Why settle for one holiday hotspot when you can have the best of both worlds?

Savvy travellers are seeking balance and better value for their vacations as ‘flexiscapes’ take flight. And Austria, with its elegant cities, breathtaking alpine landscapes and world-class transport routes, is the perfect choice.

Soak up the timeless heritage and refined elegance of Vienna, Salzburg or Innsbruck, exploring a wealth of museums, music and cuisine. Then it’s a short hop to the stunning Austrian Alps to become immersed in nature. Just the ticket for a multi-generational jaunt. 

You’ll need somewhere to stay, in the city and during your adventures in nature – so let’s unpack the perks of your dual-destination trip (from heart health to endorphin boosts) and line up some of Austria Hotel Collection’s finest accommodation to match.

First stop: a feel-good city stay

Step it up

(c) Austrian National Tourist Office; Marion Carcel

Recent research suggests that how you walk is key to good health, with brisk, uphill walks the most beneficial. Salzburg and Innsbruck are hilly cities, but even in Vienna you can work up a sweat by climbing the 343 steps of the South Tower at St Stephen’s Cathedral.

• Singerstrasse 21/15 is a three-minute walk from the cathedral. Featuring 50 modern, serviced apartments it’s an ideal base for groups. 

Drink in the beauty

Being in the presence of beauty – natural or man-made – triggers stress-busting aesthetic emotions, such as awe and delight. Austrian cities are abundant in beautiful sights.

• The stunning pool at Hotel Sans Souci Wien is lit by crystal chandeliers. The hotel also houses a collection of Roy Lichtenstein pop art.

Healing arts

(c) Austrian National Tourist Office; Sommertageblog

National charity Art Fund says art has an immediate positive impact on us, simultaneously reducing stress and increasing excitement. From Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum to Salzburg’s Museum der Moderne, you’ll find plenty to encourage an energised holiday mindset.

• The 34-room Arthotel Blaue Gans in Salzburg, housing 120 original artworks, will hit the spot.

A moment to relax 

City breaks might be buzzing, but without some downtime planned they can become overwhelming, especially for younger travellers. Taking a moment to pause allows your nervous system a chance to reset.

• At the Almanac Palais Vienna you can try blindfold yoga, disco training or X-TREME PILATES to help you unwind.

Culture and curiosity

(c) Austrian National Tourist Office; Sommertageblog

Soaking up the culture of a foreign country sparks curiosity and lowers anxiety, according to researchers in Norway. It’s a great learning experience for children, too.

• The Hotel Ambassador in Vienna is in a prime location with the Imperial Palace and State Opera a mere stroll away.
• Or try The Harmonie Vienna, where many of the boutique hotel’s eye-catching design elements are inspired by dance and the performing arts. 

Flavour saviours

Trying regional cuisine brings you closer to the local culture, enriching your experience and contributing to lasting memories – it’s also great for broadening children’s tastes.

• Stay at Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof and enjoy Viennese specialities made with produce sourced from local suppliers.

A meaningful experience 

(c) Austrian National Tourist Office; Stefan Strasser

Making sustainable choices and appreciating the natural world can give your life more meaning. Austria ranks highly as a green nation – 50% of Vienna consists of parks and other open spaces – so even on the urban leg of your trip you can indulge your love of nature. 

• Innsbruck’s NALA Individuell Hotel is dedicated to sustainability, running on 90% green energy. You can enjoy organic ingredients at the breakfast buffet, too.  

Second stop: getting active in nature

Fresh air vibes

(c) Saalfelden Leogang Touristik GmbH; Michael Geißler

An hour of exercise in the big outdoors not only reduces stress hormones and boosts mood, it combats fatigue. From snowshoe walks in quiet forests to adrenaline-pumping ski and toboggan runs, Austria’s alpine paradise provides a picture-perfect backdrop.

• Hotel Der Löwe in Leogang, is very family-friendly. Children under five ski for free, there’s a family lift directly behind the hotel and a separate family spa to soothe après-ski aches.

Time to chill

The benefits of cold-water immersion are well known, but are you aware how long-lasting those dopamine and serotonin highs can be? A study by the University of Portsmouth and University Hospital Dorset found that six immersions in cold water induce a physiological effect that’s still evident a year later. It’s best reserved for the adults, though. 

• At the Dips&Drops in Flachau, guests can ice bathe in the nearby Enns mountain river all year round – the ultimate energy kick and immune system boost. 

Making memories

(c) Austrian National Tourist Office; Stefan Strasser

Holiday memories play a vital role in shaping personality – for children, the more memorable the experience, the stronger the emotional anchor. In the Austrian Alps there are plenty of opportunities to create moments to treasure. 

• Hotel GUT Trattlerhof & Chalets offers ‘GUTshof’ experiences, including torchlight hikes with horses, pizza-making courses and vintage tractor rides. 

Nurturing every generation 

Encouraging good choices from early childhood can reduce the risk of mental and physical health issues in the future. It’s about taking a ‘life-course approach’, which is something Austria’s top alpine hotels know all about with wellness very much a family affair. 

• POST Family Resort upholds the theory that salt air has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system by providing an indoor salt box for children (similar to a sandpit, but containing salt). 
• Wellness hotel Sendlhofer’s in Bad Hofgastein offers kids balance massages for 8-14 year olds, and for those aged 7 and under, a crawling beetle massage and (our favourite!) a sleep well massage.

Close to nature

(c) Austrian National Tourist Office; Harald Eisenberger

A dose of nature is good for every age – two hours a week can benefit your physical and emotional health. For children it can make them less anxious and more focused, while teaching responsibility, too. 

• The four family-run Sôha Hotels provide access to some wonderful outdoor activities including alpaca treks, walks with nature workshops and high ropes courses.

Explore more

Find out more about the comfort and authenticity of Austrian hospitality offered by the Austria Hotel Collection.