When planning a summer trip to Austria, we recommend spending the majority of your time in the Austrian Alps. Here, you’ll experience the satiating intersection between culinary tradition and the great outdoors.
Whether you’re hiking, cycling, climbing, or walking, your outdoor pursuits will be enriched by the jovial atmosphere and hearty fare of Austrian mountain huts and Almen (“Alpe” in Vorarlberg).
Accommodation in the Austrian Alps ranges from budget-friendly Pensionen (guesthouses) to luxurious wellness hotels. There’s an extremely high standard of hygiene in Austria, so no matter the price point, accommodation will be impeccably clean. Many Austrian accommodations include breakfast and dinner (half board) in their room rate.
In this round-up of the best places to stay in Austria in summer, we’re highlighting our favorite towns and hotels in the Austrian Alps for hikers and active-travelers.
If you need help figuring out how to plan a road trip route across Austria in summer, check out these itineraries: 7-Day Austria Road Trip, 10-Day Bavarian Alps and Tyrolean Alps, and 2-Week Austria Road Trip.
- Summer Season in Austria: June – September
- Austria Travel Tips: (1) If you’re driving to Austria from a neighboring country, purchase a vignette (toll sticker) when you cross the border. (2) Always carry extra cash for parking fees, toll fees, and dining in mountain huts. Many establishments are still cash only.
- Top Hikes in Austria: Best Day Hikes in Austria
- Get the Guidebooks: Lonely Planet Austria, DK Eyewitness Austria
Best Places to Stay in Austria Map
How to use the map | Click on the map icons to display further information about each accommodation.
WHERE TO STAY
Montafon Valley
Lech Valley
Seefeld in Tirol
Hochkönig
Ramsau am Dachstein
1. Lake Achensee, Tyrol
Nestled between the Karwendel Mountains and the Rofan Mountains in Tyrol, Lake Achensee (930 m) is the ultimate summer destination in Austria for travelers who want to hike, bike, and swim.
Lake Achen is a 45-minute drive away from Innsbruck and a 1:30-hour drive from Munich.
We love Tyrol’s largest lake, because most of the lakeshore is pristine and undeveloped.
There are three main villages around the lake: Pertisau, Maurach, and Achenkirch.
Base yourself in the village of Pertisau along the southwestern shore, for direct lake access, great hotels, and a lovely holiday atmosphere.
Achensee is ideal for active travelers, who want to spend most of their time adventuring in the mountains, or in the lake. While it’s possible to enjoy a relaxing holiday in a lakeside hotel like Seehotel Einwaller, Entners am See, or Travel Charme Fürstenhaus am Achensee, village attractions and shopping are very limited.
Families with children will enjoy walking along western shore of Lake Achen from Pertisau to the secluded Gaisalm mountain pasture. Return along the same route, or with the Achensee Schifffahrt (Lake Achen Pedestrian Ferry). The walk through Falzthurntal Valley from Pertisau to Gramai Alm is also great for families, or anyone looking for a soft adventure on arrival days.
The surrounding mountains are studded with mountain huts and etched in hiking trails that are signed and easy-to-follow. Our favorite Achensee hikes are Bärenkopf (moderate), Gramai Alm to Hahnkampl Circuit (moderate-moderately difficult), Seekarspitze-Seebergspitze Ridge (difficult), and Hochiss (moderately difficult).
Lake Achensee, specifically Pertisau, or Maurach, is well-suited for travelers without a car, as buses link all the main areas and trailheads. However, the Karwendel valleys are not serviced by buses, so you may need to rent a bike, or take a taxi to explore Falzthurntal, Tristenautal, and Gerntal.
Learn More: Lake Achensee Travel Guide
Pertisau Accommodations
Midrange | Seehotel St. Hubertus is a top-rated hotel with a private beach, on-site restaurant, and wellness area.
Midrange | Hotel Bergland is a traditional Tyrolean hotel with an on-site restaurant. All rooms have balconies. Guests love the location, the friendly staff, and the food.
Adults-only Luxury | The charming 4-star Hotel Auszeit pampers guests with its relaxing spa facilities (4 modern saunas, relaxing room, outdoor pool, garden), scenic setting, and excellent breakfast. Read our Hotel Auszeit Hotel Review.
Adults-only Luxury | Seehotel Einwaller – adults only impresses with its stylish rooms, lake-facing wellness area, à la carte restaurant, and scenic lakeside location. In summer, guests can enjoy the hotel’s private pier, furnished with comfortable sunbeds and umbrellas. Expect an excellent breakfast. Read our Seehotel Einwaller Hotel Review.
Luxury | NOVA Moments Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel with 34 air-conditioned rooms and suites, all tastefully furnished in an elegant, alpine-modern style. The hotel is set in a quiet location, 900 meters away from the lakeshore. Hotel facilities include an outdoor natural pool (open in summer), infinity whirlpool (open all-year-round), sauna, steam-bath, wellness relaxation room, garage parking with electric car charging stations, and fitness room.
Family-friendly Luxury | Hotel Wagnerhof is a half board (breakfast and dinner included) hotel with traditional Tyrolean-style rooms as well as plush, modern suites. Surrounded by meadows, this lovely accommodation boasts 3 swimming pools, a spa, and fitness center.
More accommodations in Pertisau | Das Karwendel (luxury) and Travel Charme Fürstenhaus am Achensee (lakeside luxury).
Look for accommodation in Pertisau.
2. Innsbruck, Tyrol
Innsbruck (574 m) is the capital of Tyrol and the fifth-largest city in Austria. Straddling the River Inn, the colorful city enjoys a picturesque setting between the Karwendel Nordkette (Karwendel Northern Chain), Tux Alps, and the Kalkkögel Mountains.
Innsbruck is the perfect summer destination for travelers who want to balance outdoor pursuits with “urban” pleasures. You can tour castles, visit museums, dine al fresco, and shop.
The Hungerburgbahn funicular connects the city center with the Nordkette Cable Car Valley Station. Ride the Nordkette cable car followed by the Hafelekar cable car to start the celebrated Goetheweg hiking trail.
Axamer Lizum, accessible by bus, is the starting point for hikes in the striking Kalkkögel mountains like the Nockspitze/Saile trail.
Take a train to Stans b.Schwaz Bahnhof, or drive, in order to visit the Wolfsklamm Gorge.
Those traveling by car, may want to drive to Hinterhornalm in order to walk, or bike to the Walderalm mountain pasture for lunch. We ate lunch at Walderalm after hiking to Hundskopf (2243 m).
Families with children will love the Stone Pine Path (Zirbenweg in German), a high trail which stretches between the Patscherkofelbahn mountain station and the Glungezerbahn mountain station.
Learn More: Best Hikes in Innsbruck
Innsbruck Accommodations
Budget-Midrange | Motel One Innsbruck is located near the Innsbruck Train Station, a mere 10-minute walk into the Innenstadt (Inner City of Innsbruck). This modern 3-star hotel offers snug rooms with views overlooking the city and mountains. Don’t miss the top floor bar. Perks: luggage storage and 24/7 reception. Breakfast and underground parking are both available for an extra charge.
Midrange | NALA individuellhotel is a quirky hotel with uniquely-designed rooms, a sun terrace, fitness room, breakfast (extra fee), and nearby parking (extra fee).
Midrange-Luxury | Faktorei is a boutique hotel housed in a 15th century town house with 12 sun-drenched minimalist rooms, a garden, terrace, and bar. Private garage parking is available, but must be reserved in advance (extra fee). Breakfast is served in the hotel’s adjacent café (extra fee).
Top Choice – Luxury | Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz is a contemporary hotel with an atmospheric bar in Innsbruck’s pedestrian zone. Stay here for the delicious breakfast, stylish design, professional staff, and location. No on-site parking.
Top Choice – Luxury | Set in a historic building in the center of Innsbruck, the exceptional Weisses Rössl is a boutique hotel with a 600-year-old Tyrolean restaurant. Expect a delicious breakfast. Paid public parking is located nearby.
More Innsbruck Accommodations: Montagu Hostel (budget), Hotel Innsbruck (luxury), or Hotel Zach (luxury)
Look for accommodation in Innsbruck.
3. Seefeld in Tirol, Tyrol
Seefeld in Tirol (1180 m) is an alpine town on a plateau, high above the Inntal Valley in Tyrol. The town sits between the Karwendel Mountains and the Wetterstein Mountains.
Seefeld has a charming pedestrian center, where most of the town’s shops, hotels, and restaurants are concentrated.
The town of Seefeld is connected to the Karwendel Mountains via a funicular and cable car, making hiking and via ferrata climbing easily accessible. Popular destinations include Reither Spitze, Nördlinger Hütte, and Seefelder Spitze.
Beyond the immediate town center, Seefeld serves as a perfect base for exploring the Gaistal Valley that runs between the Wetterstein Mountains and the Mieminger Chain. Starting in Gaistal, we hiked the spellbinding Rotmoosalm – Wettersteinhütte circuit trail, which ranks as one of our favorite day hikes in Austria.
Venture to Schanz to explore the Leutasch Gorge, or Scharnitz to bike in Karwendel Nature Park, or start the 6-day Karwendel High Trail.
Cross the border into Bavaria to visit the fabled town of Mittenwald and continue to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where you can hike through Partnach Gorge and Hell’s Gorge, walk around Lake Eibsee, and climb Alpspitze (Grade A/B via ferrata).
Travelers looking for a private mountain retreat that combines luxury, gourmet food, and spa facilities, ought to take a close look at Nidum Casual Luxury Hotel, situated on the edge of the Seefeld Plateau. Read our Nidum Casual Luxury Hotel review.
Seefeld in Tirol Accommodations
Budget | Hotel Residence Metropol offers cozy and clean double rooms, apartments, and family suites. Guests love the balcony view and the friendly staff. Free on-site parking.
Budget | Located across from Wildsee Lake in Seefeld, LakeSide Apartments Seefeld is a modern apartment complex with studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments. Free on-site parking.
Budget | Lifestylehotel dasMAX is a sleek and modern hotel, set in the center of Seefeld, very close to the train station. Bedrooms feature soundproof windows and contemporary Danish furniture. Guests have access to an on-site bistro, an honesty bar, wellness area with a sauna and rooftop relaxation space. Breakfast is available from 7:30 – 10:30 am for an extra charge.
Budget | Apart Simon Seefeld offers 3 cheerful, well-equipped apartments in the town center of Seefeld.
Midrange | Tiroler Weinstube occupies an ideal location in Seefeld in Tirol’s pedestrian zone. Apartments are spacious, tastefully-furnished, and well-equipped. Guests love the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Free parking is available in a location nearby.
Midrange-Luxury | Oasis Princess Bergfrieden is a traditional, Austrian hotel in Seefeld, just 5 minutes from the town center. A wonderful breakfast buffet is included in the room rate. Guests love the comfortable beds, wellness facilities (heated indoor pool, steam sauna, sauna, rain shower), and mountain-facing garden and sun terrace.
Midrange-Luxury Aparthotel | The sparkling new Summit Seefeld offers elegant 1-2 bedroom apartments in the heart of Seefeld in Tirol. The complimentary spa area includes a 50°C bio sauna, Finnish sauna, steam bath, relaxation area, and outdoor pool. Breakfast is available at an extra charge.
Luxury | The 5-star Hotel Klosterbräu, housed in a former 16th-century monastery, is the grande dame of Seefeld hotels. Guests enjoy access to a luxurious spa with various saunas, an indoor pool, and outdoor pool. Half board is available.
Luxury | The 5-star Alpin Resort Sacher is a dazzling property with rustic elegant interiors, a 4700-m² spa complex, indoor and outdoor pools, and an on-site restaurant. Half board recommended.
Look for accommodation in Seefeld in Tirol.
4. Lech am Arlberg, Vorarlberg
Lech am Arlberg (1444 m) is a posh ski resort town in the westernmost Austrian state of Vorarlberg. Linked to the Arlberg Ski Resort, Lech attracts the upper echelon of society in winter. However, in summer the atmosphere is far more subdued.
The surrounding scenery is wildly romantic. The alpine village is bisected by the river and lies at the foot of Omeshorn (2557 m).
Cradled by the Lechquellen Mountains and the Lechtal Alps, darling Lech is a delightful destination in the Austrian Alps for hikers, walkers, and families with children.
Outdoor pursuits range from easy valley walks to strenuous climbs. E-biking is also particularly popular and most hotels in the region rent out e-bikes to guests.
We integrated Lech into our 2-Week Austria Road Trip. But, rest assured that Lech is an ideal destination for those traveling without a car. Buses link the village with all the trailheads.
Things to Do in Lech am Arlberg in Summer
Lech is the starting point of the Lechweg, a moderate 125 km long-distance-trail that follows the Lech Valley all the way to Füssen in Bavaria, Germany.
The first stage of the Lechweg is a popular day hike for those staying in Lech. The trail starts at the stunning Lake Formarinsee, accessible by bus. From the lake, we recommend detouring to Freiburger Hütte, before following the Lechweg down Zugertal Valley back to Lech.
Our absolute favorite day hike in Lech links Lake Formarinsee with Lake Spullersee. This enchanting trail crosses flower-carpeted meadows and a sea of karst, before ascending to the Gehrengrat ridge. The trail leads to Dalaaser Schütz high alpine valley and ultimately to the Spullersee reservoir.
If you stay a few days in Lech am Arlberg, also check out the Spuller Schafberg Peak, Rüfikopf to Stuttgarter Hut hike, and Oberlech to Göppinger Hut.
Learn More: Lech am Arlberg Summer Hiking Guide
Where to Stay in Lech am Arlberg in Summer
Budget | Lech Hostel is a budget-friendly accommodation in Lech am Arlberg, offering clean and cozy single, double, and triple rooms. Guests have access to a shared kitchen and shared lounge. Bathrooms are shared as well. The room rate is unbeatable.
Midrange | Hotel Garni Schneider is a top-rated, affordable bed and breakfast, situated next to Rüfikopfbahn in the center of Lech. Bedrooms are nicely decorated, spotless, and comfortable. Guests also have access to a wellness area (Finnish sauna, steam bath, Kneipp basins, and relaxation room) and free private parking.
Luxury | Hotel Arlberg Lech is a top-rated, upscale hotel in the very heart of Lech village. Stay here for their award-winning spa and wellness area, an oasis comprising a heated pool, 6 saunas, a cold plunge pool, ladies-only area, and hydrotherapy showers. Half board available.
Look for accommodation in Lech.
Learn More: Best Hotels in Lech
Hotel Auenhof
Hotel Auenhof is a family-run hotel, situated along the River Lech, facing Omeshorn.
With its dreamy location and extraordinary staff, Hotel Auenhof outshines other Lech accommodations in terms of its hospitality and atmosphere.
The family and staff work hand-in-hand to ensure that your stay is comfortable and memorable.
The highlight of staying here is the creative cuisine. Each night, chef Matthias Fiebig prepares a unique, multi-course dinner menu, which delights and surprises in equal measure.
Many hotel restaurants strive to be innovative, but none so successfully as Hotel Auenhof.
The wellness area has recently been expanded. The newest addition is the “silent spa” relaxation area, a lavish space to rest after enjoying one of Auenhof’s five saunas.
Der Berghof
Der Berghof is an elegant hotel in the center of Lech.
This hotel delivers an unparalleled experience in terms of style, comfort, wellness and cuisine. Each bedroom is uniquely designed and furnished with the finest materials.
The wellness area features 5 modern saunas, a cold water basin, a foot bath, relaxation room, and tea and snack bar.
Guests can look forward to a rich and healthy breakfast buffet featuring sliced cheese and meats, spreads (hummus, Liptauer, etc…), eggs and bacon, breads and delicious croissants, homemade jams, muesli and yogurt, a juice bar and a premium loose leaf tea bar.
You also have the option to eat dinner in the hotel. Each evening, a 5-course menu is served in the main dining room.
Where to Stay in Oberlech in Summer
Oberlech (1750 m, “Upper Lech”) is located on the Lechquellen mountain slopes overlooking Lech am Arlberg.
Depending on what you want to do, Oberlech is either more convenient or less convenient.
For example, if you want to hike to the summit of Mohnenfluh, Lake Butzensee, or Kriegeralpe, it’s best to stay in Oberlech, as you can easily hop on the Petersbodenbahn cableway.
However, if you want to catch buses to Zugertal (Zug, Formarinsee, Spullersee) or Zürs, you first have to get down to Lech.
It’s a beautiful 20-30 minute walk from Oberlech to Lech, but it does add one more logistical step to your day. You can also take the Bergbahn Lech – Oberlech.
Hotel Sonnenburg in Oberlech
Hotel Sonnenburg is a family-friendly hotel in Oberlech. Sonnenburg is actually two interconnected hotels: the 5-star Stammhaus and the 4-star Landhaus.
This is an ideal accommodation if you’re traveling with children because you can take advantage of their free childcare service, which is provided 5 days per week, 5 hours per day, in summer. The hotel also has a 24-hour children’s playroom, a youth room, and even a cinema with daily screenings of children’s movies.
The best part about staying here is the extensive, rich breakfast buffet and the elegant and spacious Stammhaus bedrooms and suites.
At breakfast, you’ll receive a daily leaflet with the weather forecast, daily book recommendation, the dinner menu, and any events (e.g. Lech Musicians Day) and hotel offerings (e.g. yoga).
5. Schladming, Styria
The Austrian State of Styria (Steiermark) doesn’t benefit from the same press as Salzburg and Tyrol (Tirol), and perhaps that’s a very good thing. There’s something so authentic and down-to-earth about Styria.
When we reminisce about all the mountain huts (Hütten) we’ve visited, it’s the Styrian mountain huts that have left the most lasting impression, because of their endearing charm, hospitality, and relaxed atmosphere.
The Styrian town of Schladming (745 m) is located in Steirisches Ennstal Valley, between the Schladminger Tauern mountains in the Austrian Central Alps and the Dachstein mountains in the Northern Limestone Alps.
Because these two mountain ranges are part of different mountain chains, you can expect vast scenic diversity.
When you’re craving alpine landscapes characterized by glaciers and craggy limestone peaks, head to the Dachstein. When you want to saunter around an alpine lake, head to Schladminger Tauern.
The Schladming-Dachstein region boasts 1000 km of hiking paths, 1000 km of mountain bike routes, and 22 via ferrata climbs.
Schladming is a laid-back town with wonderful hotels and restaurants. We highly recommend dining in Die Tischlerei, an excellent restaurant that serves innovative and cooked-to-perfection Styrian cuisine with international influences. Guests can choose between three set menus (Vegetarian, Fish, or Meat), or order from the à la carte menu.
We also love the on-site restaurant of Stadthotel Brunner. and the sushi GENUSSbar of JOHANN Schladming.
Things to Do in Schladming in Summer
Hike the 5-day Schladminger Tauern High Trail.
Hike from Ursprungalm to Giglachseen (Giglach Lakes) in Schladminger Tauern and eat lunch at the Ursprungalm mountain pasture.
Hike from Eschachalm in Obertal valley to Lake Duisitzkarsee in Schladminger Tauern.
Hike the Alpinsteig durch die Höll trail to Lake Riesachsee in Untertal valley.
Hike the Five Huts Trail in the Dachstein Mountains starting in Ramsau Ort.
Take a day trip to Filzmoos in Salzburg.
Learn More: Schladming Summer Hiking Guide
Where to Stay in Schladming in Summer
If you’re traveling without a car, we recommend staying in the town center of Schladming.
If you’re traveling with a car, also consider staying in Rohrmoos, on the plateau above Schladming. There are some excellent hotels in Rohrmoos including Gästehaus Mirzl (midrange), Hotel Schwaigerhof (luxury), Apart & Suiten Hotel Weiden (luxury), ARX Guesthouse (luxury), Thalers Mariandl (midrange-luxury), and Burgfellnerhof – Adults Only (luxury).
Budget-Midrange | TUI BLUE Schladming is situated across the street from the Planai gondola valley station and bus stop in Schladming. The location is unbeatable. The rooms were spacious and comfortable. The staff is extremely hardworking and motivated (beyond excellent). There’s even a rooftop wellness area with a large infrared sauna, steam sauna, and outdoor Finnish sauna. Private garage parking available (reservation needed, extra fee).
Luxury | JOHANN Schladming is a newly renovated luxury hotel in the town center of Schladming, a 4-minute walk to the Planai gondola valley station. This standout hotel has a bar, à la carte restaurant, wellness area (3 saunas), rooftop swimming pool, gym, and private parking.
Look for accommodation in Schladming.
Stadthotel Brunner
Stadthotel Brunner is a boutique yoga hotel in the heart of Schladming. Boasting a fantastic location and bold modern design, Stadthotel Brunner is the best accommodation in Schladming if you’re keen on healthy (ayurvedic) food, yoga, and design.
This is an especially great place to stay if you’re traveling without a car. You’re within walking distance to the Talbachklamm gorge (3 minutes), Planai cableway valley station (5 minutes), Panai bus stop (5 minutes), Schladming train station (15 minutes), and all restaurants and attractions in Schladming.
More reasons to stay here: on-site restaurant, delicious breakfast buffet, Finnish sauna and relaxation area, and complimentary Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card, which gives you free rides on hiking buses and cableways.
6. Hochkönig Region, Salzburg
The Hochkönig holiday region encompasses the villages of Mühlbach am Hochkönig (860 m), Dienten am Hochkönig (1071 m), and Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer (802 m) in the Northern Limestone Alps.
This Salzburg region is defined by the striking Hochkönig massif and the Steinernes Meer (stone sea) mountains, both of which are part of the Berchtesgaden Alps.
The Hochkönig region is an attractive summer destination, because it’s unbelievably scenic, family-friendly, and very welcoming. It boasts wonderful e-bike and mountain bike routes, alpine pasture walks, and challenging via ferrata routes.
We love walking the Mühlbach High Trail at the foot of the Hochkönig, watching the sunrise at Hochkeil, and summiting Taghaube Peak.
What sets the Hochkönig region apart is that it’s home to a staggering 56 managed alpine pastures and huts. That’s 56 charming places to eat in the mountains!!
Where to Stay in the Hochkönig Region
Most accommodations in the Hochkönig region provide the Hochkönig Card at no extra charge (June – October). This guest card gives you free rides on regional transit and cable cars and more.
Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer
Luxury | Berg & Spa Hotel Urslauerhof is located in Maria Alm-Hinterthal.
Luxury | We stayed at the Eder – Lifestyle Hotel, which is located directly in the village center of Maria Alm. We loved the hotel’s atmosphere, innovative cuisine, and creative design. Here’s our Hotel Eder Review.
Luxury | Jufenalm BOHO Hotel & Restaurant is a stylish hotel with a “boho meets alpine” design concept. Stay here for the interior design, dreamy mountain setting, views of Steinernes Meer, and natural bathing pond and spa. Breakfast is included and you can dine in the hotel’s à la carte restaurant.
Look for accommodation in Maria Alm.
Dienten am Hochkönig
Midrange-luxury Apartments | The Peak Hochkönig is an aparthotel in the town center of Dienten. All apartments are decorated in an alpine-modern style and have fully-equipped kitchens, dining areas, seating areas, and washing machines. Some apartments have saunas. Extra perk: underground parking.
Midrange All-Inclusive | Hotel-Gasthof Salzburger Hof is an all-inclusive, family-friendly hotel in Dienten. Stay here for the excellent food, friendly staff, and children’s facilities and programs (e.g. kid-friendly dinner, supervised summer program for kids ages 4+, play area, library, etc…).
Look for accommodation in Dienten am Hochkönig.
Mühlbach am Hochkönig
Budget | Landhaus Rieding is a guesthouse located on the Riedingalm mountain pasture at the foot of the Hochkönig mountains. If you want to wake up in the mountains, surrounded by beautiful peaks and idyllic pastureland, stay here.
Midrange-Luxury | Das Grünholz Aparthotel & Restaurant is located on Mandlwandstrasse, about halfway between the town center of Mühlbach and Arthurhaus. This family-run aparthotel boasts stunning modern apartments, excellent breakfasts, and spa facilities.
Look for accommodation in Mühlbach am Hochkönig.
7. Mayrhofen, Zillertal, Tyrol
With Nature Park Zillertal Alps at its doorstep, the Tyrolean town of Mayrhofen (633 m) in Zillertal Valley is one of the best places to stay in Austria in Summer.
Humming with holidaymakers and active travelers in summer, Mayrhofen has an upbeat vibe that is contagious.
Traditional folk music plays a central role in town life. In the evening, restaurants and hotels host Tyrolean bands, creating a steady stream of music that accompanies you from one side of town to the other.
If you base yourself in Mayrhofen, you can embark on a number of day hikes in the Zillertal Alps like the hike to Olpererhütte, Plauenerhütte, or Bodenalm. To reach trailheads, you can use local transit.
Learn More: Fantastic Things to Do in Mayrhofen in Summer
Where to Stay in Mayrhofen in Summer
Budget | Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof is a cozy and traditional guesthouse in Mayrhofen with an attractive price point. Guests love the location, outdoor swimming pool, and hospitality. Breakfast is included.
Budget-Midrange | Der Siegeler B&B – this lifestylehotel rocks is a charming, recently refurbished bed and breakfast in Mayrhofen, a short walk away from the main train and bus station. Partake in the lively atmosphere of the on-site sports bar, where camaraderie thrives and memories are made.
Luxury | Indulge in pure luxury at Hotel Neue Post, a timeless Tyrolean treasure with roots dating back to the 17th century. Nestled in the heart of Mayrhofen, this 4-star-superior haven effortlessly blends heritage with modern comforts such as a rooftop pool, sauna complex, and well-equipped gym. Delight your palate at the esteemed on-site restaurant, and make your stay even sweeter with a half board booking.
Luxury | ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat- Adults only is a stunning newly renovated hotel with a marvelous spa and wellness center and an on-site Tyrolean restaurant. Bedrooms are spacious, extremely comfortable, and immaculately clean. Your breakfast and dinner (half board) are included in the room rate.
Full-Board Luxury | The riverside ZillergrundRock Luxury Mountain Resort is a stylish, light-flooded property just outside of Mayrhofen (5-minute drive). This haven of hospitality seamlessly intertwines timeless charm with contemporary elegance, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in pure indulgence: two spa areas, high-quality gourmet full-board experience, and year-round activity program.
Look for accommodation in Mayrhofen.
Alpenhotel Kramerwirt
Midrange | Alpenhotel Kramerwirt is a family-run hotel, located in the heart of Mayrhofen.
This traditional Austrian hotel exhibits a high standard of hospitality, food, and comfort.
Their breakfast buffet is memorable. In the evening, local bands and music groups perform outside on the hotel terrace.
8. Montafon Valley, Vorarlberg
Montafon Valley stretches 39-km from Bludenz to Bielerhöhe in Vorarlberg. Encircled by the Verwall, Silvretta and Rätikon mountain ranges, this alpine region is an excellent place to stay in Austria in summer for hiking.
Montafon Valley is made up of ten villages, the largest being Schruns-Tschagguns (690 m).
Schruns is located on the opposite side of the Ill river from Tschagguns, but they are essentially one town. This is the best base in Montafon Valley, because of easy access to transit, gondolas, hotels, shops, and restaurants.
It’s exciting to stay in Schruns because you can hike one day in the crystalline Silvretta, the next day in the limestone Rätikon mountains, and the day after in the Verwall (also crystalline).
You can go on guided tours across glaciers and summit Piz Buin (3312 m), the highest mountain in Vorarlberg. Families can visit charming Alpe(n), where alpine dairy farms still produce cheese, and scenic Hütten (mountain huts).
Multi-day hikers can tackle a section or the complete 13-stage Montafoner Hüttenrunde. We hiked five stages of the trail and fell absolutely in love with the region.
Things to Do in Montafon in Summer
Hike the Hohes Rad circuit trail from the Silvretta Stausee (at Bielerhöhe) up Bieltal, over the Radsattel to Wiesbadenerhütte, and back down to Silvretta Stausee.
Hike the Montafon Hut-to-Hut Circuit (Montafon Hüttenrunde) across the Silvretta Alps.
Drive the Silvretta High Alpine Road.
Eat Montafoner Sauerkäse (Sura Kees) at an Alpe (alpine dairy). We recommend Alpe Vergalden, a 1-hour walk from Gargellen.
Watch the Almabtrieb cattle drive processions in September.
Visit Wormser Hütte for one of the best views of the Montafon Valley.
Walk around Lünersee.
Hike the Rätikon High Trail.
Eat regional food at Löwen Gaststube in Tschagguns.
Where to Stay in Montafon in Summer
Budget | The brand new TUI Blue Montafon hotel in Tschagguns features modern, comfortable, and quiet (sound-proof) bedrooms. Guests praise the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff. And, the breakfast buffet is excellent, offering a lot of variety and local ingredients. The hotel has an on-site restaurant (limited menu) and small spa area.
Midrange | The quaint Gasthof Löwen in Tschagguns is a traditional, family-run hotel dating back to 1500. The hotel restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Montafon. It’s also one of our favorite restaurants in all of Austria. Expect a wonderful breakfast as well. On Thursdays, the family members play traditional music in the bar. Guests also have access to the Montafoner Hof indoor-outdoor pool.
Luxury | Amrai Suites is an alpine-modern hotel in Schruns with an on-site restaurant and luxurious wellness area. Tastefully designed with natural materials and an earthy color palette, the bedrooms are both incredibly calming and visually stunning. Highlights of staying here are the breakfast buffet, creative dinner menus, and the Stólla spa oasis, which pays homage to the region’s former mining industry. It encompasses an indoor copper bath, herbal kettle sauna, Finnish sauna, steam bath, rain shower, ice fountain in the Montafon Glacier Grotto, outdoor pool, and relaxation rooms.
Look for accommodation in Schruns.
Löwen Hotel Montafon
If there’s something we’ve learned about traveling in the Alps, it’s that you always need a plan for rainy days.
The weather in the mountains can always change, and when it does, it’s important to have a hotel you can thoroughly enjoy.
If you stay in Löwen Hotel, you can take advantage of their extensive spa and wellness area, totaling 3000 square meters, which is a vacation in and of itself.
This 4-star-superior hotel enthralls with its alpine-chic interior design, three restaurants, and professional staff. If you stay 3 nights or more, you’ll receive a Freizeit Pass, which grants you free access to regional cable cars and buses.
Löwen Hotel Montafon is also a BergePLUS partner hotel, which means that all guests can freely participate in the BergePlus guided hiking, mountain biking, e-biking, and via ferrata tours in Montafon Valley.
9. Ramsau am Dachstein, Styria
Ramsau am Dachstein (1135 m) is a municipality and an elevated plateau in Styria, located between the Dachstein mountain range and the Enns Valley.
The center of Ramsau, known as “Ramsau Ort,” is a small village with a striking church and a few stores, eateries, and hotels. From the village, Ramsau sprawls out to the east and west.
Ramsau isn’t a classic “resort town.” You won’t find tons of shops, restaurants, and luxury hotels. What Ramsau lacks in tourist glamor, it makes up for in romantic scenery.
The entire plateau is dotted with beautiful farmsteads, surrounded by alpine pastures. Walk along the maple-lined “Panoramaweg” to soak in the pastoral charm of Ramsau. This path cuts across pastures, farms, and forest on both sides of the “Hauptstrasse” (Main Road).
Another advantage to staying in Ramsau is its proximity to the Dachstein range. Located at the foot of the range’s southern slopes, Ramsau is an ideal base for laid-back walks like the 5 Huts Trail to Almen (alpine pastures) as well as heart-pounding via ferrata climbs.
If you stay in a hotel, or guesthouse in Ramsau, you’ll be given a complimentary “Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card.” This card has tons of perks, including free access to tolled roads, a free ride on the Dachstein-Gletscherbahn cable car, and much more.
Where to Stay in Ramsau am Dachstein in Summer
Budget | Pension Adlerhorst is a clean and comfortable B&B in Ramsau am Dachstein. Guests love the generous breakfast, quiet location, and friendly hosts. The Pension is only a 10-minute drive to Schladming, which is a resort town with lots of restaurants and shops. It’s also the gateway to the Schladminger Tauern mountain range, which is another fantastic place to hike, especially if you love mountain lakes.
Midrange | Hotel Sporthof Austria is a traditional Austrian mountain hotel, offering a plentiful breakfast, half board (breakfast and dinner) if desired, a wellness center (sauna, steam bath, infrared cabin, and hot tub), a large garden, and sun terrace.
Luxury | Hotel Lindenhof is the finest hotel in Ramsau am Dachstein, boasting gorgeous alpine-modern rooms, a wonderful wellness center, Dachstein mountain views, and an on-site restaurant featuring Austrian and international cuisine prepared with ingredients sourced from the hotel’s farm. A sumptuous breakfast buffet is included in the rate as well as the Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card.
Look for accommodation in Ramsau am Dachstein.
10. Filzmoos, Salzburg
Filzmoos (1057 m) is a friendly and laid-back town in Salzburg, located below the Gosaukamm mountain range of the Dachstein.
Filzmoos epitomizes everything we love about hiking in Salzburg: charming alpine pasture huts, soaring limestone mountains, and dreamy alpine scenery.
We highly recommend hiking the Hofpürgl to Sulzenalm circuit trail (moderate) to get an overview of the area.
Experienced hikers ought to summit Rötelstein (difficult). Families love the Bachlalm to Neustadtalm loop (easy).
Learn More: Filzmoos Hiking Guide
Where to Stay in Filzmoos in Summer
Midrange | Bauernhof Krahlehenhof is a traditional farm with double rooms, family rooms, and apartments. Set in an idyllic location, this lovely accommodation offers a wonderful breakfast, a welcoming and authentic atmosphere, and cozy interiors. We ate a delicious dinner here during our last visit to Filzmoos.
Midrange | Das Anja Alt Filzmoos offers rooms and apartments in the heart of Filzmoos. Stay here for the intimate setting, excellent location, and lovely rooms. Guests receive the Filzmoos Sommer Card.
Top Choice – Luxury | meiZeit Lodge is a tastefully-furnished boutique hotel in the town center of Filzmoos. Stay here for the generous breakfast buffet (included in rate) and relaxing wellness facilities (Finnish pine sauna, bio herbal sauna, infrared relaxation loungers, relaxation zone, and vital drink bar). This charming accommodation also serves a complimentary afternoon cake selection between 3:00 and 5:00 pm.
Look for accommodation in Filzmoos.
11. Lechtal Valley, Vorarlberg and Tyrol
Lechtal is an alpine valley named after the River Lech, stretching from Vorarlberg into Tyrol.
The Lech valley is bounded by the Allgäu Alps in the north and the Lechtal Alps in the south.
The most well-known village in Lechtal is Lech am Arlberg, due to the popularity of its ski resort.
Beyond Lech am Arlberg, you’ll find a string of lesser-known, quiet villages scattered across the valley. Many of these villages boast farmhouses and buildings with colorful frescoes.
Many people venture to Lech Valley to hike the Lechweg (Lech River Trail). Starting at Formarinsee (the source of the Lech River) and ending in Füssen in Germany, this leisurely 120-km long-distance hiking usually takes 6 to 8 days to complete.
We journeyed to Elmen in Lechtal (976 m) to start this 6-day trek across the Lechtal Alps.
Cycling enthusiasts may be interested in the 52-kilometer-long Lech Cycle Path from Reutte to Steeg.
Where to Stay in the Lechtal in Summer
Budget | Ferienwohnung Sonja in Elmen
Budget | Pension Elmerhof in Elmen
Look for accommodation in Elmen.
LechZeit in Elmen
Luxury | LechZeit is a hotel and restaurant in Elmen, situated within Naturpark Tiroler Lech.
Encircled by meadows on one side and forest on the other, this alpine-modern hotel couldn’t be more perfectly situated.
We particularly loved the hotel’s alpine-minimalist interior design and restaurant (serving excellent Tyrolean food).
When you stay in LechZeit, you’ll receive a complimentary Lechtal Aktiv Card, which grants you free use of the Lech valley hiking buses and shuttles, regional gondolas, and more.
Austria Trip Planning Essentials
Use our Austria Travel Guide and Austria blog archive to plan a unique and memorable trip to Austria.
When to Visit Austria
We recommend visiting Austria between June and October for hiking and between December and March for skiing and winter adventuring.
Summer Travel | Summer in Austria
Autumn Travel | Autumn in Austria
Winter Travel | Winter in Austria, Salzburg in December, Vienna in December, Vienna in January, Skiing in Schladming
Getting around Austria
Austria has an excellent public transit system. We’ve used it extensively to travel throughout the country. We highly recommend using transit if you’re visiting cities (Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, etc…), and/or doing hut-to-hut hikes.
Some areas like Mayrhofen, Schladming and Lech am Arlberg have wonderful seasonal transit systems in place (e.g. summer hiking buses). However, if you’re not visiting during the high season, bus frequencies are significantly reduced and it’s far easier to get around with your own vehicle.
If you’re planning on visiting multiple destinations across Austria, we recommend renting a car.
Use these road trip itineraries for trip planning inspiration:
Start in Vienna | 2 Week Austria Road Trip
Start in Salzburg, or Munich | 1 Week Austria Road Trip
Start in Munich | 10-Day Bavarian Alps & Tyrolean Alps Road Trip
Car Rental
We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
If you’re driving into Austria from a neighboring country, don’t forget to purchase a vignette at/near the border.
Hiking in Austria
Where to Hike in Austria
Read Austrian Alps Hiking Destinations for an overview of where to hike in Austria, with tips on specific trails and where to stay. Also check out Best Day Hikes in Austria and these region-specific hiking guides:
Tyrol | Innsbruck Hikes
Salzburg | Salzburg Hikes, Filzmoos Hikes
Styria | Schladming Hikes
Vorarlberg | Vorarlberg Hikes, Lech am Arlberg Hikes
Lower Austria | Vienna Mountains Hikes
Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria
Austria is a premier hut-to-hut and long-distance hiking destination. The quality of the mountain huts are superb. We particularly love the high-alpine trails, which are called Höhenwege in German. We’ve summarized our favorite multi-day hikes in Trekking Austria. If you’re new to hut hiking, read this in-depth guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria.
Hiking Essentials
- Day Pack: Osprey Tempest 30 Women’s Backpack / Osprey Talon 33 Men’s Backpack
- Grade B/C high-cut hiking boots: Meindl Schuhe Island Lady (Kati’s Boots), Women’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX (Sabrina’s Boots), Men’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX (men’s equivalent)
- CAT 4 Sunglasses: Julbo Shield Mountain Sunglasses
- Hiking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
- Backpack Camera Clip: Peak Design Camera Clip
What to See & Do in Austria
1. Visit a gorge like the Liechtenstein Gorge in Salzburg.
2. Bathe in the thermal pools of an Austrian Therme like Aqua Dome in Tyrol.
3. Stay in a thermal spa hotel like Rogner Bad Blumau (designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser) in Styria, EurothermenResort Bad Ischl in Upper Austria, or the Aqua Dome Hotel in Tyrol.
4. Hike to a mountain lake like Lake Tappenkarsee in Salzburg or Lake Drachensee in Tyrol.
5. Go Wine Tasting in South Styria.
6. Marvel at the culture, music, and architecture of Vienna.
7. Eat heartwarming mountain food in an Almhütte at Grosser Ahornboden in Tyrol.
8. Drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Hohe Tauern National Park.
9. Visit the castles, monasteries, and wine taverns of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. Watch a Krampus Run: Krampus Parade in December.
Austrian Hotels
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