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Austria, alpine panorama with mountain lake
Home › Destinations › Europe › Austria
Destination

Austria

approx. 1.5 hrs from Frankfurt
Year-round
Mountains · Lakes · Culture
AchenseeZillertalBrandnertalVienna
No visa
Entry (DE passport)
Year-round
Best time
GMT+1
Time zone
EUR
Currency
Country Guide

Why a trip to Austria is worth it

In December 2022 I finally fulfilled a long-held wish: a week of winter holiday in Austria. From the stillness of a frozen-over Achensee, to the mountain world of the Zillertal near Finkenberg, to the rustic Brandnertal in Vorarlberg, I got to know some of the country's most beautiful winter regions, plus a first stop in Vienna, the elegant capital with its coffeehouse and Heuriger wine-tavern culture.

Austria is one of the few countries in Europe that truly works as a year-round destination: ski resorts and snow-covered alpine meadows in Tyrol and Vorarlberg in winter, green alpine pastures, clear mountain lakes and a dense network of hiking trails in the Alps come summer. As a traveler from Germany, I also find the country wonderfully easy to reach, whether by car, night train or plane.

Good to know
Achensee, Tyrol's largest lake, with turquoise water and hiking trails right along the shore
Finkenberg in the Zillertal with a glacier experience at the Hintertux Glacier and luxury wellness
Brandnertal in Vorarlberg for rustic winter sports away from the big ski resorts
Vienna with imperial architecture, classic coffeehouses and Heurigen wine taverns in the 19th district
Comfortable arrival from Germany, e.g. via the ÖBB Nightjet overnight straight to Vienna
Interactive Map

Our Stops on the Map

Highlights

My stops in Austria

You'll find accommodations, beaches, food and activities directly on each place's detail page.

Achensee, Tyrol, turquoise water with mountain panorama
Tyrol
Achensee

Tyrol's largest lake is a paradise for nature lovers: crystal-clear, turquoise water, dense hiking and cycling paths along the shore, and in winter an eldorado for skiers, cross-country skiers and ice skaters. The picturesque villages around the lake invite you to linger over a meal with a lake view.

Tyrol's largest lake with crystal-clear, turquoise waterHike from Pertisau along the lake through spectacular rock tunnelsAtoll Achensee leisure center with panorama sauna and infinity pool
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Finkenberg in the Zillertal, Tyrol, snowy mountain landscape
Zillertal, Tyrol
Finkenberg

Nestled in the mountain world of the Zillertal, Finkenberg offers the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure and Tyrolean tradition, crisp mountain air, idyllic nature and first-class ski and hiking infrastructure right on the doorstep.

Glacier experience at the Natur Eis Palast on the Hintertux GlacierFinkenberger Almbahnen cable cars up to 1,750 m into the Penken ski and hiking areaLuxurious mountain resort with an extensive wellness world
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Brand in the Brandnertal, Vorarlberg, snowy alpine landscape
Brandnertal, Vorarlberg
Brand bei Bludenz

At 1,037 meters above sea level lies Brand in the Brandnertal, surrounded by the mountains of the Eastern Alps, a charming Vorarlberg village with dense forests, clear mountain lakes and a mix of family-friendly ski slopes and demanding hiking trails.

64 kilometers of slopes in the Brandnertal ski area for every levelSledding right at your doorstepBrandnertal ropes course for a thrill high in the air
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Vienna, Austria
Capital
Vienna

Vienna was the opening act of my Austria trip and the perfect starting point: a mix of imperial splendor, classic coffeehouse culture and modern city life, plus the Heurigen wine taverns on the edge of town in the 19th district for relaxed evenings among the vineyards.

Schönbrunn Palace with its gardens, maze and the Gloriette viewing terraceHistoric coffeehouses like Café CentralHeurigen and Buschenschanken wine taverns in the vineyards of the 19th district
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Everything You Need to Know

Practical Info

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Getting there & transport

Short flight time of around 1–1.5 hours from many German airports, alternatively a comfortable arrival by night train (ÖBB Nightjet, e.g. from Cologne direct to Vienna) or by car, especially from southern Germany. Within the country, the public transport network is well developed, and many mountain regions are additionally connected by cable cars.

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Accommodation

Everything is represented, from simple guesthouses and alpine huts to luxury wellness resorts like the Stock Resort in the Zillertal. In the well-known ski resorts, early booking is recommended for winter season.

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Food & drink

Hearty classics like Wiener Schnitzel, dumplings and Kaiserschmarrn define the cuisine, alongside a long tradition of coffeehouses and sweet pastries. Heurigen and Buschenschanken wine taverns, for instance in Vienna's wine district on the edge of town, invite you in for a visit especially in the wine regions.

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Packing list

For winter trips, warm, waterproof clothing and winter sports gear (if not rented locally) are important, in summer breathable hiking clothes and sturdy hiking boots are best for the mountains.

Rain protection is useful year-round given the changeable alpine weather. An adapter isn't needed for travelers from Germany, since Austria uses the same sockets (Type C/F). For mountain tours, plenty of sun protection is always advisable, since UV radiation is noticeably stronger at high altitude.

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Drone rules

EU-wide drone rules apply in Austria, registration with Austro Control is required for most drones over 250 grams. Additional restrictions apply in Vienna and over densely populated areas.

Flying is often restricted or requires a permit in national parks and nature reserves, as well as near ski areas with cable car operations. Before your trip it's worth checking the current rules from Austro Control, since regulations can change.

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Health & safety

No special vaccinations required, standard immunizations should be up to date. For winter sports in the mountains, supplementary insurance covering mountain rescue costs is recommended, and at higher elevations weather and altitude can change quickly.

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Culture & etiquette

Polite, rather formal manners are appreciated, academic and professional titles still play a certain role in everyday life. Punctuality is taken for granted. A tip of around 5–10 percent is customary in restaurants.