Destinations

At 2,679 m, the Mangart is one of the highest mountains in Slovenia, on the border with Italy. The Mangart Road, at around 2,072 m the highest road in Slovenia, leads to its saddle through several tunnels and tight hairpins. From the top the view stretches far across the Julian Alps to the Triglav.HighlightsMangart (2,679…

Kranjska Gora in north-western Slovenia is the country’s best-known winter sports resort and host of Alpine Ski World Cup races at Vitranc. Nearby lie the Planica ski-flying hill and the idyllic mountain lake Jasna. In summer the resort is a starting point for the Vršič Pass and tours in the Triglav National Park.HighlightsSlovenia’s best-known ski resort (Vitranc World Cup)Near the Planica ski-flying hillJasna mountain lakeStarting point…

Pralognan-la-Vanoise is a tradition-rich mountaineering village on the edge of the Vanoise National Park and a classic starting point for tours to the Grande Casse, the highest peak in the Vanoise. Unlike the big ski resorts, Pralognan has kept its original character; trails and huts open up the high mountains.HighlightsGateway to the Vanoise National ParkStarting point for the Grande CasseUnspoilt mountaineering villageDense network of trails…

The Lac d’Aiguebelette in western Savoy is one of the largest natural lakes in France and known for its emerald-green water, pleasantly warm in summer. To protect nature, motorboats are banned. Two small islands and quiet bathing bays make it a tranquil destination away from the crowds.HighlightsEmerald-green, warm waterMotorboats banned to protect natureTwo…

Bonneval-sur-Arc in the upper Maurienne is one of the most beautiful villages in France. The natural-stone houses with shingle roofs seem out of another time; antennas and visible cables are forbidden. The village lies at the foot of the Col de l’Iseran, the highest paved alpine pass, and borders the Vanoise National Park.HighlightsAuthentic natural-stone villageOne of the…

The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval near Sixt is one of the largest rock amphitheatres in the Alps: a horseshoe-shaped valley head over whose roughly 500 to 700 m high limestone walls dozens of waterfalls plunge in early summer. The area is part of a nature reserve with easy trails along the valley floor.HighlightsHorseshoe-shaped valley headDozens of waterfalls in early summerLimestone walls up to 700 m highEasy trails…

Évian-les-Bains on the French southern shore of Lake Geneva is famous worldwide for its mineral water and an elegant Belle Époque spa town. The lakeside promenade, thermal baths and boat trips across the largest alpine lake shape the resort, with the Savoy and Swiss Alps greeting in the background.HighlightsWorld-famous Évian mineral waterBelle Époque spa town on Lake GenevaLakeside promenade and boat tripsView across the largest alpine lakeGood to…

La Clusaz is a tradition-rich ski village in the Haute-Savoie, set before the striking Aravis rock chain. Unlike the big purpose-built resorts, it has kept its Savoyard village character. The region is the home of Reblochon cheese; in summer, hikes and the nearby Col des Aravis beckon.HighlightsTraditional Savoyard ski villageAravis rock chain as a backdropHome of Reblochon cheeseCol…

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 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:…

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 Weissensee in the Gailtal Alps is the highest of Carinthia’s large bathing lakes and known for its near-natural, strictly protected surroundings. In summer the water is of drinking quality; in winter it freezes over widely and forms the largest prepared natural ice surface in Europe for skating.HighlightsNear-natural lake with drinking-water qualityLargest natural ice surface in Europe in…