Austria in April is a country reborn. Snow is melting in the highlands, trees and flowers are blooming in the cities and countryside, and best of all, most tourists haven’t yet arrived. While famous spots like Vienna, Salzburg, and Hallstatt steal the spotlight, Austria also holds countless lesser-known gems waiting to be explored.
This guide unveils 10 of the best hidden destinations in Austria to visit in April—where nature, culture, and tranquility combine for unforgettable adventures away from the crowds.
1. Mariazell – A Peaceful Pilgrimage and Alpine Retreat
Discover Spiritual Serenity in the Mountains
Nestled in the Styrian Alps, Mariazell is Austria’s most important pilgrimage site, yet remarkably quiet in April. The Mariazell Basilica is a stunning baroque church that draws visitors year-round, but spring sees the town surrounded by lush green meadows and blooming alpine flowers.
Outdoor Escapes and Local Charm
Take a hike along the Via Sacra or ride the historic Mariazellerbahn, a scenic railway journey through breathtaking valleys. April is ideal for peaceful walks and experiencing authentic local culture without the summer hustle.
2. Gmunden – Lake Beauty Without the Buzz
Lakeside Elegance on Traunsee
Located on the shores of Lake Traunsee, Gmunden is a lesser-known lakeside gem in Upper Austria. Its quiet waterfront promenade and the fairytale Ort Castle, located on a tiny island, make it a perfect spring getaway.
Explore and Relax
In April, the lake begins to thaw and the town bursts into color. Take a gentle hike up Grünberg, or enjoy a warm afternoon at a lakeside café. Gmunden is also famous for Gmundner Keramik, Austria’s iconic green and white ceramics, which you can see being made by hand.
3. Riegersburg – Castles and Chocolate
A Fortress on a Volcano
Perched atop a dormant volcanic hill in Styria, Riegersburg Castle offers stunning views and dramatic history. The castle is less visited than others in Austria but is incredibly rewarding in April when spring flowers dot the surrounding hills.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Just down the hill, the Zotter Chocolate Factory is a delightful stop, offering interactive tours and all-you-can-taste chocolate experiences. Combining medieval adventure and gourmet indulgence, Riegersburg is perfect for a unique April excursion.
4. Dienten am Hochkönig – Alpine Bliss Without the Hype
Peaceful Mountain Beauty
While nearby towns like Zell am See draw large crowds, Dienten remains a quiet alpine treasure. Nestled beneath the majestic Hochkönig Mountain, it’s ideal for nature lovers and hikers.
A Spring Haven
In April, snow still dusts the peaks, but the lower valleys bloom with crocuses and primroses. It’s a tranquil place to hike, relax in a mountain hut, and take in the incredible alpine views without the tourist traffic.
5. Rust – Austria’s Wine Town on Lake Neusiedl
Where Birds and Wine Abound
Tucked away in Burgenland, Rust is Austria’s smallest town and one of its most charming. Famous for its stork nests and fine white wines, Rust is ideal for a peaceful April retreat.
Wine Tasting and Nature Walks
Explore the cobbled streets, enjoy tastings in local wineries, or take a bike ride through the Lake Neusiedl National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and bird-watching paradise during spring migration.
6. Steyr – A Hidden Historic Gem
Timeless Austrian Architecture
Steyr, located where the Steyr and Enns rivers meet, is one of Austria’s oldest towns. Its beautifully preserved town square and Gothic churches offer a journey back in time.
Underrated and Peaceful
In April, Steyr is free of tourist crowds. Walk along the riverside paths, visit the Lambach Abbey, and enjoy traditional cafes tucked away in medieval courtyards.
7. Eisenerz – Industrial Heritage Meets Alpine Charm
A Mining Town Reimagined
Eisenerz, once known solely for mining, is now an up-and-coming destination for outdoor tourism and cultural history. Surrounded by rugged mountains, it’s strikingly scenic in April.
Experience Living History
Visit the Abenteuer Erzberg, a gigantic open-air mining tour, and explore the pastel-colored town center. The nearby Leopoldsteinersee, a tranquil alpine lake, begins to awaken in spring and is perfect for scenic walks.
8. Bad Gleichenberg – A Spa Town in Bloom
Tranquility and Thermal Waters
This quiet spa town in southeastern Styria is ideal for a wellness break. Bad Gleichenberg is surrounded by vineyards and forested hills that blossom into green in April.
Rejuvenate in Spring
Enjoy soothing thermal baths, walk through the expansive Kurpark, and savor Styrian specialties in small local restaurants. With few tourists and a mild climate, it’s an oasis of peace and renewal.
9. Trins – The Hidden Valley of Tirol
A Quiet Village in the Gschnitztal Valley
Trins, tucked into the Gschnitztal Valley near Innsbruck, is a true escape into nature. This untouched part of Tirol offers incredible views, traditional alpine life, and serenity.
Wildflowers and Waterfalls
Spring brings gushing waterfalls and blooming meadows. Hike to the Sarnthein Waterfall or simply enjoy the peaceful sounds of spring birdsong in one of Austria’s most authentic mountain villages.
10. Millstatt – A Hidden Lakeside Paradise
Carinthian Calm on Millstätter See
Overlooked by many travelers, Millstatt sits on the northern shore of Lake Millstätter See in Carinthia. The lake begins to warm in April, and the landscape is bathed in fresh spring colors.
History and Harmony
The Millstatt Abbey is a cultural highlight, while the lakeside promenade invites relaxing walks. You can also enjoy light hiking trails with stunning lake-and-mountain vistas.
Conclusion
Traveling to Austria’s hidden destinations in April offers more than just smaller crowds. It reveals a gentler side of the country—where locals still outnumber tourists, and every encounter feels personal. Springtime adds to the magic, with blooming landscapes, peaceful lakes, and crisp mountain air.
Whether you’re sipping wine in Rust, exploring ancient streets in Steyr, or hiking through wildflowers in Dienten, these off-the-beaten-path spots will give you a richer, quieter, and more authentic Austrian experience.
