Looking for the best all-inclusive holiday in Austria? Discover the top regions, hotels, and practical tips for a carefree trip in summer or winter.
Austria might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of an all-inclusive holiday, but it offers a unique and surprisingly complete experience. Forget the crowded beaches of the Mediterranean; in Austria, all-inclusive means waking up to mountain views, breathing in fresh alpine air, and enjoying hearty local cuisine after a day of hiking or skiing. It’s a holiday that combines relaxation with activity, comfort with nature.
The Austrian concept of "all-inclusive" often goes beyond just food and drinks. Many hotels, particularly in regions like Tyrol and Salzburgerland, include a "guest card" in their packages. This card is your golden ticket to the region, offering free use of local cable cars, buses, and entry to swimming pools and museums. It transforms a standard hotel stay into a comprehensive regional experience, encouraging you to explore the valleys and peaks right on your doorstep.
An all-inclusive holiday in Austria is centred around the alpine experience. In summer, your days are filled with hiking, mountain biking, or swimming in crystal-clear lakes. In winter, it’s all about skiing, snowboarding, and cosy evenings by the fire. The hotels that cater to this are often family-run establishments that pride themselves on hospitality and quality.
Your daily routine might look like this: start with a generous breakfast buffet featuring local breads, cheeses, and meats. Afterwards, you pack a lunch from a dedicated station (a common and beloved feature in Austrian all-inclusives) and head out for the day. You might take a cable car up a mountain for a panoramic hike, visit a local gorge, or simply relax by the hotel pool. In the late afternoon, many hotels offer a "Jause" – a classic Austrian snack with coffee and cakes. Dinner is typically a multi-course affair, often with a choice of main dishes, followed by drinks at the hotel bar.
While many associate Austria with winter sports, its summers are a green paradise perfect for an active, all-inclusive break. The focus is on nature, exploration, and relaxation.
Tyrol: The classic choice
Tyrol is the heart of the Austrian Alps and a hub for all-inclusive hotels. The Zillertal and Ötztal valleys are particularly popular. A hotel in a town like Mayrhofen or Sölden gives you access to hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails. The included guest card often covers the extensive network of gondolas, which makes reaching high-altitude trails effortless. Imagine taking a lift up to 2,000 meters and starting your hike from there, with breathtaking views from the first step.
Salzburgerland: Lakes and mountains
This region offers a perfect mix of alpine scenery and beautiful lakes. The area around Lake Zell and Lake Wolfgang is dotted with excellent all-inclusive hotels. Here, you can combine a mountain hike in the morning with a refreshing swim in the afternoon. The Saalbach-Hinterglemm area is another hotspot, famous for its "Joker Card," which includes unlimited use of all operating cable cars and access to the area's most popular attractions.
In winter, an Austrian all-inclusive is all about ski-in, ski-out convenience and cosy alpine charm. It’s about maximising your time on the slopes and relaxing completely afterwards.
Ski Amadé: A vast ski paradise
The Ski Amadé region, which includes towns like Flachau and Wagrain, is one of the largest ski networks in Europe. An all-inclusive hotel here often means you’re just a short walk from the main lift. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the hotel's wellness facilities – think saunas, steam rooms, and heated pools – before settling in for a hearty dinner. It’s the perfect way to recharge for another day of skiing.
Vorarlberg: Quality and charm
For those looking for a slightly more upscale and tranquil experience, regions like Lech or Brandnertal in Vorarlberg are excellent choices. The all-inclusive offerings here are often more luxurious, with a strong focus on gourmet food and extensive spa facilities. It’s an ideal setting for a romantic winter getaway or a truly restorative holiday.
Imagine a week-long stay in an all-inclusive hotel in Mayrhofen, in the Zillertal valley. Your hotel provides the Zillertal Activcard. Day 1: Arrival and exploration. After checking in, you take a short walk through the village to get your bearings and enjoy your first multi-course dinner. Day 2: You use your Activcard for a free ride up the Ahornbahn gondola. At the top, you take the easy but stunning Panorama Trail (approx. 1.5 hours) before descending for the afternoon cake buffet. Day 3: A day trip to the Hintertux Glacier, the only year-round ski resort in Austria. Your card gives you a discount on the gondola. You explore the ice palace or simply enjoy the view from 3,250 meters. Day 4: Active relaxation. You use your card for free entry to the outdoor pool in Mayrhofen. You spend the day swimming and lounging with the Alps as your backdrop. Day 5: A drive along the scenic Schlegeis Alpine Road (toll road, not included) to the breathtaking Schlegeis Reservoir. You can walk across the dam or do a longer hike to the Olpererhütte for the famous suspension bridge photo (a challenging 3-hour return hike). Day 6: You take the train (free with your card) to the town of Zell am Ziller and visit the Arena Coaster for some summer tobogganing fun. Day 7: One last hearty breakfast before the drive home.
By car: The most flexible option. From Utrecht, it's roughly a 950 km drive to Tyrol, taking 9-11 hours without major traffic. Remember to purchase a vignette for the Austrian motorway, which you can buy at petrol stations near the border or online beforehand. By train: The ÖBB Nightjet offers a comfortable overnight service from Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Arnhem directly to Innsbruck. You go to sleep in the Netherlands and wake up in the heart of the Alps. From the station, you can take a regional train or bus to your final destination. By plane: The nearest major airport is Innsbruck (INN), with direct flights from Amsterdam (AMS) and Brussels (BRU) in both summer and winter. From Innsbruck, it's a 1-1.5 hour drive or train ride to most major Tyrolean valleys.
Underestimating the guest card: Many travellers don't fully research the benefits of their included guest card. A single gondola ride can cost €25-€30 per person, so using the card just once or twice a day already provides massive value. Plan your activities around what's included. Ignoring the hotel's activity program: Most all-inclusive hotels offer guided hikes or mountain bike tours, often for free. These are led by locals who know the hidden gems and can adjust the route to the group's fitness level. It's a great way to explore safely. Packing the wrong gear: The weather in the mountains can change in an instant. Even on a sunny day, you need to bring a waterproof jacket, a warm layer, and sturdy hiking shoes. Never hike in sneakers. Booking in a remote village: While a hotel in a tiny, isolated hamlet might seem idyllic, it can be impractical. Choose a hotel in or near a main village like Mayrhofen, Saalbach, or Zell am See. This ensures you have easy access to multiple cable cars, shops, and transport options without always needing your car.
Yes, absolutely. The value often comes from the included guest cards, which give you free access to expensive cable cars and local transport. When you factor in the packed lunches and afternoon snacks, it often works out cheaper than booking everything separately.
It usually includes a buffet breakfast, a packed lunch station, afternoon cake and coffee (Jause), and a multi-course dinner. Drinks like beer, house wine, and soft drinks are included during specific hours. Most importantly, a regional guest card is often part of the deal.
Yes, many ski resorts have all-inclusive hotels. These are perfect for a hassle-free winter sports holiday, covering all your meals and drinks after a day on the slopes. Look for hotels with ski-in/ski-out access or a location close to the main lift for maximum convenience.
Driving is the most popular option, as it gives you flexibility. The journey takes about 9-11 hours. Alternatively, you can take a night train (like the Nightjet) to Innsbruck or Vienna for a more relaxed journey, or fly into Innsbruck (INN) or Salzburg (SZG) and rent a car or use public transport.
While less common than family hotels, there are adult-only hotels in Austria that offer all-inclusive packages. These focus on tranquility, gourmet dining, and extensive wellness facilities, perfect for a romantic or peaceful getaway. You can often find them in more upscale regions like Lech or around specific wellness-focused towns.
For hiking, the best months are from mid-June to mid-September. During this time, the weather is most stable, the mountain huts are open, and all the cable cars are operational. Early June and late September can also be beautiful, with fewer crowds, but with a slightly higher chance of cooler weather.