8 Reasons Why You Should Visit Ischgl, Austria This Year
If you’re looking for a hidden gem that’s a little off the beaten path, look no further than Ischgl in the Austrian Alps. This resort town of less than 2,500 people is located at the 4,286-meter-high Ischglalm, and you’ll know why it’s such a special place once you visit.
Ischgl is still relatively small, which means there’s not a lot of traffic. It’s also close to the popular destinations of Salzburg and Innsbruck. On top of that, it’s located in a high-altitude spot in the mountains. This means that the air is much cleaner than in other larger cities. Combine that with the friendly people, fantastic scenery, and other excellent reasons to visit Ischgl, and you’ve got yourself a pretty good destination.
1. You’ll Get to Experience a Tiny Town in the Alps
Not many people know about Ischgl, and that’s exactly why you should visit it. It’s a small town in the Alps with a population of less than 2,500. You get to experience life in a tiny mountain town without all the tourists.
2. You’ll Experience a Tiny Town in the Alps
One of the best things to do in Ischgl is to explore the town. It’s a tiny little place where you can walk around and see all the different buildings and shops. There are also plenty of restaurants, pubs, and hotels that serve delicious food. One particular highlight of Ischgl is the Sunday market, which takes place every week on Sundays from 9am-3pm. The market has a ton of local produce, handicrafts, and pastries that you just have to try! From quality skiing at nearby Flachau to hiking in the nearby Hohe Tauern National Park, there’s no shortage of things to do in Ischgl.
3. You’ll Feel Like You’re in a Fairy Tale
Ischgl is a magical place. It feels like you’re in a fairytale. There are castles, mountains, and gorgeous scenery all around you. The town itself is so small that it’s easy to navigate. And the people are just so friendly and down-to-earth. You might even spot a mountain goat or two!
If you want to visit an unspoiled mountain town with the best views of Austria, Ischgl is definitely the place for you!
4. The Air Is Much Clearer
One of the reasons why Ischgl is so popular is because it’s in a high-altitude spot in the mountains. This means that the air is much cleaner than in other larger cities. Combine that with the friendly people, fantastic scenery, and other excellent reasons to visit Ischgl, and you’ve got yourself a pretty good destination.
The high altitude also makes it easier for you to breathe there. If you have any breathing issues or allergies, this should be one of your top destinations.
5. You’ll Be Surrounded by Spectacular Scenery
Whether you go for a day trip or spend a week in this hidden gem, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful scenery. The snow-capped mountains are breathtaking and the small town is quaint.
4. You’ll Experience an Authentic Austrian Culture
Austrian culture is one of the richest cultures in Europe and it’s one that you can truly experience at Ischgl. You’ll find traditional foods like Wiener schnitzel, dumplings, and apple strudel. You can also enjoy Lederhosen (leather shorts) on your way up to the “Matterhorn,” the largest mountain in the Alps.
6. The People Are Superfriendly
The people of Ischgl are some of the friendliest in Austria. They will go out of their way to help you, whether that means telling you where to find an elusive sightseeing spot or giving you a ride on their horse and carriage.
Even if you’re not into hiking or skiing, there are still plenty of things to see and do in Ischgl because the town is so small. You can try your hand at paragliding, go on a winter hike, go ice skating, or learn how to ski by going on a lesson. It’s also home to one of Austria’s most beautiful churches, St. Leopold’s Basilica.
If you have time for a day trip from Salzburg, don’t miss out on this hidden gem in the Austrian Alps!
7. There Are Several Waterparks to Explore
You might think that a resort town in the Austrian Alps is all about skiing, but you’d be wrong. There are several waterparks to explore and perfect your snowboarding or skiing skills. The rivers and lakes nearby will also provide you with some relaxation time.
The beauty of Ischgl is that it’s not just for skiers and snowboarders. It’s also a favorite destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and those wanting to enjoy the outdoors. So if you want to get out of the city and find some peace in nature, head to Ischgl!
8. You Can Hike to the Top of the Mountain
Ischgl is a great place for hiking, and there’s no better way to explore the area than by taking a hike. There are plenty of trails for you to choose from, but the most famous one is the Hochkogelweg or “High Mountain Trail.” You can start from the town center with great views of Ischgl and go all the way up the mountain peak where you can see Salzburg, Innsbruck, and more. The trail is about 4 hours long and will take you through some really beautiful scenery.
Another popular activity in Ischgl is snowboarding. There are two slopes that offer downhill and cross-country skiing opportunities, as well as night skiing.
If you love going on adventures in nature, be sure to visit this resort town in Austria this year!
Conclusion
Ischgl is a beautiful place filled with culture and the outdoors that won’t disappoint. If you’re looking to travel this year, Ischgl is the perfect place to start.