5 Types Of Alpine Summer

Austria has a summer holiday for everyone - here's five different types of holiday you can enjoy this alpine summertime.

Austria’s Alps are often celebrated for their snow-covered slopes, but in the summer months, they offer an entirely different – and equally spectacular – experience. Imagine emerald-green meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and dramatic peaks bathed in sunlight.

Austria offers so much variety that you can have any kind of summer holiday you want, whether you’re a wellness guru or an adrenaline junkie, or perhaps a family on the lookout for an active summer holiday. So here are five unforgettable ways to experience an Austrian alpine summer.

 

1. The Wellness Guru: A Natural Sanctuary for Mind and Body

Every year tourists flee the British Summertime in search of relaxation in the sun, and the fresh alpine air, pristine nature, and natural thermal waters of Austria create the perfect recipe for relaxation. One of the best places to unwind is Bad Gastein, a historic spa town nestled in the Hohe Tauern mountains. Its thermal waters have been drawing visitors for centuries, offering treatments that are said to boost circulation and promote healing. After a day of hiking through wildflower meadows, soothe your muscles in a mineral-rich thermal bath or indulge in a mountain-inspired massage.

For those who prefer mindfulness in motion, yoga retreats in Zell am See offer sessions on lakeside platforms with breathtaking views. Many wellness resorts also incorporate locally foraged herbs into detox teas and treatments. Whether you’re soaking, stretching, or simply breathing in the mountain air, it’s easy to feel rejuvenated in Austria’s alpine summer.

 

2. The Adrenaline Junkie: Thrills at Every Turn

For those who need a jolt of adrenaline in their summer holiday, Austria offers a multitude of options. You can try your hand at climbing, mountain biking, Via Ferrata routes (climbing paths with steel cables and ladders), zip-lines, bungee-jumping,

Mountain biking enthusiasts should head to the Kitzbühel Alps, where you’ll find winding trails that range from beginner-friendly rides to heart-pumping downhill descents.

If that’s not fast enough for you, there is always the Europabrucke 192m bungee-jump available near Innsbruck where you’ll fall faster than 100 km/h.

Prefer a bird’s-eye view? Try paragliding in St. Johann, where you’ll soar over the lush valleys and jagged peaks. The experience is both exhilarating and serene as you glide above some of the most stunning landscapes in Europe.

If you’re a speed junkie you can try the Flying Fox XXL in Leogang, one of Europe’s longest zip lines, which sends you hurtling down the mountain at up to 80 mph.

 

3. The Culture Seeker: Tradition in Every Village

The Austrian Alps aren’t just beautiful – they’re steeped in history and tradition - and a vastly underrated location for holiday makers seeking a culturally enriching holiday. Bad Ischl, the summer retreat of Emperor Franz Joseph I, still retains its imperial charm. You can tour the Kaiservilla, the emperor’s former summer residence, or indulge in pastries at the historic Zauner café, a favourite of the Austrian royal family.

Alpine festivals are another highlight. In towns like Axams, Innsbruck, and Mayrhofen, summer festivals bring locals and visitors together for folk music, traditional dance, and hearty mountain fare. Witness locals in lederhosen performing Schuhplattler, the traditional slap dance, or join a celebration of the Almabtrieb – the return of cows from mountain pastures – which is marked with flower-adorned cattle parades.

Don’t forget Austria’s deep-rooted culinary traditions. Visit rural alpine farms to sample freshly made cheeses, or enjoy a glass of Schnapps distilled from local fruits. For music lovers, the Salzburg Festival blends classical music with Austria’s stunning landscapes.

 

4. The Wanderer: Trails, Wildlife, and Wonder

Yes, Austria has many things to offer besides it’s beautiful mountains. But it would be a shame not to appreciate the countless hikes and trails that you can take, immersing yourself in nature and getting a taste of the real Austria.

Austria’s national parks are a paradise for nature lovers. The Hohe Tauern National Park, home to Austria’s highest peak, the Großglockner, offers trails that meander past glaciers, waterfalls, and wildflower-strewn meadows. You might spot marmots sunbathing on rocks or even catch sight of the majestic golden eagle soaring above. Alternatively the breathtaking hike to the Dachstein Glacier offers stunning panoramic views, with the famous Skywalk providing a thrilling experience high above the alpine landscape.

Take the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road, one of Europe’s most beautiful drives, which offers panoramic views of Austria’s tallest peaks. For those who love waterfalls, the Krimml Waterfalls, the tallest in Central Europe, are an awe-inspiring sight and a photographer’s dream.

Whether you’re hiking, driving, or simply sitting with a picnic by a mountain stream, Austria’s natural wonders never fail to inspire awe.

 

5. The Family: Adventures for All Ages

An Austrian alpine summer is an ideal family holiday. Many regions, such as Achensee and Zell am See-Kaprun, are known for their family-friendly activities. Spend a leisurely day cycling around Lake Achensee’s shores, where you’ll find picnic spots, shallow swimming areas, and small playgrounds. Austria’s numerous alpine lakes are also perfect for swimming, canoeing, and paddleboarding.

Take a gondola ride up the mountain – a favourite for younger travellers – to enjoy spectacular views without the effort of hiking. Try Gerlos for free cable-car rides for any overnight guests available from summer 2025. Families visiting St. Anton am Arlberg in summer can enjoy interactive farm experiences such as llama and alpaca tours, petting zoos, and adventure trails like Senn's WonderWalkingWay, where kids can meet and learn about animals.

Want to give the family a thrill? Try the Montafon 2.6km long Alpine Coaster, a mountain toboggan ride that’s sure to thrill both kids and adults.

 

Tips For Your Alpine Summer

Getting there from the UK is easy, with direct flights from London to Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Vienna. Summer temperatures in the Alps can range from mild to very hot, so layering is key – mornings and evenings can be cool. And don’t forget sturdy walking shoes, whether you plan to hike or just wander village streets.

 

So whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Austria can provide experiences and memories to last a lifetime. This year, why not swap crowded beaches for the tranquil beauty of the Austrian Alps?

As always, we are happy to assist you with additional information, images, and research trips to Austria. Please get in touch at pressuk@austria.info.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE

Photos available below. Please include photo credits.