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Austria is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. While many visitors flock to Austria in the winter for skiing and snow sports, the summer season offers its own unique set of attractions and experiences. Here are some reasons why you should visit Austria in the summer, and how a little 'resort card' can enhance your trip.
The summer weather in Austria is simply beautiful. Temperatures are warm, but not too hot, and the days are long, allowing visitors to take advantage of all the outdoor activities the country has to offer. The stunning alpine landscapes are perfect for hiking, biking, and swimming, while the crystal-clear lakes and rivers are great for kayaking and rafting. Additionally, the beautiful weather makes it easy to explore the many historical and cultural sites that Austria has to offer, from palaces and castles to museums and galleries.
In June 2022, I visited Austria and stayed for 2 nights in Saalbach-Hinterglemm and 2 nights in Zell am See. I got to experience these stunning locations first hand and also got to take advantage of the huge range of free inclusions and discounts offered by Resort Cards!
Resort Cards are guest cards that offers many benefits to visitors during the summer season. You can enjoy free access to many of the region's top attractions, including cable cars, chairlifts, and museums. This can save you a lot of money and allow you to enjoy more activities and attractions during your stay.
One of the main benefits of the Resort Cards is free access to the cable cars and chairlifts. This is an incredible way to explore the alpine scenery and access the many hiking and biking trails that crisscross the mountains. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, there are trails for every level of experience. The cable cars and chairlifts also offer stunning views of the mountains and valleys, making for a memorable and enjoyable experience and without the resort card, can add a significant cost onto your holiday.
Resort cards can typically be obtained from your accommodation provider when you check in. Many hotels, apartments, and other types of accommodation in the regions that offer these cards participate in the program and provide them to their guests free of charge. It's important to note that not all accommodations may offer these cards, so it's a good idea to check with your travel agent ahead of time to confirm.
When you receive the card, you may need to provide some basic information such as your name and the dates of your stay. In some cases, you may also need to show identification or a reservation confirmation to receive the card.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm
The resort card here is called the Joker Card - available late May to late October.
With the Joker Card you can use most of the gondolas and lifts in the completely region free of charge. Some of the gondolas and lifts included with the card are:
Zwölferkogelbahn: This gondola takes you up to the Zwölferkogel mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views and access a variety of hiking trails and bike routes.
Schattberg X-press: This gondola takes you up to the Schattberg mountain, where you can enjoy stunning views and access a range of hiking trails and bike routes.
Reiterkogelbahn: This gondola takes you up to the Reiterkogel mountain, where you can enjoy beautiful views and access a variety of hiking trails and bike routes.
Asitzbahn: This gondola takes you up to the Asitz mountain, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and access a range of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding.
Kohlmaisbahn: This gondola takes you up to the Kohlmais mountain, where you can enjoy spectacular views and access a range of hiking trails and bike routes.
You will also get free use of local buses in the region, making it easy to get around and explore the area. This is particularly useful for visitors who are not driving or prefer not to rent a car. The buses run regularly and connect many of the region's top attractions and activities. I took advantage of this and travelled for free to Zell am See for the second half of my trip.
In addition to free access to attractions and transportation, the Joker Card also offers discounts on many activities and services in the region. This includes discounts on e-bike rentals, guided hikes, and wellness activities like massages and access to spas and saunas. These discounts can add up quickly, and the Joker Card makes it easy to enjoy more activities and experiences without breaking the bank.
One of my highlights was the free use of the "End of the Valley" train, also known as the Talschlusszug. This train runs between Hinterglemm and the Talschluss, which is the end of the valley and a popular destination for hiking and exploring the alpine scenery. With the Joker Card, you can take the Talschlusszug for free and enjoy the stunning views along the way.
Once we arrived in Talschluss, we used the Joker Card discount to visit the Golden Gate & Treetop Trail, a suspended bridge and treetop walkway that provides visitors with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The bridge is 42 meters long and 28 meters high, and the treetop walkway is 200 meters long, making for an exhilarating and unique experience. Absolutely stunning!
Zell am See
The resort card here is called the Summer Card - available late May to late October.
As with the Joker Card, one of the main benefits of the Summer Card is free access to the cable cars in the region. Some of the lifts and gondolas that are included with the card are:
CityXpress: This gondola takes you from the center of Zell am See to the Schmittenhöhe mountain, where you can enjoy stunning views and access a range of activities such as hiking and mountain biking.
Areitbahn: This gondola takes you from the town of Schüttdorf to the Schmittenhöhe mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views and access a range of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding.
Kitzsteinhorn Glacier: This lift takes you up to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and access a range of activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
Maiskogel: This lift takes you up to the Maiskogel mountain, where you can enjoy beautiful views and access a range of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and summer tobogganing.
Sonnenalmbahn: This gondola takes you from the town of Viehhofen to the Schmittenhöhe mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views and access a range of activities such as hiking and mountain biking.
Schmittenhöhebahn: This lift takes you up to the Schmittenhöhe mountain, where you can enjoy spectacular views and access a range of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding.
Visitors can also enjoy free access to the beaches and swimming pools in the area, as well as discounted rates on boat tours and water sports. There is free access to several lidos around Lake Zell and I was lucky enough to enjoy a round trip of the lake on board MS Schmittenhöhe.
In addition to free access to attractions and transportation, the Summer Card also offers discounts on many activities and services in the region. This includes discounts on bike rentals, golf courses, and wellness activities like massages and access to spas and saunas.
So, will you be visiting Austria next Summer?
Austria in the summer is a beautiful and vibrant destination, with something for everyone. The stunning alpine landscapes, warm weather, and rich history and culture make it a must-visit destination. With the added bonus of Resort Cards making it easy to enjoy more activities and experiences without breaking the bank. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Austria in the summer is sure to offer an unforgettable and enjoyable trip.
I travelled to Austria with Inghams. Stroll, ramble or stride through the most beautiful parts of Europe with walking holidays that take you beyond the trails, where you can discover vibrant towns, scenery beyond the imagination and uncover cultural gems!
For more information about Austria and visiting in the summer [or the winter], please get in touch!
❓ Request a Quote www.emma.travel/get-a-quote
☎️ Call me 0114 6990100
📧 Email emma@theholidayvillage.co.uk
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