8 Scenic Alpine Villages You Must Explore in Austria

Austria is a country in the middle of Europe and is packed with natural and cultural attractions as well as romantic atmosphere. The Austrian Alps boasting of snow-capped mountains, beautiful lakes and green valleys are one of the most scenic places to find some of the most beautiful villages in the world. These picturesque villages with their wooden houses, thatched roofs, narrow streets and beautiful flower boxes are both charming and exciting. Austria holiday packages are available for every traveler, be they interested in history, culture, or nature.

It’s like entering a fairy tale when you are exploring Austrian Alpine villages. Every village has its own story to tell and thus each village is unique and has something special about it. From ancient salt mines in Hallstatt, rich cultural events in Alpbach, or picturesque views of the lake in St. Wolfgang, these villages are nothing but picturesque and tranquil. Guests can marvel at stunning views, taste delicious Austrian food and drinks, and engage in numerous activities such as walking and skiing, visiting museums and art galleries.

Austrian tour packages are perfect for those planning a vacation in Austria as they enable the discovery of such overlooked places. If planned well, you can visit several villages, get amused by the scenic beauty of mountains and the authentic taste of alpine culture. These packages are not about getting a simple vacation, but an amazing tour of some of the most beautiful and historical places in the Alps.

Here are the 8 Scenic Alpine Villages You Must Explore in Austria

1. Hallstatt

Hallstatt is known as one of the most picturesque villages in the world and every tourist should visit it if being in Austria. This is a lakeside village located in the Dachstein Mountains and is on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites, and tourists are treated to a combination of scenery and history. Hallstatt has beautiful wooden houses, narrow streets and the Hallstatt Salt Mine where visitors can explore 7000-year-old history of salt mining. There are also things like taking a boat tour on Lake Hallstatt or visiting the worlds oldest salt mine which is rather fascinating. Some of the Austria tour packages offer a trip to Hallstatt because of its beauty and historical sites.

2. Zell am See

Located at the base of the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier and bordering the shores of Zell am See, this village presents visitors with beauty and activities all year round. It is a year round resort; you can ski and snowboard in winter and hike and water activities in summer in this village. The area around the town is quite beautiful with historical architecture, and a picturesque lake side walk is a must do. Most Austria tour packages may contain Zell am See where the guests can have fun in winter and summer sports.

3. Alpbach

Alpbach is a typical alpine village with wooden houses and flowers on balconies and windows. It is locally known as the “The Most Beautiful Village of Austria” due to the historical and beautifully designed buildings and environment. Located amidst snow clad meadows and green forests, Alpbach offers a lot of opportunities for trekking, cycling and skiing during the winter. The village also hosts international conferences such as the Alpbach Technology Symposium and therefore many visitors from different parts of the world. Alpbach is perhaps the best destination for a quiet but exciting break and is therefore a must visit on any Austria tour.

4. Filzmoos

A relatively unknown resort that is located in the Salzburger Land region, Filzmoos is a quiet village that offers a real Austrian experience. Featuring wooden framed houses, flower filled balconies and a breathtaking view of the Bischofsmütze Mountain, Filzmoos is the place for those who prefer more quiet and tranquility in their vacation. The village also boasts of great hiking trails, hot air balloon events and cultural activities. If you are in search of a relatively quiet place and you want to enjoy the beauties of nature, Filzmoos should become one of the stops during your tour in Austria.

5. St. Wolfgang

St. Wolfgang lies on the shore of the picturesque Lake Wolfgang and is one of the most picturesque villages in the Salzkammergut. The village also has a pilgrimage church, the Church of St. Wolfgang, and the historic town center with many small shops and cafes. There are numerous places for hiking around the area with beautiful views of the lake and the mountains. Another way to spend time is to go boating on the Wolfgangsee lake to take some beautiful pictures. St. Wolfgang is a great add-on to your Austria holiday tour and will provide you with a good dose of history, culture and natural scenery.

6. Bad Gastein

Bad Gastein is a charming village in the Gastein Valley which is famous for its waterfalls, thermal spas and architecture of the turn of the nineteenth century. The village has always been a centre for tourism in terms of health, as the place is endowed with natural thermal springs for water treatments. Bad Gastein is good for skiing and snowboarding as well, because it is located in the Ski Amadé zone. During the summer season, people can go for trekking, cycling and mountain biking and other mountain related activities. There is no doubt that anyone seeking to spend some time in an Austrian Alps will be well advised to go for Austria tour packages that include Bad Gastein.

7. Lermoos

Lermoos is a beautiful village, situated at the foot of the Zugspitze Mountain which is the highest in Austria. It provides spectacular views of other mountains and it is equally good for both winter and summer sports. During winter, Lermoos is famous for skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing, and in summer, hiking, mountain biking, and visiting the forests. Lermoos is a beautiful village with a very calm environment and it is an ideal place for those who want to explore a quiet village near the mountains.

8. Schladming

Schladming is a ski resort town located in the Dachstein area; it is an adventure, a break, and everything associated with the Austrian Alps. It is in the Ski Amadé region and guests can enjoy more than 300 km of ski runs. However, Schladming is also a great place for hiking, climbing, and mountain biking during the summer season. The village is also famous for a great number of bars and clubs that are open after skiing and great restaurants. Schladming is perfect for those who want to combine vacation and active rest and should be included in the Austria tour package.

Conclusion

Austria is a destination that has it all – scenic views, beautiful villages and great culture. From skiing the snowy peaks of the Alps, to the peaceful towns by the lakes, or the various outdoor activities, Austria tour packages offer the best way to take in Austria. Such packages normally contain well planned and organized routes that lead you through the most beautiful of the Alpine villages thus making your travel a memorable one. Therefore, grab your luggage and let’s go on a journey through the most picturesque villages of Austria – your dream Austrian vacation is here!