Experiences in Austria
Family Fun in Austria
Austria has plenty of interesting things to do and places to visit that will excite the entire family. From the world’s oldest amusement park to the world’s largest ice cave, and from salt mines to dinosaur parks, there is no end of entertainment for the little ones in Austria.
Vienna
– Wiener Prater: When people talk about the Wiener Prater they often mean the “Wurstelprater”, the world’s oldest amusement park. But there is more to it than that, as it is actually a large public park in Vienna’s 2nd district Leopoldstadt.
– Schönbrunn Palace: Schönbrunn Palace offers specially designed children’s tours, with attractions including a maze and a large zoo.
– ZOOM Children’s Museum : Children can investigate, marvel at, and participate in numerous exhibitions and events at this fabulous museum.
– Haus des Meeres : Discover the flora and fauna of the deep!
Burgenland
– Familypark Neusiedlersee Rides, playgrounds and a petting zoo – the kids will love Familypark Neusiedlersee, Austria’s biggest theme park!
Carinthia
– Obir Stalactite Caves: Any family holiday in Carinthia needs to account for a stop at the Obir Stalactite Caves, a fascinating natural wonder. During the magical light and audio show, the stones start to speak and the dragon who lives in the cave comes back to life. Tip: Warm clothing and prior reservation are recommended.
– Minimundus: Miniature models of 150 of the most beautiful buildings in the world, all built true-to-scale.
Lower Austria
– Carnuntum: Travel back in time to the days of the ancient Romans in this archaeological park.
Upper Austria
– Dachstein Caves: Discover the fairytale world of the Ice Cave and follow in the footsteps of the cave researchers through the Mammut Cave and the Koppenbrüller Cave on your trip to Dachstein in Salzkammergut.
– Hirschalm Fairytale Park: Stay at Hirschalm Fairytale Park and watch the kids search for the magical Crystal, whizz down the summer toboggan track, and enjoy 4 giant trampolines plus a natural playground.
– Hallstatt Salt Mine: Experience an exciting escapade through the oldest salt mine in the world.
SalzburgerLand
– Giant Ice Caves in Werfen: The Eisriesenwelt in Werfen showcases the world’s largest ice cave.
– Hallein Salt Mine: A trip to the Hallein Salt Mine is a must for anyone visiting nearby Salzburg.
Styria
– Altaussee Salt Mine: The kids will love a trip to this fascinating salt mine with slides.
– Styrassic Park: Situated near Bad Gleichberg, with more than 80 life-sized dinosaurs.
– Stübing Open Air Museum: Original and historic farm buildings from all over Austria are on display here, with plenty to keep the kids entertained.
Tirol
– The Fisser Flitzer: This thrilling summer toboggan takes riders along a 2,200 m (7,218 ft) course at speeds of up to 45 km/h (28 m/h).
– Witch’s Water Hochsöll : This adventure park has interactive stations with a focus on woodland and water, a bare-foot trail, and arts and crafts.
– Ötzidorf Umhausen : Archaeological park exploring life and work in the Neolithic period. Ötzidorf Umhausen also stages Stone Age festivals.
– Alpine Zoo Innsbruck: A highlight for all the family when visiting Innsbruck, with 2000 animals and flora and fauna of the Alps.
– Area 47: Rafting, canyoning, and more adventures, events and water fun at this outdoor park in Ötztal, Tirol.
Vorarlberg
– Inatura: An interactive exhibition in Dornbirn that stimulates all the senses and lets you explore Vorarlberg’s natural world.
– Alpine Coaster Golm: An exhilarating 2.6 km (1.6 mi) alpine coaster ride between Latschau and Vadans with 44 jumps.
Spa and Wellness in Austria
Austria is famous the world over for its top-class spas. Visit any one of them to benefit from an impressive treatment menu, from massages to beauty treatments, and luxuriate in thermal water in an arena of fresh Alpine air.
If you’re looking for the ultimate health and spa retreat, look no further than Austria for the perfect wellness break. Replete with natural hot springs, fresh Alpine air, sweeping mountainous views, and warming hospitality, Austria lends itself to a thriving spa scene. Visit for deliciously warming outdoor pools, revigorating steam rooms, and quaint sauna cabins nestled in the most picturesque backdrop and take advantage of an impressive treatment menu and indulge in the most delicious and hearty gourmet delights during your spa stay.
Austria’s spas look back on a long tradition, and many of its modern spas now sit on sites which were popular as far back as Roman times, with the ancient Romans fully appreciating the benefits that spas (or, as they called them, “terme”) offered.
What’s more, a trip to the spa is perfect for any time of year. During the wintertime, why not spend some time relaxing and unwinding after an active day on the slopes? Throughout the summer, hike in the mountains or take a scenic bike trip around the lake before luxuriating in open-air pools, taking in the gorgeous panoramic views.
Tempted? Read on for a pick of some of the most notable spas in the country.
Vienna
Austria looks back on a long spa history, evidenced by the fact that its capital city is home to a wide range of facilities in and around the city. Austria’s spas have long been prized as social meeting hubs, so it’s perfect to combine fine Viennese wining and dining with friends with a stop-off at one of the city’s many fine spas.
Vienna is the only capital city in the world that can lay claim to its own thermal spa. Therme Wien to the south of the city is Europe’s biggest and most modern city spa. Its waters are heated by sulphur springs, which were popular even as far back as the Roman times. First opened in 1974 as Therme Oberlaa, it was converted to Therme Wien in 2010 and no features 26 pools, 24 sauna and steam rooms, 2,500 loungers and a 6,000-m2 (64,583 sq ft) health and fitness area.
Burgenland
The thermal spas in Burgenland have some of the oldest and richest traditions in the whole of Austria. Set in the stunning steppe landscape in the east of Austria, its climate is warm and the whole area lays claim to being Austria’s sunshine state, ideal when wishing to luxuriate some of the luxury outdoor pools or lounge at the side of the water. It boasts a number of thermal spas which are replete with healing spring waters.
Carinthia
More than 60 spas located in the vicinity of Villach and Bad Kleinkirchheim complement the traditional winter sports region of Carinthia.
Upper Austria
Upper Austria’s spas are fed from deep springs. Particularly during the winter, they are the perfect place to unwind and soothe sore limbs in warming, comforting water.
SalzburgerLand
The province of SalzburgerLand has a total of six thermal spas and water parks, concentrating on smaller boutique offerings rather than large thermal spas, which makes for the ideal place for some tranquil rest and relaxation amongst friends and family. The area of Bad Gastein is renowned for its therapeutic properties, with the Swiss physician Parcelsus spending time here in the 16th century. It was also a favourite haunt of Emperor Franz Josef I and his wife Sisi in the 19th century. They spent many a summer holidaying in the area to take in the healing powers of the thermal waters. These contain the noble gas radon, known for its curative properties and the presence of this in the water helped the area rise to acclaim and prosperity.
Styria
Styria is a fantastic choice when in search of rest and relaxation. The area’s spas take advantage of the region’s natural assets, and a lot of the local treatments make use of peat and salt. Get a massage with fragrant oil, visit a herbal sauna, or simply luxuriate in the area’s thermal springs.
Tirol
Tirol has long looked back on a rich spa history, its beautiful landscape perfect for hours of rest and relaxation, the benefits of natural springs aided by its fresh Alpine air. Try out Kneipp water therapy, the application of hot and cold water to boost the immune system, balance the circulation, be rejuvenated, and find a sense of inner balance.
