9 reasons to visit the Austrian Alps in summer
We commonly dream of summer destinations with sand and sea, but have you ever thought about trading them in for mountains and lakes? The sunshine is just as likely to shine and the skies are just as blue, but you’ll have an entirely different kind of holiday in store. Inspired by my recent eco-friendly spa break in Austria’s Saalbach Hinterglem, I’m sharing 9 reasons to visit the Austrian Alps in summer.
9 Reasons to Visit the Austrian Alps in Summer
1. The Weather is Glorious (You’ll Still Get a Tan!)
The winter ski season will always be Austria’s busiest tourism period, but the people who venture to the Austrian Alps in summer can reap a very different set of rewards. June to September is typically the best time to visit the Austrian Alps in Summer, when the temperatures reach around 25 degrees on average. There’s minimal pollution in the Austrian Alps so you can also expect crisp fresh air and clear blue skies.
If you’re planning to get really active, the best time to visit may even be in the April to May and September to October shoulder seasons, when accommodation is cheaper you’ll feel like you have you have the mountains all to yourself (cue Fräulein Maria).
2. You can live your best ‘Sound of Music’ Life
Remember Maria running around those rolling hills from the Sound of Music? Well it’s a pretty accurate representation of the spectacular views you can expect to see in the Austrian Alps. The Sound of Music was filmed in and around Salzburg, so many of the filming locations can still be visited today.
3. It’s an Amazing Place for an Active Holiday
In the summer months, skiing makes way for a diverse array of outdoor activities including walking and hiking, cycling, mountain biking, horse riding, paragliding, mountain climbing and even zip lining. The Austrian Alps in Summer are an incredible place to switch off from every day life and enjoy an active or adrenaline-filled holiday.
4. There Are Over 300 Lakes
Many of Austria’s lakes turn a rich turquoise colour in the Summer and there are designated swimming areas in almost half of them. Fun on the lake also opens up even more outdoor activities including waterskiing, wake boarding and SUP boarding. If you think the heat will get to much, book accommodation near a popular lake such as Zell am See and incorporate a lake swim into your daily holiday schedule.
Österreich Werbung, Photographer: Peter Podpera
5. Austria’s Hugo cocktail is the perfect Summer Tipple
The Hugo has to be one of my favourite things about Austira, but sadly I never really see it on menus anywhere other than Austria and Germany. It’s a refreshing cocktail of gin, prosecco, elderflower, mint, lime and soda water and you’ll find it on nearly all restaurant and bar menus. So refreshing!
6. You’ll Never Be Too Far from a City
The Austrian Alps cover 62% of Austria’s land area so chances are you won’t be too far from a major city or town. On my most recent trip I stayed in Saalbach Hinterglem, which is a 1 hour and 30 minute drive from Salzburg. The town of Innsbruck is situated in the heart of the Alps, which means you can easily combine town and country on one trip.
7. Austria has Family and Baby Friendly Hiking Trails
In general, Austria is very family friendly and little ones are very well-catered for when it comes to hiking and outdoor activities. Many of the resorts and towns in the Austrian Alps have family friendly and even buggy-friendly hiking trails, so the whole family can enjoy the great outdoors.
9. There’s a Choice of Accommodation Types to Suit all Budgets
There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from in summer. If you’re on a budget or looking for a truly outdoors experience, there are plenty of campsites or caravan parks to choose from. For something mid-way, check in to a self-catering alpine lodge or for all the home comforts there are plenty of hotels ranging from affordable to luxury.
Where to Stay
The Gartenhotel Theresia ****SUPERIOR is a 4-star boutique hotel located in Saalbach Hinterglemm. The hotel is eco-friendly and has a focus on sustainability and organic, locally sourced foods in their restaurant. They also boast an excellent spa with both indoor and outdoor pools, which is a total oasis of relaxation in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Be sure to read my full review of Gartenhotel Theresia.
Want to read more posts about The Austrian Alps in Summer? Check out
- The Ultimate Guide to Graz, Salzburg and Innsbruck
- 11 Reasons to Visit Salzburg
- 8 Things I learned on my First Solo Trip
What did you think of my 8 reasons to visit the Austrian Alps in Summer? Are you thinking of planning your own Austrian adventure or are you still converted to sand and sea for your summer holidays? I’d love to know your thoughts so please leave a comment in the box below. Jess x
This blog post has been created in collaboration with Visit Austria. All words, views and photos are my own.
Hotelier Syl
I’m glad that the article included some personal recommendations from people who have visited the Austrian Alps in summer. This is helpful to hear, as it gives me a better idea of what to expect.
I’m excited to start planning my trip to the Austrian Alps!