5 astonishing summer places in Austria Who needs to travel abroad?

We may not have the sea, but there are so many fabulous summer places in Austria that you won’t even mind not being able to travel abroad because of the coronavirus.

We already presented some of our favourite places in What to wear if you spend the summer in Austria. Here are this week’s top 5 picks of Notorious team:

Leutaschklamm

Between Tyrol and Bavaria lies the amazing Leutasch Gorge with its steep walls carved in the rock by the river over many millennia. There are three paths to visit the beautiful gorge. We love the 130-year-old Waterfall Trail that takes you to, you guessed it, a waterfall. The wooden-plank path is just a few meters above the water. This allows you to feel the violence of the roaring river beneath you and the waterfall. Two other modern paths take you through the glacier cut. The panorama bridge that leads to the forest gives you incredible views. All in all, a wonderful hike.

Nordkette

The Hungerburgbahn is the place to go for nature and architecture lovers. Created by the late architect Zaha Hadid, the funicular with its four stations and the spectacular Hungerburgbahn Inn bridge have become Innsbruck’s landmark. Hadid, the “Queen of the Curves”, designed the imposing constructions inspired by glacier movements. The organic flowing shapes blend harmoniously with the surrounding Alps. Take the fantastic cable car funicular from Innsbruck’s city centre up to the Nordkette. The mountain is part of the Karwendel Nature Park, Austria’s largest nature park. From the upper station, at 2256m above sea level, you’ll have a breathtaking view of both the city and the mountain range.

Gosauseen

The three Gosau lakes are located in the UNESCO World Heritage region of the Dachstein-Salzkammergut.  Alexander Freiherr von Humbolt, the scientist and world traveller, called the composition of lake and mountains the “Eye of God”. The picturesque mountain lakes at the foot of the Dachstein are a great summer destination. If you like adventures, you’ll enjoy the fixed-rope climbing routes. Additionally, the hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the glacier and the mighty peaks of the Gosaukamm. But you can also relax and sunbathe on the meadow, and swim in the crystal-clear water of the lakes.  And since you’re already there, you might also want to visit the Dachstein cave world with its impressive ice sculptures. 

Tappenkarsee

One of the biggest mountain lakes in the Eastern Alps, the Tappenkarsee is in the Kleinarl Valley, near the popular Jägersee. A three and a half-hour hike will take you from the parking area to the lake. There, you will find two huts where you can eat and spend the night if you want to. From there, there are further tours for expert mountaineers. It is said that a dragon-like creature called Lindwurm lives in the lake. Whether you spot the Austrian Nessie or not, the spectacular views make your visit to Tappenkarsee worthwhile.

Krimml Waterfalls

Europe’s largest waterfalls, Krimml waterfalls are the fifth highest waterfall in the world with a drop height of 380 meters. Located in the Hoher Tauern National Park, the majestic waterfalls are a feast for the eyes and of easy access. A well-maintained path leads you from the lowest waterfall to the top one. And with spectacular views of the thundering masses of water along the way.