Camping in Österreich

Kaiserschmarrn and mighty mountain peaks. The best ski resorts in the world, plus beautiful cities with a glorious imperial and royal past: Austria is a great holiday destination for campers. Active holidaymakers can explore the fantastic mountain world, which offers some of the most beautiful valleys in the Alps in Ötztal and Stubaital. The popular bathing lakes of Millstätter See and Achensee are perfect for a relaxing camping holiday by the water. Those who prefer a cultivated cultural programme can combine a camping trip with a visit to the metropolises of Salzburg and Vienna. And in the cold season, Austria is of course the top European destination for winter camping.

Special features of camping in Austria

The Alpine republic of Austria borders Bavaria to the south and has always been a favourite destination for campers thanks to its proximity to Germany. With the magnificent mountains in Tyrol and Carinthia, Austria is a dreamland for active holidaymakers and mountain lovers. The campsites in popular regions such as the Ötztal, Zillertal or Stubaital are nestled in a picture-book landscape of green alpine pastures and mighty mountain peaks and are ideal for excursions into Austria's mountain world. The country's numerous lakes are very popular with families with children. Bodensee, Achensee, Millstätter See, Ossiacher See, Wolfgangsee or Wörthersee, the largest lake in the country: The list of beautiful lakes in Austria is almost endless and promises relaxing days by the water with a marvellous Alpine panorama. There are often not only campsites at the lakes, but also motorhome pitches for campers planning a road trip through Austria. Dogs are allowed at many campsites. The price level is generally somewhat higher than in Germany. It is advisable to book well in advance, and not just in summer. Thanks to excellent ski resorts and cross-country ski trails, winter is the second main season in Austria. Accordingly, the campsites are also well frequented in the cold season. A vignette is required to drive on Austrian motorways, and tolls are often charged for pass roads and tunnels.

Popular campsites in Austria

The facilities at campsites in Austria are generally excellent. In addition to pitches for motorhomes and caravans, mobile homes, holiday flats or cosy alpine huts are often available to rent. Unusual glamping accommodation is becoming increasingly popular. Many campsites offer leisure and entertainment programmes for children.

Seecamping Berghof

In a fantastic location on the southern shore of Lake Ossiach in Carinthia, Seecamping Berghof is the ideal place for campers who want to spend a family holiday by the water. The leisure facilities, especially for younger guests, are huge and include several playgrounds, a children's beach with water slide, pony rides and more. There is hardly any time left to explore the beautiful surroundings on foot or by mountain bike.

Experience Comfort Camping Aufenfeld

One of the most popular campsites in Tyrol is Erlebnis Comfort Camping Aufenfeld in Zillertal. The name says it all: the swimming lake, the climbing hall, a skating track, go-kart hire and the fantastic surroundings promise hours of adventure. Spacious pitches, modern sanitary facilities and the friendly service team provide the necessary comfort for your holiday. An absolute top place!

Woferlgut sports camp

Don't be fooled by the name: The Woferlgut sports camp near Zell am See naturally also welcomes non-athletes. The camp's own swimming lake and wellness experience centre are particularly popular with campers looking for relaxation. There is also a great leisure programme with an indoor children's area, pirate ship, low ropes course and several playgrounds. For active holidaymakers, there are guided cycle tours around the site.

Natterer See holiday paradise

Ferienparadies Natterer See awaits its guests in an exceptionally beautiful location by the lake of the same name near Innsbruck. The campsite lives up to its name: there is a great aqua park, boat hire and a kayak school right by the lake. Those who prefer to explore the surrounding area can hop on the hiking bus directly from the campsite and take part in guided tours into the mountains.

Favourite places in the region

Austria is a versatile holiday destination where active holidaymakers, relaxation seekers and culture lovers alike get their money's worth. One of the most popular areas for hiking and admiring nature is the beautiful Ötztal valley in Tyrol. Campers who enjoy spending relaxing days by the water should visit Lake Millstätter See, the "jewel of Carinthia", and set up camp there. And if you want to immerse yourself in the fascinating history and glorious past of the Alpine republic, a visit to the capital city of Vienna is a must.

Ötztal

At 65 kilometres long, the Ötztal is the longest mountain valley in Tyrol - and one of the most beautiful. Hiking enthusiasts in particular will be delighted by the more than 1600 kilometres of hiking trails: From leisurely tours, alpine mountain hikes and long-distance hiking trails, everything is on offer here. Those who want a little more action can try canyoning, rafting or via ferrata. AREA 47, Austria's largest outdoor leisure park, promises even more adventure. And then of course there is Ötzi, the famous Iceman who was found here. In the Ötzi village, visitors can learn more about the exciting story.

Lake Millstätter See

At Lake Millstätter See in the southernmost province of Carinthia, you almost feel like you're in Italy. With its idyllic, Mediterranean atmosphere and warm water temperatures, Austria's second largest lake is a paradise for bathing holidaymakers. Swimming, paddling and numerous water sports activities are just some of the possibilities. Great lidos can be found in Döbriach on the eastern shore of the lake. It is also worth visiting the small town of Millstatt, which is enchanting with its many old villas and Carinthia's first bathhouse. The wooded Nockenberge mountains around the lake are a great area for hiking.

Vienna

The venerable capital of Austria is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and has so many sights to offer that you could spend weeks here. A good starting point for culture fans are the numerous castles and palaces, such as Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. The MuseumsQuartier, with its numerous museums and exhibitions, is one of the largest cultural centres in the world. Great excursion destinations for families with children are the famous Prater amusement park with its Ferris wheel and Schönbrunn Zoo, which was founded in the 18th century.

Sights and excursion destinations

• Lake Wörth: Lake Wörth is the largest lake in Carinthia and one of the warmest lakes in the Alps. The journey there via the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is particularly beautiful.
• Hohe Tauern National Park: The largest national park in Central Europe offers fascinating insights into Austria's mountain world.
• Hohensalzburg Fortress: Located on the local mountain, Hohensalzburg Fortress towers high above Salzburg and is the unmistakable landmark of the city of Mozart. From the top, you can enjoy fantastic 360° panoramic views of the city.
• Salzkammergut: With its green meadows and alpine pastures, the Salzkammergut in Upper Austria is one of the most beautiful regions in the country. Great excursion destinations for nature lovers include the Dachstein and the picturesque Mondsee, which is nestled between high mountains.
• Grossglockner: The 3798 metre-high Grossglockner is the highest mountain in Austria and the country's landmark. Visitors can reach the foot of the mountain on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.

Tour tip

Austria is ideal for a longer tour with a motorhome and if you have a little time, you should not miss out on the diversity of the country. A great route with (almost) all of Austria's highlights starts in the Kaiserwinkl mountain valley just over the German border. From there, the route takes you to the beautiful Salzburger Land and a stopover in picturesque Zell am See. After a visit to the Hohe Tauern National Park, the tour leads to the historic town of Lienz and then to tranquil Villach on Lake Millstätter See. The wonderful tour through the Alpine republic ends in Klagenfurt on the shores of the turquoise-blue Wörthersee.

Find out more

Types of campsites in Austria

There are campsites of all kinds in Austria. From nature camping and dog-friendly campsites to luxurious 5-star campsites with wellness facilities, everything is possible in the Alpine republic.

Camping with a dog

For dog owners who want to roam the meadows and forests with their four-legged family member, there are numerous dog-friendly campsites. The most beautiful walking and hiking trails often start right outside the caravan door. It's not just the mountain huts that have a bowl of water ready for dogs. Some campsites offer a wide range of facilities, including dog showers and courses for Bello & Co.

Nature camping

Many campsites offer a natural and unspoilt idyll. They are small, modest and enchantingly beautiful. They are located by a secluded lake or on a mountain pasture. In the evening, campers listen to the silence and in the morning the fresh mountain lake awaits instead of a warm shower.

5-star camping

More and more campers don't want to do without comfort on holiday. This wish is successfully fulfilled at the 5-star campsites in Austria. For example, saunas, whirlpools and a swimming pool are available for relaxing after a mountain tour. The sanitary facilities are modern and there are many leisure activities on offer.

Target groups

Austria appeals to campers of all ages. The mountain world attracts both young and older travellers. Anyone who likes to spend a lot of time in the fresh air and enjoys immersing themselves in a fairytale world on holiday as well as a crystal-clear mountain lake will feel at home here.

Couples

Couples who love hiking and have a soft spot for mountain romance and cultural assets such as castles and fortresses will feel particularly at home in Austria. Smaller campsites near mountain villages and on the shores of lakes are ideal for relaxing.

Families

Numerous campsites in Austria rightly advertise relaxation for the whole family: here, children can romp across meadows, stroke cows or splash around in streams. Nature offers the largest leisure programme for families - open-air villages, museums, castles, alpine pastures, farms and mines can be visited.

Active holidaymakers

Mountaineers, hikers, mountain bikers, bathing holidaymakers and winter sports enthusiasts - they can all be found at the campsites in Austria. Like-minded holidaymakers exchange ideas about the best summit trails and climbing tours. In winter, the ski slopes invite you to hit the slopes and the mountain huts invite you to après-ski.

Target groups

Austria inspires campers of all ages. The mountain world attracts both young and older travellers. Anyone who likes to spend a lot of time in the fresh air and not just immerse themselves in a crystal-clear mountain lake on holiday, but also in a fairytale world, will feel at home here.

Couples

Couples who love hiking and have a soft spot for mountain romance and cultural assets such as castles and fortresses will feel particularly at home in Austria. Smaller campsites near mountain villages and on the shores of lakes are ideal for relaxing.

Families

Numerous campsites in Austria rightly advertise relaxation for the whole family: here, children can romp across meadows, stroke cows or splash around in streams. Nature offers the largest leisure programme for families - open-air villages, museums, castles, alpine pastures, farms and mines can be visited.

Active holidaymakers

Mountaineers, hikers, mountain bikers, bathing holidaymakers and winter sports enthusiasts - they can all be found at the campsites in Austria. Like-minded holidaymakers exchange ideas about the best summit trails and climbing tours. In winter, the ski slopes invite you to hit the slopes and the mountain huts invite you to après-ski.