Summer in Austrian Alps

Walking and Hiking in Austrian Alps

Hiking is a very popular pastime in Europe. And once you have reached one of the magnificent peaks and enjoyed the rewarding views, you will understand why. A vast network of hiking paths and Alpine huts maintained by various Alpine associations make it easy to spend days in the mountains on long cross country walks. If you prefer a more relaxing approach, there are cable cars that take you up the mountains, where you can rest on sunny plateaus and enjoy the delicious local foods served at the various mountain huts and restaurants.

And who knew, that so much pleasure is also good for your wellbeing: the “Austrian Moderate Altitude Study 2000” has confirmed the longstanding notion that a prolonged stay at moderate altitudes has a beneficial effect on a person’s health.

As a paradise for leisurely walkers, Austria offers more than 31,000 miles of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all proficiency levels. Resorts such as Innsbruck and the Alpbach Valley in Tirol, Salzburg and the Arlberg Region in Vorarlberg provide not only fantastic scenic experiences, but modern infrastructure and convenient services catering to walkers and hikers. Be sure to reward yourself after a long walk and stop at one of the countless restaurants serving “Brettljausen” and “Kaiserschmarrn”. For more information contact the Austrian Tourist Office and ask for the new “Walking Guide”.

National Parks in Austria

To preserve the beauty of the Alps all countries have created a number of national parks. Generally spoken a National Park is a large-scale environmental conservation program that protects the entire fauna and flora of a region. As such it is a measure of a nation's willingness to forego commercial and industrial exploitation on behalf of nature. Join guided tours or explore the incomparable landscapes of these parks on your own for nature experiences way off the beaten path.

One of the best known protected territories in Austria is the Hohe Tauern National Park, covering huge areas in three provinces: Salzburg, Tirol and Carinthia. There are few regions in Austria offering so many highlights. The difference in elevation from the deepest valley to the impressive peak of the "Grossglockner", Austria’s highest mountain, adds up to almost 8530 feet. A visitors center, several learning paths and spectacular hiking paths await discovery. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, an attraction in itself, offers breathtaking views for those traveling by car.

Cities in Austria

The Alps are famous for their imposing mountain ranges, beautiful nature and a diverse wildlife. Equally stunning however, are the cities that developed either in the middle of the Alps or at their outskirts, and whose development was closely intertwined with the nature of their surroundings.

Built along trading routes they have flourished into international cities with an open mind for art and innovation as well as a high regard for the traditions that were shaped by their environment.

In the year 2006 Vienna and Salzburg will host several spectacular events to celebrate the 250th birthday of W. A. Mozart. Vienna is Austria’s capital and distinguishes itself through endless cultural offerings and its charming atmosphere. Apart form its status as a music capital, Salzburg is also a popular base for excursions into the surrounding Alpine regions. The only major city directly nestled into the European Alps is Innsbruck, which offers an unequaled combination of culture, history and nature. The medieval town is famous not only for its outstanding skiing, but for its lovely architecture, beautiful surroundings and especially its hospitality.

Summer Events in Austria

In spite of regional differences, they all have something in common: People love every occasion to celebrate, be it a sporting event or a traditional parade.

Events of all kinds draw visitors to Austria. Among the biggest is the Vienna Festival in May/June, which features performances that are considered the highlights of each concert and performing art season. Each August the Salzburg Festival, one of the most important theatre and music festivals in the world, features drama, concerts and opera since 1920. In the sports sector, the Three Country-Marathon draws a lot of attention. This scenic run leads around Lake Constance through Germany and Switzerland to the finish line in Bregenz, Austria.