I've read posts over the years where folks have asked where they can find a place in Austria similar to the famous mountain villages in Switzerland. We'll you can't, but I'll offer an alternative. It' like comparing apples and oranges. No train to get here and you probably will need a car to get here... Kals am Grossglockner. There are several small villages here. Grossdorf is probably the more fairy-tale looking. You can get around by bus. There is a tiny toll road (not for the lite hearted) you can take to the Lucknerhaus and from there you can climb to the top of the Grossglockner if able. Wandern ohne ende. Several lifts, but in sommer only one is running. In winter this is a ski village. Accommodations go from 4 star resort to apartments. It's an oasis in Osttirol. I've been here twice now and I'll come back. Osttirol is becoming my favorite place in Austria. On to Virgental in the morning. The lesser traveled route.
Posted by
Hayden Lake, ID
34 posts
Thank you for this timely post. We leave next Wednesday on a month long trip to Switzerland, Northern Italy (Dolomites), Austria & Bavaria. Sounds like a large geographic area to cover, but Google maps says we can drive the entire circuit in less 24 hours. So 30+ days should give us ample time. After staying 3 nights in Sesto, Italy we'll be traveling over the Grossglockner Pass on our way to Zell am See for the following 3 nights. You've given us some great ideas. Thanks for posting. Enjoy your travels.
Posted by
OP
Oberpfalz, Germany
1290 posts
JimmyB if you do come towards Kals, don't miss the Virgental. On a clear day it is fantastic. Drive to the end. Drive up to Bichl. Fantastic views. You can see the Großvenediger (3666m 4th highest in Austria). If you want a local place with pizza and Brotzeit, try the Schwoaga in Virgen/Griess.
Posted by
Hayden Lake, ID
34 posts
Mchpp, Thank you for some more travel tips. We depart from Seattle on Wednesday. Switzerland first before Austria. If you’re still in Austria mid- Sept we’ll buy you lunch. So appreciate the information.