The Most Unique Experiences You Can Have in Austria

In terms of natural beauty, Austria has it all – dramatic, jagged Alpine landscapes, glittering lakes, and lush meadows. Hiking is one of the most practical ways to absorb the rural beauty at your own pace, and there are countless trails to be discovered all over the country. The area of Südsteirische Weinstrasse, comparable to Tuscany in Italy, takes you across winding roads, vineyards and trails often leading to a traditional inn, where you can sample local wines at the end of a long day’s hike. For a more challenging route, the 250-mile long Eagle Walkin Tirol carries you across precarious mountain paths, with intimidating elevation levels.

Soar like a bird above the clouds and admire the seemingly never-ending blanket of the snow-tipped Alps below. Starting in the provincial old town of Innsbruck, the Nordkette Cable Car propels you across diverse landscapes, from rooftops to unobscured panoramic Alpine glory, in under 15 minutes. Elsewhere in the country, Doppelmayrand Tyrolean Zugspitze Cable Cars offer equally awe-inspiring journeys into the heavens, for unrivalled views.

Crystal-clear waters, swimming pool temperaturesand views of magical mountainous landscapes, Lake Erlaufsee in Lower Austria is a unique experience for watersports fans. Well-renowned for having extremely high levels of water quality, you will forget all about Austria being a landlocked country, as Erlaufsee’s sandy beaches that line the pristine shores are as tempting as any ocean. Boating, fishing and surfing are also popular activities to try.

Because the water’s appearance is so striking; a glossy, glassy, green hue – it has become somewhat of a honeypot for beady-eyed Instagrammers, who gather to capture this beautiful scene. However, restrictions have recently been applied in order to protect the lake’s wildlife, meaning that watersport fanatics will have to resist until further notice.

At first glance, this appears to be a beautifully arranged collection of sea shells, pearls or some precious stone. However, on closer inspection, you will notice that morbidly familiar parts begin to emerge. The Eggenburg Charnel, conspicuously located near the Parish Church St. Stephan in the district of Horn, Lower Austria, contains the remains of over 5,000 human beings, believed to be gathered and laid around the 1400s. It is one of the most peculiar, eerie and mysterious landmarks in the country. Due to the fragility of the collection, it is only possible to view this unusual artwork from afar, behind a thin pane of glass.

Located roughly an hour’s drive south of Salzburg’scity centre, the Eisriesenwelt underground formations are a fine example of nature producing art. The labyrinth, which stretches across a staggering 42km (26.1 miles), is the largest of its kind in the world and contains an awe-inspiring display of unique structures formed of ice and limestone. Resembling a palace fit for a snow queen, don’t miss its beguiling appearance on a trip to Austria. Open between May and October, you must book a guided tour to enter the caves. The caves near Obertraun, Upper Austria are also striking.

Another of Austria’s unique mythical natural wonders, the eerie tour through Seegrotte takes you through a series of low-lit chambers that were created in 1912, when an unsuccessful blasting operation caused water to flood the Hinterbrühl mine, resulting in the accidental formation of the largest underground subterranean lake in Europe. The natural monument is now hugely popular, with guided tours taking you by boat through the winding passages of this secret lair.

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