Reasons for an (autumn) vacation in Austria
When the larch trees turn golden, the alpine pastures settle into a peaceful rhythm, and the air becomes clear and mild, Austria reveals perhaps its most beautiful side. Fall is the season for long hiking days with sweeping views, colorful harvest festivals, and hearty cuisine in a warm, cozy parlor—and it’s significantly quieter and often more affordable than the height of summer. We’ve compiled the five best reasons to choose AlpenParks in Austria for your next fall vacation.
With over 20 resorts in more than twelve vacation regions—from the Salzkammergut to Zell am See-Kaprun and the Hochkönig region, all the way to Tyrol and the Arlberg—you’ll find just the right temporary home with us. Whether it’s a hotel room with breakfast, a cozy chalet with a fireplace, or a vacation apartment with its own kitchen: you decide how much service and how much freedom you want on your fall vacation.
- The golden hiking season – panoramic views instead of the hustle and bustle
Fall is an insider’s tip among hikers: stable, fair weather, pleasantly mild temperatures, and panoramic views that are rare in summer. In Altaussee, for example, the landscape glows in shades of red, yellow, and gold, while you enjoy a clear view of the surrounding mountains. The family-friendly loop trail around Lake Altaussee—just a few minutes’ walk from our Hagan Lodge Altaussee—is considered by many to be the most beautiful hike of the year in the fall.
And this holds true almost everywhere in our regions: Around Zell am See-Kaprun, panoramic trails beckon with views of glaciers and the lake; in the Hochkönig region, gentle alpine trails wind through the golden mountain landscape; and in the Ötztal valley around Sölden, the view stretches far across the colorful valley slopes. After your hike, our resorts await you with a sauna, a cozy fireplace, and a hot drink on the terrace.
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Experience the farmers’ autumn & alpine cattle drives up close
Hardly any other season is as vibrant as autumn in the SalzburgerLand. From mid-August through the end of October, over 70 municipalities celebrate the Salzburg Farmers’ Autumn with around 2,000 events—including alpine cattle drives, village festivals, craft demonstrations, and folk music. In 2026, the Farmers’ Autumn will kick off statewide on August 22 in Maria Alm in the Hochkönig region—right on the doorstep of our resorts in Maria Alm, Mühlbach, and Dienten.
When the festively decorated cows return from the alpine pastures to the valley, it’s an experience for the whole family. In the Gastein Valley, for example, the large Nassfeld sheep drive in Bad Gastein is a major attraction—just a stone’s throw from our Residence Bad Hofgastein. A tip: The exact date of a cattle drive depends on the alpine summer and the weather and is often not set until a few weeks beforehand—just ask at the front desk for the current dates in your region.
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Culinary delights & game weeks
Fall is harvest time—and you can really taste it. Classic Austrian cuisine—including Kaiserschmarren, Käsespätzle, and hearty Brettljause—is now joined by seasonal specialties: Around Maria Alm, Dienten, and Mühlbach, the Bauernherbst is closely linked to the fall Game Weeks, which showcase regional game dishes. Enjoy them with fresh farmhouse bread, harvest-themed delicacies, and a glass of Sturm or a warming cup of coffee.
If you love good food and want to take in the view of the mountains ablaze with fall colors, Austria is the perfect destination. At many of our accommodations, you’ll also start your day with a hearty breakfast buffet—the best way to fuel your next hike.
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Discount cards are valid through november
An often-overlooked perk of fall: Regional guest cards are included free of charge with AlpenParks—and most are valid well into the fall. This way, you save money while the mountain railways are still running.
- Hochkönig Card: The region’s summer lifts are in operation through November 8, 2026—with this card, you can ride them unlimited times for free. Also included are the hiking bus, outdoor pools, museums, and the Guest Mobility Ticket for free use of all public transportation throughout the SalzburgerLand.
- Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card: Valid through October 31, 2026—with free rides up the Kitzsteinhorn and Schmittenhöhe, admission to the Kaprun high-altitude reservoirs, and boat rides on Lake Zell. A family of four can save up to 500 euros during a one-week vacation.
- Salzkammergut Adventure Card: Discounts of up to 25% on around 120 activities—ideal for excursions around Altaussee.
- Lungau Card: Free admission and discounts on public transportation, tourist destinations, and attractions throughout the region.
Note: The benefits and validity periods of the cards may vary depending on the season—you can find the latest details on the respective resort or region’s website.
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Top locations throughout Austria – your fall getaway
After a day spent enjoying the crisp fall air, there’s nothing better than coming home to a place that makes you feel right at home. Our hotels, chalets, and vacation apartments are located in the most beautiful spots in the Alps—many with saunas, some with fireplaces, and all with views of the green (or golden) landscape. You’ll find AlpenParks Resorts in the following locations, among others:
- Altaussee in the Salzkammergut (chalet village)
- Zell am See-Kaprun (hotel & vacation apartments)
- Saalbach (hotel, apartments) & Viehhofen (hotel, vacation apartments & chalets)
- Bad Hofgastein in the Gastein Valley (vacation apartments)
- Maria Alm & Mühlbach am Hochkönig (hotel & vacation apartments)
- St. Johann im Pongau – Alpendorf (hotel & vacation apartments)
- Mariapfarr in Lungau (Vacation apartments)
- Sölden in Tyrol (Vacation apartments)
- Seefeld in Tyrol (Chalet apartments)
- Kirchberg in the Brixental Valley (Hotel & vacation apartments)
- Matrei in East Tyrol (Hotel & vacation apartments)
Ready for a golden fall?
Whether it’s a leisurely hike with clear, sweeping views, a traditional cattle drive festival, or simply a peaceful getaway with mountain views—at AlpenParks, you’ll find the perfect resort for your fall vacation. We look forward to your visit!
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