Eviano

Country · 20 destinations

Austria

Austria is Switzerland at half the price, with a coffee house instead of a kiosk: ski passes for CHF 70 instead of CHF 90, a mountain hut bed for CHF 40, and Vienna has ranked as the most liveable city in the world for years. The Railjet takes you from Zurich to Vienna in eight hours, the car to the Arlberg in two. 20 destinations from Lake Neusiedl to the Bregenz festival stage.

Getting there
By train (ÖBB Railjet), car or a flight to Vienna, 2 to 8 hours, approx. EUR 64 to 235 per person
Money
You pay in euros (EUR). Cards work almost everywhere; mountain huts and sausage stands often want cash. Tipping is expected: 5 to 10 percent, by naming the rounded total when you pay. In ski resorts a visitor tax of EUR 2 to 4 per night is added to the hotel price.

Destinations in Austria, region by region

Vienna, Salzburg, lakes and the mountains that would cost too much at home

Vienna, Danube & Burgenland

Coffee houses, Wachau wine, Linz and the steppe lake

Vienna Getting there approx. 171 EUR
Vienna, Danube & Burgenland

Vienna

What four days in the imperial city really cost, why the night train is the best way to get there and how to stand in the State Opera for CHF 15 instead of sitting for CHF 200.
Wachau Getting there approx. 161 EUR
Vienna, Danube & Burgenland

Wachau

What two or three days between Melk and Krems really cost, why you take the cycle path and not the car, and how to see Dürnstein before the boats tie up.
Linz Getting there approx. 128 EUR
Vienna, Danube & Burgenland

Linz

What one or two days in the underrated city on the Danube really cost, why you should get off here on the way to Vienna and where the Linzer Torte tastes best.
Lake Neusiedl Getting there approx. 171 EUR
Vienna, Danube & Burgenland

Lake Neusiedl

What three or four days on the steppe lake really cost, why the cycle path round the lake beats any beach and how to see the storks in Rust before the coaches arrive.

Salzburg & Salzkammergut

Mozart's city, Hallstatt, the Grossglockner and the Gastein spas

Salzburg Getting there approx. 118 EUR
Salzburg & Salzkammergut

Salzburg

What three days in Mozart's city really cost, why the Railjet beats the car here and which Festival tickets you can afford without blowing the holiday budget.
Hallstatt and Salzkammergut Getting there approx. 128 EUR
Salzburg & Salzkammergut

Hallstatt and Salzkammergut

Between 10 am and 4 pm Hallstatt is a selfie corridor, and before and after that one of the most beautiful villages in the Alps. Here is how to do it right, what the surrounding lakes cost and why you do not have to sleep in Hallstatt itself.
Zell am See and Kaprun Getting there approx. 118 EUR
Salzburg & Salzkammergut

Zell am See and Kaprun

Lake, glacier and the highest road in Austria in one place: what a week in Zell am See costs in summer and in winter, which card gives you the cable cars for free and when the glacier is really worth skiing.
Bad Gastein Getting there approx. 128 EUR
Salzburg & Salzkammergut

Bad Gastein

A waterfall in the middle of town, grand hotels from the imperial era that are half ruin, half design hotel, and a ski area with 760 kilometres of piste: what Bad Gastein costs, how to get there by night train and when the town is at its best.

Tyrol

Innsbruck, Kitzbühel and the Zillertal

Innsbruck Getting there approx. 96 EUR
Tyrol

Innsbruck

What a weekend in the city with a cable car from the centre really costs, when the Innsbruck Card pays off and why you can have skiing and city life on the same day here.
Kitzbühel Getting there approx. 118 EUR
Tyrol

Kitzbühel

What a ski week in the most expensive town in Tyrol really costs, where you still save, why summer here is underrated and when you are better off just looking at the Streif.
Zillertal Getting there approx. 107 EUR
Tyrol

Zillertal

What a week in the best-known ski valley in Tyrol really costs, which of the four valley sections suits you, when the glacier is the best choice and how the guest card lets you travel almost free in summer.
Mayrhofen Getting there approx. 107 EUR
Tyrol

Mayrhofen

What a week in the loudest ski resort in the Zillertal really costs, where you can sleep despite the après-ski, when the Harakiri is a good idea and why summer here is another world.

Arlberg, Ötztal & Vorarlberg

The big ski areas of the west and the lake stage on Lake Constance

Ötztal Getting there approx. 96 EUR
Arlberg, Ötztal & Vorarlberg

Ötztal

What a week in Sölden or Obergurgl really costs, why the valley is cheaper and quieter in summer, and how to get there from Zurich without a car.
St. Anton am Arlberg Getting there approx. 86 EUR
Arlberg, Ötztal & Vorarlberg

St. Anton am Arlberg

What a ski week in Austria's largest ski area really costs, why the train beats the car here, and where on the Arlberg you can be happy without après-ski.
Ischgl and Paznaun Getting there approx. 107 EUR
Arlberg, Ötztal & Vorarlberg

Ischgl and Paznaun

What a week in the Silvretta Arena really costs, why you can ski from Ischgl into Switzerland and shop duty-free there, and where in the Paznaun the quiet lives.
Lech Zürs Getting there approx. 96 EUR
Arlberg, Ötztal & Vorarlberg

Lech Zürs

What the most expensive ski resort in Austria really costs, why it is often worth its money all the same, and how Warth, Schröcken and summer on the Lech get you away far cheaper.
Bregenz and Lake Constance Getting there approx. 54 EUR
Arlberg, Ötztal & Vorarlberg

Bregenz and Lake Constance

What a festival evening on the lake stage really costs, why Bregenz is worth a trip even without the opera, and how you can be sitting over cheese in the Bregenzerwald 1.5 hours after leaving Zurich.

Styria & Carinthia

Graz, Lake Wörthersee and the Planai

Graz Getting there approx. 150 EUR
Styria & Carinthia

Graz

What a long weekend in Austria's second-largest city really costs, why you should arrive on the Nightjet and where the people of Graz buy their own pumpkin seed oil.
Klagenfurt and Wörthersee Getting there approx. 139 EUR
Styria & Carinthia

Klagenfurt and Wörthersee

What a week of swimming at Austria's warmest Alpine lake really costs, why you should stay on the eastern shore instead of Velden in July and August, and which village has the best jetty.
Schladming Getting there approx. 128 EUR
Styria & Carinthia

Schladming

What a ski week on the Planai or a hiking week below the Dachstein really costs, why Schladming is cheaper than any comparable Swiss resort and when the night slalom turns the valley upside down.

All destinations →

Itineraries through Austria

Ready-made combinations for one to three weeks: road trips, rail tours, van trips and city trios, with driving times, costs and the destinations from this site.

All itineraries →
Road trip · 10 days
Austria · 4 stops

Grossglockner Road Trip

Salzburg · Zell am See · Klagenfurt and Lake Wörthersee · Graz

From Mozart's city over 36 hairpin bends to 2,504 metres and down to the warmest lake in the Alps: the classic Alpine loop in your own car, honestly costed.
Road trip · 8 days
Austria · 4 stops

Salzkammergut and Danube

Salzburg · Hallstatt · Linz · Wachau

Four lakes, a World Heritage village, an underrated city and apricot dumplings by the river at the end: the route for anyone who prefers to drive Austria slowly, along the water.
Road trip · 10 days
Austria · 5 stops

Tyrol Ski Safari

St. Anton · Ischgl · Innsbruck · Kitzbühel · Mayrhofen

Five ski areas in ten days, a new mountain every second day, never more than two hours in the car: the winter route for anyone who finds a week at the same lift too little.
Cities & culture · 7 days
Austria · 3 stops

Vienna, Wachau, Lake Neusiedl

Vienna · Wachau · Lake Neusiedl

Imperial city, Danube valley and steppe lake in one week, all by train, boat and bike: the route for anyone who prefers to see Austria from the window and the saddle.
Hiking · 9 days
Austria · 4 stops

Hiking in Tyrol

Innsbruck · Ötztal · Zillertal · Kitzbühel

Four valleys, day hikes instead of hut-to-hut marches, cable cars included with the guest card and a bed with a shower in the evening: the hiking route for anyone who wants Tyrol on foot and by train.
Rail trip · 7 days
Austria · 3 stops

Nightjet City Break

Salzburg · Vienna · Graz

Mozart's city, the imperial capital and the underrated southern city in one week, all by train, with the return trip in your sleep: the city route for anyone who wants the station right in the centre.

What to eat where

Six dishes worth a detour, each with the place or market to find them.

Wiener Schnitzel of vealVienna · Gasthaus Pöschl in the 1st district, Zum Schwarzen Kameel, Beisln in Neubau and JosefstadtThinly beaten veal, fried golden and puffed in clarified butter, with potato salad dressed with pumpkin seed oil and a wedge of lemon. The real thing made of veal costs CHF 24 to 30 (about EUR 26 to 32), the pork version ("Wiener Art") CHF 14 to 18. Figlmüller is the most famous schnitzel in the city, but it is pork and comes with a queue.Salzburger NockerlSalzburg · Stiftskeller St. Peter or Gasthaus Zwettler's, KaigasseThree golden mounds of sweet soufflé, said to represent the city hills Mönchsberg, Kapuzinerberg and Gaisberg, baked on lingonberries or raspberry sauce. Crisp outside, almost liquid inside, and meant for two to three people. CHF 16 to 22 (about EUR 17 to 24) per portion.Steirischer Backhendlsalat mit KürbiskernölGraz · Der Steirer, Belgiergasse, or the inns around the FranziskanerplatzStyrian fried chicken salad: crispy breaded chicken on leaf salad, Käferbohnen beans and potatoes, topped with dark green pumpkin seed oil and apple vinegar. The national dish of Graz and a full lunch. CHF 15 to 19 (about EUR 16 to 20).Tiroler GröstlInnsbruck · Inns in the old town, such as Stiftskeller or Weisses RösslFried potatoes with beef, onions and bacon, topped with a fried egg, all served in the iron pan. The leftovers dish that became the national dish. CHF 14 to 18 (about EUR 15 to 19).Hallstätter SaiblingHallstatt and Salzkammergut · Gasthof Zauner and the lake terraces on the Marktplatz in Hallstatt, the fishermen on the east shore in ObertraunThe lake char from Lake Hallstatt is the finest fish in the region, delicate pink flesh, pan-fried with butter and parsley potatoes or poached "blau". CHF 26 to 34 (about EUR 28 to 36) in Hallstatt, CHF 20 to 26 in Obertraun and Bad Goisern. Smoked as a starter CHF 12 to 16.KaiserschmarrnKitzbühel · Huts on the Hahnenkamm, such as Hochkitzbühel, or the inns of the HinterstadtThe shredded pancake with raisins and stewed plums is the hut meal of Kitzbühel, fluffy and caramelised. CHF 14 to 18 (about EUR 15 to 19), more expensive in the Hahnenkamm huts.

Activities in Austria

All activities →
Trekking and Hiking Cycling and Bike Tours Skiing and Winter Sports City Breaks

What is on when in Austria

Open the calendar →
Nov 13

Vienna Christkindlmarkt and Advent Markets

Festival · Austria

13 November 2026 Mid November to 26 December; 2026 expected from 13 November, 2027 from 12 November Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn, Spittelberg and others, Vienna

Vienna has more than 20 Advent markets and they could hardly be more different: the Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz is the biggest and most touristy, with a Ferris wheel, an ice-skating trail through the park and three million visitors, and many stalls sell mass-produced goods. Nicer are the market in front of Schönbrunn Palace, the craft market on Spittelberg in the Biedermeier lanes, the market on Karlsplatz with handmade goods and the Old Viennese market on the Freyung. Punch costs around CHF 5 to 6 (EUR 5 to 6) plus a mug deposit, food at the stalls CHF 8 to 15 (EUR 8 to 16), and the quality varies a lot. At weekends the big markets are overcrowded from 4 pm; on weekday afternoons they are manageable. Hotel prices in Vienna rise noticeably in Advent, the Advent weekends are the most expensive of the year apart from New Year's Eve, and it is cold, wet and dark early, which suits the punch.

For travellers: Come on a weekday and start at Schönbrunn at 3 pm, then Spittelberg at dusk and finally Rathausplatz once the town hall is lit up; most markets close on 23 or 24 December, while a few run until 26 December or New Year.

Official site ↗

Jan 22

Hahnenkamm Races Kitzbühel

Sport · Austria

22 January 2027 Third or fourth weekend in January; 2027 expected 22 to 24 January Kitzbühel, Tyrol

The Streif is the most notorious downhill in the world: the Mausefalle with an 85 per cent gradient, the Steilhang, the Hausbergkante and a final schuss in which racers fly over a roller at 140 km/h. Race weekend brings around 90,000 visitors to a town of 8,000, plus celebrities, sponsor tents and a party that runs into Sunday morning. Standing places in the finish area cost from around CHF 25 (EUR 25 to 30), grandstand seats a lot more, and they sell out in autumn. Hotels in Kitzbühel charge three times the usual rate and demand four-night minimum stays; Kirchberg and St. Johann are a little more relaxed. If you want peace and quiet, avoid this weekend: some pistes around the Hahnenkamm are closed and the town centre is loud.

For travellers: Arrive by train (Kitzbühel has a station on the Wörgl to Salzburg line) as the roads are closed or jammed; if you just want to watch, the Friday super-G is far less crowded.

Official site ↗ Activities →

Jan 26

Schladming Night Slalom (The Nightrace)

Sport · Austria

26 January 2027 Tuesday in the last week of January; 2027 expected 26 January Planai, Schladming

The World Cup slalom on the Planai is raced in the evening under floodlights and, with around 45,000 spectators, is the biggest slalom of the season. The first run starts at about 5.45 pm, the second at about 8.45 pm, and before, between and after the runs the whole town turns into a festival ground with stages and umbrella bars. Standing places in the finish stadium cost around CHF 20 to 30 (EUR 20 to 30); grandstand tickets are gone weeks ahead. The mood is loud, boozy and very Austrian, with flags, firecrackers and brass bands; if that is not your thing, stay away from the finish area. Since the race is on a Tuesday, the pistes remain perfectly skiable during the day; only the Planai descent is closed from midday.

For travellers: Stay in Rohrmoos, Haus im Ennstal or Ramsau rather than Schladming itself, where rooms are available and quieter this week; ski buses run late into the night.

Official site ↗ Activities →

Feb 4

Vienna Opera Ball

Culture · Austria

4 February 2027 Thursday before Shrove Tuesday; 2027: 4 February Vienna State Opera

The Opera Ball is the climax of Vienna's ball season: for one night the State Opera becomes a ballroom, 144 debutante couples in white and tails open with the polonaise, and then around 5,000 guests dance until five in the morning. An entrance ticket costs around CHF 400 (EUR 415), a box several tens of thousands of francs, and the dress code of tails and full-length gown is checked at the door. For most travellers the ball is a television broadcast and a reason to walk past the Ring in the afternoon, where onlookers and protesters gather. The Viennese ball season offers dozens of other balls in January and February (Kaffeesieder, Zuckerbäcker, Jägerball) with tickets from around CHF 100 (EUR 105), which are closer to the city's culture than the Opera Ball. Hotels around the Ring are pricier than usual on Opera Ball night.

For travellers: If you want to dance, go to one of the smaller balls instead, for example the Kaffeesiederball in the Hofburg, where tickets are often still available at short notice; the Elmayer and Rueff dance schools offer waltz crash courses.

Official site ↗

Or rather Turkey?

Turkey

The Bosphorus, fairy chimneys and 8000 kilometres of coast

Or rather Japan?

Japan

Temples, the Shinkansen, onsen and the best food on earth

Or rather Switzerland?

Switzerland

The Matterhorn, Lake Lucerne and the most punctual railway in the world

Or rather Germany?

Germany

Berlin, the Baltic, the Black Forest and the Alps on your doorstep