So, here’s the story: We had our hearts set on a Swiss escape for a few days in September. But Mother Nature had other plans—rain, rain, and more rain! It was supposed to be an RV adventure, so we quickly scrambled to find a sunny spot in Europe. Turns out, only the Czech Republic and a slice of Austria were offering sunshine. Since we’ve explored Austria many times before, we were determined to uncover some hidden gems—and we did! Our trip became an unforgettable mix of hiking, biking, and sightseeing. And guess what? All of these stops are conveniently along the route from Hallstatt to Mayrhofen, near Innsbruck. Without further ado, let’s dive into the 5 must-see stops.

Hallstatt

I’ve always said Hallstatt looks like a picture-perfect fairy tale village—old-world charm, nestled between towering mountains, beside a pristine lake, with colorful gingerbread houses and vibrant greenery. Seriously, it feels like a dream! Add in some blooms, lilac trees (okay, maybe not in September), and graceful swans, and you’ve got pure magic. Though we missed the lilacs this time, we did spot a quirky flat pear tree growing over a pink house (see the photo). Oh, and we got  a rainbow! Yes, it can get crowded with tourists, but if you stay the night and explore after 6 PM, you’ll have the village mostly to yourself. We parked our RV at the only campsite in town—no reservation needed in September.

Hallstatt is walkable! You can stroll from one end of the village to the other in about 15-20 minutes. But of course, you’ll want to stop and soak in the views, so take your time!

How much time do you need for Hallstatt?
You can cover the village, sit by the lake, and visit the picturesque church all within a few hours. However, if you plan on exploring some of Hallstatt’s famous attractions, like the Salt Mine or the Skywalk, I’d recommend staying for two days to fully enjoy the experience without rushing.

Is Hallstatt a World Heritage Site?
Yes, it is! Hallstatt is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich history and breathtaking landscape, making it a truly special destination.

Where to stay in Hallstatt?
We stayed at the RV camp Camping Klausner-Höll, which was perfect for our adventure. If you’re RV-ing, it’s a great spot with a beautiful view and walking distance to the village!

Lammerklamm Gorge

This stop is a hidden gem, and you might drive right past it if it’s not plugged into your GPS! But trust me, it’s well worth pulling over for a quick visit. There’s parking right in front, and a small entry fee to get in. Inside, you’ll find two paths: one short and steep, leading straight to the most breathtaking views of the gorge, and the other a longer trail that meanders along the gorge’s edge. The longer path takes you over a bridge and all the way down to the river below. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a dip—but fair warning, the water is freezing!

Lammerklamm Gorge is open from May until October, making it a great warm-weather stop. If you’re traveling with pets, good news—dogs on a leash are permitted, so your furry friend can join the adventure!

As for prices:

• Adults: €9
• Children (ages 6-15): €6
• Children under 6: Free

It’s an affordable and quick stop that offers stunning natural beauty, perfect for a short detour or a refreshing hike during your trip!

Hohenwerfen Castle

We’ve toured many castles, but Hohenwerfen is particularly fun! Perched on a hill, you can either hike up or take a funicular (it’s about 2-minute ride). We had some time before our castle tour, but there was plenty to keep us entertained—games, food stalls, and even stilt walking. The 40-minute tour itself was awesome, with a visit to various rooms and the bell tower. They offer audio guides in different languages, and our 4-year-old, Jayden, was glued to it the entire time—total win!

At Hohenwerfen Castle, ticket prices vary depending on whether you choose to take the funicular or walk, and whether you want to include the tour. Prices range from €11.40 to €19.90 per adult and €3.40 to €6.10 for children.

I highly recommend getting the ticket that includes both the tour and the lift. My personal favorite option is taking the funicular up for a smooth ride, then enjoying a scenic walk down after exploring the castle!

Hohenwerfen Castle (the Burg) is open from April to October, but keep in mind it’s closed on Mondays. For exact opening hours, be sure to check online before your visit.

If you’re traveling with pets, dogs on a leash are welcome in the outdoor areas, but they can’t join the tours. The castle also offers falconry demonstrations, which are a unique and exciting experience. Oh, and a heads-up—drones are forbidden at the castle, so you’ll have to stick to regular cameras for those amazing views!

Krimml Waterfalls

We brought our bikes to the waterfalls as it was only a few miles from our campsite. While you can’t bike past the entrance booth, there’s a spot to lock up your bike (bring a lock!). This is Europe’s largest waterfall, with a 380-meter drop, and it’s breathtaking. It’s a short 5-minute walk to the base of the falls, and a longer hike to the middle or upper sections. We trekked up to the alpine hut, Schönangerl, where we enjoyed a meal with spectacular views. Be prepared to get misted by the falls, and don’t forget a jacket—it gets cold at the top!

• Ticket prices:

  • Adults: €14.90
  • Children (ages 6-15): €7.40
  • Children under 6: Free
  • Family ticket: €30.90

• Opening times:
  Open from May to October, with the last admission at 16:30.

• Parking:
  Paid parking is available near the entrance.

• Dogs:
  Dogs on a leash are allowed.

• Hike to Gasthof Schönangerl:
  If you’re feeling active, the hike to Gasthof Schönangerl takes around 40-60 minutes and offers great views along the way!

Olpererhütte Hike & Suspension Bridge

Saving the best for last: The hike to Olpererhütte starts at the Schlegeis Reservoir. While it’s a bit tricky to get to, the views along the trail are stunning. The hike itself is steep and rocky in parts, taking us around two hours. It was a toasty 30°C at the bottom, but windy and chilly at the top—so pack layers! Jayden (who turned 4 in July) managed the whole hike, with plenty of snack breaks. At the hut, we relaxed with a meal (vegan options available!) and then took the short 3-minute walk to the famous suspension bridge. Word to the wise: get there early or be prepared to wait for that iconic photo op. The bridge looks like an adrenaline rush, but trust me, the drop below is only a few meters—more illusion than fear!

A detailed guide to the hike can be found here.

The Olpererhütte hike starts at the beautiful Schlegeis Reservoir. It’s a fantastic adventure, and can be done with kids. The total hiking time is about 2 hours up and 1 hour down, covering a distance of 6.2 km round trip with an altitude change of 600 meters. The Olpererhütte sits at an elevation of 2,389 meters, offering breathtaking views.

If you want to extend the experience, you can even book a night at the hut for a true alpine stay! For more detailed information about the hike, click here.

So there you have it! If you’re traveling along this route, be sure to check out these spots. Better yet, make them your route! Feel free to message me if you have any questions. Happy adventuring!

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