Winter camping in Austria: Top destinations from Tyrol and Ischgl to Salzburg

Winter camping Austria – Austria is a paradise for winter sports.
Therefore, a vacation here in winter and in cold temperatures is particularly recommended.
But also because of the many natural hiking trails on the highest mountains in Austria, the wellness offers, winter-decorated towns and Top of the Mountain concerts, a trip here is absolutely worthwhile.
With a roof tent or tent trailer, you can plan your day as you wish and have a comfortable, warm place to sleep at a centrally located campsite ready and waiting for you in the evening.
You can enjoy the idyllic flair into the evening hours without having to freeze.
Here are our recommended destinations and top ski resorts for a winter camping vacation in Austria.

Skiing in Tyrol, Ischgl & Co. or would you prefer wellness?

Austria has several well-known ski resorts where you can optimally develop your skiing or snowboarding talents.
But even if you’re a winter sports beginner, the numerous slopes on Austria’s mighty peaks are just right for you.
If you are looking for relaxation and recreation with the whole family, you can also hike along the idyllic trails and enjoy the picturesque flair with an amazing mountain panorama.
If required, a visit to the sauna awaits you in the evening, allowing you to completely switch off from the stresses of everyday life.
Whether in the Alps in Tyrol, Ischgl, Salzburg or my insider tip Gargellen – a vacation in Austria in winter is highly recommended.
If only for the many winter sports on offer, but also for the streets, which are picturesquely decorated in the style of a winter wonderland.
That’s why you should take a winter vacation in Austria:

  • Numerous ski resorts for skiing and snowboarding
  • Mighty mountains and slopes
  • Après-ski and Top of the Mountain concerts
  • Winter sports options for beginners and advanced skiers
  • Hikes with an amazing mountain panorama
  • Wellness facilities and sauna for relaxation in the evening
  • Illuminated towns and Christmas market

You can get a first impression of a winter vacation in Austria in the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ngb_BzOkBmc Now let’s move on to our top 4 destinations for a winter vacation in Austria:

Tyrol: Skiing or snowboarding in the Alps

The state of Tyrol is located in the west of Austria.
It is located in the Alps and is particularly famous for its many mighty ski resorts.
A vacation here in winter is therefore an absolute must.
You can go skiing or snowboarding here, but it’s also great for walks and exploring the mountains.
You can also go sledging or tobogganing in the snow with younger children.
A visit to the sauna is the perfect way to relax and unwind in the evening after an eventful day.
Many of the saunas offer a direct view of the picturesque landscapes all around, making them a real highlight of your winter vacation in Austria.
Our winter tip in Tyrol:

  • Skiing or snowboarding in the Alps followed by a visit to the sauna

Tirol is located here in Austria:

You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Google Maps. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.

More Information

Ischgl: Visit one of the Top of the Mountain concerts

Ischgl is also a well-known ski resort in the west of Austria.
Thanks to numerous lifts and cable cars, you have direct access to the slopes of the large Silvretta Arena.
Here you can enjoy both skiing and the amazing panorama with views over the entire valley on foot.
Ischgl is also known for its après-ski after a long day on the slopes and Top of the Mountain concerts regularly take place on the summits.
If that isn’t a very special experience for the whole family!
Our winter tip in Ischgl:

  • Visit one of the Top of the Mountain concerts at the top of the mountain

And here you will find Ischgl:

You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Google Maps. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.

More Information

Salzburg: Walk through the old town & Christmas market

The Austrian city of Salzburg is located directly on the border with Germany in the Eastern Alps.
The city is particularly well known for its exciting history and historical sights, such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Mozart museums.
However, a vacation here is not only worthwhile in summer, but is also recommended in winter and in cold temperatures.
You can take a wonderful walk here and enjoy the charming flair of the old town, which is particularly beautiful to look at with a light layer of snow.
Everything is illuminated and picturesquely decorated, especially in the run-up to Christmas.
You should definitely not miss out on a visit to the Christmas market.
Our winter tip in Salzburg:

  • Walk through the illuminated, charming old town and visit the Christmas market

Right on the border with Germany – this is where Salzburg is located:

You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Google Maps. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.

More Information

Gargellen: Insider tip for your winter vacation

The small mountain village of Gargellen with its 110 inhabitants is rather unknown to tourists.
However, the charming little village in Vorarlberg is an absolute insider tip for a winter vacation.
You can also go skiing here, but extensive hikes on the natural hiking trails with impressive mountain scenery are the highlight here.
Here you can escape the stress of everyday life and enjoy the relaxed tranquillity of nature.
Some cable cars also take you up to the summit so that you can marvel at the beautiful view from above.
Our winter tip in Gargellen:

  • Take a hike on the natural hiking trails with an impressive mountain backdrop

Gargellen is located here on the map:

You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Google Maps. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.

More Information

Whether in Tyrol, Ischgl, Salzburg or Gargellen – what should I definitely pack for winter camping?

Accessories: Don’t forget heating & weatherproof clothing

So that you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest even in cold temperatures, wind and rain, you should get some winter-proof things in advance.
This definitely includes suitable clothing, winter-proof footwear and heating accessories for the campsite.

Clothing: Weatherproof, wind- and water-repellent

Whether it’s a short trip or a longer vacation.
The most important thing is to have the right clothing to be prepared for all temperatures and weather conditions!
This definitely includes sturdy, water-repellent shoes, a rain jacket as well as an outdoor jacket, pullover and winter pants.
Thermal underwear, gloves, hat and scarf are also essential.
This means you are not only protected for the night, but also optimally protected for all kinds of excursions.
You should pack this clothing in winter:

  • Waterproof footwear
  • Winter jacket (hardshell jacket)
  • Rain jacket
  • Winter pants
  • Winter sweater
  • Thermal underwear
  • Gloves

Heating accessories: heat without electricity at the campsite

A heater for the campsite is highly recommended, especially for longer trips.
You can set this up in your awning, for example, so that the entire living area is filled with a pleasant warmth.
A gas heater works completely without electricity and is the ideal solution for enjoying the benefits of camping in the great outdoors even in winter.
Seat heating and an electric blanket are also beneficial in cold temperatures.
You can use both in addition to your camping furniture in the evening and snuggle up or sit on them in pleasant, cozy warmth.
The heating accessories are easy to use, have various heating elements and are water-repellent and washable.
A seat heater and a heating blanket should therefore be part of every winter camping vacation.
Read more here about the following heating accessories that you should definitely take with you in winter:

The highest mountains in Austria: Großvenediger to Großglockner

Austria has some impressive mountains to offer, which are not only suitable for experienced mountaineers, but are also perfect for family vacations thanks to the numerous different hiking routes.
Once you reach the top, a picturesque natural panorama of the entire region awaits you.
But all the mountains are also completely impressive to look at from below.
Read more about the top 5 highest mountains in Austria here – from the Großvenediger at 3,657 m to the Weißkugel at 3,738 m and the famous Großglockner at 3,798 m:

Winter camping in Germany, Switzerland and Holland

Not only Austria has beautiful regions that are ideal for a winter vacation, but Germany, Switzerland and Holland are also recommended for cold temperatures.
Here you can find out more about the top regions and get further tips for camping in winter.

Experience Germany: Camping at home

Of course, you don’t necessarily have to go too far away for a winter vacation.
There are also some beautiful regions in Germany that are ideal for winter camping.
Whether in NRW, the Allgäu, Bavaria, the North Sea or the Baltic Sea – during the day you can explore the fairytale regions, discover the highest mountains in Germany and enjoy the winter charm and then make yourself comfortable with your loved one at the nearest campsite in the evening.
The pre-Christmas period in particular is highly recommended, as the wintry feeling is at its best at this time.
Read more here:

Swiss mountains in winter & vacation in the snow

Switzerland is a paradise for many tourists from all over the world.
This popular destination is not only recommended in summer, but especially in winter.
The best way to travel here is in a roof tent or tent trailer, allowing you to explore the various regions around Grindelwald, Ticino, Davos and Valais with complete flexibility.
Valais is home to the highest mountains in Switzerland, which are ideal for winter sports as well as exploratory tours and also guarantee a picturesque panorama.
Read more about winter camping, recommended regions in Switzerland and essential equipment here:

With the family in Holland: Winter by the sea

A vacation in winter is particularly recommended in Holland.
Even though most people prefer a vacation by the sea in summer, it is also worthwhile in cold temperatures.
The beautiful, long sandy beaches are completely empty, so you can make the most of your time here and enjoy it in peace.
What’s more, the regions radiate winter charm and are perfect for a bike tour or a long walk.
Afterwards, you can warm up in one of the lovely cafés.
Whether Zeeland, Renesse, Noord or Amsterdam – while you can explore the fabulous areas during the day, a cozy place to sleep awaits you at the nearest campsite in the evening.
Read more here:

Have you only been camping in summer or in very warm regions so far?
Then here are our beginner’s tips for winter camping:

Winter camping: 12 tips for beginners

Although winter camping is becoming increasingly popular with young and old alike and definitely impresses with its picturesque landscapes, it can get pretty cold even in a roof tent or tent trailer.
To prevent this cold from ruining your time in the great outdoors and to make the most of your vacation, you should prepare yourself in advance.
Here are our 12 tips for winter camping beginners so that you can do this without any problems:

Scroll to Top