Welcome to Alpine Towns and Lakes!
About Alpine Towns & Lakes
Austria spans many miles from east to west, with the Tirol area to the west and the Alps to the south, but this area of focus is the beautiful lakes just southeast of Salzburg (Mondsee, Wolfgansee, Attersee, and Halstatt). These are very reachable from Salzburg and worth extra time in your itinerary.
In the general geographic sense, Southern Austria encompasses the federal state of Carinthia, the region of East Tyrol , most of Styria and southern Burgenland , meaning the parts of Austria that lie south of the main Alpine ridge , roughly the line Brenner Pass – Neusiedlersee . The region comprises the southeastern part of the Alps and the Alpine foreland in the southeast . Biogeographically and climatically, the area is characterized by the border area of the Illyrian climate , the Pannonian climate and the Alpine climate with the corresponding eco-zones.
There is so much to do in this area. The scenery alone is worth the visit. Halstatt, one of the most photographed villages in the area is iconic in its tradition and surroundings. Other places to discover are the many lakes mentioned above, as well as Dachstein Ice Caves, Schafberg Railway up the Schafberg Mountain on Wolfgang Lake, quaint village of St. Wolfgang, ferry ride from Hallstatt to St. Gilgen, and a cable car up the Zwölferhorn Mountain. This is just to name a few experiences in the area.
A special thank you to AirPixels CZ for an inspiring video of the Alpine towns and lakes of Austria.
Our Favorite Tours & Activities
Eat Play & Stay
This restaurant is ranked as #1 in the city of Lisbon. There is good reason too! Take a look at some of the wonderful options. For an affordable and tasty way to start the day, check out Le Bonne Crepe. You won't be disappointed. Also check it out on Tripadvisor. But click Explore More for their website.
Located in a former convent in the Chiado district, the ambiance, service and food are top notch! There is a great variety, including many fish and beef options. Cocktails are terrific and you must try the Orange Souffle for dessert. Suggestion: Grab a bit here and then head to head out for Fado! Click on the title for more information or Explore More for other options (and don't forgot to click on James Blick's Lisbon Food Tour video below).
We always look for great rooftop bars and restaurants, and outdoor spaces with ambiance, when visiting a city like Lisbon. You cannot go wrong with either choice. Be sure to click on the title of Santa Bica as we wanted to include this as well. It is a casual atmosphere with authentic food. You will not be sorry to visit either or both on your next trip to Lisbon!
this steakhouse has a wonderful atmosphere and great reviews. Time Out Lisbon rates it very highly as well. For a special night out, consider this! Go to Time Out Lisbon or the Fork for other suggetions.
We always advise a free or low cost walking tour when first arriving in a new city. We always look to see if "With Locals" offers tours in the city we are visiting, These tour guides offer personalized tours at affordable prices. You can also look for Free Walking Tours https://freetourportugal.com/. Check out With Locals by clicking Explore More. Whether you grab a tour or not, catch the famous Tram 28 for a scenic trolly ride through the neighborhood of Alfama. Check out ticket info and routes by visiting https://www.lisbonportugaltourism.com/
transportation/tram-28-route-and-stops.html
When looking for activities in a new city, we always suggest finding ways to stay with , eat with or do activities with locals. It is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of the region. It is oftentimes, life changing. This activity is in that category. Spend an evening with Hugo as he shares the wonderful flavors, aromas and the culture of Lisbon. Hugo has been a home host since 2010. You will see from the reviews that is not just a food experience but a way to meet others from around the world and be welcomed by a local.
Lisbon The Belém Tower, located where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic. Its white stonework is stunning. It was built in 1515 as a beacon and fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor. At one point, It served as a prison. It is most recognized as the departure point for many of the “voyages of discovery”. Not far from there, on the waterfront, is a the DIscovery Monument commemorating the explorers that left Portugal for the new world.VIsit this iconic tower on the waterfront, walk over to the monument, take in the view of sailboats on the harbor, and then head over for a Patais de Belen (custard patais).
Built in 1902 by a student of Gustave Eiffel. Santa Justa Elevator is a sight that offers wonderful views. Some folks comment that it is not worth the money but there are ways around waiting in line. Use the back entrance (next to the old church with no roof), though, and you'll enter at the top elevator level and pay just 1.5 Euros to go up the stairs. Nearby is the Carm Convent (the ruins have been in place since the earthquake of 1755).
This guest house is is in one of the most prime locations in all of Lisbon, along with being one of the most affordable. If you are lucky enough to book the room with the balcony, you will be able to see the Sao Jorge Castle, as well as the Carmo Convent and Santa Justa Elevator which is right next door. Take breakfast on the balcony and enjoy this amazing city! Check it out on Booking.com
For an incredible view and amazing location, you must check out this place. The reviews are wonderful. Location is perfect! For 2-3 people, this is ideal. Airbnb offers a lot of terrific apartments that are within walking distance to many attractions. Be sure to check out Airbnb for other options as well.
This guest house is a former 19th Century palace is located about 650 feet from the Chiado neighborhood. The interior is classic and modern with the ambiance of years past. This is a very affordable option on Booking.com anywhere between $100-$160.
Viator
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Kaprun
Local Spotlight ~ Kaprun
Welcome to Kaprun
Kaprun is a magical paradise all year round. If you have a few days to spare, it is worth adding to your itinerary! You must click Explore More to see this amazing place and discover all the things to do. Kaprun is near Zell am See a beautiful lake and dam that you may recognize from photos. There is a large glacier with an incredible lookout and a unique gorge, Sigmund Thun Gorge, with a wooden walkway built around waterfalls.
Sigmund Thun Gorge, Kaprun
This gorge has an amazing history due to the dream of Earl Sigmund of Thun from Salzberg. It is a series of wooden pathways and steps that wind around the incredible gorge.
Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave
The Eisriesenwelt (German for “World of the Ice Giants”) is a natural limestone and ice cave located in Werfen, Austria, about 40 km south of Salzburg. The cave is the largest ice cave in the world, extending more than 42 km, and visited by about 200,000 tourists every year. Gustav Rosted is a vlogger that is on a mission to travel to all the countries. in the world. Be sure to check out his Youtube channel HERE
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Hallstatt
Local Spotlight ~ Hallstatt
Halstatt by Around the World in 4K
If you have not figured it out already, we love Around the World in 4K. I. Turda, founder, has a passion to show us the world and we are honored to host his videos on our site. Quoting him here “It’s a haven of peace among the Austrian Alps. With pastel-colored houses casting shimmering reflections onto the looking-glass lake and with lofty mountains rearing up on all sides, Hallstatt’s beauty borders on the surreal and the sublime.”
Hallstatt Travel Guide
Wanderlust Storytellers
This adventurous family takes us on a tour of the best things to do in Hallstatt. They have an incredible blog as well as other helpful videos. Click on Explore More for great blog posts.
Rick Steves ~Day Trip to Hallstatt
Rick gives great tips on how to do a day trip to Hallstatt. Be sure to click on Explore More for Rick’s Travel Guide to Hallstatt.
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Wolfgang Lake
Local Spotlight ~Wolfgangsee
St.Wolfgang and St. Gilgen Cable Cars
Wanderlust Storytellers
This adventurous family takes us on a tour through the village of St. Wolfgang. You will also experience the town of St. Gilgen and the cable cars that take you up to the most incredible mountain peak. They have an incredible blog as well as other helpful videos. Click on Explore More for great blog posts
St. Wolfgang Railway
Near From Home leaves Germany for Austria and shares with us a day at St. Wolfgang Lake and the cogwheel railway to the top of the Schafberg Mountain. Click Explore More for information on train tickets.
Dachstein Ice Caves
Located high above the deep blue waters of Hallstätt Lake lies the Dachstein Mountains, home to amazing hikes, spectacular alpine views, and mysterious caves. This area includes the awe-inspiring Dachstein Giant Ice Cave, the platform named 5fingers with a spectacular view, and the extraordinary hike to the Heilbronner Cross where you can see panoramic views of the Austrian Alps. It is very close to the historic town of Hallstatt.
Off the Beaten Path ~ Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden, Germany
There is so much to see and do in Berchtesgaden, Germany which is about 2 hours from Salzburg. This includes Lake Konigsee and Obersee. Check out our page under Germany for more things to do in Berchtesgaden.