5 Tips for a Wonderful Indian Summer in Austria in October
October is the last chance to truly enjoy the Indian summer in Austria! Experience the colourful farmers' festivals such as the Almabtrieb, where beautifully decorated cows return from the Alps to their stalls. Sample a variety of delicacies during the Wildwochen in the Hochkönig region and experience the magic of the Krimml Waterfalls. Put on warm clothes and embark on an adventure in the impressive Eisriesenwelt ice cave. Are you a nature lover? Then you shouldn’t miss the herb and flower walks in Wald im Pinzgau. With regional summer cards, you even get discounts on many activities. Curious? Read on to discover all the details!
1. Krimml Waterfalls
First on the list is a visit to the Krimml Waterfalls, Europe’s highest waterfall, which is definitely worth it. The waterfalls are stunning to visit year-round and should not be missed! Admire the roaring water spectacle at the base with free access, or hike along the waterfall trail and enjoy various viewpoints of the water. Along the way, you can take a break with a snack and drink at the mountain restaurant.
2. Almabtrieb and Bauernfests (Harvest Festivals)
The highlight of autumn: the Almabtrieb! A festive event where the Alpine cows are brought back to the barn from the high Alps with a warm welcome. Decorated cows, charming markets, and enjoying local Austrian treats make this an unforgettable experience. A must-see Austrian tradition!
3. Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave
An attraction you really shouldn’t miss is the Eisriesenwelt in Werfen. This ice cave, open from May to October, was discovered in 1879 and is accessible by a gondola. The cave is an impressive 42 km long, making it the largest accessible ice cave in the world! Unfortunately, only one kilometre of it is open to the public. Nevertheless, the cave is well worth a visit.
Don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes and warm clothing, as even during the Indian Summer, the temperature in the cave is naturally below freezing!
4. Herb and Flower Walk Wald im Pinzgau
Nature shows its best sides in the Indian summer, and herbs and flowers are on display every Thursday from June to mid-October during a herb and flower walk in Wald im Pinzgau, guided by an expert. During the walk, the guide provides plenty of information about these natural treasures, and your herb basket will be beautifully filled!
5. Hochkönig ‘Wildwochen’
In October, the region Hochkönig focuses on hunting wild game. During these weeks, various culinary specialities from local game are offered. You can join a walk guided by guides and professional hunters. The highlight of this period is the so-called ‘Die lange Tafel am Berg’, a 6-course dinner focusing on regional dishes, local herbs, and a wine tasting under the stars on the mountain. You couldn’t imagine a more romantic setting! As a cherry on top, there’s a panoramic view over the Steinbockalm.
Enjoying the Indian Summer Economically with Regional Summer Cards
At several holiday accommodations in various regions, a summer card is included with your booking. These cards are valid until the end of October, which means you can enjoy a lot of fun during your Indian summer holiday! You can engage in various activities for free or at attractive discounts during your stay.
Find out which summer card belongs to which region in our ChaletsPlus app. Download the app here to your mobile phone or tablet.
Also, check out the options for a short holiday
Simply choose your desired period and book one of our luxury chalets in picturesque villages. October is the ideal month to visit Austria if you love autumn adventures! Our chalets offer everything for a comfortable and carefree holiday. Don’t wait too long and secure yourself a fantastic short stay!