New Attractions, Apps and Tickets
Introduction
Think climbing, a hybrid carriage, guest/experience cards, fasting weeks, trampoline parks and more.
Solving puzzles amidst nature, playing golf with frisbees, soaring through the air on giant swings or making a splash at the floating climbing park – these new attractions guarantee fun-filled, memorable stays. Bonus for holidaymakers: an increasing number of regions are offering free public transport as an environmentally friendly way to get around.
Please find some highlights of our new attractions.
You can also download the full press release here.
Introduction
Dark Sky Reserve Eisenwurzen
The new Dark Sky Reserve Eisenwurzen unites six protected areas across the provinces of Upper Austria, Lower Austria and Styria, making it the largest nature night area in Austria with almost 2,400 km². The aim is to reduce nighttime light pollution in order to preserve natural darkness for animals and plants. The area is divided into a core zone with very strict lighting requirements and a peripheral zone with corresponding lighting requirements. Its lighting management plan was created with all 20 municipalities. There is an exciting visitor programme with stargazing. The certification will be officially announced in March 2026.
Introduction
New combined tickets in the Vienna Alps
The Rax cable car and Höllentalbahn railway are both celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2026, as is Reichenau Theatre. Reichenau Castle is hosting an exhibition on the diverse history of the region to mark the occasion, for which the region has introduced two new combined ticket options. The first includes a journey on the Höllentalbahn railway and Rax cable car. The second also grants admission to the exhibition at Reichenau Castle.
Introduction
Funicular railway Hallstatt
The funicular railway takes visitors to the salt mine in Hallstatt and from June 2026 it will become an even smoother ride. Barrier-free cabins with large windows will accommodate up to 60 guests instead of 24. Their design is inspired by salt crystals. The valley station with a large souvenir shop is also being newly constructed. A restaurant and an observation deck with views of the town and Lake Hallstatt are being built at the mountain station. The railway is operating with temporary restrictions throughout construction and will not grant barrier-free access until June 2026.
Introduction
Expansion of Hohe Tauern Health services
The Krimml Waterfalls are recognised as a natural healing resource and doctors, physiotherapists, sports scientists and dietitians have put together therapy packages to treat allergies and asthma in line with this. From May 2026, the offer will be expanded to COPD patients (GOLD I–III), based on a study conducted in collaboration with Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg in 2024/25 which showed that the Krimml Waterfalls also have a positive effect on this condition and help relieve symptoms.
Introduction
Redesign of the Willow Dome in the Gesäuse
The first Willow Dome was planted at the visitor centre of Gesäuse National Park near Johnsbach in 2005 as a symbol for life in harmony with nature. But wind, snow pressure and goat moth took their toll and the structure was taken down and replanted in 2025. The new Willow Dome will be officially inaugurated on 30th May 2026.
Introduction
Magerhart climbing garden
Pitztal is further expanding its climbing paradise with the first routes of newly created Magerhart climbing garden opening in spring 2026. All 50 routes will be completed over the course of summer. There are various difficulty levels to choose from, with options for beginners as well as advanced climbers.
Introduction
Two new swings in Damüls
Six giant swings invite you to soar across the landscape and discover new perspectives in the midst of the mountains in Damüls in the Bregenzerwald. Two new swings were added at the Pfarrhof backdrop in the centre of the village in winter 2025. These too are high-quality handcrafted pieces made of solid wood, lovingly designed with traditional regional shingles.
Stay up to date
Our news are updated twice a year in cooperation with the regional tourist boards.
Need further information about Austria as a holiday destination? The press teams in our market offices are here to support journalists, influencers and other media professionals in their coverage.
Download the latest attraction news here:
Summer News 2026 (PDF)
Photos available below. Please credit all photos accordingly and use images only in connection with the featured destination/location.
Gesäuse National Park
© Andreas Tischler
Reichenau Festival, Reichenau Castle
© Stefan Strasser
Krimml Waterfalls
Gesäuse National Park
© Marcela Halbwax
Swings in Damüls
© Robert Bohnke
More pictures in the media archive.