Adventure Holidays In Austria

Landlocked in Central Europe , Austria not only lays claim to the magnificent snow-capped Alps which take up almost 60 per cent of the country’s surface area, but to spectacular mountains, crystal-clear lakes and voluptuous green valleys too. Whether it’s the stark mountain scenery, the Alpine foothills, or the Danube Valley , in Austria natural beauty abounds. No more is this evident than at Eisriesenwelt, the largest ice cave in the world, where over 42km of icy tunnels and chambers are adorned with the cold perfection of stalactites, stalagmites, frozen waterfalls and other ice formations that have shaped this crystalline world.

ADVENTURE SPORTS IN AUSTRIA

A major destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, Austria boasts 22,000km of ski runs and 16,000km of cross-country skiing trails. During summer the Austrian Alps offer a vast network of hiking trails through varied landscapes ranging from forests and green slopes to glaciers and rocks. Mountaineering and climbing opportunities are widely available throughout the Alps , and mountains offer extensive and challenging trails for mountain biking. Last but not least, rafting and canoeing can be practised in many locations in the mountains.

ADVENTURE SPORTS AREAS AND REGIONS IN AUSTRIA

Best spots for skiing & snowboarding

For great downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding, head to Tyrol where jagged snow-capped peaks tower above fast-flowing rivers, or Vorarlberg which boasts 1200km of carefully groomed slopes.

Best spots for hiking & trekking

The Zillertal Alps are particularly scenic, and Zell am Ziller is a good starting point. The fashionable ski resort of Kitzbuhel offers excellent trekking opportunities in Summer.

Best spots for mountaineering & climbing

Austria offers plenty of challenging climbs, but northern Tyrol is especially popular. Mayrhofen and Zell am Ziller are spectacularly situated and offer superb mountaineering at all standards.

Best spots for mountain biking

The best long route is the Lower Danube Cycle Track,running beside the river from Vienna to Naarn and passing beautiful medieval towns on the way. Mountains including the Wilder Kaiser and Zahmer Kaiser are also both excellent areas.

Best spots for rafting & canoeing

The Salzburg Alps offer fantastic locations for quiet canoeing or wild white water rafting, while Klagenfurt , situated on a mountain lake region, offers excellent opportunities for water sports. The Neusiedler See is Austria 's largest lake and a popular spot for canoeing, as is Austria 's lake district, the Salzkammergut.