As the leaves on the trees slowly but steadily turn golden and the sudden crisp air finally heralds the arrival of autumn, Austria transforms into a stunning wonderland and becomes the perfect destination for a cosy holiday in the later months of the year – beckoning all travellers to embrace its natural beauty and rich culture. From the breathtaking Alpine landscapes to the charming cities steeped in history, the country offers a truly wide range of experiences – and some incredibly delicious food and wine. Especially in the two wonderfully enchanting last seasons of the year.

Disclaimer: This post is a collaboration

What can you do in the Austrian autumn?

Austria is an incredibly versatile destination that sees dramatic seasonal changes, turning from golden autumn into a snowy wonderland in just a couple of months – and is thus a brilliant location for all seasons and different reasons. As late autumn progresses, the high alpine regions become less accessible due to snowfall and the closure of mountain passes, but before that’s the case, they come alive with vivid autumn colours, offering absolutely amazing and enchanting backdrops for those of us looking for a hiking and walking holiday in Austria.

The closer it gets to winter, the better off you are going east or southeast, however. Unless, of course, you’re looking for some early skiing and snowboarding – after all, Austria is a winter wonderland for snow sports enthusiasts. Ski resorts like St. Anton, Kitzbühel, or Innsbruck offer world-class adventurers. 

As the season of the harvest, autumn also brings with it delicious and ripe grapes. It’s the perfect time to head to places like the Wachau Valles, renowned for its vineyards, and enjoy wine-tasting tours while being surrounded by splendid and romantic autumn landscapes at the same time. 

Where should you go – what should you see?

Whilst the weather in October can still be quite mild, come November or December, you might want to change your plans to something a bit more inward. City escapes are now fantastic – especially with the upcoming, legendary Christmas markets all around the country. Magnificent, mulled wine, traditional teats and an incredible number of handmade gifts in what can only be described as a fairytale setting in cities like Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck are a must – and they’ll be popping up usually with the first advent weekend.

This year, that will be on the 3^rd of December. But of course – they have so much more to give. Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is a fabulous destination for anyone who loves music and comes with a rich history and stunning scenery. Innsbruck, nestled in the heart of the Alps, offer in addition to their mountain views the luxurious Swarovski Crystal Worlds, for example, or cable car rides to the Nordkette mountain range.

We also wholeheartedly recommend Hallstatt – a beautiful, charming village known for its picturesque lakeside setting. Can you believe how stunning it’ll be there now that autumn settles in? Austria is also famous for its luxurious thermal spas for a relaxing wellness holiday – such as those in Bad Gastein and Baden. And what better time for this than when it starts getting colder outside? The capital Vienna, Zell am See as well as the Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave near Werfen are spectacular destinations when travelling here in winter. 

Enjoying the weather and avoiding the crowds

Come autumn, many popular holiday destinations are suddenly just empty. The perfect opportunity to sneak in a wonderful autumn break, when the weather is still soft and mild, but nature already starts to embrace its metamorphosis. It also means, that the prices for flights, accommodations but also attractions are reduced – so you’ll get the best out of everything for your off-peak visit.

Make sure to pre-book everything you know you want to see regardless, though – just in case. And as we all know from our lovely UK, the weather can be more than just unpredictable. So, make sure to pack enough layers to be able to stay comfortable. A mix of warm clothing and waterproof gear is essential. Oh, and do you know the rumours about the deliciousness of Austrian cuisine? They’re true. All of them.