From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Austria is a small country that packs a serious punch. From spectacular alpine scenery and charming lakeside villages to historic castles, Baroque churches and vibrant cities, this is a land of incredible beauty and contrast.
To fully appreciate this intriguing country, you’ll want to head outdoors and walk, hike or cycle through its postcard-perfect landscapes. Alpine meadows dotted with tiny wildflowers and shimmering lakes framed by the snowcapped peaks of the Alps—this is Austria as immortalised in The Sound of Music.
Head to the World Heritage Listed Salzkammergut (Austrian Lakes district) to explore some of Europe's most magical alpine scenery, and traverse the region’s highest peak on the exhilarating Dachstein Circuit.
Hike or bike the Austrian Alps, passing through charming ski villages and superb mountain scenery above Innsbruck; and visit the Wachau Valley to explore the vineyards, monasteries and ever-changing river scenery of the Danube by bike or barge.
Stroll around Hallstat, Austria's most charming lakeside town; explore handsome medieval and Baroque architecture in pretty Salzburg, hometown of Mozart and the Von Trapp family; or wander cobblestoned backstreets and absorb the cultural riches of Vienna, home to some of Europe's most important artistic legacies.
Take a look at our exciting range of guided and self-guided walking and cycling holidays through this stunning country, and start planning your Austrian adventure!
8Days
Introductory to Moderate
Moderate to Challenging
14Days
Moderate
Our trips in Austria only include what you need like accommodation, meals, bikes on cycle trips, luggage transfers, maps and route directions on self guided trips and an experienced local guide for group trips, as well as the peace of mind that comes with complete backup and support.
On self guided trips you can expect to receive up-to-date and well researched route notes and maps, seamless luggage transfers and competitive pricing on all essential services. Many self guided trips also have daily departure dates, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and flexibility a self guided trip offers.
Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea - we can help you explore Europe exactly the way you want.
Often family run, these charming hotels range from 2 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.
Simple yet rich in local character, the B&Bs chosen are clean, comfortable and run by hosts that help add to your experience.
Similar to bed & breakfasts, these family-owned accommodations are clean and comfortable. Rooms with en suites generally have a shower but no bath due to space. There may be a separate room with a bath tub.
Used mainly on mountain walks, these convivial places add to the atmosphere of your journey through the mountains. Dorms may sleep up to 40 people and the beds are often bunk beds. Linen and blankets are provided and bathrooms are shared. Private rooms may be available, although some gite rooms still use shared bathrooms.
Think of it as your floating hotel, where each day you experience a different sunrise and sunset location and you unpack only once. Berths range from two lower or bunk bed style but can be upgraded to larger berths with double beds. The bar and dining area is always a popular hangout at the end of each day's activity. The crew includes an onboard cook.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|
Walk, hike or cycle through postcard-perfect landscapes—alpine meadows dotted with tiny wildflowers and shimmering lakes framed by the snowcapped peaks of the Alps
Head to the World Heritage Listed Salzkammergut (Austrian Lakes district) to explore some of Europe's most magical alpine scenery and traverse the region’s highest peak on the Dachstein Circuit
Hike or bike through the Austrian Alps, passing through charming ski villages and superb mountain scenery above Innsbruck
Visit the Wachau Valley to explore the vineyards, monasteries and ever-changing river scenery of the Danube by bike or barge
Explore handsome medieval and Baroque architecture in Salzburg, hometown of Mozart and the Von Trapp family
Stroll around Hallstat, Austria's most charming lakeside town
Discover cobblestoned backstreets and cultural riches in Vienna
The months of June and August are the busiest times in Austria, with temperatures ranging between 5-18 degrees Celsius / 41-64 degrees Fahrenheit in spring and atumn, and 15-25 degrees Celsius / 59-77 degrees Fahrenheit in summer (sometimes higher).
The walking season in the European Alps is short – from June to September and many of the mountain huts are closed outside this time. Alpine trips are able to operate in spring and autumn at lower altitudes. Temperatures in summer range from around 6 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius during the day. Afternoon thunderstorms are quite common. At the higher elevations it is important to dress with layers as cold winds and possible snow falls can happen even in summer.
Austria is GMT +1 hour, GMT +2 hours during daylight saving (the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
German (official)
Euro
+43
Electricity in Austria is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The pin type is C. (2 round prong).
**IMPORTANT NOTE**
The ETIAS introduction has been delayed indefinitely. No action is required from travellers at this point. The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch. See https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
Until then, visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy_en . Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.
Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.
We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.
We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.