17 hidden gems in Austria off the beaten track you must visit

Austria today is a small, landlocked country that’s only a fraction of what it once was but it’s still a country of great diversity. I can’t help but feel that Austria waltzes between the urban world and the great outdoors so effortlessly that the only thing separating the stunning architecture of Vienna is from the highest alpine summits is a 3-hour drive. Austria is, indeed, an all-year-round destination. However, most people who visit stick to the tourist trail: Vienna-Graz-Hallstatt-Salzburg-Tyrol-Innsbruck without even thinking of visiting the places I will write about today. After visiting these places, I’m sure you will share my opinion and that is these hidden gems in Austria are just as beautiful as the main tourist attractions.

1. Gross Walsertal

We start this list of hidden gems in Austria off the beaten track with Gross Walsertal, one of the world’s 529 biosphere parks that exercise real sustainability. If you like getting lost in the forests, walking across heavenly meadows where quick mountain streams flow down the Alps, this park is definitely a must-visit. Trekking deep in these forests, you will discover the amazing flora of Austria, and some of the most beautiful mountain villages in the country shyly peeking from behind the trees?

2. Bregenzerwald

Located in western Austria, Bregenzerwald is one of the least visited regions in the country even by Austrians. The whole region has only 30,000 inhabitants and the same number of cows. There are 22 villages that make up the region but one of them made a particularly lasting impression on me. That village was Mellau.

3. Mellau

This small village changed its ownership back and forth between Bavaria and Austria, and even France after WWII. That’s why this small village looks like a mini-Europe. It’s really hard not to fall in love with the beautiful wooden structures and blooming flowers that snuggle underneath the windows of the charming village houses. Its vibrant culture, highlighted by local festivals and delicious cheese-making traditions, draws you into a serene way of life that feels like a step back in time. Walking through its narrow streets, you can hear the gentle sound of cowbells in the distance, creating a tranquil atmosphere that is truly unforgettable

Liking this article? Check out my list of hidden gems in Germany and hidden gems in Europe.

4. Krumbach

Krumbach is another amazing village in Bregenzerwald. This is one of the most sustainable and cosmopolitan villages in Europe, no matter how contradicting that might sound. Not only is Krumbach nestled between some scenic forests and serves as a great stop for exploring the great Bregenzerwald forests but the village is also constantly involved in projects that increase its sustainability and preserve the intact, fascinating, and diverse natural and cultural landscape. This commitment to eco-friendly practices is evident in the community’s initiatives, such as promoting local agriculture and supporting renewable energy sources.

5. Schoppernau

At first sight, this small village of 1,000 residents looks pretty dull but it’s a great base for exploring the mountains and witness some of the most mesmerizing views in Austria. I was really surprised to see that such a small village has such amazing facilities for visitors, including hiking, mountain biking, and even skiing. It’s an even bigger surprise that Schoppernau is so unfrequented as it offers everything one can expect from the Austrian great outdoors. Despite its abundance of outdoor activities, Schoppernau remains relatively unfrequented, making it a hidden gem for nature lovers. The village’s welcoming atmosphere and well-maintained paths allow you to immerse yourself in the stunning Alpine scenery without the crowds. 

6. Hohe Tauern National Park

Okay, this one is a kind of cheating since Hohe Tauren is the largest nature reserve in the Alps but it covers three Austrian provinces and is the ultimate off the beaten track place. The park has 266 mountains over 10,000 feet, 551 lakes, and more than 200 glaciers.

If you want to explore without a guided tour and discover the beauties of Hohe Tauren by yourself, one of the park rangers can help you discover places you would never find yourself and reveal the deepest secrets of the park.

If you decide to visit Hohe Tauren National Park, also check out the village of Krimml and the Krimml Waterfalls, the tallest falls in Central Europe.

Enjoying this article? Then you’ll also probably like my list of hidden gems in Italy.

7. Alpbach

Remember those alpine villages hidden high in the mountains that we see in movies and read about in books. Alpbach is a perfect example of it. This small traditional alpine village is home to only 2,600 people and literally all of them leave in what appears to be identical, classic wooden Alpine homes with beautiful fresh flowers peeking from the balconies.

I guess this is where Alpbach got its name from. Translated to English, Alpbach means ‘a flowering village’. Alpbach was recently voted as one of the most picturesque villages in Europe and it’s safe to assume that the number of visitors will increase in the next few years.

8. St Wolfgang

Every country has that one hidden gem that’s located close to a tourist hub but isn’t visited by a lot of people. In Austria’s case, that would be located at the tip of Wolfgangsee Lake, 30 kilometers east of Salzburg, St. Wolfgangsee is one of the most charming market towns in Austria. The city is famous for the iconic views of the lake, gothic churches, musical comedy, and amazing spa centers. St. Wolfgangsee is not only famous for its iconic gothic churches, but it also boasts a rich cultural scene, including musical comedy performances that enchant both locals and visitors alike. Additionally, the town offers amazing spa centers where guests can unwind and rejuvenate, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking relaxation amid breathtaking surroundings.

9. Pertisau

Pertisau is another charming mountain village in the Eastern Alps. It’s one of the oldest, cross-border protected areas in Europe and is also the center for the Achensee shipping business. Most ships that distribute goods around the villages surrounding the Achensee lake start their journey at Pertisau. The town also has two winter ski areas, the Planberg Wiesenlifte, and the Karwendel Bergbahn.

This bustling activity on the lake adds to the village’s vibrant atmosphere, making it an essential hub for both locals and visitors. In addition to its picturesque setting, Pertisau features two winter ski areas: the Planberg Wiesenlifte and the Karwendel Bergbahn. These ski resorts offer excellent opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts, with well-groomed slopes and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains

10. Kaisertal: the valley without cars

Dotted within the remote Alpine inns, Kaisertal is one of Austria’s best-kept secrets. Kaisertal has only 39 permanent residents, so if you want to get away from everything, including people, this is the right place for you. Kaisertal was voted as the most beautiful place in Austria by Austrians in 2017 and even though it’s slowly gaining popularity among tourists, it’s still relatively unfrequented.

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11. The Green Ring Trail

Passing through Lech-Zurs am Arlberg this enchanting trail is known as the Green Ring because of its circular shape and the lush forests surrounding it. Along the way, you will encounter some of the best examples of the great Austrian wilderness, hidden castles, sculptures, and the mystical Sagenwald forest, known for the local folk tales about witches and wizards. For a complete medieval experience, don’t miss out on staying in one of the wooden bivouacs scattered across the trail.

12. Eisriesenwelt

Discovered around 150 years ago, Eisreisenwelt is the largest ice-cave system on our planet. Due to the unique conditions in the cave, the spring water freezes into fascinating ice sculptures and formations locally known as the Ice Giants. Words can do little justice to this natural phenomenon and the best way to experience it is by visiting it. Words can hardly do justice to this natural phenomenon; it truly must be experienced firsthand to appreciate its grandeur. A visit to Eisreisenwelt offers an unforgettable adventure into the heart of nature, where you can witness the breathtaking interplay of light and ice that has formed over millennia

13. The Seegrotte

Located beneath a disused mine in Hinterbruhl, the Seegrotte is a stunning series of underground canals that create the largest subterranean lake in Europe. This lake was created by a severe flood that caused the collapse of the mine in 1912. Roughly 60 meters below ground, the so-called Big Lake spreads across a surface of 6,200 square meters. Guided boat tours allow visitors to explore the tranquil lake and learn about its fascinating history, perfect for avid explorers and adventure seekers alike.

14. The Dachstein Glacier

Peeking from Styria’s highest mountain, covered in blue frost, the Dachstein Glacier is one of the most photogenic places in Austria. Not only is the glacier amazing but the complete hike is one of the most scenic ones in Austria. Making your way from the lush green forests through the misty clouds to the sheer cliffs is a great adventure. Once you get to the top, you can ride on the glacier roof in a gondola surrounded by a secure balcony or climb the so-called Staircase to nowhere and enjoy the stunning view from the edge of the Dachstein ridge.

15. The hidden villages of the Zillertal Valley

The Zillertal Valley is a well-known destination among travelers visiting Austria. However, this valley spreads across 379 km² and there are many fascinating places to visit. Some examples are Gerlos, a spectacular ski resort in the central part of the valley, Fugen, a charming holiday resort, and towns like Mayrhofen and Hintertux that are home to several amazing glaciers which can definitely be called wonders of nature.

16. Green Lake

The Green Lake is one of the most fascinating hidden gems in Austria. During the fall and winter, it’s a mild-mannered lake. During the spring, however, when the winter snows melt into the lake, das Gruner See raises its water levels from two to ten meters, covering the whole park with pristine, deep-blue, glacier water. It’s definitely beautiful to visit even in the winter with all the beautiful nature and hiking trails that surround the lake but the view in the spring is absolutely magical.

17. East Tirol

Last but not least, we conclude this list of hidden gems in Austria off the beaten track with East Tirol. East Tirol is a lot less famous among travelers than its big brother. Thousands of people take the famous Eagle Walk Trail in Tirol every year, that’s true. Unfortunately, only a few end up visiting East Tirol. I guess a lot of that has to do with the fact that East Tirol is separated from North Tirol by the common border of Salzburg and the Italian South Tyrol.

Skiing in Tirol in February can be a real nightmare with long lift queues, hundreds of schoolchildren, and crowded slopes. However, if you head to East Tirol same time of the year, you will find perfect, intact snow under your feet, (almost) empty six-person lifts and deserted trails.

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There you go, my ultimate list of hidden gems in Austria you (probably) didn’t know existed. Have you ever visited any of these places or maybe think I forgot to mention some? Let me know in the comments.