Autumn in Austria: A Season with a Golden Touch
The sun still shines brightly, the days are long, and the autumn colors of gold, yellow, orange, and red give the mountain landscape a enchanting appearance. Austria is perfect for those who appreciate the good things in life, derive energy from being outdoors, and can also appreciate silence during the months of September, October, and November.
The advantages of autumn
After the hustle and bustle of the summer vacation and before the winter sports season begins, it is considered the low season in Austria. Besides the delightful dry and warm weather of the Indian Summer, this means that many amenities, including our comfortable chalets, are more affordable. Additionally, while hiking, cycling, or mountain biking, you will encounter far fewer people. So feel free to choose that well-marked hiking trail, visit the famous Krimml Waterfalls, or explore that popular viewpoint. During the autumn vacation in Austria, you don't have to worry about missing out on bike rentals, waiting in line for chairlifts, or finding parking! However, it is advisable to check the schedules in advance if you plan to use public transportation or visit attractions such as castles, swimming pools, or museums. In the fall, there is plenty to do as long as you take into account adjusted opening hours.
An additional tip for making the most of your budget during this autumn vacation is to filter your accommodation search to include chalets that offer a summer card. Don't be misled by the name "summer card" because the Nationalpark Sommercard, the Hochkönig Card, and the LungauCard are valid until the end of October and provide free or discounted access to attractions, sights, cable cars, and more.
If you visit Austria early in the fall, you can witness an Almabtrieb. What's that? An Almabtrieb is an authentic farmer's festival where the cattle are brought back from the mountain pastures to the stables for the winter. You can hear the cows, calves, and bulls from afar with the sound of their bells. Moreover, the animals are beautifully adorned with flowers and ribbons, accompanied by people in traditional costumes. From mid-September to early October, various Austrian municipalities organize their Almabtrieb events.
Hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and more
With the numerous kilometers of hiking trails in Austria, there is always a route that suits you and your travel companions. If you enjoy a challenging climb, you're in luck. There are countless routes for experienced hikers where sturdy hiking boots and a walking stick come in handy. If you're hiking with children, opt for a less demanding route. For example, take the MK-Maiskogelbahn to reach the Maiskogel (Kaprun) and enjoy a beautiful and easy family walk from there. Before you start hiking, grab a blanket and fill your backpack with fresh bread rolls, Alpine cheese, berry juice, and a tasty pastry. By the end of September, many Alpine huts close, so a picnic break on a bench, next to a refreshing stream, or on a beautiful alpine meadow is the best alternative.
In addition to hiking, autumn is a wonderful season for mountain biking. You can glide through the landscape without the sweat pouring down, the mountains gradually get snowy peaks again, and the forest carries the characteristic scent of autumn. The Lungau region boasts a staggering 560 kilometers of mountain biking trails, and the Hochkönig region is also known for its spectacular trails.
Of course, there is more to experience in autumn than just hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. You can try tobogganing, for example. Most toboggan runs are open until the end of October. True daredevils can conquer the wild whitewater rivers filled with meltwater by going rafting or take to the skies with a paraglide to admire the autumn colors from above! If you prefer relaxation, visit one of the beautiful luxury wellness resorts with spectacular views from their heated (whirlpool) baths. You can find more information about relaxing in Austria in this previous blog post.
A dream for (hobby) photographers
For those who love taking beautiful photos, autumn in Austria is a paradise. Not only are the colors of the leaves stunning, making it hard to stop photographing, but also the warm light of the setting sun in the early evening, the colorful reflections in mountain lakes and streams, the mist at sunrise, and small details like mushrooms make it difficult to choose which of all the wonderful photos to have printed once you return home.
Cozy holiday chalets with a wood-burning stove and sauna
After a day spent outdoors, it's delightful to relax in your holiday home. The apartments and chalets of ChaletsPlus are all comfortably furnished and each has its own charm. After sunset, when the autumn evenings cool down quickly, you can gather around the fireplace or wood-burning stove and enjoy playing games together. And how about warming up and relaxing in your own sauna? Did you know that when searching for a holiday chalet, you can filter the results to include those with a fireplace or wood-burning stove? The same applies to chalets with a sauna or even both! If you're planning to visit Austria this autumn, check online for available properties. If you're still unsure about the region, choosing between a detached chalet or an apartment, or perhaps even the season itself, feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to assist you in making your decision.