Austria my favorite on this trip!

Austria was magic. I was surprised as this was not what I expected. I looked at it as a throughthrow to get to Poland and I am so thankful that we went! Austria was a lot cheaper than Switzerland! The nature was stunning, not the same alps but the green beautiful trees, castles popping up out of now where and the lakes throughout.

First Stop: The Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave—Not for the Faint of Heart

Let me start here: if you're not in pretty good physical condition, skip this. I'm not kidding. The trek to the Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave outside Werfen was an adventure all by itself. First, a 20-minute uphill walk on a gravel raod, through a cave and along steep mountain sides. Then you climb 700 steps upinside the ice cave, and 700 back down. And all of it happens in freezing temperatures, lit only by the small lanterns they hand out at the entrance.

When they open the door to the cave, a gust of wind—often over 100 miles per hour—rushes out. It feels like you're walking straight into a hurricane. But once you're inside… it’s quiet, dark, and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. A surreal frozen underworld hidden in the Alps. It was intense, exhausting, and 100% worth it. https://www.eisriesenwelt.at/en/

ProTip: Bring a winterjacket even in the middle of the summer and carry it up the hills.

🏡 The 400-Year-Old Farmhouse Airbnb

Tucked away in the Austrian woods was one of the most unforgettable places we’ve ever stayed—a 400-year-old renovated farmhouse that somehow balanced rustic charm with cozy comfort. Thick wooden beams, creaky floorboards, and antique doors told stories of centuries past, while updated bathrooms and a giant table for 12 made it perfect for our group of two families.

At night, there were no city lights—just stars. We sat around the firepit, played games, and actually slowed down. It was the kind of place that made you want to stay an extra week just to live a little more simply. The host Theresia was a amazing and they made sure we felt like home.

🚗 Pro Tips if You’re Driving:

• Buy a vignette at the local gas station when you cross into Austria. It’s required for driving on the highways—skip it and you risk a hefty fine.

• Bring cash—yes, even for the bathrooms. Public restrooms often charge a small fee, so keep some euro coins handy.

Vienna: Beauty, Meaning, and a Little Sparkle

After our alpine adventures, we headed east to Vienna, and I’ll admit—I was surprised by how much I loved it. Elegant, walkable, and full of history, it was the perfect shift from nature to culture.

We visited St. Stephen’s Cathedral, explored the Naschmarkt for lunch, a must visit (delicious), and took time for something personal—I lit a candle at the cathedral for my best friend Luisa that passed away 20 years ago and, who used to live in Vienna. That moment meant more than words.

We also made a quick stop at Swarovski, because when in Vienna… why not add a little sparkle?

It was a hot day, but as the sun set, Ben and I took a quiet evening stroll through the city. It’s one of those places that feels both grand and peaceful all at once. I will be back!

The One That Got Away: Hallstatt

We tried to stop for lunch in Hallstatt, one of Austria’s most photographed lake towns—but so had everyone else. No parking. Packed streets. Total tourist trap. We gave up and moved on, but maybe next time we’ll brave the crowds early in the morning or try staying overnight for a quieter vibe.

Final Thoughts

Austria surprised me. It was more rugged, more dramatic, and more physically demanding than I expected—and somehow that made it even more memorable. It’s not just a place you see. It’s a place you feel.

If you go, go ready to move. To sweat. To climb. To breathe in that crisp alpine air and let the landscape humble you.

I’ll be back!