Lonely, remote and pristine. This is how most people would describe Austria if asked. An Alpine country, it is home to some of the most picturesque sights in the world: from fairy-tale castles, mountain peaks and quaint villages to green valleys, raging rivers and crystal-clear lakes.
It’s no surprise that millions of tourists flock to the alpine country each year to enjoy its natural beauty. But what if you’re one of those travelers looking for something different? If you’re looking to visit Austria but want to avoid the crowds and tacky souvenir shops as much as possible, this article is for you! Our top 7 suggestions for non-tourist activities in Austria will have you exploring nooks and crannies that tourists never even consider!

#1 Go hiking in the Hochschwab Mountains

The Hochschwab Mountains are located in the Southern Austrian Alps. At an altitude of 2,072 meters, they are the country’s highest mountain range outside the Alps. The largest town near the Hochschwab Mountains is Steyr, which is also the tenth-largest city in Austria. Dotted with ancient beech forests, meadows, and alpine lakes, the mountains have become a popular hiking destination. Steyr is the place to start if you’re looking to go hiking in the Hochschwab Mountains. The town is home to a bustling outdoor scene, making it the perfect base for your hiking trip. From here, you can explore the nearby Hochschwab Mountains via many well-trodden hiking trails.

#2 Try whizzing down a mountain on a snowboard

Snowboarding is a hugely popular sport during winter in Austria. If you’re visiting the alpine country during the chilly season, you might want to try your hand at this adrenaline-pumping activity. Austria has some of the best places to snowboard in the world. Some of the most popular snowboarding destinations in Austria are Obertauern, Axams, and Zell am See. Obertauern is one of the oldest winter sports resorts in the world. The town is home to Europe’s biggest ski area, making it the ultimate snowboard destination. Axams is another popular snowboarding destination. It is located near the Tyrol region in the Northern part of the country, making it convenient for skiers and snowboarders from Austria and abroad. Zell am See is also a great place to snowboard.

#3 The Sound of Music tour

Let’s be honest, the majority of tourists who visit Austria come here to see the house where The Sound of Music was filmed. Sadly, many of them will be disappointed to find out that you need to book a tour to actually visit the house because it’s now a private property. The good news is that you can still experience the magic of this iconic film without having to tour the house. There are a number of guided Sound of Music walking tour options available in Salzburg. Our favorite one is the Walk & Talk Tour. This tour is great for all ages and fitness levels. You’ll be taken to the most important locations in Salzburg where scenes from The Sound of Music were filmed. Your guide will share interesting stories and anecdotes about the making of the film and the history of Salzburg. Along the way, you will be treated to a mini concert of classical music played on traditional instruments.

#4 Go stargazing at the Salzkammergut Observatory

If you’re a stargazer, you can’t miss the Salzkammergut Observatory. Located in the Austrian Alps, it houses one of the most powerful telescopes in the world. With its massive 10-meter reflector, the observatory is a great place to go stargazing. Stargazing here is a truly magical experience. You can observe some of the brightest stars in the universe, including the Orion Nebula, Sirius, and Alpha Centauri. While there, you can learn more about the stars and planets with daily guided tours. You can also explore an exhibition at the Salzkammergut Observatory that offers an in-depth look at the history of stargazing and astronomy. Salzkammergut Observatory is open to the public for most of the year. It’s best to plan a visit during the warmer months, as the place gets very cold during winter.

#5 Explore one of Europe’s largest fortifications

Austria is famous for its many historic castles. One of the most fascinating among them is the Hohensalzburg Fortress. The Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of Europe’s largest fortifications. It is located near the city of Salzburg and was built in the 10th century as a royal residence for the Salzburg dynasty. While visiting the fortress, you can explore the various parts of the building, including the royal apartments, the keep, the bastion, and the imperial rooms. During your visit to the fortress, you can climb the spiral staircase that leads to the roof, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Salzburg.

 #6 Immerse yourself in Vienna’s rich culture and history

Austria’s capital is renowned for hosting a wide variety of cultural events throughout the year, but you don’t need to visit this beautiful city during a special event to experience Vienna’s cultural vibrancy. From its imperial architecture to its artistic heritage, Vienna has it all. If you’re visiting Vienna, you can immerse yourself in its rich history and culture by exploring the city’s many museums. Some of the best museums to visit in Vienna include the Albertina, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Naturhistorisches Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. You can also explore Vienna’s imperial architecture by visiting the Hofburg Imperial Palace, the Imperial Treasury, and the Imperial Armoury. If you’re visiting with your kids, you can’t miss the Vienna Zoo, a world-famous attraction with more than 10,000 animals. There is a large children’s zoo within the main zoo where the little ones can pet the animals.

 #7 Lush Alpine hiking trails

There’s nothing quite as magical as hiking through a lush alpine forest in spring to discover brightly colored wildflowers carpeting the ground beneath your feet. Besides being a truly stunning experience, hiking in the Austrian Alps is also good for your health and mental well-being. There are spectacular alpine trails all over Austria, but Hohe Tauern National Park is the best place to start hiking. If you choose to start your hike from the Hintertux glacier, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the Hintertuxer Ferner glacier as you make your way upwards towards the Hintertuxer Ferner.

#8 Visit one of Europe’s oldest cities, Hallstatt

Austria’s southern region is home to one of the oldest settlements in Europe: Hallstatt. The city has been inhabited since the 8th century BC, making it one of the oldest settlements in Europe and the world. Today, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most important places to visit in Austria. You can explore the many attractions of Hallstatt, including the Baumuseum, the Dokumentation, the Haus des Alters, the Haus des Lehrers, and the Salzbergwerk. You can also visit Hallstatt Lake, one of the country’s largest lakes. Here, you can explore the scenic landscape, go boating, and admire the beauty of the alpine lakes.

#9 Stroll through the Vienna Woods

The Vienna Woods is an expansive nature reserve that surrounds the Austrian capital and is home to a stunning mix of wildlife and flora. During your stroll, you will be able to spot wild rabbits, squirrels and even the occasional deer. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a Viennese woman in a traditional dress walking with her baby in a stroller! If you’re visiting Vienna during spring, summer or fall, we highly recommend taking a stroll through the Woods to discover its many hidden treasures.

#10 Explore Austria’s dazzling capital

Dive into Vienna’s cultural heritage. If you’re a big city person and don’t want to spend your time wandering around the green Vienna Woods or hiking through the alpine forests, you can always spend your time exploring the Austrian capital instead. You can start by visiting the Vienna State Opera House, followed by a walk through the beautiful Heldenplatz Square. After that, you can explore the stunning Kunsthistorisches Museum or jump on a boat tour of the Danube River. While Vienna’s State Opera building may be its most famous cultural landmark, we recommend visiting the nearby Kunsthistorisches Museum, one of the world’s largest art museums. Located in the world’s largest Imperial Palace complex, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is full of fascinating exhibits showcasing the cultural heritage of Austria, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

So, if you’re looking for a break from the tourist hordes, we can’t think of a better place than Austria. This beautiful country has so much to offer, and if you know where to go and what to do, you can avoid most of the crowds. There are many fantastic non-tourist activities in Austria that you can do. Whether you want to explore the capital city of Vienna or try skiing or hiking in the Alps, there is something for everyone.

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