What's the most Austrian thing you can do in Austria? Go on, take a guess.
Seeing Schönbrunn Palace? Snapping a photo in Hallstatt? Ordering a schnitzel? Look, I get it, Austria's an easy country to love. Alpine scenery, architecture, mountain villages, music, pastries, everything you've heard about it holds up once you're actually there. If anything, it tends to exceed the expectations rather than fall short of them.
But the thing is, most itineraries and tour packages understandably focus on the highlights. And I’m not saying they shouldn’t. But if you stop there, you're missing a side of Austria most visitors never really see. The side found in mountain huts, thermal springs, vineyard taverns, hiking trails and traditions that have been part of their life for generations.
So yesterday, I picked the brains of the destination guides here about the experiences that feel the most authentically Austrian to form a list. Some are seasonal, some can be enjoyed year-round, but all of them give a deeper connection to the country than the average sightseeing stop. Here are 8 of my favourite authentic things to do in Austria from that list.
Hike Through Austria Instead of Just Looking at It
Austria's landscapes are beautiful from a train window. They're even better when you're standing right between them.
Hiking is beautifully woven into Austrian culture and remains one of the most authentic ways to experience the country. Across the Alps, you'll find thousands of kilometres of well-marked trails connecting villages, mountain huts, lakes and panoramic viewpoints.
What I particularly love is that hiking here doesn't feel like a niche activity reserved for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Entire families, retired couples and groups of friends regularly spend weekends exploring the mountains before rewarding themselves with hearty food and a local beer at a traditional mountain hut. If you're wondering where to start, the regions around Tyrol, the Zillertal Alps and the Salzkammergut offer some of Austria's most beautiful trails. For magnificent mountain scenery, the Eagle Walk (Adlerweg) in Tyrol is legendary, while routes around Schafberg near St. Wolfgang give you lake views with Alpine panoramas.
If you really want to understand why Austrians love the outdoors so much, put away the car keys and hit a trail.
Spend an Evening at a Heuriger in Austria's Wine Country
This is the side of Austria that many first-time visitors never hear about. Head east towards regions such as Wachau, Burgenland and Lower Austria see how the Alpine peaks give way to rolling vineyards, green hills and some of the country's most celebrated wine-producing regions.
Here you'll find traditional wine taverns known as Heuriger…
These family-run establishments serve local wines, rustic regional dishes and often feature traditional music. During harvest season, the mood becomes even more lively as locals gather to celebrate the year's new wines. If you're looking for genuine local experiences in Austria, few things feel more authentic than sharing a table, sampling regional wines and spending an evening surrounded by people who actually live there.
From vineyard stays and Alpine villages to hidden gems beyond the tourist trail, explore our tailor-made holidays and discover Austria your way.
Watch the Lipizzaner Stallions Perform in Vienna
Yeah, I wasn't entirely either. Then I learnt more about the tradition behind it.
The famous Lipizzaner Stallions perform at Vienna's historic Spanish Riding School, continuing an equestrian tradition that dates back more than 450 years! Riders dressed in formal attire guide the horses through remarkably precise movements. One piece of advice: book well in advance. Performances regularly sell out, especially during peak travel seasons.
Soak in Alpine Thermal Springs
Across the country, naturally heated mineral springs have been part of local wellness traditions for centuries. One of the most spectacular examples is the Aqua Dome in Tyrol, where outdoor pools appear to float above the valley while you can stare at Alpine peaks in every direction.
There's something wonderfully Austrian about spending the morning hiking through the mountains and the afternoon relaxing in steaming thermal waters surrounded by snow-covered scenery.
Experience Winter the Austrian Way
Yes, the stereotype is true. Austria is exceptional in winter.
From November through April, many parts of the Austrian Alps remodel themselves into a playground for skiers, snowboarders and winter sports enthusiasts. Resorts such as St. Anton, Kitzbühel and Ischgl attract visitors from across the world thanks to reliable snowfall, well-maintained slopes and excellent facilities.
But even if you're not interested in skiing, Austrian winters have plenty to offer. Snow-covered villages, mountain railways, Christmas markets and cosy alpine lodges create an atmosphere that's difficult to forget.
Visit Schönbrunn Palace
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You can't really talk about Austrian culture without talking about the Habsburgs. For centuries, this powerful dynasty shaped much of Central Europe, and nowhere is their legacy more visible than Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.
Spend time exploring the vast gardens, fountains, sculptures and walking paths that surround the estate. Keep an eye out for the Roman Ruin, an intentionally constructed "ancient ruin" built purely for decorative purposes (because apparently actual palaces weren't impressive enough). It's one of the most authentic things to do in Austria to get an understanding of the scale, ambition and extravagance of Austria's imperial past.
Follow the Sound of Water to Golling Waterfall
Located near Salzburg, Golling Waterfall often flies under the radar compared to destinations like Hallstatt or the Salzkammergut. That's a shame because it's nothing short of spectacular.
The waterfall tumbles through a forested gorge, creating one of the most beautiful natural settings in the region. The short walking trails leading to the falls make it accessible for most travellers, while the surrounding scenery is untouched. It's proof that some of Austria's most rewarding experiences are still hiding just beyond the usual tourist route.
Looking to experience a more authentic side of Austria? Connect with our experts and create an itinerary built around local culture, unique experiences and meaningful travel moments.
Eat What the Locals Eat
If you've read our guide to the must-try authentic Austrian food, you'll know I take this topic very seriously.
Austria's culinary reputation often gets overshadowed by its neighbours, which feels wildly unfair. This is the country that gave us Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, Kaiserschmarrn, Tafelspitz, Salzburger Nockerl and countless regional specialities. And unlike some destinations where local dishes feel designed for tourists, Austrians genuinely eat and celebrate these foods as part of everyday life.
My recommendation? Skip one international restaurant and use that meal to try something you've never heard of before…
Looking for Austria's Most Famous Experiences Too?
Of course, authentic doesn't have to mean obscure. If you're also planning to visit Austria's iconic cities, famous landmarks and bucket-list attractions, don't miss our guide to the popular things to do in Austria that usually make travellers fall in love with the country in the first place.
Whenever you’re ready to experience the best of Austria with hidden experiences like these, explore our Austria tour packages from India and discover a side of the country many travellers never see.
