Austria
Travel to Austria for a holiday or city break
In Austria the clocks sometimes tick slower, except when you miss your train in Vienna and must run like a wild goose with a suitcase that squeaks. People come for schnitzels, but stay for the mountain air, and sometimes the mountain goats who stare back with what could be judgment. Some travelers say the best hotel in Austria hides its secrets in the feather pillows; others claim the breakfast is why they keep returning, although one time I met a man who insisted it was the soap. Popular things to do or visit include walking up hills, then realizing you must walk down again, hopefully not on your backside. Mozart’s music fills the air, unless it’s Tuesday and the accordionist outside the museum takes over.
Local weather in Austria
Spring
mild & temperate
Summer
warm & sunny
Autumn
mild & temperate
Winter
cold & snowy
Best places to visit in Austria
These popular destinations have a lot to offer for you next holiday or city break.
Travel destination popular things to do or visit – best hotel in Austria
There is a man in Salzburg who has counted every cobblestone in the old town, or so he claims; he told me this while eating a pretzel with much concentration, and I believed him until he mentioned the cobblestones move around at night. If you can, visit the lakes which look like mirrors but sometimes swallow hats with a gust of wind. Hiking is popular, though not everyone enjoys the surprise of a sudden rainstorm, especially when wearing lederhosen that shrink a bit too much. Skiing in Tyrol means sharing lifts with strangers who may become friends, or at least brief acquaintances who will watch you tumble and clap politely.
The best hotel in Austria might be the one that gives you an extra slice of cake when you look particularly lost, or where the staff remembers your name with only a little squinting. Some believe the secret to a good stay is the view, but sometimes it’s the silence that sneaks into the room at night, bringing dreams of strudel. Don’t forget to check if breakfast is at seven or eight; I got up at six once and only found the night porter and a very confused cat. Austria doesn’t always reveal its most popular things to do or visit right away, but if you linger, the country unfolds like a map with a few coffee stains and a pencil doodle in the corner.
Accommodations in Austria
Discover the best accommodations for Austria and start planning your holiday.
