Prettiest Resorts in Austria

One of the top destinations for Alpine activities, Kitz it’s also a feast for the eyes, with a colourful medieval village, stunning lakes and bright, flowery meadows. There’s oodles to do, from hurtling down the Streif to wandering round the posh boutiques - on top of mile after mile of cycling and walking trails.

Often ranking high on lists of ‘the prettiest’, this posh Alpine resort is one of Austria’s classics. The village is traditional and the Arlberg mountains jaw-dropping but Lech’s not just somewhere to feast your eyes upon – this is a real hotspot for walking, with a mix of easy family trails and more demanding climbs. The river dissecting the town is great to get to grips with canoeing, paddle boarding and canyoning and cyclists are spoiled for choice on a variety of paths.

Often proclaimed Austria’s “most beautiful”, Alpach is a dreamy olde-worlde village with wood and stone architecture, bright flowers and a centre-point church steeple. It’s surrounded by lovely rolling meadows and with the Gratlspitz mountain to one side, there’s plenty of scope to enjoy the fresh air from gentle strolls to paragliding and rock climbing.

The Tyrolean architecture, flower-covered meadows and glimmering Wildsee lake are enough to stop you in your tracks but Seefeld is more than a pretty face; Mother Nature has made a real adventure base here. With hundreds of kilometres to walk and cycle, 17 tennis courts, 2 golf courses and a paragliding academy, you’ll have to remember to hit pause and enjoy the sights.

It’s easy to fall in love with Zell am See (there’s even a mountain called ‘Schmitten’...) and the surroundings will certainly take your breath away, but not just because they’re so beautiful – the area’s a super base for activities; climb, hike or bike the mountains, sail, paddle or swim the lake and do tonnes more in between.

Mayrhofen is ‘traditional Austrian’ from head to toe and the town has a refreshing buzz to it all summer long. Cross alpine pastures, speed down the Penken and discover deep gorges and canyons before letting your hair down with a stein and some Austrian folk music – you’d struggle to find a ‘best for Alps activities’ list that this place doesn’t crop up on.

At the shore of Lake Wolfgansee, St. Wolfgang is an attractive old town characterised by its colourful chalets and landmark gothic church. Pilgrims have been visiting here for a millennium, nowadays it’s best known as a mecca of outdoor pursuits – with water sports, lakeside cycle routes and hiking in the Alps just some of many possibilities.

Westendorf’s a quiet little town with loads of character. Tucked away in the picturesque Tyrol, it’s all about slowing the pace and taking time to enjoy your surroundings. The area’s great for rambling and cycling, but, if that sounds a bit strenuous, you can always chill out in one of the many beer gardens and watch the world go by.

Ellmau is a little mountain village with Austrian charm by the bucketload. It’s nestled in a lush green valley overlooked by the huge Wilder Kaiser Mountains (on a clear day the view is unbelievable!). There’s lots to keep you occupied, whether you fancy a long walk, a bike ride or even a round of golf.

Surrounded by dreamy meadows and thick forests, this small mountain village is beautifully tranquil - one of the walking trails is even called the ‘Path of Contemplation’! The area’s perfect for a relaxed walking or cycling holiday, with stunning mountains dotted with ‘alms’ – alpine pastures where you’ll often find farmers grazing their cattle.