Strutz-Mühle Mill, Styria
Enter the lovingly restored, 150-year-old Strutz-Mühle mill to see how flour was made in the old days and bake your own bread, then make a feast of it right outside while listening to the creek gurgle along. The surrounding area lets visitors explore the lush nature of a virtually untouched beech and spruce forest.
How to get there: The mill is located a 1 h 15 min drive south of Graz.
Lünersee Lake, Vorarlberg
Tucked away in the very west of Austria, Lünersee lake is a natural mountain lake at 1,970 m (6,500 ft) above sea level offering a variety of activities. Take the one-and-a-half hour hike around the lake (perfect even for the little ones), go higher with a climbing tour on Kirchlispitzen or Schesaplana mountains, or try your hand at fishing for rainbow trout and arctic char in the lake itself.
How to get there: Take a train to Bludenz (direct train from Innsbruck: 1 h 45 min), then Postbus line 81 to the valley station of the Lünerseebahn cable car (exact name of the station in German: “Brand in Vlbg Lünerseebahn Talstation”, a 40-minute ride), which takes you to the lake in just 6 minutes.
Schiederweiher Lake, Upper Austria
Schiederweiher lake is a small, man-made lake in Stodertal Valley in Upper Austria. Known as the “pearl” of the valley, it features an idyllic setting, crystal-clear water that’s home to many indigenous fish, and breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains, Spitzmauer (2,446 m / 8,025 ft) and Großer Priel (2,515 m, 8,251 ft). The area can be explored via a variety of easy hiking trails – both in summer and in winter.
How to get there: Take a train to Hinterstoder (1 hour from Linz), then an easy 30-minute hike to the lake.
Körbersee Lake, Vorarlberg
Situated in a basin at 1,656 m (5,433 ft) above sea level and surrounded by impressive mountain peaks, Körbersee lake boasts a pretty unique setting. It is up to eight metres (26 ft) deep and even in summer, only reaches temperatures of 14°C (57°F). The area around the lake is uninhabitated – save for a hotel that truly is a retreat from the rest of the world.
How to get there: The lake can only be reached on foot or (in winter) by ski. Take a train to Dornbirn (2 h 20 min from Innsbruck), then take bus 40 to Schröcken Dorf. From there, it’s a 1-hour hike to the lake.
Kaisertal Valley, Tirol
Like a trip back in time: Until 2008, this unique valley in Tirol could only be reached on foot, claiming the title of Austria’s last inhabited valley without a road link. It’s still largely car-free: Only the 44 locals are allowed to use the road. Visitors will have to climb 285 stairs to reach the picturesque St. Anthony’s Chapel.
How to get there: Take a train to Kufstein (45 min from Innsbruck). Take bus line 1 (city bus) or regional bus 4030 to Kaiseraufstieg. From there, it’s a 4-hour hike to Kaisertal Valley.
