Where to travel in Austria in Summer
I don’t want to jinx it guys, but…it looks like this lockdown might be easing up soon. Which for many of us begs the question - where can we travel in Austria for summer when lockdown lifts?
Most of us will likely just be happy to get out of our homes and see one or two friends again (human interaction! Whoo!) but with summer creeping up, the idea of a getaway and enjoying the outdoors is absolutely irresistible.
While I adore slow travelling in Italy, Slovenia and across Europe, the truth is, Austria has some pretty stunning locations that we can enjoy safely, within the government mandated restrictions.
The following activities and destinations are just some of the places on my wishlist to explore across the summer, maybe they’ll spark your wanderlust too.
(Psst, if you’re looking for some lakeside escapes, this article is pretty handy too!)
#1 Graz for a citybreak
You all know how much I loved my visit to Graz last year. Its the small but mighty city ideally suited for slow travellers and enjoying things at your own pace. With its culinary heritage and fascinating architecture you can get happily lost in the city streets and enjoy a relaxed weekend away.
But the real reason I’m itching to get back here when lockdown lifts, is the availability of so many local small, sustainable businesses and makers to support.
Apart from the fact that it is a stunning city!
Graz has a fantastic selection of local farmers markets (up to 16!) and some wonderful fair fashion stores like Chic Ethic Fair trade, Lieblingsplatz and Magazzin.
For foodie delights, the zero waste store Das Gramm is a must-visit, not only for their package free food, but loads of zero waste accessories like eco lunchboxes, metal straws and keep cups.
For easy snacking, ‘Standl 5’ sources their food from suppliers no further than 50km from Graz, and the restaurant scene in Graz is off the charts for locally sourced farm-to-table food, from the fancy Aiola and award winning Der Steirer, to the simple market stalls.
The city of Graz will be ensuring that all visitors have plenty of space to explore, and there are endless outdoor activities, especially cycling trails and parks to enjoy.
It’s straightforward to get to from Vienna, so this is a no-brainer to plan a city escape asap!
#2 Grüner See
Gruner See is one of those famous Austrian landmarks that has been on my list for so long, and I could never quite find the right time to visit. You probably know it from countless images like this….
In summertime, the mountain snow melts and swells the size of Grüner See lake, turning areas that are normally walkable into underwater fairylands.
HOWEVER - due to ecological concerns, the tourism board of the region has wisely banned all scuba diving activity at the iconic Grüner See to preserve the natural habitat and no doubt limit the impact of overtourism to the region.
That said, Grüner See is surrounded by bountiful hiking trails, a gorgeous mountain backdrop and, being in South East Styria, you can still guarantee you’ll eat well, so I’m keen to explore.
#3 Cycle along the Wachau
I repeat this as a life goal on almost every wishlisht I make, but after river cruising along the Danube, and having a few short stays in the Wachau valley, I’m convinced cycling along it and tripping between wineries is one of the best ways to explore.
There are a multitude of ways to do this, whether you just take a short day trip, bringing your bike on the S bahn and wending your way back to Vienna. You could also book a cycling tour to allow for someone else to show you the way and ensure after all the wine tasting you get home safely.
Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can arrange a multi day ride and stay overnight in Krems or Melk to enjoy it, rather than racing back to Vienna. That should give you ample time to roam Caste Aggstein, enjoy a roadside snack and sip fresh wine in small villages like picturesque Spitz.
This is a particularly cruisey trip to make from Vienna, with so many rail connections. We’ll be rustling up some friends to take a weekender trip this year before it gets too hot!
#4 Salzburg Weekender
Normally a city filled to bursting with tourists, now is the time to take a cheeky weekender to Salzy and enjoy the gardens, historic streets and gorgeous mountain views all to yourself.
With international tourists numbers likely to stay low for the next few months, right now is the ideal time to see normally busy cities in a quiet, slow travel way.
Of course, I’d recommend staying a the eco-conscious Keep Residence accommodation, and pairing your weekend with some outdoor activities, like SUP boarding or hiking in the surrounding areas.
Even just strolling Mirabell Gardens or the fantasy Schloss Hellbrunn waterpark is a fun way to while away the weekend - and shake out the cobwebs from weeks spent in your city apartment.
With direct trains every few hours from Vienna, and local businesses and restaurants in desperate need of your support, there’s never been a better time to enjoy this hotspot, without the Sound of Music crowds.
#5 Mondsee, Attersee and the Salzkammergut lakes
With summer sparkling ahead of us, of course getting to the waterside is the #1 priority. The Salzkammergut region is a heaven of picture perfect lakes, mountains and quaint villages with idyllic bauernhof farmhouses to stay in.
For a rustic, outdoorsy relaxed week away, it doesn’t get much better.
On our many drives from Vienna to Tyrol, Stefan and I always make a point to stop for a coffee break by Mondsee lake at the worlds most spectacular service station for coffee, and each time we swear to return to Mondsee for a summer break.
This is the year - we’re seeking out an eco or local accommodation spot and hope to head here with a bunch of friends for a proper summer lakeside getaway, to really explore and unwind in paradise.
#6 WilderKaiser & Walchsee Tyrol
Every summer, normally around August, we take at least a long weekend to visit Tyrol and enjoy the natural wonders of the mountain trails, farmhouse living, visit Stefan’s family and enjoy the lakes and cycling trails.
I am a self-confessed beach addict, but this tradition of a mountain escape has grown on me over the years.
The region I know best and love returning to is around the Wilder Kaiser where Stefan grew up, and slightly further afield to Kaiserwinkl region where the stunning lake Walchsee is.
This fairytale area always feels like a portal back towards a simpler time - gentle cowbells soundtrack sunsets over golden mountain peaks, farmhouses with balconies overflowing with flowers and simple inns and hotel bars for hearty meals. Well worn hiking trails and rustic alpen huts appear untouched and people greet you in the village streets.
It’s a simple place, easy to unwind, and reconnect with nature, though outdoorsy exercise, surrounded by sunshine and sky and lakes.
To truly escape to another world, these two regions are a must-do - allow yourself at least 2 nights to unwind and reset your headspace from the rush of city living.
Views in Ellmau aren’t too shabby either!
#7 Zell am See - Kaprun
If you’re looking for the classic combination of mountains, lakes and idyllic historic village, Zell am See ticks all the boxes.
What’s beguiling about this place is even though it feels timeless, within the village you can find cool spots, like the Ginhouse bar, to try regional drinks and chat with the locals.
The village and historic Grand Hotel on the lakeside are a throwback to Belle Epoque-era in Austria, when royalty and aristocrats would visit the lake to hobnob and stroll the pebbled paths with stunning views. With peaceful lookout points and views fit for royalty, the entire lakeside is open for summertime swims.
Plus, you can combine your visit with viewing the famous Kitzsteinhorn lookout point (Salzburg’s highest point) on the glacier in the Hohe Tauern national park.
Winter views from the glacier back to Zell am See
In winter the region is known and loved for the excellent skiing, but in summertime you can wander the lakeside paths, visit waterfalls, swim in the crystal clear lake and if you’re feeling very adventurous, try some canyoning, rafting, parasailing, SUP boarding and mountain biking.
It’s basically a microcosm of all the best parts of living in Austria - stunning countryside, historic city centres, plenty of outdoor activity and gorgeous architecture and accommodation to choose from. Oh and let’s not forget one of Austria’s best spa and therme locations - Tauern Spa.
These are just a few of the dream locations I’m looking forward to exploring this summer - where are you planning to visit this summer?