Visit Austria, the Unsung Hero of European Vacations

If asked to name vacation destinations, we’d probably immediately think of Florida, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. We might also think of African safari vacations, exotic Indonesia, or even the land down under. We probably wouldn’t think to visit Austria, but we should, and so should you.

It’s easy to think of Austria as just the country Jim Carrey’s character confuses with Australia in Dumb and Dumber, but it’s so much more than that. Austria is a largely German-speaking country of vast natural and manmade beauty. There, you can admire both mountains and monuments, and explore a culture uniquely shaped by its complex history.

Enjoy the Best of the Best on your Austria Vacation

There’s so much to do in Austria that we couldn’t mention everything. Instead, we’ve decided to narrow our list down to two great attractions that take full advantage of what nature has to offer, and two great attractions centered on culture. Enjoy!

Alpine Skiing, Hiking, and More on Loser Altaussee, the Kreischberg Slopes, and the Austrian Alps

Whether you go in the summer or winter, Austria’s amazing mountainscape will draw you in with its majesty. The Austrian Alps offers plenty of skiing, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities, as well as gondola rides with breathtaking views, and even ICE CAMP. ICE CAMP is an igloo on Kitzsteinhorn, one of the mountains in the alps, and it has a sleek interior with a bar, art, and an incredible ambience. On Loser Altaussee, which is close to the wonderful Ferienclub Grundlsee—also known as Mondi-Holiday Seeblickhotel Grundlsee—you can enjoy skiing and hiking as well, and you can explore natural phenomena, like the Loserfenster rock formation, as well as panoramic views of the surrounding areas. On the Kreischberg Slopes, near Clubhotel am Kreischberg, you can find Styria’s longest gondola ride and longest slope, as well as fun slopes for kids, like the Flintstone slope and Dino slope.

Exploring the Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave

Filled with sparkling crystals of ice and towering limestone, Eisriesenwelt is an otherworldly Austrian treasure near Alpenland Sporthotel in St. Johann-im-Pongau. Lead by a guide, and with handheld lanterns eerily lighting the way, you and your comrades will enter a setting that could easily be in a fantasy novel. You’ll get to the cave by taking a lift, since it is situated high on a mountain. This is a major reason why Eisriesenwelt wasn’t discovered until the end of the 19th century, when explorer Anton von Posselt-Czorich found and entered the cave on a solo hike, which eventually led to more exploration by others.

Kunsthaus Graz

While it’s a bit of a drive to get there, Kunsthaus Graz is a remarkable art museum and Austria tourism destination. The building’s architecture—simultaneously alien and caterpillar-like—is unlike any architecture we’ve seen before. In fact, the museum is even known locally as the Friendly Alien, and its outer surface is made up of screens, so it can be used to communicate visuals to passerby. Inside, you’ll find intriguing works of contemporary art, and you can participate in a guided tour. From thread on the walls to explorations of the way dizziness can influence art, expect the unexpected at this quirky museum.

Grünegg Alm Edelbrennerei

The Grunegg Alm Edelbrennerei is a distillery, not far from Alpenland Sporthotel in Maria Alm, which offers liquers and brandies, including schnapps. If you’re used to the American version of schnapps, be prepared for something else entirely, as Austrian schnapps is traditionally unsweetened. Experience another culture through your tastebuds by participating in a tasting in the Schnapsgwölb, where you can also buy bottles of your favorites. Or, wait until you get home to make your purchases online. The distillery has existed since 1506, so you’ll get to explore a piece of history, as well as know that the establishment is no newbie when it comes to distilling.

Visit Austria Again and Again

Can’t get enough of Austria tourism? If you want to enjoy an Austria vacation year after year, consider purchasing one of our Austrian timeshares. It’s an excellent way to save money if you plan to return multiple times, and it’s a great investment because you can rent your timeshare out as well. If you’re curious to learn more, or you’re ready to make a purchase that will make you happy for years to come, call us at 1-877-815-4227.