Austria holidays

Holidays to Austria are filled with our favourite things – we’re talking tasty local treats, wow-worthy alpine scenery and authentic mountain towns and villages

The hills are alive

Set your own pace and enjoy snap-worthy scenery as you explore the Austrian lakes and mountains. The landscape's dotted with teal-blue lakes, like Lake Wolfgang and Lake Zell, and flower-filled meadows that'll make you feel as though you've stepped into The Sound of Music. You can make the most of the local buses, trains and summer lifts to explore – hop on a lift to take in the eye-popping summit views from a lookout point, or take to the trails on a mountain hike. And if you fancy trying something new, why not give rafting or tandem paragliding a go?

Culture in the cities

Culture fans will be in their element in Austria's cities. Visit the home of Mozart, Salzburg, to see the historic castle, stroll around the Mirabell Gardens and try local specialities in gourmet restaurants. In Vienna, the Schönbrunn and Hofburg palaces top the list of places to see. And while you're there, you can catch a classical music concert or watch dressage performed by Lipizzaner stallions at the 18th century Spanish Riding School.

A taste of Austria

From schnitzel to sachertorte, there’s a culinary smorgasbord to make your way through in Austria. Traditional favourites come in the form of hearty stews like tafelspitz, and age-old recipes like wiener schnitzel – a thin cut of veal that’s coated in breadcrumbs and fried. Cakes and pastries are also popular, especially when served up alongside a mug of coffee in a cosy coffee house. And of course you have to try apple strudel, Austria’s most famous dessert, which hides chunks of apple, raisins, cinnamon and sugar beneath layers of buttery, flaky pastry.