Winter destinations in Austria: 8 highlights away from the slopes
29/04/2026 - SnowTrex
Austria’s ski resorts aren’t just for skiing enthusiasts; there’s plenty to discover in the Alpine nation in winter, even away from the slopes. SnowTrex now presents some of the most exciting destinations in Austria that winter holidaymakers can enjoy from November to March. From sparkling attractions in the Alps to relaxing wellness oases, a wide variety of highlights and activities are waiting to be discovered here.
Address: Kristallweltenstraße1, 6112 Wattens, Austria
Prices: Adults approx. 25 euros, children aged 6 to 17 approx. 8 euros, toddlers free
Opening hours: Openall year round , daily from 9 am to 7 pm
The Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens are a highlight for the whole family, particularly from an artistic perspective. In the Sparkle World, designed by André Heller, visitors can expect elaborately staged attractions centred around the theme of crystal. Inside the iconic giant, guests then enter magical chambers of wonders filled with dazzling crystal artworks. Outside, the extensive garden with its mirror-like water and radiant crystal cloud invites visitors to marvel at its beauty. In winter in particular, the park transforms into a glittering winter wonderland that enchants young and old alike.
Winter Wonderland Swarovski Kristallwelten
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2. Gipfelwelt 3000 Kitzsteinhorn
Address: Kesselfallstraße 60, 5710 Kaprun
Prices: A return trip costs around €60 per adult and around €30 per child
Opening hours: Openall year round ; cable car operating hours may vary depending on weather conditions, generally between 9 am and 4 pm
Gipfelwelt 3000 on the Kitzsteinhorn guarantees a high-alpine experience for everyone, even away from the slopes. Visitors can take a modern cable car in comfort to the glacier ski area on the Kitzsteinhorn, where spectacular views over the snow-covered Alps open up at the top. From the two panoramic platforms, “Top of Salzburg” and the viewing platform at the National Park Gallery, visitors are treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of numerous 3,000-metre peaks in the Salzburg region. In addition, the National Park Gallery’s information tunnel provides interesting facts about the high-mountain natural environment, and “Cinema 3000” shows a short film about the world of the Hohe Tauern National Park.
Gipfelwelt 3000 offers a unique panorama of the surrounding mountains.
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3. Aqua Dome in Längenfeld
Address: Oberlängenfeld 140, 6444 Längenfeld, Austria
Prices: Day ticket for the thermal spa: €42 for adults, €23 for children aged 3 to 14 – sauna surcharge may apply
Opening hours: Open dailyall year round from 9 am to 11 pm
The Aqua Dome in Längenfeld in the Ötztal valley is one of the top thermal spas in the Alps and ideal for relaxing in winter. Surrounded by snow-capped 3,000-metre peaks, near the Sölden ski resort, holidaymakers can bathe here in futuristic open-air bowl-shaped pools. Warm thermal water and the crisp winter air ensure relaxation, whilst indoors, spacious pools and quiet areas invite you to unwind, and the sauna world entices with a variety of infusions and steam baths. Families, for their part, appreciate the ‘Alpen Arche Noah’ children’s area with slides and paddling pools.
Address: Turracherhöhe 178, 8864 Turracherhöhe, Austria
Prices: Single ride including ascent for adults €19.50, for children up to 14 years €15.50
Opening hours: Open dailyin winter , subject to weather conditions
The “Nocky Flitzer” Alpine roller coaster on the Turracher Höhe is a winter highlight for thrill-seekers and families alike. Even the ascent on the Panoramabahn is an experience in itself, as visitors are treated to a rapid toboggan ride on rails at an altitude of almost 2,000 metres. The track, over 1.6 km long, then winds its way through the snow-covered landscape of the Turracher Höhe. Reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h, the ride takes you downhill through steep bends, undulations and small jumps. And thanks to state-of-the-art technology and a braking system, you can control both your speed and your enjoyment. Whether young or old, the safe “bobsleigh” on rails guarantees plenty of fun and happy faces.→ Plan your Alpine getaway and find the best deals in Turrach at SnowTrex
5. Dachstein Glacier with Ice Palace and suspension bridge
Address: Dachstein Glacier Cable Car, Schildlehen 79, 8972 Ramsau am Dachstein, Austria
Prices: Return ticket for adults €57, for children €29 – Attractions package (Ice Palace and suspension bridge) for adults an additional €13, for children an additional €7
Opening hours:opendailyfrom 9 am to 4 pm
The Dachstein Glacier in Ramsau is a paradise for winter day-trippers looking to head for the heights. A panoramic gondola takes visitors up to an altitude of almost 2,700 metres, right up close to the eternal ice. Once at the top, two very different experiences await: on the one hand, thrills on the Dachstein suspension bridge, including the famous “Stairway to Nowhere”, where you can feel as though you’re floating above the abyss whilst enjoying an unrivalled view of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. On the other hand, things are a little quieter deep inside the glacier. The Dachstein Ice Palace is a walk-in ice cave where colourfully lit ice stalactites and artistic ice sculptures create a mystical atmosphere.
On the Dachstein Glacier, the brave can enjoy a truly special view from dizzying heights.
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6. Hallstatt
Prices & opening times: The site is freely accessible; a parking fee or museum admission may be required
Hallstatt is considered one of Austria’s most picturesque sights, as the lakeside village exudes a very special charm, particularly in winter. Nestled between Lake Hallstatt and the steep mountain slopes of the Dachstein massif, the historic houses and narrow streets appear even more romantic when blanketed in snow. Visitors can stroll leisurely through the car-free town centre and discover highlights such as the Market Square Chapel or the centuries-old salt mining houses. By the water, the mountain scenery is reflected in the deep-blue lake, creating stunning photo opportunities, particularly from the classic viewpoint, which offers a picture-postcard view of Hallstatt. During Advent, a small, atmospheric Christmas market also attracts visitors.
Address: Hintertux Glacier Cable Car, Hintertux 794, 6293 Tux, Austria
Prices: Basic tourcosts €29 for adults and €15 for children aged 6 to 14 – extended tour costs €39 for adults and €15 for children
Opening hours: openall year round , every day
At the Natural Ice Palace on the Hintertux Glacier, visitors enter a hidden world of ice and snow. Not far from the mountain station of the glacier cable car lies the entrance to this natural crevasse, which has been converted into a walk-in ice palace. Inside, metre-high ice crystals sparkle in the spotlight, frozen waterfalls hang from the ceiling, and an underground glacial lake shimmers turquoise before visitors. Expert guides also lead the way safely through the winding passages and explain how the ice formations were created.
The Natur Eis Palast shows just how amazing nature is and brings a sparkle to visitors’ eyes.
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8. Alpine Coaster Golm
Address:Seilbahnstraße 1, 6773 Latschau, Austria
Prices: Ridefor adults €17, for children €12 – ticket for the chairlift available separately or via ski pass
Opening hours: Winter operations in almost all weather conditions; the coaster is open daily during the ski season
At the Erlebnisberg Golm in the Montafon, holidaymakers can look forward to a very special attraction: the Alpine Coaster Golm. An all-weather toboggan run on rails, open in both summer and winter. As part of the Golm ski area, the ride starts at the Latschau midway station, where guests are strapped into a two-seater sledge and then descend the 2.6 km-long track down into the valley towards Vandans. With centrifugal forces in the bends and a vertical drop of around 350 metres, visitors whizz through the forest and across meadows, flanked in winter by snow-covered trees and mountain panoramas.
FAQ on places to visit in Austria
Which winter destinations in Austria are particularly suitable for families with children?
Many of the mentioned destinations in Austria are family-friendly. Attractions such as the Swarovski Crystal Worlds (with a play tower in the garden) or thermal spas like the Aqua Dome are particularly interesting for children. Tracked toboggan runs, such as the Nocky Flitzer on the Turracher Höhe or the Alpine Coaster Golm in the Montafon, also provide safe winter fun for young and old alike. Cultural sites such as Hallstatt, with their fairytale setting, can also fascinate children.
What activities away from the slopes are worth doing in bad winter weather?
When the weather is changeable, indoor attractions are the best alternatives. Thermal spas and wellness centres such as the Aqua Dome in Längenfeld are ideal, as holidaymakers can relax there regardless of the weather. The Swarovski Crystal Worlds are also largely indoors and offer hours of sparkle and entertainment. Cultural attractions such as museums, for example in Hallenstadt, or a stroll through historic town centres can also be enjoyed in warm clothing. Even some high-altitude destinations such as the Gipfelwelt 3000 on the Kitzsteinhorn can be experienced sheltered from the weather. The Cinema 3000 and the Infotunnel, for instance, are located indoors.
How can visitors find out the current opening times and conditions of winter attractions?
Opening times may vary depending on the season and weather. The most reliable way for visitors to find out is via the official websites of the respective attractions. This is where up-to-date information is published, including any weather-related closures of cable cars or changes to opening times on public holidays. The regional tourist offices in the holiday resorts are also happy to provide further information. For attractions requiring a booking, it is advisable to book online well in advance and to take note of any weather warnings.
Do winter sports enthusiasts need special equipment or preparation for winter excursions off-piste?
For most destinations, normal clothing is sufficient: warm, non-slip shoes, winter-proof clothing and, depending on the activity, gloves and a hat. High-altitude attractions such as the Dachstein Suspension Bridge or the Gipfelwelt 3000 absolutely require warm clothing, as temperatures can be very low at high altitudes. For ice caves, gloves and possibly a light hat under the helmet are also advisable. When visiting thermal spas, guests should pack swimwear and possibly bathing shoes.
What costs should visitors expect for attractions in Austria’s ski resorts?
Costs vary depending on the type of attraction. Cable car rides to viewing platforms often cost between 50 and 60 euros for adults, with children paying around half that. Admission to indoor attractions such as the Swarovski Crystal Worlds is around 25 euros (reduced rate for children), whilst day passes for thermal spas are around 40 euros per adult. Guided tours of glacier caves (Hintertux, Dachstein) cost around 25 to 30 euros for adults. Alpine coaster or toboggan runs cost around 10 to 20 euros per person per ride. Some highlights are even free of charge. It’s worth checking out family tickets or combined tickets, as many attractions offer discounts, and with visitor cards from the holiday regions, holidaymakers often get a discount on admission or mountain railways.
