4 Must-see Destinations for Nature Lovers on an Austria Road Trip
Austria is often overshadowed by its neighbouring Alpine countries, but it’s a road trip destination that should not be overlooked. Here are four incredible places that will inspire your Austria road trip. 🇦🇹
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Beginning your Austria road trip
If you’re traveling from most parts of Europe, Austria is conveniently located at the centre of mainland Europe. However, if you're coming from the UK, expect a bit of a drive. Start by taking the Le Shuttle or ferry from Dover to Calais, then you will have a drive of approximately 10 hours to Achensee, where your road trip begins.
If you’re looking for more tips about getting to Europe from the UK, be sure to read our blog below.
👉 Helpful tips for driving from the UK to Europe
The Fjord of the Alps: Achensee
Often referred to as the ‘Fjord of the Alps’ or the ‘Tyrolean Sea,’ Achensee is one of our favourite lakes in Austria. This stunning lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful mountainous surroundings. Although the area can be quite windy, hence being referred to as a sea, it makes it a popular spot for windsurfing and sailing.
As well as simply enjoying spending time by the lake there is more incredible nature close by to Achensee.
Wolfsklamm Gorge
If you're visiting in summer and looking to escape the summer heat, Wolfsklamm Gorge is a must-see. Carved by the Stallenbach Creek, the gorge is made up of waterfalls and rapids that can be explored along wooden boardwalks and bridges. This short, easy hike is a lovely alternative to the more demanding mountain trails and lake walks, so it would also be a perfect family adventure.
Dalfazer waterfall
Nestled in the forest above Achensee, Dalfazer Waterfall is the largest waterfall around the lake, with a 60 meter drop. If you visit in the spring after the snow melts, you’ll experience the waterfall at its most powerful, making for an even more spectacular sight.
Bärenkopf
After enjoying some relaxing days around Achensee, Bärenkopf is an amazing hike to get a great view over the lake. From the summit, on a clear day you can also see as far as the Ötztal Alps, the Zillertal Alps and the High Tauern.
Start this hike by making your way to the cable car station at Pertisau and ride the Karwendel cable car 1,500 metres up the Zwölferkopf mountain. The full hike is 7 miles in total and has some steep and slippy parts, with the most difficult spot secured with wire ropes close to the top. There is not actually that much space to sit at the summit but there are some amazing viewpoints to reap the rewards of your strenuous hike.
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Shop nowHike in the Zillertal Alps: Olpererhütte
This is an absolutely epic hike, it’s got to be one of the best we did in the Alps. Starting at the Schlegeis reservoir, the hike takes you to Olpererhütte and beyond to the famous suspension bridge with breathtaking views of Shlegeis reservoir, Schlegeiskees glacier and the Zillertal Alps. While on social media the bridge is often photographed to look like it's suspended over a massive drop, the reality is that it's not that far above a little stream, but it certainly makes for an epic photo.
You can return after reaching the hut and bridge the same way that you ascended, or extend your hike towards Friesenberghaus and loop back around the reservoir for even more spectacular views. This view has been our phone screensaver ever since we went 2 years ago, so I think that’s a testament to how incredible it is.
It can be a little complicated visiting here in a campervan and we have heard mixed experiences from fellow travellers. There is a toll road, which costs around €15, to get to the start of the hike and some bigger vans have been turned away at this point. There is an option to get the bus, so this could be a safer option if you have a big van or a motorhome.
Austria’s highest waterfall: Krimml Falls
Krimml falls is the highest waterfall in Austria, so if you love a good waterfall, like us, then you’re in for a treat. Now, this is quite a touristy walk, but aren’t destinations touristy for a reason? It only costs €5 to enter and you can walk to several different viewing points of the waterfall.
You’ll find several viewpoints as you walk up the hill to witness all the sections of the waterfall. There are three main sections: the Upper Falls (Oberer Wasserfall), Middle Falls (Mittlerer Wasserfall), and Lower Falls (Unterer Wasserfall). The best bit is at the bottom because you get in the spray zone of the waterfall, remember your raincoat.
Picture Perfect Gosau Lakes
Gosau Lakes, located in Salzkammergut, are a popular destination for nature lovers with the dramatic backdrop of the Dachstein Glacier. The lower lake, Vorderer Gosau, is a perfect spot to walk around, offering a relaxed 1-hour, flat walk with stunning views.
There are also spots around the lake where you can swim and enjoy the scenery. After your walk, be sure to check out the local restaurants for a delicious meal in a stunning setting.
If you’re after a longer walk, you can continue to the Hinterer Gosau. It’s around 8 miles there and back and 300+ metres of elevation. There are plenty of places to enjoy a very cold dip and there is also a mountain hut if you are looking for somewhere to enjoy some food or a drink as a reward for your hike.
So, there you have 4 incredible locations to add to your Austria road trip. If you don't want it to end there, Italy is a perfect country to continue your adventure. Read out blog below with an epic road trip route around Northern Italy.
