5 Places to Visit in Austria in Summer
Austria is known for its snow-capped mountains, and it is labeled as a winter wonderland. But if you are planning on visiting the small European country in the summer, you are in luck. We will look at the top 5 places to visit in Austria in the warmer months! There is so much to see and do in Austria in the summer, from eating local food to the summer festivals and markets, and of course sightseeing the incredible lakes and mountains!
Vienna
the Capital of Austria and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Vienna is a must-visit any time of the year, but summer brings some extra magic. Make sure you don’t miss the Opera if it is in town while you are there! So what are the best things to see in Vienna in the summer:
- You can visit the palaces and canals without worrying about being snowed in – including the Mozarthaus Vienna, which was the residence of Mozart from 1784-1787.
- You can drink beer at Old Danube which has wooden piers on the river, and you can even have a swim to cool
- If you are in Vienna at the end of June each year, you cannot miss the Danube Island Festival. Musicians from around the world gather and everyone is just having a good time celebrating … anything really!
Innsbruck
If you are looking for a single reason to visit Innsbruck in the summer (besides the food and beer), then it should be the Swarovski Crystal World. Even if you are not a fan of the crystal and jewelry manufacturer, you cannot help but be wowed by the park, art museum, and massive retail area. After you visit the Crystal World, head up the Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen which is accessible by cable car, and is one of the most picturesque views you will ever see. It is amazing in winter, but it is truly something to be seen to be believed in the summer. Innsbruck is really a stunning mix of city and mountains that has to be added to your summer itinerary!
Graz
If you are following your stomach on your summer trip to Austria, then you will find it heading straight to Graz, and you could be forgiven in thinking that you had been transported to the Mediterranean! There are summer food festivals that cannot be missed, like the Graz Food Festival in August, and various farmers’ markets all summer long that focus on local produce. After you finish eating, climb Schlossberg Hill to see the famous clock tower, and get an unforgettable view of the city.
Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
If you want to add something to your summer wish list while in Austria that is certainly different and will give you bragging rights – how about somewhere that you can see literally four different countries from the one spot? Pack a picnic basket and bring the family to Tiroler Zugspitz Arena for a day of sitting by Lake Heiterwanger See and alternate between swimming in the crystal clear lake water, and walking some of the hiking trails in the area. If you find the right spot, you will be able to view Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. Now that is something special!
Austrian Alps
The Austrian Alps come to life in the summer months – where you would normally find skiers in the winter, you will now see packed with families and hikers enjoying the scenery and warm weather. Whether you want to hike, climb, cycle, walk or just sit and eat, you will find something for you in the green rolling mountains of the Alps. There are many different areas along the alps to stay, but a couple to consider include Nassfield, Grossarl, and Umhausen.
Austria may surprise and impress you with the vast array of summer activities. It is so much more than ski fields and Christmas festivals – the beautiful weather and stunning scenery all summer long make it the perfect summer vacation no matter what you and your family like to do for fun. Whether you are looking for a city getaway, a natural wonderland, or a little bit of both, you will have an amazing summer vacation in Austria.