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Off the beaten track: Lesser-known things to see and do in Austria

Austria’s well-known for its peaks, meadows and traditional villages, but delve a little deeper and there’s plenty more to explore. Read on to discover our favourite under-the-radar places to go and things to see, from historic fortresses to treetop trails.

For a laidback adventure: Eifersbach waterfall 

From St Johann in Tyrol

Lace-up your walking shoes and set off on this circular route from St Johann in Tyrol. You'll stroll through meadows, woods and the little hamlet of Reitham, then follow the Eifersbach stream up a steep-sided valley to find the tumbling waterfall. When you get there, you can wander along wooden bridges and walkways to get an up-close look at the water rushing down the 25m drop and feel the spray on your face. Then on your way back to St Johann, call in at the Hotel-Gasthof Pointenhof for some traditional mountain food like dumplings or kaiserschmarrn (a thick, chopped up pancake served with fruit compote).

For bird's eye views: Alpine Golden Gate Bridge and treetop trail

From Saalbach

The 200m-long Saalbach-Hinterglemm suspension bridge might look a bit familiar, and that's because it's modelled after San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. But it's got its own claim to fame as the starting point for Europe's highest treetop trail, where you can walk through the forest 30m above the ground and take in amazing mountain views along the way – there's even binocular stations so you can get a closer look. Up for more of a challenge? Climb, swing and zip-line through the trees instead on the high ropes course.

For history lovers: Kufstein

From Söll
A short bus ride from Söll, the historical town of Kufstein has cobbles, a castle and even a super-sized organ so big it can be heard up to 10km away. Start your day there with a stroll along Römerhofgasse, a cobblestone street chock-full of brightly coloured buildings with hand-painted frescoes on the walls. Then take the funicular up to the medieval castle and step out on the battlements for wow-worthy views over the town and Inn valley. And you can’t miss going inside the castle too, to see the world’s biggest free-standing organ – if you’re there around midday, you’ll get to hear it in action too. To make it even easier to see Kufstein and some of Austria's other lesser-known spots, why not book a TUI experience?
 
Kufstein castle in Austria

For snapping peak pics: Stubnerkogel suspension bridge


From Bad Hofgastein
Stretching between the twin summits of the Stubnerkogel mountain above Bad Gastein, this is the highest suspension bridge in Europe, so you know there’s snap-worthy scenery in every direction. Hop on the bus from Bad Hofgastein to stroll across 140m of metal walkways to the Glocknerblick platform and take a selfie with Austria’s highest mountain, Grossglockner, in the background. Then carry on over to the Talblick platform to peer down into the valley below. The rows of seating here are designed to look like an open-air cinema – but instead of a film screen you’ve got mountains as far as the eye can see.
 

For a family day out: Minimundus Model Park 

From Bad Hofgastein
Ever wanted to see the world’s most famous buildings? Well, you can tick them all off in Bad Hofgastein – head to the Minimundus park and you can see models of the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, Taj Mahal and Sydney Opera House all in one day. And there are other things to spot too, like tiny trains and ships, and even a mini space shuttle. Then head inside to the Adventure World to find out all about how the models are made, watch 4D films and get creative at the cartoon station. And the cherry on top? The park’s run by Save the Children Carinthia so you’ll be supporting a good cause too.
 
Minimundus model park in Austria

For a dose of nature: Gasteiner Höhenweg walking trail


From Bad Hofgastein
When it comes to scenic mountain walks, the Gasteiner Höhenweg trail between Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein is hard to beat. Start in either town and follow the path through mountain forests and flower-filled meadows dotted with farms, going at your own pace to take in the views. You’ll pass through the Gadauner gorge, wind along narrow ledges and through tunnels carved into the cliff face. And when you get to the end, walk along the Gasteiner Ache river back to where you started – or just hop on the local bus instead.
 



Start planning your holiday to Austria, and for more ideas of things to do while you're there, browse experiences and day trips to book. 

Head to our Lakes & Mountains homepage to discover more about our favourite holidays.

Author: Lulu Arnett-Morrice

Last updated: 10.11.2022

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