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TRAVEL

Eight incredible places to stay in Austria

From a palace to a tree house - we take a look at some of the most unusual holiday rentals on offer in Austria.

Published: 3 November 2016 16:14 CET
Eight incredible places to stay in Austria
Photo: 2016 airbnb inc

If you enjoy pretending to be a member of the aristocracy then splurge and rent an apartment in the Palais Metternich in Vienna’s 3rd district. It’s been home to various Dukes and Duchesses, including Archduchess Elisabeth of Austria. Now this stylish apartment mixes the baroque and the modern, with wall paintings by well-known stage designer Stefan Riedl. With five bedrooms and two bathrooms it can accommodate up to ten people.

Photo: 2016 airbnb inc

For a more modern experience, try out this sleek glass house which enjoys a fantastic panoramic view of the mountains. Located in the state of Salzburg, it’s AirBnB host says it’s a perfect place to base yourself for long hikes in the Alps and to feel at one with nature.

If you fancy the idea of a more unusual bolt hole with an industrial edge, try out Das Park hotel in Ottensheim, Upper Austria. These renovated giant concrete sewage pipes are clean and functional and look pretty comfortable. Rooms are accessed by a digital keypad, whose code is provided by the self service website upon booking acceptance. The hotel is open from May to October and operates a “pay as you wish” scheme.

Photo: 2016 airbnb inc

If you like skiing but don’t want to skimp on luxury, then this 5 star palace, not far from Kitzbühel, will surely leave you feeling pampered. It has room for 12 people and boasts a sauna, a heated ski room, and maid service – making a stay in the mountains exceedingly comfortable. Oh, and in 15 minutes you’re on the slopes. 

Photo: 2016 airbnb inc

If you enjoy the sensation of being gently rocked to sleep, then this wooden sailing yacht located in a small harbour on the idyllic lake Wallersee in the state of Salzburg is for you. You can also sail the boat around the lake and explore the nearby town of Seekirchen. 

Photo: 2016 airbnb inc

Another nautical themed option for the summer months is this rustic boathouse which boasts a modern bathroom and direct access (a ten minute swim) to the beautiful Wörthersee. Electric boat included and pets welcome. 

Photo: 2016 airbnb inc

Like to combine tradition with something more modern? This wooden luxury chalet in Tyrol is more than 250 years old but was completely renovated in 2015 and its mirrored windows offer fabulous views over the Zillertal valley. It offers three bedrooms and three bathrooms. 

Photo: 2016 airbnb inc

For the real romantics this treehouse deep in the Bohemian Forest in Upper Austria could be the perfect spot for a spiritual retreat, a lovers’ getaway, or a tree climbing holiday. From the tree tops, enjoy gazing out over the forest or lie back and watch the stars. 

 
 
 
 

TRAVEL

Explore Austria: Mauer, a charming wine-hiking spot on Vienna’s outskirts

Catch the very tail-end of the wine season and autumn foliage in one of the lesser-explored corners of the Austrian capital: Mauer.

Published: 12 November 2021 17:03 CET
Updated: 24 September 2023 08:20 CEST
Explore Austria: Mauer, a charming wine-hiking spot on Vienna’s outskirts
Beautiful views and cosy taverns await you on the edge of Vienna. Photo: Catherine Edwards

Wine-hiking is an autumn must-do in Austria. There’s the official Wine Hiking Day (Weinwandertag) that usually draws in big crowds, but it’s also possible to follow the routes through beautiful scenery and wine taverns on your own.

Mauer in the southwest of Vienna is one of the routes that is mostly frequented by locals.


The footpath takes you through scenic vineyards. Photo: Catherine Edwards

You can reach this part of the 23rd district using Vienna’s public transport, and you have a few options. From the Hietzing station on the U4 line, you can take the tramline 60 or bus 56A. The former will take you either to Mauer’s central square or you can get off earlier at Franz-Asenbauer-Gasse to start the hike. If it’s too early in the day for wine just yet, you could start your day at the small and charming Designo cafe (Geßlgasse 6).

Otherwise, the residential area itself doesn’t have much to see, but keep an eye out as you wander between the taverns later — there are some beautiful buildings.

To start the hike, head west along Franz-Asenbauer Gasse, which will take you up into the vineyards, growing some red wine and Vienna’s specialty Gemischter Satz or ‘field blend’, which as the name suggests is a mixture of different types of grapes.

Photo: Catherine Edwards

The paved road takes a left turn, but the hiking route follows a smaller path further upwards. Here you’ll have magnificent views over the whole of Vienna.

If you stick to the official hiking route (see a map from Weinwandern here) you can keep the whole route under 5 kilometres. But more adventurous types don’t need to feel limited.

You can also follow the Stadtwanderweg 6 route (see a map here) either in full, which will add on a hefty 13 kilometres, or just in part, and venture further into the Mauerwald. If you do this, one spot to aim for is the Schießstätte, a former hunting lodge offering hearty Austrian meals.

EXPLORE AUSTRIA

In any case, you should definitely take a small detour to see the Wotrubakirche, an example of brutalist architecture from the mid-1970s built on a site that was used as a barracks during the Second World War.

Not far from the church is the Pappelteich, a small pond that is not only an important habitat for local flora and fauna, but a popular picnic spot for hikers. Its only water supply is from the rain, and due to climate change the pond has almost dried out in recent years, prompting the city to take action to boost its water supply by adding a permanent pipe.


The church is made up of over 150 concrete blocks. Photo: Catherine Edwards

What you really come to Mauer for, though, are the Heuriger or Viennese wine taverns. 

The most well-known is Edlmoser (Maurer Lange Gasse 123) which has previously been named as the best in Vienna. Note that it’s not open all year so check the website, but in 2021 it should be open between November 5th and 21st, and is also serving the goose that is a popular feature on Viennese menus this time of year.

Tip for translating Heuriger opening times: look for the word ausg’steckt, which is used by those taverns which aren’t open year round. They will also often show that they’re open by attaching a bunch of green twigs to the sign or front door.


Buschenschank Grausenburger. Photo: Catherine Edwards

Also worth visiting are cosy Buschenschank Grausenburger (Maurer Lange Gasse 101a), Heuriger Wiltschko (Wittgensteinstrasse 143 — located near the start of the hiking route, this is a good place to begin your tour) and Heuriger Fuchs-Steinklammer (Jesuitensteig 28).

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