Super Austrian Summer

Sure, Austria is all about the skiing, but we come back again and again for the glorious Austrian summer. Check out our Top 5 mountain resorts for alpine adventure.

Cultural highs in Innsbruck

Flit from concert hall to mountain top. Swap hiking boots for heels. Innsbruck is a rewarding getaway unlike any other. Offering one of the great combos of alpine adventure and urban culture, the capital of Tirol is a lively, architecturally-blessed city. It’s packed with star-studded events and festivals, surrounded by stunning, easy-to-access peaks. We love the Music in the Giant Festival at Swarovski Crystal World: this May, high-profile ensembles and internationally renowned soloists present the works of Franz Schubert. Endless city concerts are on offer and, alongside all the museums, galleries, cafes and restaurants you’d expect from a thriving university town, a fabulous mountain lift infrastructure brings hiking, biking and sightseeing trails to your door.
Things to Do in Innsbruck

Action in St Anton

Iconic mountains, lush forests, crystal clear water. St Anton isn’t just the cradle of alpine skiing, it’s action central for mountain bikers, climbers, hikers, rafters – and last but not least, lovers of charming mountain huts serving delicious food and wine with mezmerising views across the Lechtal and Verwall Alps. Awarded the Walkers’ Quality Seal, some 300km of marked paths wend through the picturesque Arlberg landscape. From the via ferrata route that climbs for 3km up to almost 2500m, to Tirol’s spectacular long distance hiking route, the Eagle Walk, which begins and ends here, St Anton is the spot to lace up and get on the trail – or hit the mat. For the second successful year, the Mountain Yoga Festival brings poses and peaks together as one.

Kitzbuehel, king of the road

Come summer, Kitzbuehel’s charming medieval walled town springs alive with outdoor cafes, window shoppers and flower baskets. Attracted by endless hiking paths on around the Streif, challenging climbs on the Wilder Kaiser, nearby glacial mountains of the Hohe Tauern, and a plethora of bike routes — if 1200km of winding scenic trails and roads isn’t enough, we can’t help you! – this is a summer destination for all ages and energy levels. No fewer than four golf courses are on offer and 30 more lie within a 100km radius.

Zooming round Zillertal

Heathy appetites, unite! Zillertal is awash in fabulous cuisine, top wines and quality beers and walkers, hikers and mountain bikers are catered like kings. Over 150 lodges and mountain restaurants are famous across the land for organic, local specialties. Food, fashion and tradition are the stars of the show when up to 30,000 visitors celebrate the world-famous Gauder Fest each May, the biggest traditional costume and spring festival in the Alpine region, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event. This signals the start of an action-packed summer. From the Zillertal Bike Challenge, a three-day stage race to conquer the Hintertux Glacier, to the challenge of fixed rope via ferrata, there’s a world of peak-perfect adventure to explore in the Ziller Valley.

Lovely, luxurious Lech

A true Austrian original, Lech is a postcard for alpine tradition and elegant hospitality. Beautiful hotels and inns sit on the river’s edge, an idyllic setting to switch off and wind down in the heart of the mountains. From relaxing walks for the whole family to high Alpine climbs for mountaineers… and everything in between. We love the themed hiking trails: the Lechweg, certified as a Leading Quality Trail of Europe, follows a journey along the imposing river; the Tannberg explores Lech’s Walser village history; and finally the Green Ring visits local mysteries and events. From giants and wizards to cunning witches, this invigorating circular trail provides a three-stage hike across mountain ridges and through lush valleys, past magical lakes and waterfalls, with art installations and sculptures along the path to inspire and surprise.  Hit the new nine-hole golf course and enjoy music festivals, from classical, jazz to traditional. At every turn, delicious gourmet delights and luxurious wellness moments always await you in lovely Lech.