Austrian Alps: the perfect winter trip!-
Have you considered putting Austria on your bucket list already? People planning their perfect Europe trip itinerary often travel to Germany, Switzerland or Italy, but they forget the beautiful piece of snow and legends that lays right in between: Austria! Would you believe me if I told you it has gotten the very best from its neighbors? Perfect landscapes, great hospitality, beautiful baroque cities, and charming stories to tell… Austria is worth visiting! You’ll find here my best experiences and the most beautiful things I have seen in the Austrian Alps. Enjoy the land of castles and princesses… I’ll take you for a perfect winter trip in the Austrian Alps.
Krimmler Waterfalls.
Castle Hohenwerfen.
Burg Hohenwerfen, one of the most beautiful castles ever
Is this place real? Burg Hohenwerfen stands on the top of a hill above the village of Werfen, approximately 40 kilometers from Salzburg. Hawks and knights delight young visitors in summer, when impressive shows relive the castle’s epic past. In winter, the castle sleeps amid the snowy Alps. But this vision seems to be even more breathtaking…
I have always loved German fairy tale castles, but I didn’t know Austria could also boast with such wonders. Burg Hohenwerfen was a real winter tale enchantment…
Castle Hohenwerfen.
Krimmler waterfalls, among the highest in Europe
I have always dreamt of seeing an icy waterfall, when winter tries to freeze the fall and creates cold wonderlands. The waterfalls of Krimml fascinated me. The total height of the falls (which are divided into several steps) reaches 385 meters. Seeing them cascading on the snowy slopes made an unforgettable sight…
Wonderful waterfalls of Krimml.
Hintertuxer glacier, an impressive ice cave
Come into the heart of the glacier! A passionate mountaineer discovered the place a few years ago: a gigantic ice cave with fascinating natural ice sculptures which never melt or recede. Austrian people speak of hungry giants and ice monsters, and crawling into the cold cold stomach of the mountain really impressed me.
An underground river in the icecave!
Salzburg, Mozart’s town, a baroque jewel
Salzburg is one of the most charming cities I have ever seen. Mozart’s birthplace is a baroque symphony – light and delicate and sophisticated. Music is everywhere, churches fill with concerts, and the cathedral reminds me of Rome. Best view in the city? From the top of Mönchsberg. You will feel like a princess from ancient times.
Salzburg!
Top of Salzburg: Mönchsberg.
Salzburg’s cathedral
Innsbruck, capital city of the Alps
The best alpine city? Definitely Innsbruck, a beautiful and colorful city surrounded by white peaks, where houses look like giant cakes and light seems to flow from the river Inn. I loved the view from the city tower (Stadtturm) and the medieval houses on the market place. Innsbruck is truly lovely!
Christmas magic in Innsbruck
Capital city of the Alps.
The best pool in Austria? Tauern Spa Zell am See/ Kaprun
When traveling through the Austrian Alps, you just have to spend a night at the beautiful Tauern Spa Hotel in Kaprun to try out their fantastic rooftop infinity pool. You’ll float in a glass pool among the Alps and feel like nothing is real… This rooftop pool is for hotel guests only, but you can also enjoy the many pools and saunas at the ground level with a day ticket (26 euros). I would really suggest spending the night though. The rooms are gorgeous, the VIP panoramic pools and saunas a dream, and I simply couldn’t get enough of their majestic breakfast.
Tauern Spa Kaprun’s infinity rooftop pool
Best infinity pool ever?
Skiing in Austria!
Kitzbühel, Kitzsteinhorn, Hintertux, Zillertal… so many awesome places to ski in Austria! Ski stations are (in my humble opinion) better than in Germany and cheaper than in Switzerland – only France can compete. (Hey, I’m French.) With many high peaks (above 2500 or even 3000 meters), snow quality is exceptional, and good artificial snow can be used on lower slopes. Austria was one of my best ski destinations so far.
Skiing in Austria!
Why you should come back to Austria in summer
This was a perfect winter trip – but something is missing! The famous “Grossglockner Alpenstrasse”, most famous road in the Alps! It’s only open in summer… a good reason to come back to Austria!
Pin me!
I am so deeply in love with the Alps I just can’t stop explore them. On the French version of this website, you’ll find Chamonix, France, one of my very favourite places. And maybe next time I’ll go to Zermatt, Switzerland!
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32 commentaires pour
“Austrian Alps: the perfect winter trip!”
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le 28 December, 2016 à 17 h 50 min a dit :
Thank you for such a wonderful blog! The pictures are superb and I particularly like the ice cave, which would be a must see.
le 9 January, 2017 à 13 h 35 min a dit :
I lived in Austria almost a year and I can confirm is one of the most beautiful countries from Europe, without any doubt. A winter trip there would be awesome for everyone, mountains, castles, stunning landscapes, hospitality, everything remind me about my lovely region: Transylvania, another great and mysterious region to visit if you love travelling.
le 9 January, 2017 à 20 h 44 min a dit :
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Transylvania sounds awesome. I will check it out on your blog!
le 14 January, 2017 à 10 h 30 min a dit :
These photos are breathtaking, Alexandra! I have a friend who lives in Vienna and she has been telling me for years that I should visit – perhaps 2017 is THE year to finally make that trip!
le 14 January, 2017 à 10 h 37 min a dit :
THank you dear Florence, this makes me really happy! I fell in love with Austria and Vienna is awesome, I am sure you will love it!
le 15 January, 2017 à 13 h 01 min a dit :
These pictures are amazing and I had no idea about Austria in the winter. Adding it to my list for sure!! The castles and scenery are simply gorgeous. xx
le 15 January, 2017 à 15 h 18 min a dit :
Thank you Morgan! Yes, I was really impressed by this charming winter wonderland.
le 18 January, 2017 à 15 h 21 min a dit :
I’ve been to the German and Swiss Alps. I need to put the Austrian Alps on my list! I love the mountains and I’m an avid hiker so this is a must-see for me!
le 21 January, 2017 à 8 h 29 min a dit :
Thank you Meg! I think you’ll love it!
le 18 January, 2017 à 15 h 57 min a dit :
Welp, you’ve convinced me!! I’ve spent my entire life avoiding winter locations because I don’t like being cold. Your pictures are stunning and I feel giddy about possibly seeing these places in real life! Great post!
le 21 January, 2017 à 8 h 29 min a dit :
I feel you: I hate the cold! but these places are worth the extra layers 😉
le 18 January, 2017 à 16 h 16 min a dit :
Some of these shots are just too beautiful! I’m definitely interested in going now!
le 21 January, 2017 à 8 h 29 min a dit :
Thank you so much Alice, you’re very kind!
le 18 January, 2017 à 16 h 23 min a dit :
This is an amazing experience!! i truly love the Austrian Alps <3 You have lovely photos and i m jealous!! i want to swim in this pool 😛
le 21 January, 2017 à 8 h 34 min a dit :
Thank you Hra! Yes this pool was the best 😉
le 18 January, 2017 à 16 h 35 min a dit :
Absolutely wonderful, breathtaking photos! I honestly don’t think I’d be able to function if I went…especially on a ski trip, I’d fall over while staring at the scenery! Thank you for sharing x
le 21 January, 2017 à 8 h 34 min a dit :
Ahaha beauty overload! I feel you! thanks!
le 18 January, 2017 à 18 h 00 min a dit :
I’ve only been to Austria once — and that was to Vienna. After seeing this spot, I’d love to see Salzburg, see the waterfalls, and, of course, Burg Hohenwerfen (it looks like something out of a fairy tale)! So much more to see. Thanks for sharing!
le 21 January, 2017 à 8 h 33 min a dit :
Thank you Patricia, I think you will really enjoy the Austrian Alps!
le 21 January, 2017 à 8 h 36 min a dit :
Thank you Patricia! I think you would love Hohenwerfen, one of the most beautiful castles I have seen!
le 18 January, 2017 à 22 h 29 min a dit :
Really enjoyed the pictures! I have seen plenty of pictures of Tauern Spa Hotel before on Insta, but never knew it was in Austria! Sounds like the perfect place to spend some much needed relaxation time.
le 21 January, 2017 à 8 h 42 min a dit :
Thank you Danielle! Tauern Spa was really tons of fun!
le 19 January, 2017 à 14 h 01 min a dit :
Great post and your photos are magical. I have only visited Graz and Vienna in the winter and can’t wait to explore more of the country now. Thanks for the inspiration Xx
le 21 January, 2017 à 8 h 48 min a dit :
Thank you so much! I have to go to Graz yet!
le 23 January, 2017 à 1 h 20 min a dit :
Wow, so beautiful! I absolutely love the look of Castle Hohenwerfen. It’s now on my bucket list! Pinned 🙂
le 23 January, 2017 à 9 h 59 min a dit :
Thank you dear Renee, so glad you enjoyed!
le 28 January, 2017 à 10 h 01 min a dit :
Oh my, your photographs are magical. This is indeed such beautiful place, just your photos alone made me want to book a ticket and just follow my wanderlust. Wow, just WOW!!!
I love Austria and for a long time we wanted to visit the Austrian Alps for a skiing session. Thank you for sharing.
le 28 January, 2017 à 22 h 13 min a dit :
Thank you so much, Cory!! You’re really kind! I wish you awesome travels in Austria!
le 22 October, 2018 à 11 h 29 min a dit :
These pictures are so inspiring, there is so much to do in Austria
le 22 December, 2018 à 11 h 33 min a dit :
I wish I could be there! This is so fantastic! The mountain, the castles, everything is like a fairy tale!
le 17 January, 2020 à 23 h 23 min a dit :
You have very beautiful photos. really want to learn as well!
le 21 April, 2021 à 21 h 02 min a dit :
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