Is a weekend in Austria enough time to really get a sense of this fantastic country? Well, it is if you’re focused and know where to go. So we’re grateful to Austrian and German real estate expert Nery Alaev, who breaks down his perfect Austrian weekend for us.
Here are Nery’s thoughts on how to get the most out of your 48 hours in Austria.
Kick things off with some world class opera
“Too often, opera has a reputation for being elitist, and impossible for most people to see. That’s a real shame, and certainly not the case in Austria,” says Nery.
„Here, it is truly accessible – and it is even possible to see it for free if you know where to look. A great option is the Vienna State Opera who put their performances on outside on a big screen.
“It is a wonderful way to experience this fantastic art form, all together with the crowd on a warm evening! It is usually advertised as ‚Oper live am Platz‘ and I’d recommend it for anyone if they’re here in Austria for a couple of days.”
Get a breath of mountain air
After your night at the opera in Vienna, you might be looking to escape the city for a while. Where better than a luxury mountain lodge? Nery knows just the place.
„The Kristallhütte in Kaltenbach is spectacular,“ he tells us. „It’s super-modern, and you feel as if you are in a top class hotel – which you are, except in just a stunning location. The views are breathtaking and the hills are also home to some very striking modern art too – look out for the giant spider!
“It is the perfect place to get away, relax and recuperate. If you want something more active, it also makes a great base for walking in the surrounding mountains too.“
Cool off on the Austrian Riviera
No – we’re not joking – there really is an ‘Austrian Riviera’. It might not be by the sea, but Carinthia is warm and stunningly beautiful, particularly in the area around Lake Ossiach. The lake itself is perfect for swimming in.
“The emerald green waters and the mountains around it make for a very special experience,” says Nery. “Most people think of Austria as a place to go and ski, but the mountains and lakes are wonderful places to visit in the summer months too.”
Finish the weekend with the best food and drink in Austria
After all that lake swimming and fresh air, you are going to have worked up quite an appetite. So, where better to go than a heuriger – one of Austria’s many wine taverns. Nery explains more:
„Heurigers are a fantastic Austrian institution,“ explains Nery. „When people think of Austria, they often think of beer halls – but there is also a fine tradition of great wine making in Austria too.“
Heurigers serve wine produced in the neighbouring vineyards by local makers and offer great food and a lively atmosphere.
„There is a great place called Pulkers which is a real favourite of mine,“ says Nery. „It is tucked in close by the Danube and the setting is just perfect. Of course, the wine and food is pretty special too.”