A guide for why you should consider Upper Austria for a long weekend break this summer and how to make the most of your time there. From outdoor adventures to spa relaxation and cultural exploration, this itinerary covers all you need for 3 fantastic days in Upper Austria.
Upper Austria (Oberösterreich) is a stunning region of, you guessed it, Austria that combines breathtaking scenery, fun outdoor activities, charming villages, and world-class wellness facilities.
If you are looking for an off the beaten path destination to explore this summer, you need to consider Upper Austria. And to make the most of your Upper Austria adventure you need to choose the right base.
The Pyhrn-Priel holiday region is the perfect destination for adventure seekers and wellness lovers alike. The small town of Windischgarsten is centrally located in the region, which makes it the ideal base for a few days of exploration.
Windischgarsten is the gateway to Kalkalpen National Park, the Wurbauerkogel mountain, and numerous outdoor activities.
Plus, you’re just a short train ride from the vibrant city of Linz, to which you can now fly directly from London, which makes this area easily accessible.
Table of Contents
Why Upper Austria for your next summer break?
Let’s start with the basics… If you’ve never heard of Upper Austria, you’re not alone. And that’s exactly why you should consider it for your next summer weekend adventure.
While crowds flock to more famous Alpine destinations, Upper Austria remains one of Europe’s best kept secrets. Here you’ll find spectacular mountains, and plenty of culture and outdoor adventures. All this without the overwhelming tourist masses you find in more popular spots in summer.
Located in the heart of Austria, Upper Austria is a region that offers authentic experiences where you can actually connect with locals, enjoy peaceful hiking trails, and discover hidden gems that haven’t been instagrammed to death.
You can spend your morning learning to play golf with mountain views that rival Scotland’s most famous courses, your afternoon mountain biking through pristine mountain tracks, and your evening soaking in luxury spa facilities while gazing at Alpine peaks.
Add in charming medieval towns, world-class museums, and some of Austria’s most welcoming locals, and you have a destination that has something for every type of traveller.
So here’s a guide for how to make the most of a long summer weekend in this Austrian hidden gem, before it becomes too popular.
Where to stay in Upper Austria
I based myself in the small town of Windischgarsten, which was the perfect location for this itinerary, and I stayed at the stunning Dilly – Das Nationalpark Resort.
This beautiful luxury resort combines modern comfort with alpine charm, offering everything you need for an unforgettable stay.
Dilly is a wellness hotel, a golf hotel, and a national park resort all in one. It’s run by the Dillys, a family that’s been in hospitality for 5 generations. And it shows in their care and attention to detail.
Dilly sits at the foot of the Wurbauerkogel mountain, in the heart of Windischgarsten, which gives you direct access to both adventure activities, peaceful relaxation and local life in town.
Its prime location means you’re only a few minutes away from hiking and biking trails, a golf course, and the centre of Windischgarsten. And you won’t even need to leave the hotel if you’re looking for a break focused around wellness.
The rooms at Dilly
The spacious rooms and the suites all have stunning mountain views. I stayed in one of the gorgeous SPA Garden Studio, which had a terrace with direct access to the bathing lake, a private sauna and a spacious living room.
It was glorious to wake up every day to views of the lake and the mountains in the distance. But the highlight of staying at Dilly is the world-class spa and wellness facilities.
Wellness and Spa
The multiple spa areas have different kinds of saunas, steam, quiet and treatment rooms, salt mines, and both indoor and outdoor pools.
My favourite was the Panorama rooftop infinity pool at sunset. After a day of outdoor adventures, there was nothing quite like soaking in the Panorama pool while gazing up at the surrounding mountains.
I can understand why top tier football teams from all over the world come to Dilly to train and use the wellness facilities. They are the best of the best!
The golf course
There is also an 18-hole golf course with views of the surrounding mountains from every hole. The setting is truly spectacular.
And if you’d like to try a new sport, you can also play footgolf in the dedicated 18-hole footgolf course.
The restaurant
Dilly’s restaurant specialises in modern Austrian cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients. The menu features traditional dishes with contemporary twists, perfect to fuel up after a day of outdoor activities.
I had the fiakergoulasch (Viennese-style goulash) with spätzle (Austrian egg noodle pasta) the first night, and a Wiener Schnitzel the following night and they were both so good!
What I loved about the restaurant is that at least 80% of the ingredients used are locally sourced from regional suppliers within a radius of less than 100 kms.
The experience
As I mentioned, what makes Dilly special is its commitment to providing guests with a truly memorable Alpine experience, and the Dillys really know how to do that. They can arrange all the activities in this itinerary for you, if you’d like to have it all planned in advance.
From the traditional Austrian architecture to the locally-sourced cuisine, every detail reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage while maintaining modern luxury standards.
3-day Upper Austria itinerary
Day 1: Golf, e-biking and R&R
Morning: Learn to play golf at GC Dilly Golf Course
I started my Upper Austria adventure with something completely new to me – a golf lesson!
I have to confess that golf has never really been something that interested me. I used to live by a golf course along the North Downs Way in England years ago and I used to watch golfers play, but it was never something I thought I should try.
Saying this, I’m a great believer that when an opportunity to try something new presents itself, you should grab it. So I did!
The lesson is designed to accommodate all skill levels, which was perfect, as my only experience boiled down to a couple of crazy golf games.
I learnt how to pitch and putt, and how to position and move my body to do it. It was really fun, and I had no idea golf was so technical and so hard! My instructor, Einhard, also taught me what different kinds of clubs are for and what all the different areas of the golf course are. And we got to try them all!
Whether you’re a complete beginner like me, or looking to improve your swing, the professional instructors here will help you master the basics while enjoying spectacular mountain views.
The stunning backdrop of the Totes Gebirge mountains makes every shot memorable, even if your ball doesn’t always go where you intended!
Golf lessons typically last 1-2 hours, giving you plenty of time to learn the fundamentals before a well earned lunch at the golf course Restaurant Salettl. I can highly recommend the delicious spinach and ricotta knödel (dumplings).
Afternoon: E-bike tour to Wurbauerkogel Summit
After lunch, gear up for an exhilarating e-bike tour to the top of Wurbauerkogel.
This mountain bike adventure offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Alpine landscape and is accessible to riders of all fitness levels thanks to the electric assistance of the e-bike.
You can see the summit of Wurbauerkogel from the town, and it looks like it’s going to be a steep hard ride. But I have to admit that, even though I’m not the most confident bike rider in the world, the e-bike made the route really easy and enjoyable.
The guided e-bike tour with Bike Center Pyhrn-Priel takes you through scenic forest paths and easy mountain trails. And once you get to the summit you are rewarded with 360-degree views of the Pyhrn-Priel region and beyond. Climb to the top of the Panorama Tower for the best views.
Reaching the summit is a good excuse to stop for a glass of holler, a refreshing local drink made with elderflower syrup and soda water. And if you are feeling in need of a snack, you must try Gebackene Holunderblüten (elderflower fritters), an indulging Austrian delicacy.
E-bike tours typically last 3-4 hours including breaks, which makes them the perfect way to spend an afternoon in nature.
Late afternoon: Wellness time at Dilly – Das Nationalpark Resort
Spending the day on two wheels and on the golf course, which is surprisingly physically demanding, is the perfect excuse to unwind and make the most of the wellness facilities at Dilly.
Pamper yourself in a Finnish sauna while you enjoy stunning views of the mountains, or de-stress in one of the steam rooms. Or if you need targeted muscle relief, there are professional spa treatments available.
I opted in for trying the private sauna in my room, dipping my toes in the bathing lake, and lounging on my terrace for a little while, leaving the spa area for the following day.
You’ll likely be having dinner at Dilly’s restaurant (highly recommended by the way), so you could also go for a swim before or after in one of the many pools throughout the property. I would suggest the Panorama pool at sunset. The light and the views are breathtaking.
Day 2: Hiking, alpine coaster & more R&R
Morning: Hiking in Kalkalpen National Park with a ranger
Begin your second day by exploring with a morning hike in Kalkalpen National Park, the largest beech forest in the Alps, and Austria’s third largest national park.
The park protects over 200 square kilometers of untouched wilderness, including ancient beech forests, Alpine meadows, and diverse wildlife. The ancient beech forests are recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, with the oldest beech tree being over 550 years old.
The Park has some of the most pristine hiking experiences in Austria for everyone, from trails for beginners with well marked paths, to more challenging summit hikes for advanced hikers.
All trails are well-maintained and clearly marked, with regular rest areas and information boards. But whether you do an easy hike or a more demanding one, I would recommend doing it with a Ranger.
You will not only enjoy the stunning nature and mountain views around, but you will also get a great insight into the history of the park and will be able to identify flowers, plants and animals you might otherwise miss.
My Ranger Maria was incredibly knowledgeable and on our hike we spotted 14 different varieties of orchids as well as other plants, flowers, birds, toads and even water snakes.
You can book a hike with a Ranger through Dilly – Das Nationalpark Resort or directly on the Kalkalpen National Park website.
Afternoon: Explore Windischgarsten
You can’t leave the Pyhrn-Priel holiday region without exploring the charming town of Windischgarsten, especially if you base yourself at Dilly – Das Nationalpark Resort, located in the heart of it.
Stroll through the town center, visit local shops selling traditional crafts and regional specialties, and learn about the area’s history at the local museum.
The town’s traditional Austrian architecture offers insights into Austrian culture and the perfect photo opportunities against the mountain backdrop.
Don’t miss the beautiful parish church and take time to chat with locals who are always eager to share recommendations for hiking trails and hidden gems in the area.
Late Afternoon: Wurbauerkogel Alpine Coaster
Cap off your second day here with an adrenaline rush on the Wurbauerkogel Alpine Coaster.
This thrilling downhill ride sends you racing through the forest on a specially designed track, with you controlling the speed via hand brakes.
The entrance to the coaster is located in the centre of Windischgarsten, so it’s the perfect way to end your exploration of the town.
The coaster offers excitement for thrill-seekers but it’s very safe and enjoyable for families.
The track winds through beautiful forest scenery with mountain views in the distance, and as you can control the speed of your buggy, you can enjoy the views at your own pace – although don’t go too slow that you stop!
A ticket costs 9 Euros and you can buy it at the ticket window. I went there on a weekday and it was really quiet, but you might need to allow a bit of queuing time on the weekends.
Evening: Spa Relaxation at Dilly’s
After a day of hiking and thrills, treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation at one (or more) of Dilly’s luxury spas. The spa facilities are designed to help you unwind and rejuvenate after outdoor adventures.
Enjoy an aromatic herb sauna, a quiet room or get pampered with a massage or beauty treatment, and finish off with a soak in warm water while surrounded by mountain views in the Panorama Pool.
Day 3: Exploring Linz
On the final day of your 3 days in Upper Austria, take the train to Linz, Austria’s third-largest city and European Capital of Culture in 2009.
Located about an hour’s train ride from Windischgarsten, Linz is the perfect contrast to your mountain adventures with its rich cultural scene, historic architecture, and vibrant riverside.
Here’s a quick summary of how to spend the day in Linz. But if you’d like a more detailed itinerary, read about all the things to do in Linz here.
Morning: Linz Aldstadt (Old Town)
Start with the beautifully preserved Altstadt (Old Town). The main square, Hauptplatz, is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe and it showcases centuries of architectural evolution.
Visit the New Cathedral (Mariendom), Austria’s largest church building, get lost in the narrow medieval streets filled with traditional shops, and stop at a traditional cafe to try Linzer Torte, the oldest cake recipe in the world.
Don’t miss taking the historic tram to the top of Pöstlingberg, one of the steepest adhesion railways in the world. It takes you to the most amazing spot for views of Linz and the Danube River.
Afternoon: Cultural immersion
Spend your afternoon exploring Linz’s thriving cultural scene.
The ARS Electronica Center, known as the “Museum of the Future,” is a must-visit for technology and art enthusiasts. This interactive museum explores topics like Artificial Intelligence, climate change and biotechnology through cutting-edge exhibits. Don’t miss the Space 8K display. A true Linz highlight!
The Lentos Art Museum, with an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, is also worth a visit if that’s more your thing.
Take a stroll along the Danube River promenade, which offers beautiful views. And if the weather is good, stop at Sandburg Beach Bar for a relaxing afternoon coffee break, or in Donaupark for a lay down on the grass.
You could also take a short Danube River cruise to see the city from a different perspective.
If you love shopping, the shopping areas of Landstrasse and Bischofstrasse offer everything from international brands to local Austrian specialties, making it perfect for picking up souvenirs from your Upper Austria adventure.
Where to eat in Linz
Lentos Restaurant
The Lentos Restaurant is an excellent place for lunch. Located within the Lentos Art Museum, the outdoor terrace has a stunning view of the Danube.
I had the seabass with mushroom risotto and it was so good! The fish was really fresh and the risotto was perfectly cooked and exceptionally tasty.
Jack the Ripperl
Tucked away in a narrow side street off Landstrasse, Jack the Ripperl has been open since 1974 and is a bit of a Linz institution. So much so that it has its own little shop selling merch and their own meat sauces and dry rubs.
This place is heaven for meat lovers. The burgers, ribs and quesadillas are very popular in their different formats. I had Jack’s original baby back ribs with sweet potato fries and they were mouthwateringly good.
They source their meat from renowned Öberio, a local network of farmers that practice sustainable agriculture.
How to get to Upper Austria
Getting to Upper Austria is surprisingly straightforward, whether you’re coming from within Austria or international destinations. The region is easily accessible by multiple transport options.
By Air: Linz Airport (LNZ) offers direct flights from several European cities, including a new route from London Stansted with Ryanair. Then you can take the train to Windischgarsten, which is only 1h 20mins away.
> Check the best flight deals with Skyscanner here
By Train: Linz Hauptbahnhof connects seamlessly to Austria’s excellent rail network. Direct trains run regularly from Vienna (2.5 hours), Salzburg (1.5 hours), and Graz (3 hours). International connections from Germany, Switzerland, and other neighboring countries are also frequent.
From Linz Hauptbanhof you can take a train to Windischgarsten which only takes 1 hour 20 minutes.
By Car: The A1 autobahn goes through Upper Austria and makes driving from Vienna or Salzburg super easy.
Do you have any questions about this 3-day Upper Austria itinerary?
Let me know in the comments!
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Disclosure: This post has been created as a partnership with Visit Linz and Upper Austria. As always, all views are my own.