--- title: 14 essential experiences in Upper Austria url: "https://www.upperaustria.com/en/travel-ideas/travel-ideas.html" description: Explore 14 must-see experiences in Upper Austria, from mountain lakes and scenic marathons to historic towns and cultural sites. Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers, these highlights showcase the best of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. image: "https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/user_upload/upperaustria/Logo_upperuastria_RGB_300x300px_Websites.png" date: 2019-03-12 modified: 2024-10-30 --- # 14 essential experiences in Upper Austria 14 essential experiences in Upper Austria ----------------------------------------- From the highest peak to the best-known snapshot and the most beautiful river bends: experience the very best of Upper Austria. Here are the top 14 highlights that definitely belong on your bucket list. Quench your thirst for mountain lakes ------------------------------------- Even artists like Gustav Klimt and monarchs like Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth would take their summer holidays in the Salzkammergut. A break in the region remains a heartening experience to this day. Take it easy, clear your mind, indulge in new ideas. - [Salzkammergut](https://www.salzkammergut.at/en) - Swimming in Upper Austria - [Water sports in Upper Austria](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/water-sports.html) Open copyright © Photo: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH./Robert Maybach: Bathing in the lake in the Salzkammergut region in Upper Austria Close copyright ![](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/0/9/csm_Baden-Langbathsee-1_3s_529de32eb3.jpg "Photo: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH./Robert Maybach: Bathing in the lake in the Salzkammergut region in Upper Austria") Tackle the toughest marathon ---------------------------- With a distance of 210 kilometres and climbs totalling 7,100 metres, the Salzkammergut Mountain Bike Trophy is Europe’s most challenging marathon. Each July, seven different courses bring nearly 5,000 ambitious bikers to these mountains. - [Salzkammergut Mountainbike Trophy](http://www.salzkammergut-trophy.at/news_2019-pid2110) - [Region Dachstein-Salzkammergut](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en) - [Salzkammergut](https://www.salzkammergut.at/en) - [Mountainbike holidays in Upper Austria](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/mountainbike.html) ![](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/8/0/csm_SKG-Trophy-14_Aireos-Manuel-Eder_3s_eff83dde0f.jpg) Climb the highest peak ----------------------- At 2,995 metres, the region’s highest mountain, King Dachstein, holds court over the landscape of southern Upper Austria. But it can be conquered – by mountain bike, on foot or by cable car. At Dachstein-Krippenstein, “5fingers” is probably the most spectacular viewing platform in the Alps. - [Viewing platform 5fingers](https://dachstein-salzkammergut.com/en/summer/above-ground/5fingers/) - [Dachstein Krippenstein cable car](https://dachstein-salzkammergut.com/en/) - [Region Dachstein-Salzkammergut](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en) - [Salzkammergut](https://www.salzkammergut.at/en) - [Hiking in Upper Austria](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/hiking.html) - [Mountainbiking in Upper Austria](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/mountainbike.html) Open copyright © Photo: Oberöstereich Tourismus GmbH/Moritz Ablinger: Mountain bikers at Lake Gosausee in the Salzkammergut. Close copyright ![Mountain bikers at Lake Gosausee in the Salzkammergut.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/6/2/csm_MTB-See-im-Salzkammergut-OOE-Tourismus-Moritz-Ablinger_2s_82b8b4a95a.jpg "Photo: Oberöstereich Tourismus GmbH/Moritz Ablinger: Mountain bikers at Lake Gosausee in the Salzkammergut.") Take a stroll to the most beautiful place in Austria ---------------------------------------------------- The natural wonder of Schiederweiher lake in Hinterstoder has been crowned the most beautiful place in Austria. And rightly so. The Krumme Steyr tributary and the mountain scenery of the Großer Priel make for a picture-perfect idyll visitors can explore with nature guides. - [Schiederweiher](https://www.urlaubsregion-pyhrn-priel.at/en/austria/poi/430004301/schiederweiher-hinterstoder.html) - [Hinterstoder](https://www.urlaubsregion-pyhrn-priel.at/en/hinterstoder.html) - [Region Pyhrn-Priel](https://www.urlaubsregion-pyhrn-priel.at/en) Open copyright © Photo: Schachner: Pond Schiederweiher in Hinterstoder Close copyright ![Pond Schiederweiher in Hinterstoder](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/2/a/csm_Schiederweiher1_Schachner_3s_e78896eb3f.jpg "Photo: Schachner: Pond Schiederweiher in Hinterstoder") Discover Linz’s sweetest ambassador ----------------------------------- What’s famous, made according to the oldest cake recipe in the world and tastes like nothing else? The Linzer torte of course! Typically topped with a lattice design, filled with tart redcurrant jam and sprinkled with flaked almonds. Enjoy as it is or reheat in the oven. - [Linz](https://www.linztourismus.at/en/leisure/) - [Make your own Linzer Torte](https://www.linztourismus.at/en/business/plan-an-event/incentive-tips/culinary/bake-linzer-torte/) Open copyright © Photo: Falstaff Magazin/Konrad Limbeck: Linzer cake Close copyright ![Linzer cake](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/3/8/csm_LinzerTorte_2s_94767f9d81.gif "Photo: Falstaff Magazin/Konrad Limbeck: Linzer cake") Ride the steepest rack-and-pinion railway ----------------------------------------- A comfortable, leisurely journey. That’s what you get when you take the nostalgic Schafberg Railway from St. Wolfgang up the 1,783-metre Schafberg mountain. The trip is worth it. When you reach the top, you’re greeted by spectacular panoramic views of the Salzkammergut region’s mountains and 14 lakes. - [Schafberg Railway](https://www.schafbergbahn.at/content/website_schafbergbahn/en_uk.html) - [St. Wolfgang](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/regions-/-towns/oesterreich-stadt-ort/detail/430000981/st-wolfgang.html) - [Region Wolfgangsee](https://wolfgangsee.salzkammergut.at/en) - [Salzkammergut](https://www.salzkammergut.at/en) - [Hiking in Upper Austria](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/hiking.html) Open copyright © Photo: SchafbergBahn & WolfgangseeSchifffahrt: The Schafberg Railway Close copyright ![The Schafberg Railway on its way up the Schafberg mountain](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/f/2/csm_SchafbergBahn_SchafbergBahn-WolfgangseeSchifffahrt_3s_5b2c98cc1b.jpg "Photo: SchafbergBahn & WolfgangseeSchifffahrt: The Schafberg Railway") Lose yourself in Austria’s greatest expanse of forest ----------------------------------------------------- Kalkalpen National Park protects the last great forest wilderness in the heart of Austria. Pristine, a rich source of water and home to rare animals. Its beech woods have even been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend mountain biking along the Trans National Park route or hiking the ‘Luchs’ or Lynx Trail. - [Kalkalpen National Park](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/kalkalpen-national-park.html) - [Steyr and the National Park region](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/regions-/-towns/oesterreich-destination/detail/157/steyr-and-the-national-park-region.html) - [Trans Nationalpark Mountainbiketour](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/mountainbike/all-mountainbike-tours/oesterreich-tour/detail/430008312/trans-national-park.html) - [Lynx Trail - Through Austria's Wild Centre](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/hiking/long-distance-hikes-in-upper-austria/oesterreich-tour/detail/430006546/lynx-trail-through-austria-s-wild-centre.html) Open copyright © Photo: Nationalpark Kalkalpen/Erich Mayrhofer: Beech forest in the Limestone Alps National Park Close copyright ![Beech forest in the Limestone Alps National Park](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/3/c/csm_Nationalpark-Kalkalpen-Buchenwald_Erich-Mayrhofer_2s_508fff42f1.jpg "Photo: Nationalpark Kalkalpen/Erich Mayrhofer: Beech forest in the Limestone Alps National Park") Capture the best-known snapshot ------------------------------- At Hallstatt, of course! Photographed millions of times, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hallstatt is one of the most charming landscapes in the world. And with a ‘Dirndl to go’ or real Goiserer shoes, you can even become a ‘temporary local’. - [Hallstatt](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/villages-lakes-more/hallstatt.html) - [World Heritage Region Dachstein Salzkammergut](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en) - [Original Goiserer Shoes](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/detail/article/8883-goiserer-shoes.html) - [Salzkammergut](https://www.salzkammergut.at/en) - [Culture, history and traditions in Upper Austria](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture.html) Open copyright © Photo: Geoff Tompkinson: Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut in Upper Austria Close copyright ![Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut in Upper Austria](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/8/0/csm_Salzkammergut_Hallstatt_Geoff-Tompkinson_3s_d55948b246.jpg "Photo: Geoff Tompkinson: Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut in Upper Austria") Experience the unique Museum of the Future ------------------------------------------ The line between the virtual world and reality blurs at the Museum of the Future at the Ars Electronica Center in Linz. Visit to explore the unknown in this one-of-a-kind sensory experience. Unique, fascinating – and always one step ahead. - [Ars Electronica Center](https://www.linztourismus.at/en/leisure/discover-linz/museums-and-exhibitions/ars-electronica-center/) - [Linz](https://www.linztourismus.at/en/leisure/) - [Museums in Upper Austria](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/attractions/museums-and-galleries.html) - [Culture, history and traditions in Upper Austria](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture.html) Open copyright © Photo: Ulrike Weichselbaum: Ars Electronica Center in Linz Close copyright ![Ars Electronica Center in Linz](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/0/1/csm_AEC-Linz-1_Weichselbaum_9c19ebfad8.jpg "Photo: Ulrike Weichselbaum: Ars Electronica Center in Linz") Treat yourself to the most exclusive spa experience --------------------------------------------------- There’s nothing more personal or exclusive than the private spa villas at Geinberg. Not only will you have a private swimming pool at your disposal, but also your very own butler and private dining service. Private living – with the highest level of service. - [Geinberg5 Private Spa Villas](https://www.geinberg5.com/en/) - [Therme Geinberg](https://www.therme-geinberg.at/en) - [Health and Wellness in Upper Austria](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/health-and-wellness.html) - [Region S'Innviertel](https://www.innviertel-tourismus.at/en) Open copyright © Photo: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach: Geinberg5 Private Spa Villas in the Therme Geinberg Close copyright ![Geinberg5 Private Spa Villas in the Therme Geinberg](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/3/3/csm_Geinberg5-Spa-Villas-Steg-detail_OOE-Maybach_000211669d.png "Photo: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach: Geinberg5 Private Spa Villas in the Therme Geinberg") Be the first on the slopes -------------------------- Leave the first tracks on the freshly groomed slopes early in the morning. At your own pace and in your own time on Upper Austria’s only World Cup run. Athletic skiers won’t be able to resist the challenging Hannes Trinkl course at Hinterstoder. - [Ski Area Hinterstoder](http://www.hiwu.at/hinterstoder/en/winter) - [Region Pyhrn-Priel Region](https://www.urlaubsregion-pyhrn-priel.at/en) - [Ski ressorts in Upper Austria](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/ski-resorts-and-cross-country-skiing.html) Open copyright © Photo: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/David Lugmayr: Sunrise at the Hinterstoder ski area in Upper Austria Close copyright ![Sunrise at the Hinterstoder ski area in Upper Austria](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/a/8/csm_Ski-Sonnenaufgang-Hinterstoder_OOET-David-Lugmayr_2s_116bac8d31.jpg "Photo: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/David Lugmayr: Sunrise at the Hinterstoder ski area in Upper Austria") Meet the most hard-working giver of Christmas gifts --------------------------------------------------- In Upper Austria, it’s the baby Jesus or ‘Christkind’ who gives presents at Christmas – and he has a year-round presence here: come visit his home in Christkindl near Steyr. In the run-up to Christmas, children send their wish lists to the Christkindl post office where letters from all over the world are stamped with the coveted special postmarks. - [Advent in die Christkindl Region Steyr](https://www.steyr-nationalpark.at/en/advent.html) - [Steyr + National Park Region](https://www.steyr-nationalpark.at/en/) - [Advent in Upper Austria](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/advent.html) Open copyright © Photo: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH./Robert Maybach: Visit to the Christ Child Close copyright ![Visit to the Christ Child](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/c/6/csm_Advent-Kind-Christkind-Wunschzettel_Maybach_2s_d1cd68d046.jpg "Photo: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH./Robert Maybach: Visit to the Christ Child") Enjoy the best that music has to offer -------------------------------------- The Musiktheater in Linz is Austria’s most state-of-the-art opera houses with a fantastic, dreamlike atmosphere and acoustics that make it well worth a visit. Its stage has hosted operas, operettas, musicals and ballets. - [Musiktheater at the Volksgarten](https://www.landestheater-linz.at/EN/) - [Linz](https://www.linztourismus.at/en/leisure/) - [Culture, history and traditions in Upper Austria](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture.html) Open copyright © Photo: Oberösterreich Tourismus/Einzenberger: Music Theatre Linz Close copyright ![A young woman sits in the hall of the music theatre and reads the programme.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/a/c/csm_Musiktheater-Linz-2s-Susanne-.Einzenberger_b67c2cfd16.jpg "Photo: Oberösterreich Tourismus/Einzenberger: Music Theatre Linz") Marvel at Europe’s most beautiful river bends --------------------------------------------- The Danube, Europe’s second longest river, passes through a captivating variety of landscapes. And the Schlögener Schlinge is a true gem among them. This unique natural wonder sees the river meander through the hills, taking 360° bends along the way. We recommend enjoying this exceptional sight from the viewpoint at Schlögen. - [Danube Loop Schlögen](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/sights/viewpoints-in-upper-austria/oesterreich-poi/detail/430002469/schloegener-donaublick-viewing-point-and-rest-spot.html) - [Donausteig Hiking Trail](https://www.donauregion.at/en/hiking-at-the-donausteig.html) - [Danube Cycle Path](https://www.donauregion.at/en/danube-cycle-path.html) - [Danube Upper Austria](https://www.donauregion.at/en/) Open copyright © ©WGDonauOberoesterreichTourismusGmbHKaindlstorfer Danube Image, Roman View Schlögener Donauschlinge Close copyright ![](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/5/c/csm_SchloegenerDonauschlingeDrohne_WGDDonauOberoesterreichTourismusGmbHKaindlstorfer_96f0e0a897.jpg "©WGDonauOberoesterreichTourismusGmbHKaindlstorfer Danube Image, Roman View Schlögener Donauschlinge")