Written by Michelle Tan

Austria, perhaps best renowned for its legendary musical composers and classical music scene, is additionally widely regarded for its vibrant cultural legacy, picturesque cities such as Vienna and Salzburg, and breath-taking Alpine landscapes. It's also well-known for its distinctive cuisine, popular winter sports, and its prominent role as the heart of the Habsburg Empire. Austria is also celebrated for its rich coffeehouse culture, the concept of Gemütlichkeit—a uniquely Austrian sense of cozy enjoyment—and a deep-rooted tradition in arts and craftsmanship. Aside from the main cities of Vienna and Salzburg, the rich landscape of this country contains a broad spectrum of alternative landscapes that beckon to the hearts of various travellers.

Here are 10 hidden gems of Austria worth adding to your travel bucket list!

1. Rattenberg, Tyrol

Situated on the Inn River near Rattenberg Mountain and Innsbruck lies a quaint town with narrow streets, medieval atmosphere, and picturesque scenery. Rattenberg —Austria’s smallest town with only several hundred residents —is a true hidden treasure. Strolling amidst its historic buildings inevitably leads to the renowned glass studios that have earned Rattenberg the title of "The Glass Town." Here, skilled artisans including glassblowers, cutters, painters, and engravers craft unique works of art, often right before visitors' eyes. This title finds its origins rooted deeply in glass artistry and has been a longstanding tradition within the region. For a more in-depth look at the diverse techniques of glassblowing and its many stages, a visit to one of the many glass studios—such Kristall Glas Kisslinger—is highly recommended. And if you're feeling adventurous, you may even participate in a workshop to try your hand at blowing glass ornaments yourself—providing a wonderful bonding experience for yourself and your family.

2. Gmünd, Carinthia.

The charming and scenic town of Gmünd is nestled at the gateway to the Hohe Tauern and Nockberge national parks. In 2000, the city was rewarded with the European Village Renewal Prize in recognition of its rich and varied cultural scene. Often deemed as the town that embodies art in its purest form, a brisk walk about boasts the colourful scenery of restored medieval houses, now home to artists who maintain their studios and galleries throughout the year – open year-round to extend a warm welcome to visitors. The ideal way to discover it all is with an art guide, who brings the town’s history and cultural heritage to life through captivating stories and compelling memories. A highlight for visitors is Stadtturmgalerie, which regularly presents exhibitions by internationally acclaimed artists—Turner and Matisse amongst the many of them. Bringing a modern flair to the experience is the Fritz Russ Sculpture Garden—an unforgettable attraction that shouldn’t be missed. This town is truly an experience not to be missed, especially for lovers and patrons of the arts seeking inspiration.

3. Piber, Western Styria.

An equestrian’s dream brought to life, the village of Piber located near the town of Köflach of Western Styria is a must-see for all animal lovers. Here within this small town, the masterful art of horsemanship is proudly executed by the highly-prized Lipizzaner stallions. These stallions are a force of nature; charming, full of life, highly intelligent, and have a fondness for humans. At the Lipizzan Stud Farm in Piber, set amid lush greenery, these extraordinary horses are bred and meticulously trained for their future stellar performances at the Spanish Riding School, with a history dating back to 1920. Piber serves also as a retirement home for stallions that once captivated audiences in Vienna. Aside from the farm, a wide range of activities awaits visitors: guided tours of the stud farm, scenic carriage rides, and alpine pasture excursions offer immersive experiences. For those seeking adventure, the Piber climbing park offers an adrenaline-filled experience with more than 60 challenging stations to conquer.

4. Grüner See (Green Lake), Styria.

Grüner See is a picturesque lake located in the village of Tragöß and is encircled by three majestic peaks—Pribitz, Meßnerin, and Trenchtling—all belonging to the Hochschwab mountain range. This stunning spot is a favorite among locals for hiking and relaxing on benches—at least until mid-June, when those same trails and benches end up submerged under as much as 36 feet of water. As spring temperatures climb, melting snow from the surrounding mountains flows into the basin, flooding everything in its path; the result is a surreal, short-lived underwater park that lasts until around July, when the water slowly recedes and land access returns. Fed by snowmelt, the water remains icy cold and crystal clear, offering visibility up to 160 feet. This remarkable clarity gives the lake its signature green hue—and its nickname: the “Caribbean of the Alps".

5. Lake Seebensee, Ehrwald.

Seebensee is a natural alpine lake, formed in a glacially shaped rock basin, situated at an elevation of 1,657 meters. It lies to the south of Ehrwald in the Mieming Range. A well-known hiking spot, it draws large crowds annually of nature lovers that wish to commune with nature. Visitors to the area may also hike up to the Coburger Hütte, perched just above Seebensee. From this vantage point, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Drachensee, another beautiful alpine lake close by. For an even more spectacular perspective, continue your hike toward the Tajatörl peak, where you’ll get a stunning aerial view of both lakes below. The lake itself boasts crystal clear waters, so clear that even the bottom of the lake is visible to the naked eye. The atmosphere of this region is one of serenity and calmness, perfect for those that wish to absorb the majestic beauty of mother nature and feel the gentle breeze across your face.

6. Dachstein Glacier, Styria.

At a height of 2,700 meters, this icy spectacle looms over Styria and is amongst the highly suggested places to visit in Schladming. In fact, the Dachstein/Hallstatt-Salzkammergut region has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list—a prestigious recognition of global significance. At the mountain station, the Dachstein Sky Walk features a glass floor that provides unforgettable views, including a dramatic look straight down the 250-meter vertical rock face of the Hunerkogel. For even more thrills, the Dachstein suspension bridge leads to the Ice Palace and includes the famous "Stairway to Nowhere," which offers breathtaking views over the 400-meter-deep cliffs of the Dachstein massif. At the bridge’s end, you'll feel as if you’re floating above the mountains—a perfect spot for memorable photos. The Dachstein Sky Ladder is a must for adrenaline seekers. It features twelve steps leading to a glass platform with jaw-dropping views over the Dachstein, delivering a truly exhilarating experience.

7. Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave, Werfen.

The Eisriesenwelt, situated in Werfen, Austria is a vast natural cave made of limestone and ice. Spanning across 42 kilometers, it holds the title of the world's largest ice cave and attracts around 200,000 visitors annually. Entrance into the cave system is strictly permitted only with a guide present and the overall tour lasts for around an hour. The path ascends 134 meters in elevation—roughly the height of 40 stories—and includes 1,400 stairs. The Werfen ice caves offer more than just the typical grandeur of massive, towering caverns. The towering cliffs and smooth ice walls radiate an ethereal blue glow, creating a surreal atmosphere. Due to the cave's distinctive air circulation, spring meltwater freezes into stunning natural ice sculptures and formations, affectionately referred to as the "Ice Giants".

8. Schafberg Peak, Salzburg.

Schafberg Peak is a mountain situated in Austria's Salzkammergut region, within the state of Salzburg. Rising to an elevation of 1,783 meters (5,850 feet), it provides breathtaking panoramic vistas of nearby lakes such as Wolfgangsee, Mondsee, and Attersee. One of its main highlights is the historic Schafberg Railway, a cogwheel train that travels up the mountain from the town of St. Wolfgang. For the adventurous, hiking paths offer a challenging but rewarding experience with stunning views; hikers that arrive at the summit may soak in the 360-degree views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Several short walking trails allow you to explore different viewpoints and appreciate the landscape.  On sunny days, you might see paragliders taking advantage of the mountain winds, adding to the spectacle.

9. Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria.

The Hohe Tauern National Park showcases one of the world’s most breathtaking high-altitude mountain landscapes. Its elevation zones, stretching from deep valleys to peaks soaring over 3,000 meters, host an extraordinary range of biodiversity. The Park is a sanctuary for numerous plant and animal species with origins in the Central Asian tundra, the Arctic, and even Southern Europe.  To truly immerse yourself in its pristine wilderness, start your journey at the visitor center in Mittersill and join a guided hike led by an experienced park ranger. Along the way, you’ll encounter rare Alpine flowers, ibex, marmots, eagles, and vultures amid stunning scenery. Wander through vast meadows where you can gather wild blueberries and herbs, and take in the panoramic views from one of the area's awe-inspiring summits.

10. Aqua Dome, Oberlängenfeld.

The AQUA DOME – Tirol Thermal Längenfeld is one of Austria’s most modern thermal spas, featuring unique architecture with a futuristic design. Set amidst the rugged Ötztal nature, it offers the luxury of a thermal bath experience. The thermal water, sourced from 1,865 meters below the surface, fills 12 indoor and outdoor pools across 2,200 square meters. The centerpiece is the crystal-shaped thermal dome, housing two large pools with temperatures of 34° and 36° sourced from deep underground. The river pool gently flows toward the outdoor area, leading to the shimmering "Diamond" and three "floating" bowl basins—distinctive features of the AQUA DOME. This scenic yet immersive hotel eludes an energy of peace and renewal, with focus placed on health and wellness. Guests of AQUA DOME are free to enjoy one-of-a-kind thermal bath and sauna experience, followed by a leisurely stroll

through the modern bathrobe corridor straight into the hotel. Additionally, the hotel prides itself on its exquisite culinary offerings, abundance of natural materials that accentuate the

modern designs, and warm hues create a soothing, contemporary alpine atmosphere. The hotel comes equipped with a spacious spa, saunas, a beauty area, and a fully-equipped fitness center.

Let Sedunia Travel plan your next travel adventure to the rich cultural and scenic land of Austria – a place in which history and traditions merge with futuristic innovations and breathtaking greenery. We offer customization and tailor-made itineraries to accommodate all your travel needs!

Visit: https://seduniatravel.com/destination/austria/, call 03-2779 5479 (KUL) / 04-9420353 (PEN), or message on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/60321420222 for further enquiries.