Get active in the Alps: 13 things to do in Austria this summer

Walk, cycle, climb, paddle or fly – there are loads of ways to make memories in the Austrian Alps. Whether you’re planning a trip around your favourite hobbies or trying something new with the family in tow, Austria’s one of the best places for an active summer holiday. From alpine coasters to tandem paraglides – or keeping your feet firmly on the ground – here’s our list of the best summer activities in Austria and where you can do them. 

And with various summer cards offering savings on cable‑car rides and local attractions, ticking off your must‑dos is even easier.

• Getting out in nature
• Water activities
• High-energy thrills
• Adventures in the sky

TUI’s top spots: Mayrhofen or Obergurgl

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic mountain walks in Austria – and summer cards can help you unlock some of the best trails. In Mayrhofen, pick up a Zillertal Activcard and you’ll get one free return ride a day on up to 10 cable cars, including the Ahornbahn and Penken gondola, opening up easy-going mountain walks like the route to the Filzenkogel summit.

Over in Obergurgl, you’re already so high up that lifts feel optional – wander straight from the village up to peaks like the Schönwieskopf for clear views sweeping back down the Ötztal valley.

TUI’s top spots: Nauders or St Johann in Tyrol

Through meadows, along riverbanks or down steep, rocky paths – Austria has tons of cycling routes, and plenty of hire shops to get you kitted out with a road bike, e‑bike or mountain bike. Staying in Nauders? It’s a cyclist’s playground, with over 2,000km of trails, rolling through green hills with distant peaks framing the ride.

For something more relaxed, pedal around St Johann in Tyrol. It sits on the Wilder Kaiser route, an 80km stretch of mostly gentle, well‑kept paths that you can just cycle part of if you like. These curve around the mountains, with family‑friendly spots to stop for a juice or ice‑cream at cafés and restaurants along the way.

TUI’s top spots: Seefeld or St Anton

How about swapping the studio for a mountainside and easing into a slow flow, surrounded by peaks, birdsong and crisp alpine air? Seefeld is one of the Tyrol region’s top yoga hubs, where you can start the day with sunrise sessions, or even try alpaca yoga if you fancy a little extra charm (and a furry cheer squad).

St Anton has a lively scene too, with classes for all abilities at the Arlberg WellCom Center and summer rooftop yoga that lets you stretch, breathe and soak up panoramic views in one go.

TUI’s top spots: Mayrhofen or St Anton

In a country where mountains rule the skyline, it’s no wonder Austria is a dream for rock climbers. Take your pick from a huge range of outdoor routes in Mayrhofen, including sport climbs with permanently fixed bolts in the rock for all levels – so you can focus on the summit rather than technical gear placement. There are standout via ferrata trails too, blending climbing and hiking with ladders, rungs and cables to guide you up the rock.

Or, if you prefer something indoors, head to the Arl.Rock climbing centre in St Anton to test yourself on its walls, or tiptoe across one of the two via ferratas leading to an 18‑metre outdoor tower.

TUI’s top spots: St Wolfgang or Zell am See

Austria has some of the best lake beaches around, and Lake Wolfgang is a real favourite, framed by the pretty village of St Wolfgang. Drift between the Strandbad bathing lawn and the smaller, naturally formed coves where you can stop, flop and sun‑dry at your own pace.

Closer to Zell am See? Taking a plunge into Lake Zell’s bright‑blue glacial water is a must‑do – and with the Zell am See‑Kaprun Summer Card, you even get free access to the resort’s public lidos.

TUI’s top spots: Mayrhofen or St Anton

Take to the river on a rafting tour – a group-friendly activity in a large inflatable boat built for about 4–12 paddlers. It’s one of the best things to do in Mayrhofen, with routes on the Ziller river generally suitable for children aged six or over, mixing gentle sections with mildly bouncy rapids and big views of the Zillertal Alps.

If you’re nearer St Anton, the rafting here is better for older kids and teens (around 10–12+), with trips on stronger mountain rivers like the Inn or the Lech serving up bigger thrills for keen adventurers.

TUI’s top spots: Zell am See or Achensee

Grab your cossie and join a paddle-boarding session out on Lake Zell or Achensee, a couple of Austria’s biggest and best‑equipped lakes for it. You can kneel, sit or stand on your board and soak up the views of the surrounding mountains, with calm waters that make it ideal for anyone – from splash‑happy family paddles to romantic sunset glides.

TUI’s top spots: Zell am See or Kitzbühel

Kayaking's a fab way to get out on the water and take things at your own pace. In Zell am See, you can head straight to the main lido to hire a kayak and glide across the lake’s smooth, bright‑blue surface.

Or float along Schwarzsee in Kitzbühel for a peaceful lap with stunning views of the Tyrolean Alps. You don’t need any experience either – join a kayaking course  and a qualified instructor will have you paddling away in no time.

TUI’s top spots: Schladming or Zell am See

Ever wished you could fly? On Schladming’s Stoderzinken zip‑line – the biggest in the Alps – you’ll get pretty close. Four parallel cables let you soar side‑by‑side with friends or family, gliding over fields and forests before the course steepens and sends you zooming down at up to 115km/h.

Then there’s the Flying Fox XXL in Leogang, an easy trip from Zell am See and one of the longest and fastest zip lines in the world. Here you fly head‑first like Superman, racing along at up to 130km/h, almost 150m above the ground – a real thrill‑seeker fave for families with older kids and teens.

TUI’s top spots: Alpbach or Schladming

Whizz through trees and grassy meadows on an alpine coaster – a toboggan‑style ride on rails where you control the speed, so you can take it slow or lean into the twists and jumps. In Alpbach, hop on the Alpbachtaler Lauser‑Sauser for a fast, fun descent packed with dips, curves and plenty of whoosh.

Over in Gröbming near Schladming, try the Flying Coaster – an 800m‑long, high‑speed forest ride that blends the thrill of a roller coaster with the feel of zip‑lining, dropping around 100m as you swoop under the rails.

TUI’s top spots: St Anton or St Johann in Tyrol

Clip into your harness and swing through the trees on a high ropes course, edging across wobbly bridges, swinging logs and sky‑high platforms. In St Anton’s Verwall Valley, the Tree‑Top Ropes Course has 28 stations, a practice zone and three difficulty levels up to 17m – great for mixed‑age families, with a low‑ropes area for little adventurers from age five.

Over in St Johann, Hornpark ramps things up with more than 11 courses, from toddler‑friendly sections to proper challenges for older kids. It’s a standout pick for active family holidays in Austria, whether you’re cheering on tiny climbers or testing your own nerve in the treetops.

TUI’s top spots: Kitzbühel or Söll

Go up-up-and-away and float over Kitzbühel’s cobbled streets, Söll’s domed church or the city of Salzburg, the Baroque jewel of the Austrian Alps. And don’t forget your camera – the views over the mountains and towards Germany are sure to have you snap happy.

TUI’s top spots: St Anton or Mayrhofen

Tandem paragliding is all about feeling the thrill and soaking up the views while your pilot does the steering. In St Anton, you’ll take off from the top of Kapall over 2,300m up, securely clipped into your harness with the pilot right behind you as you glide above Tyrolean valleys and snow‑topped peaks.

Mayrhofen is another great spot, with flights launching from Mount Penken for big‑screen views over the Zillertal valley. Kids aged four and older can give it a go, and some centres even film the whole experience so you can relive the ride once you’re back on solid ground.

Toe dipping. Zipline zooming. Memory making. Book your Austria holiday and get stuck into an active summer.

Want more alpine inspo? Check out our other Austria blogs. 

Author: Charlotte Baldwin

Last updated: 11/03/2026