10 Things to Do in Austria in Winter: A Vacay To Cherish!

Austria in winter is more than watching and playing in the ice-capped mountainscapes and plains. There are more activities for you to engage in every corner of this aesthetical heaven with admirable culture. Austria is a stunning destination that outgrew most of its competitors by enchanting landscapes that lure adventure seekers. You could have often encountered this spectacular nature bound country while watching James Bond: Spectre movie. Moreover, Austria becomes even more charming by offering lots of things to do in winter to uplift the holiday season. 

10 Things To Do In Austria In Winter

Even though Austria in winter reminds you of generic activities like skiing and snowboarding; it’s not the end of the fun-filled pursuits that you can do there. So, start noting down these top 10 things to do in Austria in Winter to have a vacation of a lifetime.

1. Go For Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing
2. Rejuvenate In Thermal Spas
3. Experience Adrenaline Rush With Tobogganing
4. Visit The Finest Austrian Castles and Palaces
5. Ski To Experience Austrian Nature
6. Stroll Around The Alpine Villages
7. Go For A Trip Along Schnapps Route
8. Indulge In Austrian Cuisine
9. Go For Horse Carriage Ride 
10. Feel Lively in Holiday Concerts & Ball

1. Go For Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing

 In winter, you could see the forests and valleys in Austria with an abundance of snow. This seasonal change makes it a perfect place to go hiking. Rent some snowshoes and hop on the cable car from Salzburg to the Mauterndorf ski area to explore the glacier and snowshoe trails. Snowshoeing around Rauris Valley Forest and Tannheimer Tal Valley give you an excessive dose of scenic views. You don’t have to be an expert hiker with gears to venture into this wild under the azure sky.

Also Read: Skydiving In Austria – An Ultimate Adventure

2. Rejuvenate In Thermal Spas

Spending your vacation in thermal spas during your winter vacation in Austria is a must-do. As the temperature gets colder, outdoor thermal baths are ideal for relaxing. In the heart of Oetztal Valley, visit Austria’s most luxurious thermal spa, “The Aqua Dome Hotel & Spa”. Fall in love with its futuristic look and experience the extensive wellness treatment in its mineral-rich spring water while stargazing. Can’t get enough with just one thermal bath? You can either visit Tryols popular wellness resort Bad Haring which lets you enjoy 50 variety of treatments. Or, swim in the healing waters of the spa town Bad Gastein while witnessing the enchanting view of Hohe Tauern mountains.

3. Experience Adrenaline Rush With Tobogganing

For those who want to do something different than just Skiing and Snowboarding, Tobogganing is the funky way to have fun. This sport has a sweet spot in every Austrian’s childhood. While every ski resort in Tyrol let you access the toboggan, get one for yourself and reach the Glampweg Toboggan Run. You don’t need to have any special skills to ride it. Jump off and slide through the snow as fast as you can and feel your cheeks warm up as the adrenalin rushes. If you want it to be a bit challenging, choose the trails that can give you speed up to 50 km per hour. 

Also Read: 10 Best Places For Paragliding In Austria

4. Visit The Finest Austrian Castles and Palaces

While winter in Austria can sometimes be colder so spend your vacation visiting architectural marvels like castles, fortresses, cathedrals and palaces. All of these monuments will be accessible during the entire winter. The ancient architectures in Austria are distinguished for their impressive art and royal garden. Experience the medieval atmosphere at the renowned castles Burg Kreuzenstein, Burg Hochosterwitz and Hohenwerfen Castle. 

Hohenwerfen Castle is quite familiar as it is a Hollywood favoured site. From there, take a 40 min ride to visit Salzburg and wander around the 11th-century fortress Hohensalzburg situated on the top of a hill. Make sure to enjoy the picturesque view and take tons of photographs.

Also Read: 10 Best Places To Visit in Salzburg

5. Ski To Experience Austrian Nature

You can’t miss the generic national sport of Austria while you are spending your winter vacay there. Austria is home to some of the lavish top-rated ski resorts in Europe. Kitzbuhel is one such sophisticated resort with extraordinary slopes extending up to 170 km. Naturally, you can find levels that suit your skill. Also, if you are looking for some high-end skiing experience with luxury lodging, head to Lech-Zurs. 

Additionally, take part in Austria’s fun-filled ski festival, “Nostalgia Ski Race”, which takes place on Feuerkogel mountain every March. Dress up like you are in the early 20th-Century and enjoy a graceful moment with other skiers till night.

6. Stroll Around The Alpine Villages

While you can find the most satisfying recreation in the Austrian city, villages give great satisfaction through leisure. The snow-covered alpine villages make you feel like you are in a fairy world. You can spend your precious time fruitfully throughout the year. As you stroll through the cobblestoned boulevard sidelined by the ancient buildings shining with Christmas spirit, you wish the time to stop so that you spend those moments forever. Sounds a bit exaggerating? No kidding. And if you visit villages in Tyrol, you will experience it directly. 

Moreover, visit Halstatt, a mountain village surrounded by the tranquillity of nature bounded by the Salzkammergut Mountains and glaciers. Here time passes perfectly, even if you are sitting inside your room and gazing at the view from the window.

Also Read: 10 Unique And Unusual Things To Do In Austria

7. Go For A Trip Along Schnapps Route

When you are in Tyrol, don’t forget to take the Schnapps route to experience the authentic flavour of craft liqueurs. Schnapps is home to craft distillers since the 17th-century. And winter is the excellent season to travel through the region and experience signature wines and spirits crafted with perfection from almost 41 artisan distilleries. Moreover, take a guided tour to learn the science behind how they bring their drinks to such perfection.

8. Indulge In Austrian Cuisine

Savouring the delicious and distinct Austrian food is a must on the to-do list. With all the physical activities you do to make your vacation extraordinary and to beat the Austrian coldness, try the warmest and flavourful food from the top restaurants in Austria. Additionally, learn the authentic flavour of Austria by tasting dishes like Kaiserschmarrn(emperor pancake), Kasespatzle(Austrian pasta), Tiroler Grostl, Apfelstrudel(Strudel), Sachertorte(Vienna Chocolate Cake) and more.

9. Go For Horse Carriage Ride 

Visit Sankt Johann and ride to get the classic experience by riding the charming horse carriage. Get your longtime wish fulfiled here. Pretend like you are a protagonist from a classic novel. Keep yourself warm under the blanket and watch the scenery while riding. 

Also Read: 12 Most Exotic And Instagrammable Spots In Austria

10. Feel Lively in Holiday Concerts & Ball

As winter is the perfect time for events, make sure to spend it with dance and music. Make sure to pre-book famous and entertaining classical concerts or New year concerts in Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. You can also participate in a gala event in the Kursalon concert venue that happens every December 25th. Also, try to take part in the Tyrol Winter Festival Erl. 

Moreover, don’t forget to make lots of memories during your vacation dancing elegantly at balls. Yes! Austria is famous for staging ball events. It is an age-old tradition that Austrians strive to preserve. From November to April, almost 500 balls happen in Austria. So you can’t make excuses to experience this spectacle. The popular balls are the Ball of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at Vienna Musikverein Concert hall, Physicians’ Ball at Imperial Palace and Graz at Opera House. Get a last-minute class to learn the waltz, and make sure to stick with the fancy dress code and fall in love with your life all over. 

Frequently Asked Question For Austria Winter Vacation

Austria has lots of things to do that suits a different type of people. You can be an adventure seeker or wellness seeker, solo traveller or travelling as a couple. Here, there are endless activities that drive your spirit. So, take this article as your calling, and start planning for your winter vacation to Austria. You can encounter an ideal Austria tour package from India or Austria honeymoon package on Pickyourtrail or customise an Austria itinerary to your satisfaction.