Naturpark Zirbitzkogel

Exploring on foot or by bike should certainly be part of your plan here. You could start with an easy stroll to the Ursprung Quelle spring-fed lake (a 20-minute walk) or Grasluppteich lake (half an hour), where you can fish, swim or sunbathe on the deck. Other local favourites include the Furtner Teich lake (10 minutes’ drive), the forest trails to the Graggerschlucht waterfalls (15 minutes) and the walk to the ruins of the Steinschloß (10 minutes), up on a rocky outcrop with sweeping views of the surrounding area. For different days out, you may like to spend some time admiring the shiny vehicles of the Gerhard Porsche Automuseum (25 minutes) or explore artefacts from around the world at Heinrich-Harrer-Museum (half an hour), the former home of the author of ‘Seven Years in Tibet’. A slightly longer drive will get you to the fairytale-like Hochosterwitz Castle or the motorsport thrills of the Red Bull Ring (both are 45 minutes’ drive away).