Hopfgarten

Explore Salzburg, the home of “The Sound of Music”

This picturesque city sits on the border of Germany and Austria and overlooks the snow capped Eastern Alps mountains. The city is full of medieval baroque buildings, beer halls, a towering castle, cable cars, and musical hills. Yup, Salzburg is home to ‘The Sound of Music’, and you can relive the musical magic on a tour of the city. A Sound of the Music tour will take you to some key places featured in the film, whilst also offering a great historical insight into this charming city. Come nightfall, an array of bars and restaurants will keep you cosy on a cold winter's eve.

Get an adrenaline rush with a high speed run down a Bobbahn

Ever heard of bobbahn? It’s basically everyone’s favourite snowy childhood activity - tobogganing! Make your way up the mountain and jump on board a mini sleigh like toboggan for some serious snow fun. A portion of the piste is roped off and groomed specifically for tobogganers, giving you a long run to get some decent speed up. Twist and turn down the mountain, feeling a whole lot safer then when doing it on skis!

Access exclusive Bar Schoneck and themed party nights

We may have mentioned that our special stay in Hopfgarten, Gasthof Schoneck, is pretty epic. Decked out with a sauna and chilled common room, it’s also got it’s very own bar where the après action goes on into the early hours. Here, you can expect schnappy hour (which is essentially a snowboard full of schnapps shots) to get everyone into the party spirit. And then there's the legendary tight, white and bright party, where the dancefloor lights up with an array of all white outfits, as you dance the night away with your Contiki pals.

Stay at Contiki’s very own Austrian Gasthof

Contiki special stays don’t get much better than this. The Contiki owned Gasthof Schoneck, is a traditional and exclusive Austrian guesthouse located in the pretty Tyrolean village of Hopfgarten. Recently renovated, this place brings a whole new meaning to chic, whilst still holding onto its authentic roots. Expect quad-share rooms, a lounge area, dining room, our very Bar Schoneck, and even a sauna. And let’s not forget this rustic ski lodge is all yours to enjoy with your Contiki family. Pretty much the perfect place to rest your heads, go hard on schnappy hour or unwind after an epic day on the slopes.

Experience the green mountains and waterfalls on a bike tour, followed by a BBQ lunch

Come Spring, the Austrian Alps transforms into lush rolling hills filled with natural waterfalls, vast lakes and charming villages. The best way to experience it all is on a bicycle of course, so why not grab 2 wheels and head for the hills where you’ll be able to see the beautiful landscape and take in the fresh air and chilled vibes of these damn right stunning surroundings. Get your cameras at the ready because these views are about to get seriously real! And once you’re all cycled out, head back to base and refuel your energy levels with a BBQ lunch - think burgers, sausages, and condiments galore. Yes please!

Try whitewater rafting in the Tirol region

Spring/summer time in the Austrian Alps is all about outdoor adventures, and what better way to get your pulse racing than with a spot of white water rafting? With its thundering rivers, lush landscape and mighty rapids, the Tirol is one of the best places for a white water rafting adventure. These inflatable boats cater for everyone from beginners to advanced rafters, and prove a great team bonding activity for you and your fellow Contiki pals. With plenty of rivers to choose from, whitewater rafting in the this region can take you from wild waves to gentle rapids.

Ambras Castle

Innsbruck

This castle high up on the hills in Innsbruck, plays host to an invaluable collection of art and artifacts. Once home to a renaissance prince, the castle holds Europe’s oldest collection of arts, armouries and books, as well as the renowned Portrait Gallery which features over 200 paintings. And as if that wasn’t enough, it’s one of the best vantage points for killer views over Innsbruck.

Museum of Peoples

Schwaz

Founded in 1995, the “Museum der Völker” contains exhibits from Africa, Asia and Indonesia, with various exhibitions ‘between people’, ‘between self-will and adaption’ and ‘between heaven and earth’. With works surrounding religion, mind, consciousness, status and society, this is a must visit whilst in Schwaz, Austria.

Hall Mint Museum & Mint Tower

Hall in Tirol

If you’re into coins, head to the mint museum and mint tower based in the historic small town of Hall. Here you’ll find a number of coin pressed used over centuries, with an audio tour to help you get up to date on all things minting. With your coin IQ at an all time high, you can even gave a go at minting your very own coin.

Museum Schloss Bruck

Lienz

This grand castle situated in the city of Lienz is a converted museum which is home to many paintings from the Austrian painter Albin Egger-Lienz, and also features ever changing children's workshops and surrounding exhibitions. If you fancy admiring things from the outside, the surrounding castle offers beautiful grounds and picturesque hiking trails.

Tiroler Speckknödel

Tiroler Gröstl

Tiroler Speck

Käsespätzle

Schweinbraten