Austria Autumn Bucket List – 14 Must-Do Experiences

Austria in autumn feels like stepping into a painting — landscapes are transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour with golden vineyards, fiery-red forests, and snow-dusted peaks framed by brilliant shades of orange and yellow. Beyond its well-known regions, the country offers endless opportunities to experience the magic of fall, whether you’re wandering through quiet valleys, strolling beside mirror-like lakes, or exploring untouched alpine landscapes.
Some of the popular regions include the Wachau valley and Salzkammergut.
One of the most underrated spots to admire autumn colours is Gesäuse National Park in Styria. With its rugged gorges, dramatic limestone cliffs, and dense forests, it’s a paradise for leaf-peepers looking to escape the crowds. The mix of wild rivers and vibrant deciduous trees makes this park one of Austria’s most striking autumn hideaways.

For those who love city breaks with a seasonal twist, Innsbruck’s Nordkette mountains provide the perfect backdrop. A quick cable car ride takes you from the historic old town straight up into panoramic alpine scenery, where the slopes glow in amber and crimson tones — a spectacular contrast to the medieval streets below.

If you’re looking to go off the beaten path, head to Burgenland, near Austria’s border with Hungary. This region is known for its rolling hills, quiet vineyards, and Neusiedler See, a vast steppe lake where golden reeds sway in the autumn breeze. The area is also rich in birdlife, making it an excellent spot for nature walks in a more tranquil, low-key setting.

Steinernes Meer

The Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic autumn foliage and picturesque vineyards.
During autumn, the valley is ablaze with vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The area is famous for its scenic views along the Danube River, where the vineyards and small villages like Dürnstein and Krems create a perfect combination of natural beauty and history.
Take a leisurely bike ride along the Danube or hop on a river cruise for a different perspective of the valley’s colourful landscape.

The Salzkammergut, Austria’s lake district, is spectacular at this time of year, with cycling and hiking routes combining lakeside scenery with mountain backdrops.
Take a boat trip on Lake Wolfgang and explore the charming lakeside villages such as St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang.
Don’t miss taking the Schafbergbahn up the Schafberg Mountain, where you’ll find  breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and mountains dressed in autumn colours.

The Gesäuse National Park in Styria is a hidden gem for nature lovers, with deep gorges, fast-flowing rivers, and rugged peaks surrounded by forests that turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. Hikers can follow well-marked trails through the park, with options ranging from short scenic walks to more challenging mountain routes, all providing stunning autumn vistas.

The Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria’s largest National Park, is another ideal destination for autumn hiking. Trails pass through alpine meadows, dense forests, and glacial landscapes, offering opportunities to spot wildlife amid the fall colours. The park’s high-altitude paths provide panoramic views of the snow-dusted peaks and golden valleys below, creating an unforgettable seasonal experience.

The Zillertal and Tyrol regions provide further opportunities for active exploration.
Hiking trails wind past alpine huts serving hearty seasonal dishes, forests of larches turning golden, and valleys dotted with pumpkin fields and apple orchards.
Cycling enthusiasts can follow routes through the Zillertal Valley or the Innsbruck region, combining exercise with spectacular autumn scenery.

The Sigmund Thun Klamm (Kaprun, Salzburgerland) is a 320-meter-long gorge carved by the Kapruner Ache River, formed by retreating glaciers more than 14,000 years ago. Wooden boardwalks guide visitors past striking rock formations, rushing waterfalls, swirling eddies, and whirlpools. At the end of the walk, the trail opens up to the beautiful Klammsee, a tranquil lake surrounded by forest and autumn colours.
Open: 9 May to 2 November. Website

The Liechtensteinklamm (St Johann im Pongau, Salzburgerland) is one of the deepest and most dramatic gorges in the Alps, with towering cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and shafts of misty light piercing the narrow rock walls. A highlight of the visit is the Helix, a spectacular spiral staircase rising 30 meters above the gorge.  Note:  There are approximately 440 steps.
Open: 8 May to 2 November. Website

The Wolfsklamm (Stans, Tirol) is a dramatic gorge of roaring waterfalls, moss-covered cliffs, and wooden bridges that lead visitors up 354 steps to the historic St. Georgenberg pilgrimage church. In autumn, the golden leaves against the turquoise water create one of Tyrol’s most striking landscapes.
After your walk, enjoy traditional Tyrolean dishes in the beer garden of the St. Georgenberg pilgrimage church restaurant.
Open: 1 May to 31 October.  Website

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is open until the end of October -weather permitting.

Discover all the information in our  Driving the Grossglockner High Alpine Road Guide
https://www.austriawanderlust.com/driving-grossglockner/

Other notable drives include the Villach Alpine Road, Zillertaler Höhenstraße, Gerlos Alpine Road (these alpine drives are open until the end of October – weather permitting) and the Hochkönigstraße from Bischofshofen to Maria Alm, open year-round.

The combination of mountains, valleys, and vibrant autumn colours makes these routes unforgettable.

Austria’s railways are ideal for experiencing autumn at a relaxed pace.

The Semmering Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built in 1854. The journey winds through fiery forests on stone viaducts, tunnels and bridges between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag.  
Top Tip: Sit on the right-hand side for the best views.

Book tickets on ÖBB from Vienna to Müruzzschlag via Semmering. The trains continue to Graz or Klagenfurt 

The Arlberg Line from Innsbruck to Bludenz passes golden larch forests, early snow-dusted peaks, and the resort town of St. Anton. Book on ÖBB
The Mariazellerbahn, Austria’s longest narrow-gauge railway, offers misty Styrian hillsides and panoramic views aboard the Ötscherbär carriage. Tickets  The Zillertalbahn, a steam train from Jenbach to Mayrhofen, travels past pumpkin fields, apple orchards, and harvest festivals. Tickets    
The Pinzgauer Lokalbahn runs from Zell am See to Krimml, passing alpine pastures and peaks, perfect for combining with a visit to the Krimml Waterfalls. Tickets
Note: Due to repairs of the tracks a replacement bus currently operates from Mittersill to Krimml

One of Austria’s most picturesque traditions, the Almabtrieb marks the return of cattle from summer grazing pastures to the valleys below.

Each September, cows, sheep, and goats are decorated with bells and elaborate floral headdresses before being led through village streets to the sound of music and folk dancing.
Visitors can enjoy local food stalls, traditional crafts, and a vibrant festive atmosphere.

Some of the most popular places that host Almabtrieb include Fügen-Kaltenbach in the Zillertal, Brixen im Tal in the Kitzbüheler Alpen, Wildschönau in Tyrol, Reith im Alpbachtal, and Hintersee in the Salzkammergut.
The atmosphere is as joyful as the scenery, making experiencing the Almabtrieb an unmissable autumn experience.

Dates of Almabtrieb 

Autumn in Austria is a season of harvest festivals, each one reflecting local traditions and seasonal produce.
In Styria, pumpkins take centre stage at Kürbisfest -Pumpkin festivals – where markets brim with pumpkin art, steaming soups, and the region’s prized pumpkin seed oil.

♦ Retzer Kürbisfest
♦ Kürbisfest Fürstenfeld September 20, 2025
♦ Kürbisfest am Himml – October 25 and 26, 2025 in Himmelstraße in Vienna’s 19th district.

Apple festivals in Styria and Upper Austria celebrate the autumn bounty with tastings, orchard tours, cider, and fresh-baked strudel, especially along the Styrian Apple Road and in towns like Puch bei Weiz.  

In Lower Austria and Burgenland, potato and chestnut fairs (Kastanienfest) showcase roasted chestnuts, hearty dishes, and folk music.

♦ Annual Kastienfest in Unterach am Attersee in Salzkammergut, October 18, 2025
♦ The 30th Kastanienfest in Klostermaireinberg – October 26, 2025

Autumn is grape harvest season, particularly in the Wachau Valley, Lower Austria and Steiermark, where vineyards glow with autumn colours. Visiting family-run wineries allows you to sample Grüner Veltliner and Riesling amid stunning scenery.
♦  Wachau wine tour information 
♦  Steiermark wine cellar tours

Explore the hillsides of the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods) south of Vienna. This wine-growing area and villages of Gumpoldskirchen, Perchtoldsdorf, Wiener Neustadt and Baden are lovely in autumn, with vineyards blanketing the hillsides in copper and red.
♦ Learn more about the Thermenregion in Lower Austria.
♦  Lower Austria wine trips

Enjoy Autumn treats, such as Sturm —a young, partially fermented wine —and Traubenmost – the freshly pressed, unfermented grape juice.

Vienna is one of the only cities in the world with vineyards within its city limits. 630 producers are working 1,680 acres of Viennese vineyards.

In autumn, rustic Heuriger wine taverns offer fresh wine, traditional Austrian cuisine, and live folk music in vineyards ablaze with colour.
Heurigen serves traditional Austrian food and local wine, Gemischter Satz, a white wine available only in Vienna.
From the city centre, many Heurigen are easy to get to by public transportation.
Heurigen are primarily found in Grinzing, Nussdorf, and Neustift am Walde.

Austria’s historic cafés are particularly cosy during autumn.
In Vienna, Café Central, Café Sacher, and Café Landtmann provide the perfect setting to enjoy a melange alongside Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.
Salzburg’s Café Tomaselli, Innsbruck’s Café Munding, and Graz’s Café Kaiserfeld are equally inviting.
Beyond pastries, these cafés are cultural landmarks, long favoured by writers, artists, and thinkers, offering a glimpse into Austria’s literary and artistic heritage.

Autumn enhances Vienna’s elegance- with its grand palaces and gardens, and it is a perfect place to start.
Stroll through leafy avenues framed by golden, orange and red foliage.  The Schönbrunn and Belvedere Gardens, explore the Vienna Woods or wander the Prater under chestnut trees. Stadtpark, with its fountains and statues, takes on a particularly romantic glow.
Autumn also marks the start of Vienna’s Cultural calendar, including Vienna Design Week, the Vienna Film Festival, and Vienna Fashion Week, alongside world-class performances at the State Opera and Konzerthaus.
The combination of architecture, gardens, and cultural events makes Vienna an autumn must-see.
Start planning your trip to Vienna with our Vienna Guides

Salzburg

Graz’s Uhrturm (Clock Tower)
© Graz Tourismus – Markus Spenger

Hallstatt Marktplatz

Schloss Ort Gmunden

Wolfgangsee 

In Vienna, the State Opera begins a new season of productions that draw audiences from around the world. Tickets go on sale two months in advance on the first of each month for the entire month.   
Vienna is also home to the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic, founded in 1842 and regarded as one of the finest orchestras in existence. The Vienna Boys Choir performs every Sunday from September to June at the Hofburg Chapel and performs additional concerts at their own concert hall in the Augarten.

Autumn is the perfect season to unwind in Austria’s renowned thermal spas, where warm waters and crisp mountain air combine for ultimate relaxation.

Bad Gastein, located in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, has been famed for its healing hot springs since the 19th century. Visitors can soak in outdoor pools framed by autumn-coloured mountains, enjoy spa treatments, and take in panoramic views of the valley below.

In Kaprun, the Tauern Spa offers a modern wellness experience with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and spa treatments, all complemented by the striking fall foliage of the surrounding Alps.

The Aqua Dome in Tyrol is known for its futuristic architecture and outdoor thermal pools, where steam rises into the crisp autumn air, creating an ethereal alpine atmosphere.

Therme Wien provides an accessible urban retreat. Just outside Vienna, it combines thermal pools, saunas, and wellness areas with autumnal views of gardens and forested areas, allowing visitors to relax without leaving the city.