Carinthia. High up in the mountains on the Austrian-Italian border, this pristine alpine lake is accessible after a 3-hour moderately demanding hike from the Hubertuskapelle chapel.
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The chapel itself is worth seeing before beginning your ascent. A small mountain hut by the lake offers food and accommodation for those wanting to extend their high-altitude experience.
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Arrive early as parking is limited. The route offers ideal conditions for those wanting to enjoy a nice day hike with beautiful views, traversing dramatic mountain scenery on the way to this hidden gem.
Next stop
Distance:
60 km
Travel time:
1h10
15
Day
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Discover the Weissensee, Carinthia's highest and most pristine natural lake at 930 meters altitude in the Carnic Alps. The 11.6-kilometer-long lake is remarkable because only one-third of its shores are accessible - the rest remains completely wild and protected, guaranteeing a practically virgin ecosystem.
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In summer, enjoy crystal-clear water with underwater visibility up to 10 meters. This is classified as a sustainable area, where you might feel like you're in the Caribbean at times due to the exceptional water clarity.
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In winter, the Weissensee transforms into one of Europe's largest natural ice rinks with more than 6.2 square kilometers of ice surface hosting skating marathons, ice hockey, and even outdoor concerts. The natural ice reaches 40-50 centimeters thickness, perfect for professional skaters.
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For cycling enthusiasts, the area is crisscrossed with cycle paths and mountain bike trails. The quiet eastern shore is interspersed with forest hiking trails while the western part is more lively with hotels and beaches.
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
30min
16
Day
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1
Ride the Kreuzeckbahn, one of the last cogwheel railways in Austria, ascending in just minutes to the highest peaks of the Kreuzeck mountains. This historic mountain railway offers a nostalgic journey through spectacular Alpine scenery.
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At the summit, follow hiking trails suitable for families and children, or sample delicious cuisine in the rustic wooden huts. The area offers cycling routes descending past a small dam overlooking the mountains.
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The Kreuzeckbahn is included in the Kärnten Card. The mountaintop setting provides exceptional views across multiple Carinthian valleys and peaks.
Next stop
Distance:
20 km
Travel time:
25min
17
Day
4 photos
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1
Explore the Raggaschlucht near Flattach, one of the most beautiful gorges in Carinthia within the High Tauern National Park. Wooden walkways lead you along the river through wild rapids and rich waterfalls, gradually ascending to the largest waterfall on an 800-meter route.
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Continue to the Groppensteinschlucht, a 2.5-kilometer gorge leading along wooden paths around the river forming wild rapids and spectacular waterfalls. The easy route is suitable for smaller children and dogs, taking 1.5-2 hours to complete.
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The Groppensteinschlucht offers special evening visits when the gorge is beautifully illuminated after dark. Both gorges are open May to October, and sturdy shoes are essential as water splashes everywhere.
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
30min
18
Day
Discover
1
Drive the legendary Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Grossglockner Hochalpenstraße), one of the most spectacular panoramic roads in the world. This 48-kilometer route winds through the Hohe Tauern National Park with 36 well-equipped viewpoints, reaching the 2,504-meter Edelweiss Pass.
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Stop at Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe for views of the Pasterze glacier, the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps at 8.4 kilometers long, and the Grossglockner (3,798m), Austria's highest mountain. Free-roaming marmots, beautiful waterfalls, and turquoise lakes surround you.
3
Marvel at the Jungfernsprung near Heiligenblut, one of Austria's highest waterfalls at over 130 meters. Legend tells of a maiden who jumped off the cliff to escape a suitor, miraculously rescued by angels - hence the name 'Maiden's Leap'.
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The Hohe Tauern National Park's Carinthian portion covers 1,856 square kilometers with 342 peaks over 3,000 meters and more than 550 glaciers. The Mallnitz Visitor Centre documents the park's biodiversity through interactive exhibitions.
Next stop
Distance:
65 km
Travel time:
1h15
19
Day
4 photos
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1
Ascend the Mölltal Glacier, one of Austria's most popular glacier resorts on the border of Carinthia and Salzburg. At 3,122 meters altitude, enjoy breathtaking views of some of the highest Alpine peaks in Austria.
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The Glacier Express underground cable car followed by a second cable car (or hiking trail) delivers you to a world of eternal ice. Around the glacier, turquoise blue lakes contrast dramatically with rugged mountains.
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In addition to winter sports, the Mölltal Glacier is a popular hiking destination for spectacular Alpine panoramas. The cable car is part of the Kärnten Card.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
45min
20
Day
2 photos
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1
Drive the Malta Hochalmstrasse, one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in Carinthia at approximately 14.4 kilometers long. Spectacular views unfold of the Maltatal Valley where high mountain dams are wedged between imposing mountains. Beautiful waterfalls can be visited while waiting at traffic-light controlled narrow sections.
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Reach the Kölbrein Dam, the highest dam in Austria, at the road's end. Walk along the dam to the glass viewing platform offering a perfect view of the lower dam, or embark on a 2.5-hour hike to the Osnabrücker Hütte mountain hut through a beautiful valley with waterfalls.
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The toll road (€6 per person or free with Kärnten Card) is open May to late October. The entire dam can be bypassed on the right side via a pleasant, wide path with several mountain huts along the way.
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
55min
21
Day
Discover
1
Explore Millstätter See, Carinthia's second largest lake at 11.5 kilometers long and 141 meters deep, one of the region's most unspoiled natural gems. Surrounded by mountains over 2,000 meters and fir and beech forests reflected in crystal-clear water, the lake's quality is so high it supplies local communities without treatment.
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Visit Millstatt Abbey, founded in 1070 by the Benedictines, one of Austria's most important Romanesque monastic complexes. The 12th-century cloister features carved capitals depicting biblical and mythological scenes, while the library holds over 30,000 ancient volumes including illuminated medieval manuscripts.
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Drive the Lammersdorfer Almstraße to Lammersdorfer Hütte for hiking with spectacular lake views, including the popular trail to Granattor. Or take the cable car to Goldeck summit for more hiking opportunities via the Goldeck Panoramastrasse.
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The abbey church hosts the Millstatt International Concerts every summer, a classical music festival attracting world-renowned performers to this atmospheric Romanesque setting.
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
50min
22
Day
Discover
1
Relax in Bad Kleinkirchheim, an elegant spa and ski resort at 1,100 meters in the heart of the Nockberge Mountains. Famous for thermal waters gushing at 36°C from natural springs discovered in 1834, this is one of the most renowned wellness destinations in the Eastern Alps.
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Experience the modern Therme Römerbad and Therme St. Kathrein offering panoramic thermal pools with mountain views, Alpine saunas, and innovative wellness treatments combining Alpine traditions with modern technology.
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Drive the Nockalm-Straße, a 35-kilometer scenic road through the UNESCO Nockberge Biosphere Park with 52 curves and 8 vantage points. The gentle, glacier-modelled landscapes host over 2,000 plant species and numerous exhibitions along the route.
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In winter, Bad Kleinkirchheim offers 103 kilometers of slopes served by 25 lifts, regularly hosting Alpine Ski World Cup competitions on the legendary Kärnten slope.
Next stop
Distance:
30 km
Travel time:
35min
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Peak Summer (July-August): Perfect weather for hiking and festivals, warmest temperatures, highest prices, most crowded attractions and alpine areas.
Shoulder Seasons (April-June, September-October): Excellent balance of good weather, moderate crowds, reasonable prices, ideal for sightseeing and cultural activities.
Winter (December-March): World-class skiing season, Christmas markets, cozy atmosphere, higher accommodation prices in ski resorts, magical snowy landscapes.
Spring (April-May): Blooming flowers, mild weather, perfect for Vienna and cultural sites, fewer tourists, excellent value for money.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 18 and 28 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Austria?
Mozart's birthplace offers imperial palaces, Alpine beauty, and world-class classical music scene. Vienna's coffeehouses and Salzburg's baroque architecture create cultural magic while ski resorts provide winter adventures. The Sound of Music landscapes and Danube River cruises enchant visitors. Austria perfectly combines high culture with natural splendor.