Holidays in Austria: Locals travel to these insider tips

Austria is a very popular and well-known travel destination, especially for people who enjoy hiking and mountaineering. You might be thinking that the days of insider tips for Austria are long gone, but that's not true.

The vacation home portal "HomeToGo" has analyzed where Austrians prefer to vacation, and not every spot is on the well-known tourism list. We'll introduce you to the top 10 from the analysis in more detail and reveal what you can expect from these insider tips in Austria.

Those expecting baroque splendor like those in Salzburg or Vienna might be initially confused. At first glance, Austria's third-largest city appears functional—dominated by industry, commerce, and transportation hubs. But Linz has undergone remarkable transformation in recent decades, evolving from a gray industrial city into a center for media art, contemporary culture, and urban experimentation.

In Linz it is worth taking a second look to really fall in love with the city.

Source: imago images/Volker Preußer

One example of this is Ars Electronica, a festival and institution that explores digital future topics – far removed from the usual art scene. The Lentos Art Museum, located directly on the Danube, also demonstrates, with its collection of modern art and its minimalist building, that Linz no longer wants to hide.

And then there's a specialty that's as understated as the city itself: the Linzer Torte. It consists of a flat shortcrust pastry base, red currant jam (called "Ribisel" in Austria) and a characteristic lattice of pastry strips. Not too sweet, pleasantly spicy, and surprisingly long-lasting. Anyone in Linz shouldn't miss a slice of this unspectacular yet traditional delicacy.

Purbach lies on the western shore of Lake Neusiedl, nestled among rolling hills and rows of vineyards, about half an hour south of Eisenstadt in Burgenland. Here, you'll find a relaxed blend of everyday rural life, winemaking, and tourism. The proximity to the water is particularly attractive, making Purbach a wonderful place for a summer holiday in the mountains without having to forgo swimming. Lake Neusiedl is just a few minutes' walk from the town.

Purbach is especially known for its rustic wine cellars in the Kellergasse.

Source: imago images/Pond5 Images

Purbach is best known for its Kellergasse, also known as "Kellerplatz" (cellar square) – a collection of traditional wine cellars grouped around a small square. Many of the cellars now operate as wine taverns or wine shops, and some are still privately owned. Especially in spring and autumn, the town becomes a popular destination for wine lovers from the surrounding area, who come here to sample local varieties such as Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, and Welschriesling.

Bad Aussee is located in the Styrian Salzkammergut region, which was last year's European Capital of Culture . The town is considered the geographical center of Austria—although this is more of a symbolic one. Travelers here will find fantastic landscapes, clean air, and a relaxed lifestyle. The old town is small but well-preserved and ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Bad Aussee is an insider tip for the Salzkammergut, away from the crowds.

Source: imago images/Volker Preußer

It's also a pleasant walk along the Traun River, and further out, paths lead to nearby lakes, such as Grundlsee and Altaussee. The Salt Mine Museum commemorates the region's long history of salt mining, which has shaped life in Aussee for centuries.

Today, mining plays only a minor role, but the awareness of local traditions remains. This is expressed particularly in the traditional costume. Unlike tourist costumes, these are worn in everyday life in Bad Aussee – to the fair, the market, or at events like the Daffodil Festival, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors every spring.

On the eastern shore of Lake Neusiedl lies the picturesque town of Podersdorf. Standing on the lakeshore, you'll think you've landed on the Baltic Sea. This place has little in common with an Alpine lake. Instead, there's an unusually wide open space, wind, and sky—and even a lighthouse. The lake is directly accessible, there's no reeds in the way, and there's also a lido with a sunbathing lawn.

An unusual sight for Austria: There is a lighthouse in Podersdorf am See.

Source: imago images/Dreamstime

In summer, Podersdorf is one of the region's busiest communities, popular with families and water sports enthusiasts. Cyclists also enjoy the well-developed Lake Neusiedl cycle path. It's also a popular stopover for birdwatchers, as the surrounding area is part of the Lake Neusiedl-Seewinkel National Park, an important wetland with great biodiversity.

Those who wish can stroll through the vineyards in the evening or stop off at one of the local wine taverns. The culinary offerings revolve around fish, regional wines, and simple, well-made dishes. Podersdorf is ideal if you're looking for a place for active days and long evenings by the water.

There are countless huts in Austria, but here we're actually referring to the village of Hütten in the Salzburg area, more specifically a district of the municipality of Sankt Martin bei Lofer in Salzburg's Saalachtal Valley. The village essentially consists of scattered farms, inns, and a few residential buildings along the road. Not much happens here—and that's perhaps its greatest advantage.

You will find peace and pure nature in the region around Hütten.

Source: imago images/Zoonar

Peace and quiet is what many seek when taking a break from everyday life, and you'll definitely find it here. The surrounding area is characterized by meadows, forests, and the nearby Saalach River, which flows through the valley. In the morning, a few tractors chug through the streets, cows graze on the lush grass on the slopes, and the birdsong provides the last bit of relaxation.

The huts are a great starting point for hikes in the Loferer Steinberge Mountains or excursions to neighboring Tyrol . In summer, the surrounding alpine pastures also offer catering. The Saalachtal Natural Forces Trail, with its Seisenberg Gorge and Lamprechtshöhle Cave, is particularly attractive.

We're heading back to the Salzkammergut, to Tauplitz. The town lies at approximately 900 meters above sea level, nestled between the Grimming Mountains, the Totes Gebirge Mountains, and the Tauplitzalm pasture of the same name. Part of the municipality of Bad Mitterndorf, the town is compact and quaintly laid out. In summer, Tauplitz is a popular starting point for hikes, and in winter, it's a popular destination for ski enthusiasts.

The region around the Tauplitzalm is particularly popular with holidaymakers.

Source: imago images/Depositphotos

Tauplitz is particularly popular for the Tauplitzalm, one of the largest plateaus in Central Europe, accessible via a toll alpine road. In spring, crocuses bloom here, in summer, cows graze between mountain lakes, and in winter, cross-country skiers zip along expansive trails. The village itself offers a variety of accommodations, from farmhouses to holiday homes to hotels.

Tauplitz also offers exactly what many expect from a cozy Austrian town: hearty home-cooked meals, regional game, and delicious pastries. If you look up at the mountains from this location, one in particular will catch your eye: the Grimming, a striking, free-standing mountain and one of Austria's most striking geological phenomena. It reaches an altitude of 2,351 meters and lies between the Enns Valley and the Salzkammergut.

Things are getting a bit more touristy again at Lake Wörthersee: Velden is located on the western shore in Carinthia, about a 20-minute drive from Klagenfurt. The town is one of the most famous holiday resorts in the country – with a reputation that oscillates somewhere between jet-set nostalgia and a beach holiday for the masses. Back in the 1990s, Velden was a filming location for the television series "A Castle on Lake Wörthersee," and the castle of the same name on the lakeshore still serves as a photo opportunity and hotel today.

Velden am Wörthersee is very popular with locals and travelers alike.

Source: imago images/Dreamstime

Accordingly, Velden is bustling in the summer, but the locals seem to love it nonetheless, as the survey shows. The promenade, the beach park, and the small center around Casinoplatz attract daytrippers and vacationers. Those seeking peace and quiet will only find it at a distance—for example, early in the morning or at less frequented shores. The lake itself is warm, clear, and easily accessible.

A visit to the weekly market is also recommended, where you'll find fresh bread, cheese, and other regional products in your shopping basket. In the evenings, Velden reveals its more extroverted side – with bars, events, and a casino that attracts visitors from all over Carinthia. It's therefore more of a destination for those who prefer a more lively atmosphere.

Things get religious in Mariazell, as for centuries the local basilica has attracted pilgrims from all over Central Europe, especially from Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Austria. The town itself lies in northern Upper Styria at about 860 meters above sea level, surrounded by the foothills of the Ybbstal Alps. At first glance, it appears like a classic mountain town, but this spiritual dimension significantly shapes it.

Religion plays a major role in Mariazell and it is a popular place of pilgrimage.

Source: imago images/Dreamstime

At the center is the Baroque Basilica of the Nativity of Mary, with its striking twin-towered façade and the Gothic Chapel of Grace. Especially on religious holidays and at certain pilgrimage times, the town becomes noticeably bustling with worshippers, processions, and tour buses. If you visit outside of these times, you'll experience a more peaceful Mariazell experience.

The atmosphere in the town also changes in winter: Mariazell becomes a winter sports center with a toboggan run, cross-country ski trails, and a small ski area on the Bürgeralpe mountain. The Mariazell Advent season, with its mix of Christmas markets, gingerbread traditions, and musical programs, attracts visitors every year.

In the western tip of Carinthia, you'll find the small town of Preitenegg at an altitude of approximately 1,100 meters. You won't find any sights or large churches here; instead, you'll find peace, beautiful nature, and fresh mountain air. The municipality has only about 1,000 inhabitants and consists of scattered hamlets, isolated farms, and a small village center. While tourism isn't huge here, there are still vacation apartments, inns, and numerous hiking trails.

The region around Preitenegg is ideal for hiking holidays.

Source: imago images/Depositphotos

In winter, there are smaller cross-country ski trails and excursions to the nearby Koralpe ski area. The region around Preitenegg has a very authentic feel; many farms sell regional products directly on site, and hearty cuisine awaits you in the inns. If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Preitenegg is the right place for you.

Zettersfeld lies above the town of Lienz in East Tyrol at approximately 1,800 meters above sea level—accessible by car or via a cable car that leads directly up from the valley. The name refers less to a settlement than to a high plateau used as a recreational and sports area in both summer and winter. The town lies in the valley, with the Lienz Dolomites above—and to the south, you can enjoy panoramic views.

In Zettersfeld, rugged nature awaits you.

Source: imago images/Dreamstime

In summer, hiking is a popular activity here; there are numerous trails from the mountain station to alpine pastures, huts, and viewpoints. From here, you can even hike to the Hochstein or Steinermandl. The village is also a good destination in winter if you don't feel like spending time in crowded ski resorts. Zettersfeld is part of the Lienz ski area: manageable, family-friendly, with sunny slopes and a comparatively quiet atmosphere.

Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter, and the best travel deals on our deals page .