The 7 Best Mountain Villages in Austria for an Alpine Escape

Austria, situated in the heart of the Alps Mountains in Central Europe, is one of the most picturesque countries on the planet. Rolling hills, lush green forests and snow-capped mountains make the Austrian Alps some of the most scenic mountains in the world. So where better to spend a cosy winter’s getaway – or a hiking holiday in the summer – than in a quaint Alpine village nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps? These are the 7 best mountain villages in Austria for an alpine escape.

Breathtaking Peaks and Charming Streets: 7 Must-Visit Austrian Mountain Villages

1. Gosau

One of the most beautiful alpine villages in Austria is Gosau. Known for its rolling hills, incredible scenery and gorgeous lake, Gosau is definitely one to visit next time you’re planning an alpine escape in Austria.

Found in the heart of the country, tucked away in the Alps, Gosau is a remote alpine village – but that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do here. Lake Gosau is the perfect spot for a range of watersports in the summer, including swimming, fishing, rowing and more.

Additionally, for those wanting genuinely breathtaking views, the mighty peak of Dachstein – known locally as King Dachstein – is visible everywhere in Gosau and has even earned itself a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

For those into sports, there are several trails around Dachstein, including hiking and running, so if that’s your kind of thing, then a visit to Gosau is a must.

Nearest Airport: Salzburg (60km)

2. Kaprun

Found just south of the German border, Kaprun is a massively underrated Alpine village to visit in Austria.

Often overlooked in favour of more famous resorts and villages, Kaprun is definitely the place to go if you’re looking for a hidden gem in the Austrian Alps, away from the busy crowds and tourist-heavy resorts.

Not only is this Alpine village home to numerous ski slopes, which are in operation from October to May, but it is also one of the most unique in Austria, thanks to its glacial lakes, which are a stunning shade of turquoise thanks to the mineral-rich water found in them.

There is also a range of different accommodation in the Alpine village – from small log cabins towards the top of the mountains, ideal for those wanting to spend their days skiing and their nights curled up by a roaring log fire, to hotel-style apartments which are ideal for families.

If skiing or hiking is too much, you can spend a day or two relaxing at Kaprun’s own spa, found at the bottom of the village.

Nearest Airport: Salzburg (60km)

3. Saint Gilgen

Less than an hour’s drive from Salzburg Airport is Saint Gilgen, another pristine Austrian alpine village.

Found in the Salzkammmergut region of Austria, Saint Gilgen sits on the shores of Lake Wolfgangsee and is home to less than 4,000 residents – although these numbers increase during the summer months, when most tourists opt to visit.

However, if you’re searching for a quiet winter holiday with guaranteed Christmas card-esque snowy scenes, then St Gilgen is a must.

Alongside the few bars and museums in the village, what really makes St Gilgen a special place is not necessarily what you can find to do tourist-wise in the village, but what you can experience outside of it.

Picture the ultimate Alpine village in your mind, and you’ve probably imagined almost exactly what St Gilgen looks like. Log-cabin-style buildings, a beautiful lake, acres and acres of green forest, all under the backdrop of the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Alps.

This is an unforgettable Alpine destination and one that you will want to return to time and time again.

Nearest Airport: Salzburg (40km)

4. Obergurgl

As far as remote Austrian Alpine villages go, Obergurgl takes some beating.

Found close to the Austria-Italy border, Obergurgl is only home to 400 residents who live there year-round, making it one of the quietest Alpine villages in the country.

Despite that, the biggest boost to the local economy comes – unsurprisingly – in the form of skiing.

Home to an incredible range of ski slopes, from the easy blues to the professional-level black slopes, it’s little surprise to hear that skiing is the primary sport here, as Obergurgl is also Austria’s highest parish, at a height of 1,930m above sea level.

Make sure to wrap up warm if you visit in the winter, as temperatures regularly drop below -10℃. But what better way to combat the cold than to head into one of the restaurants in the village and warm up with a hot meal and an even hotter chocolate?

Nearest Airport: Innsbruck (100km)

5. St Anton am Alberg

Found in the far west of the country, tucked about halfway between the German, Swiss, Liechtenstein and Italian borders, St Anton am Alberg is another simply beautiful mountain village to visit in Austria.

Regularly topping lists of the best ski resorts in the world, St Anton is ideal for those wishing to go on a skiing holiday, as well as explore what else the village has to offer, from cosy restaurants, vibrant bars and toasty chalets, perfect for warming up in after a day on the slopes.

St Anton is also popular with hikers and mountaineering groups in the summer months, so if you don’t fancy a ski holiday but would rather visit in the – typically quieter – summer months, then St Anton is definitely worth it.

The centre of the village is also a pedestrian-only zone, which makes walking around the village much safer than those where cars and other vehicles can turn up at any moment, and it really allows you to almost be transported back in time to an age without cars and other similar technology.

Only a short transfer from Innsbruck Airport, with the journey taking less than 90 minutes, St Anton am Alberg is definitely worth visiting for the ultimate Alpine escape.

Nearest Airport: Innsbruck (95km)

6. Heiligenblut

Found in south-central Austria in the heart of the Alps is the quaint village of Heiligenblut. This village is also in the most protected area of the Alps, meaning that you are really experiencing wild Austria at its best here.

Over 160km from the nearest airport (with many people opting to fly into Ljubljana Airport in neighbouring Slovenia, around 190km away instead), Heiligenblut is one of the most remote but most well-preserved Alpine villages not just in Austria but in the world.

Found in a high mountain valley in the Central Eastern Alps range, Heiligenblut is a real hidden gem in Austria and makes for one of the most beautiful destinations for an alpine getaway.

The snowy conditions in winter can sometimes hinder travel efforts, but if you visit in the summer instead, you can expect to see greenery for miles around and numerous natural hiking trails forged into the hillsides and mountain slopes, formed over decades or even centuries.

The village is also rich in history and is home to a church that was constructed in the latter half of the fifteenth century. It is also mentioned in chronicles dating as far back as 1271.

Nearest Airport: Klagenfurt (165km)

7. Alpbach

We may just have saved the best for last in this list: Alpbach.

Alpbach is often called the most beautiful village in the Alps, and upon visiting this small alpine village, it’s easy to see why.

While some of the aforementioned villages are better for summer holidays and others are better for skiing holidays, Alpbach has the advantage of being one of the best mountain villages for both.

Traditional wooden chalets and tall trees line the paved streets of Alpbach and open up into a range of shops, eateries, accommodation and more, offering a glimpse into the charming alpine life that many of us from the urban jungle crave so badly.

Home to over 100km of ski slopes, Alpbach is also a must-visit for skiing fanatics, and because it’s less than an hour’s drive from Innsbruck Airport, it’s also incredibly easy to get to – you can be hitting the slopes less than two hours after landing.

For those who wish to have a more relaxing holiday, how about some gentle strolls around the village to start off the morning, and enjoy lunch in one of the local restaurants, before heading outside for some photography or even painting – the scenery is spectacular, and will certainly help get the creative juices flowing!

Nearest Airport: Innsbruck (55km)