Austria

Helpful guides for travel in Austria to help you get the most out of your trip, from first-hand experience!

10
Mar
2023
A Detailed One Month Budget in Austria For Travelers

A Detailed One Month Budget in Austria For Travelers

Austria has long been a travel destination for tourists and nature lovers for good reason. However, traveling anywhere costs money. This post will cover an average one-month budget in Austria for travelers.

This historic country is nestled in the northern alps, where the sun is always shining, and nearly everyone is outside enjoying the beauty of nature. While Austria isn’t usually considered a budget destination, it can definitely be done affordably with a little bit of planning!

We traveled for 2 months in Austria, split between Upper Austria including Salzburg, Hallstatt, and the entire Salzkammergut, as well as in the heart of the Alps, in Tirol near Innsbruck.

Check out what’s waiting for you in Austria, and what you can expect to spend on accommodation, food, transportation, excursions, and general living expenses!

Woman standing on sun dial platform looking out over the mountains

Table of Contents

Accommodation Budget In Austria

Our accommodation is what determines our trips since many Airbnb hosts have a huge discount for any stay over 28 days, especially in the shoulder- and off-seasons. This is what has made living in Austria for 2 months affordable for us.

On average, our Airbnb’s cost a total of €774 for one month. Since my partner and I share living expenses, we were able to split this cost, making it even cheaper. This includes Airbnb as well as the local tourist tax, which depends on the location.

During our first month, we stayed in Bad Ischl, centrally located in the Salzkammergut of Upper Austria, only 20 minutes from Hallstatt! Our Airbnb was about €700 in total, with a tourist tax of €3.85/night. Since I travel with my boyfriend, we were able to split the Airbnb cost, however, the cost listed is the total price.

For our second month, we stayed near Neustift in the Stubai Valley, south of Innsbruck. Our Airbnb was a total of €650 before we split it. The tourist tax in this region was €2.68/night.

Note: Regardless if you’re in a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb, many regions have a tourist tax that should be factored into your accommodation expense! It is usually due upon arrival, in cash so be prepared!

Accommodation

€ 774 Monthly
  • Airbnb
  • Tourist Tax
Total cost/month

Food Budget In Austria

Austrian food is hearty, locally sourced, and definitely keeps you warm on those brisk winter days. Food prices were comparable to what we knew at home in the US, so budgeting was essential!

Our food expenses differed greatly between the two months. During the first month in Bad Ischl, we were constantly out and exploring, eating out, and working from cafes where we would get a few coffees and snacks.

In our second month, we were in a much smaller town, where we mostly grocery shopped and would eat out a big meal less frequently, with very few small expenses at cafes.

On average, we spent €415 on food. Most of this was on groceries, with a few small meals and coffees out! We are definitely big coffee and dessert people, so there was some room to save, but the food was too good!

Food

€ 415 Monthly
  • Groceries
  • Restaurants
  • Cafes
Cost per person
Two hands clinked beer glasses on top of a mountain in Austria during winter

Transportation Budget in Austria

Transportation around Austria was extremely easy and affordable for us. If you’re trying to see the whole country, you may experience it differently, but we were able to utilize FREE BUSES during both of our stays.

Austria has a well-connected public transport system including buses, trains, and ferries and we used a lot of electric scooters for short-term travel! There wasn’t a single time we needed a ride share like Uber or wished we had a rental car.

The Tourist Tax we paid at both of our month-long stays provided free transport within the region, and even transport to our destination upon arrival! We did have a few public transportation costs when we took a bus/train further than our free bus allowed, but it only totaled to about €65 per month.

We thought transport in Austria would be a much bigger expense, so we were stoked to save so much here. It’s easy to spend a lot more if you don’t know how you can save! 

Note: this budget doesn’t include the transport in between our stays. In our second month, the transport was included with the tourist tax, however, this post is focused on the costs once you’re at a place, since the travel to get there depends on where you are before!

Transportation

€ 65 Monthly
  • Public Transport
  • Electric Scooters
Cost per person

Check out everything you need to know about Transportation in Austria!

Excursions Budget in Austria

There is so much to explore in Austria, luckily we love exploring the outdoors the most, which is accessible and mostly free! We were in Austria from mid-December to mid-February, so we focused a lot on skiing, gondola rides to mountain tops, and a bit of sightseeing when we were in cities.

Although skiing seems like an expensive sport, it is very affordable in Austria. We did travel with our own skis (which I definitely DO NOT recommend), so we avoided rental costs which are about €50.  Coming from California where day-pass skiing can be 180 (or more), €50 a day was so cheap!

We also loved getting up into the mountains on gondolas and funiculars to see the views. This can be about €15 a ride, but we got a month pass to go up the Katrin Cable Car in Bad Ischl for €65!

We did visit Salzburg for a day, and got the 24-hour tourist pass for only €25! We planned a long layover between train rides to see the city sights, without going out of our way and incurring more transport costs!

While in Austria, you HAVE to check out Tobogganing. This is a fun sport in the Alps, like adult sledding. Tickets were typically €20 for the toboggan rental and gondola ride, but highly recommend it as a great winter activity!

Excursions

€ 171 Monthly
  • Skiing
  • Sight-seeing
  • Gondolas
  • Tobogganing
Cost per person

Check out the best One-Day Itinerary in Salzburg!

Church bell tower in Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt Bell Tower
A man holding a toboggan sled looking out over the mountains in winter
Toboggan
A man in a red jacket hiking up a snow covered mountain, with a red cable car overhead
Katrin Cable Car
Woman looking out over frozen lake and Dachstein mountain during winter
Dachstein
A horse drawn carriage walking down the streets of Bad Ischl during Christmas
Christmas in Bad Ischl
Two hands holding beers together on a mountain top in winter
Cheers!
View inside the Salzburg Cathedral during the daily organ concert
Salzburg Cathedral

Life Expenses

This section isn’t Austria-specific, but it is important to make note of the other monthly expenses you may have that will eat a chunk of your budget. This includes Health Insurance, Renter’s Insurance, a Mobile Phone plan, and various subscriptions for music, apps, and a VPN.

The biggest expense is health insurance, which luckily I’m still on my parent’s plan (yay for being 25)! However, I took into account my boyfriend’s plan since this is an expense for most people, which is emergency medical costing around €50.

We each also have renter’s insurance, which costs about €14 a month and will cover up to 10,000 worth of items that get lost, damaged, or stolen while we are abroad.

For our cell phone,  we purchased an eSIM for Austria, which is great for saving money while traveling and managing your data from your phone! We purchased 10GB of data for €24 a month. Check out what we did for a Phone Plan in Austria, and get discounts!

Finally, some of the subscriptions I have total up to about €24 a month, which includes my DuoLingo Super, YouTube Music, Hosting platform for this website, and most importantly a VPN. If you are traveling and have any intention of using your computer or phone for personal things, I highly suggest using a VPN to protect your online information!

Life Expenses

€ 112 Monthly
  • Insurance
  • Mobile Phone
  • Subscriptions
Cost per person

As a reminder; when you are on any public WiFi, make sure to use a VPN to protect yourself online! Learn more here.

Total Expenses

1-Month Budget in Austria
€ 1,517 Monthly
  • Accommodations - €774
  • Food - €415
  • Transportation - €65
  • Excursions - €171
  • Life Expenses - €112

Summary - Detailed One Month Budget in Austria

Austria is an idyllic country in the mountains, with so much history, culture, and natural beauty to explore. Although it isn’t typically on the top of the list when it comes to ‘budget destinations’, it can definitely be explored thoroughly on a budget! 

My biggest suggestion to save while in Austria, is to stay in a long-term Airbnb (more than 28 days), use public transport as much as possible, and be aware of what free transport options you have! Also, use a local phone plan where you can top-up data as needed.

We would absolutely go back to the 2 regions we stayed in Austria. To check out the highlights of the areas, see my posts on Bad Ischl, the Salzkammergut, and the Stubai Valley! Austria is beautiful year-round, so start planning your next trip to the Alps!

What other destinations are on your bucket list? Find your Travel Inspiration here. 

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Posted by Taylor Mallaber in Austria, 0 comments
21
Feb
2023
Visiting The Stubai Valley [Winter Destination]

Visiting The Stubai Valley [Winter Destination]

If you’re thinking about your next winter destination, look no further than Innsbruck & the Stubai Valley. Where lush valleys extend to crisp alpine peaks, and you can explore everywhere in between. Whether you’re a winter sports person, a lover of nature, or just looking to experience somewhere new this winter, Austria has the place for you.

The Stubai Valley is right between Germany and Italy and leads to the highest point in all of the Tyrolean state of Austria. This is home to the largest ski resort in Austria, which is saying something since this is where downhill skiing was born! 

I was fortunate to spend a month in Stubai this winter, check out everything I learned about the region and what’s waiting for you on your next trip!

Painted houses in Innsbruck over the river

Where Is The Stubai Valley

The Stubai Valley is centrally located in the Tyrol region, which spans from Austria across the border into ‘South Tyrol’ in northern Italy. The valley runs North/South and leads to the highest point in the Tyrol region, located at the Stubai Glacier ski resort.

Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and a central location to access the Alps, making Stubai a perfect valley to be tucked into the mountains, while still accessible to everything else you’d want to do. No matter where you go, there are winter activities for everyone! Major towns include Neustift and Schönberg!

Table of Contents

Winter Activities

Major Towns

Ski Resorts

Stubai Winter Guest Card

If you’re staying in Stubai, ask your accommodation host about the Winter Guest Card. When you pay the local Tourist Tax (2.5 euros/night), you will receive a receipt that represents the Guest Card (Summer stays receive a physical card).

Keep this receipt on you to receive some of the benefits that come with being a tourist! This card grants free bus rides between Stubai Gletscher and Schönberg (south of Innsbruck), as well as discounts on many of the excursions in the valley!

A major bonus of the guest card is free transport on arrival and departure, so no matter where you’re staying, you will get a free bus ride from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof to your nearest stop! Just be sure to print out the vouchers before arriving! 

Winter Activities In The Stubai Valley

Tobogganing

The Stubai Valley is home to the longest Toboggan run in all of Tyrol! Right in the heart of Neustift, you can zip down a 6.6km trail through the forest on an authentic toboggan. If you used to sled as a kid, you’ll feel your inner child light up with this high-speed extreme version! 

At the Elferbahnen cable car valley station, you can rent your sleds and head up the cable car, where you’ll get insane views of the valley! It takes some getting used to, and we were so surprised at how fast we went! It felt like a real-life Mario Kart. If you’re up for the challenge, they also offer night sledding 3 days a week. Don’t forget your helmet, goggles, and a headlamp!

There are a few other options in the region, but as the longest in Tyrol, the Elfer Toboggan run is by far the best!

Ice Skating

With the Stubai Guest Card, you get a discount on any of the 3 public ice rinks! All three locations offer ice skate rentals for a small fee if you don’t have your own, and have various times available. There are 2 rink options, one in Fulpmes, and the other in Neustift which cost 5 euros and 4 euros respectively (in addition to the rental cost).

The only natural (outdoor on frozen water) option is the southernmost, at Klaus Äuele, which is totally free to use! This location also hosts family-friendly ‘Winter Hiking Nights‘ events throughout the winter season, where ice sculptors, dog sleds, curling equipment, and local foods are set up after 7:00 pm to enjoy a night in the winter forest!

For information on future events, follow @stubai_tirol on social media!

Paragliding

Austria is definitely a base for many extreme sports enthusiasts, especially paragliders. No matter where you are in the mountains, it’s hard not to see a few soaring above the peaks, flying with the birds. Although it is quite a sport to get into (money and fear), there are plenty of options to try it! 

There are at least 5 flight schools in the Stubai Valley, where you can learn to go solo or with a trained pilot in a tandem flight. This life is a dream, where people take a cable car up to a summit at sunrise, fly down and land in their work parking lot to go on with the day!

Snowshoe & Cross-Country Skiing

There are cross-country trails all over the valley, mainly at the lower elevations following the tree line on both sides. Even if skiing isn’t your thing, give snowshoeing a try! There are a few local sports stores that will rent you all the gear you need so you can get out and explore the mountains.

The alps have been getting less snow than usual in the winter, so be prepared for a potential hiking trek instead! This only means that you’ll have to go higher in elevation to reach the snow, but you’ll have many more options you can explore on foot!

Downhill Skiing

It’s no surprise that you’re interested in the Stubai region in winter, especially if you enjoy skiing or snowboarding. The king of the valley for resorts is Stubai Glacier, which is the largest ski resort in Austria! Since skiing is so big in this area, it gets a whole section dedicated to it next…

Skiing in the Stubai Valley

Stubai Gletscher / Glacier

Stubai Glacier is an impressive ski area to say the least. Not only is it the highest point in all of Tyrol, but it’s also the largest ski area in all of Austria. With other 110 km of piste runs and 26 chair lifts, Stubai also has the best views in the area. The resort has runs on both sides of the mountain, so when the afternoon shade rolls in, head to the south side to soak up the sun until 4:00 when the lifts close. From there, take a groomed run all the way to the bottom with breathe-taking views the whole way!

With the Stubai Guest Card, you get a discount on the lift prices, which are usually 57 euros/day. If you buy online ahead of time, they are also a few euros cheaper than bought at the ticket counter!

Sign reading 'Top of Tyrol' at Gletscher Resort
Mountain hut on top of snowy ridge line in the Alps of the Stubai Valley

Schlick 2000

Located right in Fulpmes, Schlick 2000 is a great ski area for skiers of all levels. Schlick is a great option especially if you’re closer to Innsbruck and not looking to make the journey all the way down to Stubai. The crowd is often smaller than Stubai and Nordkette, and the view is spectacular. You can do a full day of skiing here for only €46, which can’t be beaten!

The resort is east-facing, so it does get shaded earlier in the day than the backside of Stubai and Nordkette, but don’t let that hold you back from getting out there and exploring the slopes!

Man wearing black snow suit, white backpack, and skis, standing on a wooden deck in the Austrian Alps

Nordkette

Although not technically in the Stubai Valley, Nordkette is a notable ski area on the north end of Innsbruck. Although there are only 5 lifts, this area has some gnarly runs for more advanced-level skiers. While up there, you may even see some Red Bull athletes in the terrain park!

Even if you don’t make it up there for a ski day, a ride up the Nordkettenbahn cable car is definitely worth the €42 for the view at the Top of Innsbruck. This area is always in the sun, with an amazing restaurant and apré ski bars for a drink!

Snowy peak in Innsbruck, Austria with the Nordkette cable car

Accommodation In The Stubai Valley

The Stubai Region is designed for tourists and travelers. Whether you have a family or are a solo traveler looking to meet people, you’ll find a perfect accommodation here. 

There are at least 3 hostels in Innsbruck, with dorms and private rooms available. Innsbruck is a very young city due to the university and advanced-level skiing, so you’ll meet some chill locals and travelers in Innsbruck.

There are endless hotels, some with a water park, food provided, and more. You’ll often see the word ‘pension’ on the name of a hotel, meaning it is a specific style of guest house offering food and accommodation to guests only. The hotels at the ski resorts get pretty rowdy in the afternoon for some apré ski drinking, so beware if you are trying to avoid the parties!

Another great option is Airbnb, with hosts all over the valley. We stayed in an Airbnb for 1 month in Kampl just north of Neustift, and the location was a perfect distance right between Innsbruck and Stubai Glacier. This is a great way to get to know the locals, get an authentic experience of what it’s like to live in Austria and have some privacy in your own space.

Plus at your own place, you can come back after a long day of skiing to cold beers and schnapps 🙂

Two glasses of beer, with two shots of Schnapps on a deck ledge with the mountain valley in the background

Transportation In The Stubai Valley

As mentioned above, the guest card permits FREE rides on the ski bus. Typically the drivers don’t ask for any information if you have your ski gear, but it’s good to keep your guest card on you just in case. Bus 590a and 590b run the valley, every 15 minutes and can take you to the glacier or north into Innsbruck and beyond!

The guest card only permits free rides to Schönberg, just south of Innsbruck. If you’re looking to get to Innsbruck from the valley, you’ll need to pay 4 euros to cover the ride between Schönberg and Innsbruck. Once in Innsbruck, you can get to any other destination from the main station, ‘Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof‘.

No matter where you’re trying to go in Austria, the Verkehr-Salzburg website will be reliable and accurate. This website will provide the exact bus number, platform, time, and cost of the ride so you can plan accordingly. 

Summary - Visitng The Stubai Valley [Winter Destination]

The Stubai Valley is a winter wonderland, with skiing, the best views in the alps, and a buzzing social atmosphere. You’ll find good food, and great beer, and have the time to sit back and relax as you enjoy the crisp mountain air. With the Stubai Guest Card, you can get all of this at a discount, with free transport on top of that so you can fit this into your budget travel destination! Especially if you’re not a pro at winter sports, here you can give it all a try with the easy-to-rent gear for ice skating, tobogganing, and skiing. 

What other destinations are on your bucket list? Find your Travel Inspiration here. 

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Posted by Taylor Mallaber in Austria, Destinations, 0 comments
08
Feb
2023
What To Do Near Hallstatt; Winter in Austria’s Salzkammergut

What To Do Near Hallstatt; Winter in Austria’s Salzkammergut

Maybe you’ve heard of Hallstatt, or seen photos of the picturesque town, but have you heard of the other beautiful places to explore in the Salzkammergut Region?

If you’re looking to travel to a region that seems like it only exists in fairy tales, you’ve stumbled into the right place. This post will go over everything that is waiting for you in Austria’s Salzkammergut Region, where idyllic towns are built on serene lakes tucked into the Austrian alps. 

This post will cover some of the hidden gems in the Salzkammergut including beautiful towns, hikes and lakes, cultural events, and how to navigate through the region. Check out what lies within Austria’s hidden gem of the Salzkammergut; a winter wonderland.

Iconic view of Hallstatt, Austria with a blue sky and clouds overhead
Hallstatt, Austria

Table of Contents

What is the Salzkammergut?

The Salzkammergut is a resort region that spans east of Salzburg mostly in Upper Austria. The area encompasses over 70 lakes, and 58 municipalities, and is home to 14 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage events! The name Salzkammergut translates to ‘salt domain‘, which provides a glimpse of the history that has sparked prosperity in the region for the many cultures that have existed here, nestled among the mountains. 

The Salzkammergut is not an administrative region and has no distinct boundaries, but rather a loosely defined region that encompasses the history of the salt mines and the beautiful landscape that lies within. This region is a perfect destination at any time of year. 

You can dive into the glassy alpine lakes, hike in old-growth forests with panoramic views, and get a taste of authentic Austrian cuisine and culture! Check out this interactive map of the region.

The Salzkammergut starts in Salzburg, check out this One Day Itinerary for Salzburg! 

Towns of the Salzkammergut

Hallstatt

The most well-known place in the Salzkammergut is the picturesque town of Hallstatt. It is nestled in between a lake and the base of a 1,030-meter mountain, where salt deposits have made this town a central mining location for thousands of years. 

Evidence of people living and mining in Hallstatt dates back to 5,000 BC. You can tour the Salzwelten Hallstatt, the world’s oldest salt mine, which was first created 7,000 years ago! If you don’t want to pay the cost to tour the mine, be sure to hike to the top of Salzberg mountain and check out the views from the Hallstatt Skywalk – free in the offseason!

Hallstatt is a part of the Hallstatt-Dachstein UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and since its official title in 1997, tourism has exploded! The town has a population of only 780 residents, but in the peak season experiences up to 30,000 tourists per day. 

This town is so iconic that there is even a replication in the southeast of China. But be aware, this Austrian location is not a museum, these are people’s homes! Do not fly drones, be destructive, or enter any of the private residences (unfortunately this is overlooked by too many people). 

This town is definitely idyllic, but wow is it touristy. Even during the off-peak times of the year, it was madness! If you’re in the region, it is 100% worth the trip to walk around the town of Hallstatt, but don’t overlook the neighboring towns that carry the same beauty!

Woman standing looking out over a snow covered Halstatt

Photo by Matt Hennessy

Bad Ischl

Bad Ischl is a historic town involving the long-reigning Emporer/King of the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1848-1916, Franz Joseph I. He and his political affiliates would escape Vienna’s summer heat in to enjoy the tranquility of Bad Ischl, where they made decisions that would impact the world… such as the start of WWI. 

There are numerous museums highlighting the history and life of Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth (“Sisi”), and of the salt industry that dominated the region’s economy for centuries.

Bad Ischl was historically a healing town where people around Europe would go to soak in the salty water to recover from their ailments. Today, you can have a similar healing experience at the Eurotherm Spa in Bad Ischl. The adults-only sauna section has numerous different sauna styles including salt-inhalation, wet-saunas, infrared, and a cold plunge. 

The spa is located right in the quaint village, where you’ll hear horse-drawn carriages strolling the streets during the winter season. 

Once you cross over the Traun River, head to Casino Keller – a historic beer cellar with phenomenal authentic Austrian brews. Here you can meet the owner, Bernhard who will walk you through the history that lies beneath the building. 

While in Bad Ischl, you cannot miss a ride up the Katrin Cable Car, where you will see an incredible 360-degree view, tons of hiking trails to explore, and a perfect way to finish the day with a cappuccino and some Kaiserschmarrn at Katrin Berggasthof. 

Two hands holding beers together on a mountain top in winter
DSC03356
Snow covered path in a forest, with an austrian flag painted on a tree
A horse drawn carriage walking down the streets of Bad Ischl during Christmas

Bad Goisern

On your way to Hallstatt from Bad Ischl, you’ll pass through a beautiful town called Bad Goisern. This town is often missed since everyone is hustling to get to Hallstatt, but you’ll miss so much beauty if you don’t take a moment to stop! 

This town has a rich history tied with the salt mine of Hallstatt and of traditional craftsmanship.While visiting Bad Goisern, take some time to walk the historical streets and get a feel for what life would have been like over the past few centuries. 

Make sure to stop into the Carina Saponetta Soap shop to meet the wonderful owner and get a taste of the history that fills these cobblestone streets!

The traditional town of Bad Goisern is a great destination in the Salzkammergut
Bad Goisern, Austria

Saint Wolfgang

Saint Wolfgang is a town on the lake of Wolfgansee, where the sun strikes the south-facing town for most of the day (a treat especially in the winter months). This town is a gem to stroll around to see the impressive detailing of the Austrian architecture or see the views from high above the town! 

Here, you can take a 35-minute ride on the SchafbergBahn cog railway to the summit of Schafberg mountain. This is the steepest railway in Austria, but the views are incredible. In the summer, this town turns into a summer-resort mecca with boating, kite-surfing, and fishing. 

Image from Five Treasures

Gosau

Along the free bus route (discussed below), you can get to the town of Gosau, where winter sports enthusiasts and hikers come together to take in the beauty that surrounds Gosau. 

One of the largest ski resorts in the Salzkammergut, Dachstein West is located in this town, but just past the resort, you will find yourself immersed in the remote natural setting surrounding Lake Gosausee. 

The photo on the left is what you see when you get to the lake, which has a hiking trail that circulates the water that can be done in about an hour. But, if you’re a bit more adventurous, you can take a 9-mile hike back to Hintersee, a lake at the base of Hoher Dachstein – the king of mountains in the region. 

Gousausee lake with a reflection of Hoher Dachstein looming in the background
Hoher Dachstein across Gosausee
Hiking from Gosausee to Hintersee is a perfect destination in the Salzkammergut
Base of Hoher Dachstein

Other Towns in the Salzkammergut

The world is so big, and we just can’t see it all! However, there are over 50 towns within the Salzkammergut, and some of them are definitely worth noting if you can fit it into your plans! 

Ebensee is located on the south end of the Traunsee lake, north of Bad Ischl. Like much of the region, there is an ancient connection to the salt industry, with beautiful hikes on steep mountains and WWII history. 

Gmunden is located opposite Ebensee on the far side of Traunsee lake. Here you can summit the ‘Guardian of the Salzkammergut’, Traunstein Mountain, or stroll around the town center and explore the castle in the lake! 

Obertraun is located opposite of Hallstatt on Hallstatter See, meaning you get a unique view of the iconic mountain town, best viewed from the ‘5 Fingers‘ observation deck. Obertraun is also home to Upper Austria’s longest on-piste run at Dachstein Krippenstein for the skiers. This resort is less touristy and crowded, and a dream for free-ride enthusiasts! Find it on the map below!

Bad Ausee is located in Styria, just east of Obertraun. It is the cultural and economic center for the Styrian region, where fresh water is connected in every direction. This town has serene botanical gardens and seems relaxed and peaceful if you’re looking for a retreat. 

Skiing in the Salzkammergut

Although there is evidence of people using skis over 4,000 years ago, the downhill alpine ski style that we all know and love was started by Austrian native Mathias Zdarksy in the late 19th century. Mountain skiing originated right here in Austria, and today there are over 700 places to hit the slopes in Austria alone! 

While in the Salzkammergut, the best place to ski is definitely within the Dachstein West Ski Region. This isn’t just any resort, this includes 8 separate locations around the region, and if you get at least a 1.5-day pass, you can get access to ALL of them with the same ticket! 

Dachstein West has over 160 km of on-piste runs, with over 70 lifts and cable cars so you can ski all around this panoramic scenery. Their website has updated weather conditions, webcams, and currently open runs and lifts so you can plan your days of skiing in advance! 

Dachstein West ski region map to highlight the best places in the Salzkammergut
Image from Dachstein West Ski Region Website

Winter Guest Card

While visiting the Salzkammergut, be sure to get a Winter Guest Card to get discounts on many of the attractions around. This card is free with at least a 3-night stay in the region and will be provided by your host, or one can be purchased for only 4.50 EUR from a local Tourist Office. Children under 15 do not need a card to reap these rewards!

The winter card gets users up to 25% off the top attractions there are to do in the Salzkammergut, including numerous museums in the region, a day trip up the Katrin Cable Car, ice skating in Gmunden, Snowshoe rentals, Salzwelten tours, and plenty of family-friendly activities. 

For a full list of discounts included in the Salzkammergut Winter Card, check it out: Here. 
You can find other informational brochures and up-to-date offerings on the Salzkammergut website. 

Local Events

The Salzkammergut is a cultural hub of Austria with many events and traditions around to see. It’s no surprise that it has over 14 UNESCO intangible world heritage events and traditions of which you can be a part. 

Check out the Salzkammergut Tourist website to see what’s happening during the time of your stay!

The Salzkammergut is hosting the 2024 European Capital of Culture, with the main location in Bad Ischl. Consider this when planning your trip to this stunning region, and learn about the traditional clothing, music, dance, and cuisine that is cherished by the locals. 

Glockler Event in Ebensee is a cultural event in the Salzkammergut
Glockler Event in Ebensee, Austria
Three hot air balloons lit up at night while tethered to the ground
Gosau Balloon Festival

Transport in the Salzkammergut

For anyone staying in the region for a few days, make sure to grab your Winter Guest Card discussed above! Not only does it have awesome discounts and access to local attractions, but it gets you free transport within the main part of the region. Anytime the cable cars are running, you can hop on bus 542 or 543, show the driver your guest card or photo, and skip the payment! Since this is a Free Ski Bus, it is only in the areas around the Dachstein West Ski region, but that’s where most of the fun is anyways so plan accordingly! There is an extensive rail system within the Salzkammergut, mostly operated by OBB rail company. Tickets can be purchased on their website for a cheaper price than booking at the station.

No matter where you’re looking to explore, the Salzburg Verkehr website will be your best tool to help plan the journey. 

Check out Everything you Need To Know About Transportation in Austria!

Summary - Hidden Gems in the Austrian Salzkammergut [Beyond Hallstatt]

The Salzkammergut is a lesser-known place in the world. Filled with picturesque alpine lakes, and surrounded by impressive mountains, it’s the quaint and elegant towns that made me fall in love. The region has a long-standing history as a cultural hub in Central Europe, with influence from every direction. 

Whether you’re an extreme sports enthusiast, a family looking for a relaxing vacation, or a solo traveler looking for an enriching experience off the beaten path, the Salzkammergut in Austria has everything for every type of traveler. There is so much to explore in this area beyond the same phone that every tourist gets in Hallstatt (yes, I got it too). 

The Salzkammergut needs to be on your travel bucket list, perfect to visit any time of year!

What other destinations are on your bucket list? Find your Travel Inspiration here. 

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Posted by Taylor Mallaber in Austria, Destinations, 0 comments
01
Feb
2023
What To Know About Transportation in Austria

What To Know About Transportation in Austria

Traveling is such a freeing experience, but actually making all of the travel plans can be frustrating and expensive. Especially if you don’t have the right tools! Transportation in Austria is easy and affordable especially if you only rely on public transportation!  Whether you’re coming from the other side of the world (like I did), or from a neighboring country, you have plenty of options to get into Austria, and unlimited options to move around once you’re in! Check out everything you need to know about transportation in Austria! 

Airplane engine above the snow covered alps

Table of Contents

It’s not always about getting there quickly. Check out what Slow Travel is all about for your next trip!

Getting To Austria

From Europe

Europe is arguably one of the most well-connected areas for people, where you can get from one point to the next mainly using public transport. You can get anywhere by bus or train, most of which have free-onboard WiFi too, so you can sit back and work or just watch the sights as you travel through countries. A great place to start is a tool like Rome2Rio, which will show you some basic options to start looking into. From here, you’ll get an idea of what the different travel options are to look into independently!

Traveling by Bus is super easy and affordable. BusBud is a great place to start it searches all bus companies to find the most accurate and affordable option. FlixBus has been my favorite bus company which I’ve used all over Europe, with straightforward booking and cancellation policies, plus it tells you the carbon impact of the journey which you can pay a little bit extra (a few dollars) to offset! The buses are clean and comfortable so you can enjoy sightseeing while you sit back and enjoy the ride.

Europe is known for its train system, and since Austria is right in Central Europe it is very accessible by train. Austria’s largest train company is OBB, which is affordable with an easy-to-use website so you can purchase tickets online before you travel. Another great company is Westbahn, with often cheaper tickets and non-stop service between major cities! Definitely do some research before your travel day to save some money. 

From Outside of Europe

Unfortunately, flying by plane is really the only feasible option to travel long distances, especially if you have an ocean or a continent to cross. Getting to Austria from anywhere outside of the European Region will likely require a flight unless you have a lot of time to kill. Since traveling sustainably is a huge goal of this blog and the new generation of travelers, that’s why it’s important to reduce your travel impact as much as possible! This can be done in two main ways; travel slowly & offset your carbon footprint.

Even if you have to fly into Austria, take some time and explore Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Germany, or any of the countries around Europe! You can see the whole world without pinballing from place to place if you move slowly and take one step at a time.  Don’t sweat it if you need to take a flight, but think about how the rest of your actions are either adding to or subtracting from that carbon impact you’ve made. 

If you need to book a flight, I’ve found that Kayak.com has the cheapest options. But, make sure you’re searching from a private browser or VPN so the website doesn’t know your location! Flights are different places depending where the searching is located relative to the flight location.

Carbon Footprint

Getting Around Austria

Once you’ve made it to Austria, traveling around is super easy and affordable! Austria’s public transportation system is extremely well-connected, with great digital tools to help you plan and travel efficiently. Austria has a great public transport website you can use, which has always been accurate and helpful to plan ahead!

This website shows the cross-over points, the walking distance between the journey’s legs, and every stop so you can follow the route! Once in Austria, we’ve never needed anything else between this and Google Maps, so easy!

Screenshot of Salzburg Verkehr website to demonstrate the necessary tool for transportation around Austria

Austria can be expensive, check out this One-Month Budget to see how transport fits into your planning!

Local Buses

While the Verkehr website is great to use, it doesn’t tell you to know local buses are free! In both of the regions we stayed in long-term, there were free bus routes near the ski resorts where you can hop on and off with no charge! Using the local bus, a ride between Innsbruck and Stubai Glacier ski resort would cost around 10 EUR, but with our Tourist Guest Card, it is completely free!

This isn’t the case for everyone in every location, but Austria runs a tight ship regarding tourist documentation.  Whether you’re in a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb, the host or manager will provide a Tourist/Guest Card.  This card will have perks all over your local area, so be sure to check these out and cash in the benefits! 

Trains

Trains are the best way to get across the country. The official state-owned company in Austria is OBB, which is clean, comfortable, and affordable. Tickets can be purchased at a station, or online with a discount!

There are a lot of train companies operating in Austria, so check out sites like Omio or Trainline to see the various options for your travels.

Gondolas and Funiculars

Austria is known for its massive mountain peaks. While exploring this Northern Alpine region, be sure to take in some of the best views from the top of the mountains! In many towns, you will find either traditional or modern cable cars (gondolas) – a small box that holds 2-20 people, connected to a cable on a pulley system. You will also find funiculars – a steep railway that climbs up the mountain, also called a cog railway.

Summary - What To Know About Transportation in Austria

Getting into and around Austria is super easy. I always heard it was straightforward and public transport was reliable, but wow did Austria impress me! Staying here for 2 months, we didn’t need a personal car once! We arrived in Croatia vis plane from San Francisco, and after 2 months we took a bus through FlixBus into Salzburg. From Salzburg, we used the Verkehr website to navigate to our place in Bad Ischl.  After 2 months of exploring all parts of Austria, we’ve had no issues with public transport! Since we travel sustainably, we’ve enjoyed the ease of public transport to reduce our carbon impact!