Eight breathtaking places to visit in Austria

Vorarlberger Martin Fetz from the Austrian collective Feldküche, which runs a pop-up outdoor dining project over the summer, gave The Local some insider knowledge of where to go for the best views and most magnificent surroundings.

Gut Oggau, Burgenland

The small town of Oggau has one of the best Heuriger (wine taverns) in all of Austria – run by Stephanie Tscheppe Eselböck and Eduard Tscheppe Eselböck. Their extraordinary wines and beautiful biodynamic vineyards make it well worth a visit.

http://www.gutoggau.com/

Ahornboden nature reserve, Tyrol

Photo: Beatrix Kovats

This stunning location – reminiscent of the Yosemite National Park in the US – is not so easy to find and get to but is well worth the effort. Travel there via Bad Tölz in Bavaria or Lake Achen. In the valley there is a cooperative that makes some of the best cheeses you’ll ever taste.

Bregenzerwald, Vorarlberg

Photo: Darko Todorovic

This mountain in the middle of the Bregenzerwäld region – known as the ‘Niedere’ – is more of a gentle ridge and the first harbinger of higher Alpine terrain. At the foot of the Niedere are a variety of small dairies and craft enterprises, some of them now well known outside of Austria. If you make it to Andelsbuch be sure to visit the Werkraum which showcases the expertise of the local craftsmen and is designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor.

Millstatt, Carinthia
 

Photo: Beatrix Kovats

Lake Millstatt – a former summer holiday oasis for those escaping the city – is surrounded by old holiday villas which are gradually being renovated. The most unique of these villas is located directly on the lake – the Villa Verdin. It looks like something you’d find in France or Italy – with a touch of Thailand. But despite its exotic appearance the food served is very regional and all organic. Not far from the villa is an organic smallholding that has been open for two years and provides food for the guests.

Donauauen national park, Lower Austria

Photo: Beatrix Kovats

On the edge of the unique Donauauen National Park lies a former Habsburg jewel – Eckartsau castle. Those who really want to experience nature should take a cycle ride or a walk through the park. And the castle is an ideal location for weddings.

Langbathsee, Upper Austria

Photo: Beatrix Kovats

One of Austria’s ‘hidden’ lakes. From the market town of Ebensee you drive through a small valley and arrive to find an incredibly beautiful view of the Langbathsee. If you walk along the lakeshore for 15 or 20 minutes to the rear of the lake you arrive directly at the foot of the Höllengebirge mountain. If you feel like a hike you can climb over the mountain to Attersee.

Grundlsee, Styria

Photo: Beatrix Kovats

Lots of boathouses, crystal clear waters, mackerel and one of the last historic timber cabins in the Salzkammergut. The Sprudel music and art festival at Gößl am Grundlsee is great, and starts on August 1st.

Kaprun, Salzburg

Photo: Reinhard Lang

Not your ordinary day trip – but when you get there the view will blow you away. More than 2000 metres above sea level is one of Austria’s largest reservoirs – make sure you stop off at the Fürthermoaralm where the lush green meadows are grazed by cattle and sheep belonging to a unique organic farmer, who sells butter, cheese, yoghurt, milk, sausages, bread, and schnapps.

And for a culinary experience like no other, check out Feldküche's open air dinners taking place in August. This year they are hosting a series of forest and game workshops in Mariazellerland and the Salzkammergut. Top chefs will be cooking imaginative menus inspired by nature, served outdoors in stunning locations.

See also: The pop-up dinner party in a wood