The Austrian Alps are renowned for skiing, and rightfully so.
This stunning mountain range stretches across Austria from west to east, featuring rugged granite peaks, magnificent glaciers, and towering summits that reach over 3,000 meters (9,843 feet).
But skiing isn't the only reason to visit this enchanting region. Beyond the winter sports, the Alps offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and even dancing through meadows. On Austrian Alps, you'll find everything from picturesque national parks and serene lakes to charming towns with winding alleys!
1. Innsbruck
Nestled amidst towering mountains, Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, offers an ideal base for exploring the breathtaking scenery of the Austrian Alps. Begin with a ride on the cable car to the Nordkette range, where you'll soar above the city’s colorful buildings, taking in panoramic views. Be sure to try local specialties like kaspressknödel (cheese dumplings) or gröstl (a hearty mix of onions, meat, and potatoes, topped with a fried egg).
2. Sölden
Located in the Ötztal Valley, this town was selected by director Sam Mendes in 2015 as the backdrop for key scenes in the James Bond film Spectre. Fans of the film will recognize the dramatic shots of Land Rovers racing across snowy landscapes and Daniel Craig sporting glacier sunglasses. A standout feature in the movie is the futuristic, glass-walled ice Q restaurant, perched at 3,048 meters.
3. Gesäuse National Park
Characterized by deep gorges, striking limestone formations, and roaring white-water rapids, Gesäuse National Park in Styria is a natural wonder. The park's name comes from the German word for roaring, reflecting the powerful Enns River that rushes through the region, carving out twisting channels along its path. It's the perfect destination for those seeking both adventure and a quieter, more eco-friendly alpine experience.
4. St. Anton
Known as the birthplace of alpine skiing, St. Anton was once a quiet village, but it gained fame thanks to pioneers like Hannes Schneider, a passionate skier who opened the area’s first ski school and developed techniques still taught today. Now part of Austria's largest interconnected ski region, St. Anton is renowned globally for its reliable snowfall, extensive free-riding terrain, and vibrant après-ski scene.
5. Werfen
It’s impossible to visit Werfen without feeling the urge to belt out The Hills Are Alive—and who could blame you? After exploring the iconic Sound of Music filming locations in Salzburg, head to this nearby town, where the von Trapp children famously sang Do-Re-Mi with the stunning Hohenwerfen Fortress in the background. Werfen is also home to the Eisriesenwelt, the world’s largest natural ice cave, where visitors can wander through passages filled with dazzling stalactites deep inside the mountain.
6. Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Completed in 1935, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a breathtaking drive that winds through the stunning Hohe Tauern National Park, the largest nature reserve in the Alps. On clear days, enjoy panoramic views of Austria’s tallest peak, Grossglockner, and the Pasterze Glacier. Don’t forget your camera—and be prepared to pay a toll at the gates or online for access.
