10 charming places for your winter vacation in Austria

A winter vacation in Austria can be as diverse as the country itself and doesn't just have to take place on the slopes of the Alps. Whether it's romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-covered mountain villages, a spin on Austria's longest ice rink, or a hot air balloon ride: We introduce you to ten wonderful places in a spectacular mountain landscape that entice with unusual winter experiences.

The charming town of Zell am See is nestled between high mountain peaks at 750 meters. The crystal-clear water of Lake Zell is covered by ice in winter, and from the lakeside esplanade, you have a marvelous view of the surrounding mountains.

Zell am See is the perfect starting point for outdoor activities, whether it's skiing, cross-country skiing, or (snowshoeing) hikes through the snowy landscape. The Zell am See-Kaprun ski area also scores with its excellent child care offering.

A special highlight is a trip to the Krimml Waterfalls, which transform into a spectacular ice landscape in winter. A nostalgic train runs from Zell am See to Krimml. From there, a roughly four-kilometer hiking trail leads to the waterfalls.

Salzburg is always worth a visit, but in winter, the Mozart city is especially beautiful. Wrapped in snow with an imposing mountain panorama, the city streets are beautifully decorated during the Christmas season. On a romantic stroll through the old town, you'll discover design boutiques alongside traditional workshops and cozy cafes where you can warm up. Be sure to try the delicious Mozartkugeln made from marzipan and chocolate.

High on the fortress hill stands the landmark of the city: the Hohensalzburg Fortress. The fortress from the 11th century is the largest in Europe. Visitors can explore the splendid princely rooms or attend one of the fortress concerts. From up here, you also have a magnificent 360-degree panoramic view of the snowy landscape of the Salzburg Region.

Alpbach is a quaint little mountain village in Tyrol. Picturesque white houses with dark wooden balconies snuggle up the mountain. Besides skiing and hiking fun, you can experience the ultimate sledding thrill here. In the Alpbach Valley, there are a total of seven sledding runs, the longest being almost seven kilometers long!

Or how about a ride on the 'Lauser Sauser'? This alpine coaster lets you speed through the mountains at up to 26 mph. An adrenaline rush is guaranteed! The starting point is the mountain station of the Wiedersbergerhornbahn. For those who prefer a quieter pace, we recommend a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride through the beautiful winter landscape.

Experience pure winter idyll in Filzmoos. The cute mountain village with its traditional farmhouses is located over 1000 meters at the foot of Dachstein and Gosaukamm. A horse-drawn sleigh ride allows you to enjoy the captivating winter landscape in a relaxed manner.

Filzmoos is also known as the 'Balloon Village' because its geographical location is perfect for hot air ballooning. In January, the traditional balloon week is held, with up to 50 teams from around the world coming to Filzmoos. Then, vibrant color spots decorate the deep blue sky.

If you've always dreamed of a hot air balloon ride, now's the chance: A flight through the snowy, silent mountain world is a unique experience. Balloon rides can be booked at the Filzmoos Tourist Information.

Searching for a winter fairy tale? Then Hallstatt is the place for you! Granted, the village is no longer a well-kept secret. Yet, its romantic lakeside setting, the towering Dachstein peaks in the background, and the picturesque historical buildings are too impressive to drive by! In winter, everything is covered with a thick layer of snow, and when the first lights come on in the afternoon, the place looks like something out of a picture book.

Hallstatt is renowned for its rich salt deposits. 'White gold' is still mined above the village today. Since 1997, Hallstatt has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chinese architects were so captivated by the picturesque town that they replicated it in Guandong, China. The best view of Hallstatt and the Dachstein can be had from the 'World Heritage' Skywalk, which floats 360 meters above the town.

The reputation as the most beautiful mountain village in the Alps is well-earned: Heiligenblut is idyllically nestled in the mountains, with the mighty Großglockner rising in the background. In the middle of the village, the tower of the notable late Gothic church rises into the blue sky. It was first mentioned in writing in the 13th century.

On the 'Legends Trail' around the village, you learn about the checkered history of the place and the visionary people who have lived here over the centuries.

In the Großglockner/Heiligenblut ski area, there are prepared pistes and cross-country trails as well as freeride arenas - a must for all fans of powdered snow and freeriders who love the thrill of gliding through snow. Note: Anyone exploring here should have avalanche and terrain knowledge.

Glide on skates as far as the eye can see, that's something you can do at Weissensee on the lake of the same name in Carinthia. Here, you'll find Europe's largest groomed natural ice surface. The circuit is 25 kilometers long and runs through Carinthia's exceptional mountain panorama. For speed skaters, there's a 400-meter track.

And Weissensee offers a lot more winter sports fun beyond the slopes: How about a game of curling? This game has been played in Carinthia for many generations and is a wonderful pastime for the whole family.

Or you can try the new trend sport of fat biking: With snow-ready bikes, you can ride over frozen meadows, snowy paths, and icy lakes. Guided tours also allow you to explore the mountain world around the Naggler Alm with a fat bike.

In Mariazell, the heavenly meets the earthly: The quaint alpine town is one of Austria's most important pilgrimage sites. The center of the place is the fascinating basilica from the 12th century that combines various architectural elements. For example, its Gothic tower is flanked by two baroque domes.

In contrast, the streets around the basilica are where worldly pleasures prevail: Here, you'll find the famously delicious gingerbread at almost every corner, which Mariazell is nearly as famous for as it is for the church. How about a delicious stroll where you sample different kinds of gingerbread? At the Pirker factory, you can even take a tour to see how gingerbread is made.

Winter sports fans certainly get their money's worth in and around Mariazell: Numerous trails and slopes, a toboggan run, and an ice rink invite you to be active.

Innsbruck may be Austria's fourth largest city, but locals affectionately call it an oversized village. In reality, everything is within walking distance in the city, and the nearest ski area is right around the corner. Ski down the slopes in the morning and catch a show at the theater in the evening? That's entirely possible in Innsbruck!

With over 30,000 students, the city has a relaxed atmosphere. The cultural scene is active, and operas and theater performances are regularly staged at the Tyrolean State Theatre. The Bell Museum is also worth a visit to learn how bells are made and experience bell tones in a sound chamber.

Until January 9, 2022, Innsbruck hosts LUMAGICA, where illuminated installations and video projections turn the Hofgarten into a magical fairy-tale setting.

Maria Alm is a beautiful mountain village nestled amidst the spectacular landscape of the Hochkönig massif. The town's highlights include historical buildings and the pilgrimage church, which boasts one of the tallest towers in the Salzburg Region. Maria Alm is also a popular starting point for winter sports in the Hochkönig ski area.

There are over 120 continuous kilometers of pistes for all levels, attracting even the national teams of the International Ski Federation, so you might hear a colorful mix of languages during an evening stroll through the streets.