Location: Austria

Schladming at the foot of the Dachstein is one of the best-known ski resorts in Styria and part of the Ski amadé region. The local mountain Planai is the venue of the legendary Nightrace, one of the most atmospheric World Cup night slaloms. In summer the region is an extensive hiking and biking area.HighlightsLocal mountain Planai with World Cup NightracePart of the Ski amadé regionAt the foot of the DachsteinSummer:…

The Styrian Erzberg near Eisenerz is the largest iron-ore open-pit mine in Central Europe; its striking mining terraces form a huge stepped cone. The show mine and the Hauly giant truck let you experience active mining up close. The mountain is also known for the Erzbergrodeo hard-enduro race.HighlightsLargest iron-ore open-pit mine in Central EuropeStriking mining terraces (stepped cone)Show mine and Hauly truck rideErzbergrodeo hard-enduro raceGood to knowSpecial featurelargest open-pit mine in Central EuropeMiningiron oreExperienceshow mine, HaulyEventErzbergrodeoPracticalGetting there:…

At around 1,970 m in the Rätikon, the Lünersee is considered one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Vorarlberg, shimmering intense turquoise against the backdrop of the Schesaplana and Zimba. A cable car from the Brandnertal opens up the lake, which is used as a reservoir; an easy circular path runs along the shore.HighlightsIntense turquoise mountain lake at 1,970 mBackdrop of…

The Riegersburg sits on an extinct volcanic rock, visible from afar above the rolling hills of eastern Styria, and is considered one of the mightiest castles in Austria. Inside, museums tell of castle history and witch trials; at its foot a birds-of-prey centre and the well-known Zotter chocolate factory await.HighlightsMighty castle on a volcanic rockCastle and witch museumBirds-of-prey centre with flight showsZotter chocolate factory nearbyGood…

The Kleinwalsertal is a geographical curiosity: the Austrian high valley can be reached by road only from Oberstdorf in Germany. Founded by Walser settlers, it forms a shared skiing and hiking area with Bavarian Oberstdorf, against the backdrop of the Widderstein and Ifen.HighlightsHigh valley reachable only via GermanyShared area with OberstdorfWalser culture…

Sölden in the rear Ötztal is one of Austria’s best-known glacier ski resorts, with pistes above 3,000 m. The futuristic Gaislachkogl summit station houses the 007 Elements experience on the James Bond film Spectre, which was filmed here. In summer the Ötztal Glacier Road, Austria’s highest panoramic road, leads up.HighlightsGlacier ski area above 3,000 m007 Elements at the GaislachkoglÖtztal…