Imagine wandering through picturesque villages, hiking the Alps, and immersing yourself in centuries of rich culture! Austria offers an unforgettable adventure at every turn, and that’s why my trip there has become one of my favourites! It captivated me with its endless beauty, from the charming streets to the exhilarating hikes. Each experience here offers a unique taste of this picturesque country, blending culture, history, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes. One of the highlights of my time in Austria was the unforgettable Tyrolean evening I spent with the Gundolf family, soaking in the vibrant local music and dances. But the adventure truly took an epic turn when I reunited after over a year with my favourite human, Joe, and together, we embraced the magic of van life!
How I Created Memories On My Austria Trip
Disconnected from civilization, his cosy van became our home as we drove through the Alpine wonderlands, cooked meals together, and laughed endlessly under the vast sky. After getting tired from hiking all day and falling asleep each night beneath a blanket of billions of stars, we were completely immersed in nature’s raw beauty, untainted by network connectivity. The van was more than just a mode of transport – it became our sanctuary. We laughed endlessly and shared moments that will forever be etched in my heart as my favourite travel memory.
Let me share with you the must-have Austrian experiences!
Uncover The Charm Of Altstadt (Old Town)
While exploring Altstadt, I loved wandering through narrow, cobblestone streets that led me to charming squares. The iconic Golden Roof stood proudly as a landmark, surrounded by medieval architecture. It was such a pleasant experience to enjoy the cosy cafés and vibrant atmosphere. The whole area beautifully combines history, culture, and stunning Alpine views. I soaked in the ambiance and took time to admire the details of the buildings – truly a blend of timeless beauty and local charm.
Attend A Tyrolean Evening With The Gundolf Family
This is a highly recommended activity when you are in Innsbruck. The traditional Austrian music, folk dances, yodelling, and shoe-slapping had me immersed in the lively atmosphere. For me, the highlight came at the end of the performance when an Austrian lady sang ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ while waving the Indian flag – totally an unexpected moment. It was magical to sing along with people from around the world, uniting through music. Massive respect for the performers for creating such an incredible, inclusive experience!
Explore The Enchanting Leutascher Geisterklamm
Joe and I embarked on a delightful adventure through the Leutascher Geisterklamm, a breathtaking gorge nestled in the Tyrolean Alps on the Austria-Germany border. Spanning around three kilometres, the trail features walkways and bridges suspended high above the roaring Leutasch stream, with limestone cliffs soaring 75 meters around us. Popularly known as the “Ghost Gorge,” legends of mischievous spirits added a touch of mystery to the natural beauty. The views of the cascading water, rugged cliffs, and surrounding alpine landscape were truly spectacular. It was a thrilling adventure blending folklore, nature, and the charm of hiking together. A must-visit for nature lovers and explorers.
Hike Stunning Trails Of Kühtai
A winter sports village, Kühtai’s trails are an absolute must if you are seeking adventure and tranquillity. Hiking the breathtaking (literally!) Drei Seen Wanderung Trail is a memorable experience for me. Surrounded by the majestic alpine landscape, we trekked through lush meadows and rocky paths, arriving at three beautiful lakes – Hirschebensee, Mittlerer Plenderlessee, and Finstertaler Stausee. Each lake offered a distinctive, serene atmosphere, perfect for taking a moment to relax and admire nature. The views were absolutely splendid, with snow-capped peaks towering above. The hike was both challenging and rewarding, offering a true sense of connection with the mountains.
Joe drove all the way from Konstanz (Germany) to Innsbruck (Austria) to join me and let me have my very first van life adventure. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect companion to share this dreamlike experience. That’s the beauty of travel – you meet people who stay with you long after the journey ends. We crossed paths six years ago in Kerala when he was exploring India, and I was there to heal a broken heart after losing my pet dog.
My travel experience in Austria is unlike anything I’ve ever known. It’s a trip I’ll never forget!
Cover Image Credits: @strolling_shoes/Instagram
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