5 winter destinations in Austria
Von KlimaTicket Ö Redaktion
Snow crunches underfoot, forests glisten in the sun, the air is clear and fresh: Austria in winter is like something out of a picture book. Whether hiking through snow-covered landscapes, tobogganing with a view, or ice skating, the KlimaTicket Ö lets you reach the most beautiful winter destinations in a relaxed and flexible way, without having to search for a parking space.
Weissensee – Carinthia
Arrival:
- Vienna Central Station to Techendorf Center: 5:10 hours
Salzburg Central Station to Techendorf Center: 2:35 hours
In winter, the name Weissensee says it all: nestled in a fairytale winter landscape, Weissensee transforms into one of the most beautiful destinations of the season.
Put on your ice skates and off you go!
There’s endless space here: the 6.5 km² natural ice rink offers plenty of room for elegant pirouettes and long laps. The thick ice cover can reach an impressive 40 centimeters and is considered a true natural wonder.
Note: Ice skating has been officially approved since the beginning of the year. Nevertheless, caution is advised, as ice is a natural product and can change quickly.
Winter fun around Lake Weissensee
It’s not just the lake itself that is a highlight: the surrounding forests and meadows are transformed into a white winter wonderland. Perfect for skiing, winter hiking, or sledding—you’ll never get bored at Lake Weissensee! No wonder the region has been named “Nature Park of the Year 2026.”
More information: weissensee.com
Wildkogel-Arena – Salzburg
Arrival:
- Innsbruck Central Station to Bramberg am Wildkogel: 2 hours 46 minutes
Salzburg Central Station to Bramberg am Wildkogel: 2 hours 50 minutes
The Wildkogel Arena is the perfect destination for anyone looking for variety and sporting action in winter. Nestled between the Kitzbühel Alps and the Hohe Tauern National Park, the area offers impressive scenery and a wide range of experiences.
Sledding on the longest illuminated run in the world
An absolute highlight is the 14 km long sledding run from Wildkogel down to Bramberg: 1,300 meters of altitude difference, 23 curves, and up to 50 minutes of pure tobogganing fun. The track can be used both during the day and in the evening until 10 p.m. and has also been awarded the double gold toboggan run seal of approval.
Ski paradise for families and leisure skiers
The Wildkogel Arena offers around 75 km of perfectly groomed slopes, mainly blue and red runs, making it ideal for families and leisure skiers. Modern lifts such as the Wildkogelbahn in Neukirchen and the Smaragdbahn in Bramberg ensure a fast and comfortable ascent. The season lasts from the beginning of December to mid-April, offering plenty of time for adventures on the slopes.
More information: www.wildkogel-arena.at
Neusiedler See – Burgenland
Arrival:
Vienna Central Station to Neusiedl am See Bad: 49 minutes without changing trains
Summer at Lake Neusiedl is known to be a dream: soaking up the sun, party atmosphere, and water sports action. But even in winter, the region shows itself from a very special side. When peace and quiet returns and it transforms into an idyllic landscape, this place offers numerous opportunities to enjoy nature.
Winter hiking around the lake
The hiking trails around the lake and through the surrounding vineyards are perfect for Nordic walking or walks with beautiful panoramic views of the lake. If you are looking for peace and quiet, you will find it here: simply enjoy the vastness and take a deep breath.
Warm up and recharge your batteries
Those who prefer to relax or need a break after an excursion will be welcomed in the inns and restaurants with cocoa, mulled wine, or a hearty meal.
More information: neusiedlersee.com
Waldviertel – Lower Austria
Arrival
- Vienna Central Station to Zwettl NÖ Landstraße/Zentrum: 2:22 hours
- St. Pölten Central Station to Zwettl NÖ Landstraße/Zentrum: 1:41 hours
When the forests look like they’ve been dusted with sugar, the Waldviertel region plays what is perhaps its most beautiful role: that of an oasis of absolute tranquility.
Through snow and silence
Around Moorbad Harbach and Zwettl, there are trails that seem almost magical in the cold season. Snow-covered forests and meadows, glittering streams: perfect for winter hikes, snowshoe tours, or a relaxing walk to clear your head.
Hiking with alpacas
If you fancy a slightly different kind of hike, you can explore the Waldviertel with fluffy alpacas. They bring good cheer, set a pleasant pace, and are very popular with families and anyone who loves animals.
More information: www.waldviertel.at
Almsee – Upper Austria
Arrival
- Linz/Danube Central Station to Grünau im Almtal: 1:25 hours
Vienna Central Station to Grünau im Almtal: 2:58 hours
The picturesque Almsee lake lies in the heart of Upper Austria’s nature reserve. Anyone taking a walk here in winter will be rewarded with views of the mighty north faces of the Totes Gebirge mountains. The rock formations tower imposingly into the sky and lend the surroundings a special atmosphere that makes you pause and take your breath away.
The perfect winter walk
The hike around Almsee is well signposted and ideal for a beautiful winter’s day. It starts at Jagersimmerl, which is easily accessible by train and bus. From there, the trail leads over bridges, forest roads, and narrow paths through the snow-covered landscape until you finally reach the lake house.
If you’re looking for a little more adventure, you can reach Almsee on foot from Grünau train station. The “Genuss am Almfluss” trail lives up to its name: accompanied by the splashing of the Alm, it leads through nature and the wildlife park to the lake. From there, it’s only a short distance to Jagersimmerl.
Ice skating with caution
When the lake freezes over, the smooth surface naturally looks tempting. However, ice skating on Almsee, just like on Lake Neusiedl, is not officially permitted. The ice cover can vary in thickness and dangerous areas are difficult to identify. Therefore, the same rule applies here: only skate on the ice with caution and at your own risk.
More information: salzkammergut.at
Winter wonderland Austria
From ice skating on Lake Weissensee to tobogganing adventures in the Wildkogel Arena, alpaca treks in the Waldviertel region, or relaxing walks along Lake Neusiedl and Lake Almsee—Austria is full of possibilities in winter too, just waiting to be discovered. Just hop on, set off, and enjoy the most beautiful winter destinations with the KlimaTicket Ö.
Note: Safety always comes first! Please check the current snow, ice, and weather conditions in advance and adjust your plans accordingly.
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