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Outdoor Adventures in the Austrian Alps
Outdoor Adventures in the Austrian Alps
Heavy snowfall in winter and clear blue skies in summer, the Austrian Alps boast perfect year-round conditions that have made the region a haven for sports and adventure enthusiasts. While recent investments in infrastructure have brought quality ski lifts and better roads, a picturesque backdrop dotted with lakes, glaciers and remote little huts help retain the region’s traditional Alpine charm.
Whether you’re just finding your feet on the long, wide curves of the blue runs, chasing through the untouched off-piste powder or flying down the steep blacks, Austria is a paradise for skiers/snowboarders of all levels and styles. With thousands of kilometres of perfectly maintained routes and facilities that are constantly being revamped and updated – high-tech ski pass scanners and heated chairlifts to name just a few – its resorts are renowned for their ideal skiing conditions. Even if the winter is particularly uncharitable one year, modern snowmakers ensure a constant supply of the white stuff – which means you’ll rarely miss a day on the slopes.
And then of course there’s the abundance of charming wooden huts that welcome you in from a brisk morning ski with their cosy atmosphere and hearty Austrian grub that’ll warm your bones and give you a much-needed energy boost. In fact, there truly are few other places that have mastered Après-Ski better than the Austrians. Kick off your boots, sit yourself down beside a roaring log fire and wrap your hands around a steaming glass of Glühwein – before long the gemütlich atmosphere will help you forget all about your aching quads.
Even once the green tufts of grass have resurfaced from their winter slumber, the Alps’ still have a whole host of activities to keep you moving. Its waymarked trails and breathtaking scenery make it one of Europe’s most hiker-friendly destinations, for amblers and seasoned walkers alike. Winding their way over bridges and brooks, around crystal clear lakes and forest canopies, the paths take you on a journey through the varied Alpine landscape – there’s also really nothing more satisfying than hiking up a mountain in glorious sunshine and reaching its snow-covered summit by the afternoon! And thanks to a network of inexpensive mountain Hütten, you’ll find a bed for the night with ease.
For adrenaline junkies craving something a little more fast paced, a great way to get out and explore the mountains is by hopping on your bike and pedalling off to see where Austria’s downhill trails lead you. Uphill slogs are rewarded with panoramic views and downhill descents come with a rush that’ll leave you eager for round II. With ever more downhill bikers flocking to the Alps each year to ride its trails, resorts are now investing in top of the range bikes and opening new lines boasting a variety of Northshore elements and tricky turns. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a real stamina challenge, The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, at an altitude of 2504m, is perhaps Austria’s most demanding of all cycle routes.
Adorned with white-water rivers and expansive natural lakes set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks and colourful Alpine meadows, Austria is just as delightful in the summer as it is in winter. Whether you fancy taking a refreshing dip, hiring out a sailing boat or going fishing, its waters are some of Europe’s warmest and cleanest.
Not to mention all the canyoning, high altitude trekking, paragliding and high ropes opportunities – Austria has a wide variety of activities that’ll fuel your lust for life for sure!
Author Bio: Susannah Taplin is part of the writing team at GoEuro, a new Internet platform that helps travellers compare and combine air, rail, bus and car travel options. She’s spent the last few years exploring Tyrol and all its mountains have to offer.
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Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar
Find out why Sand boarding, Diving and Safaris through the desert are included in the Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar.
Qatar is a country of reinvention. Shimmering towerblocks rise against a desert horizon, and maze-like souks thrive next to 21st-century shopping palaces. It’s also one of the more accessible countries of the Arab Gulf, with a welcoming reputation towards visitors and plenty of attractions to keep them coming. Some of the best holiday activities you’ll find in Qatar are the adventurous kind. And these are the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar.
Sunset in Qatar – Photo by wj2012
Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar
Diving expeditions
The Gulf Sea is famed for its crystal waters and the exuberant marine life which lurks just beneath the surface. Messaid is a good jumping-off point where you’ll find angelfish and barracuda, while those intrigued by underwater wrecks will love the Hall Island dive site at Al-Sharqi, where bright clownfish circle the abandoned boat.
Sand Adventures
Many of the sports here have been adapted from colder climates, so instead of skiing down a mountain piste, try Khor Al Adaid beach to glide down the impressive dunes on a sand-board. Alternatively, race your blo-kart along the sands of Al Wakrah, south of capital Doha, to experience the thrill of wind-sailing on dry land.
Sand Boarding – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by ground zero
Al Jassasiya
The ancient carvings of Al Jassasiya lie to the north near Al Shamal, amid a truly remote landscape of village ruins and limestone. Hire a 4×4 of your own and make the journey to see the 900 petroglyphs which riddle the rocks here. The carvings denote flowers, animals, fleets of shows, or traditional Arab boats, and to this day, their origins remain a mystery.
Sunset Cruise
When the time comes for a more relaxed excursion, you can do no better than a sunset cruise onboard a wooden dhow as you drift past the super-modern Doha seafront of Al-Corniche and the old harbor at Al Khor. If you’re still hankering after some adventure, rent a smaller vessel and go for a fishing trip the following day.
Desert Safaris
Much of the inland desert in Qatar remains inaccessible on foot, but fortunately, that’s where a 4×4 comes in very handy for a safari trip you won’t easily forget. There are numerous options available from Doha, including day-long excursions, bumping, and rolling to the inland sea at Khor Al Adaid. Or make the trip at dusk for a spot of star-gazing before you settle in Bedouin-style tents for the night.
Desert Safari – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by robertpaulyoung
Most activities can be arranged via a tour company. Although cash has been the predominant payment method in Qatar, this is beginning to change, which is good news for tourists since HSBC offers protection against loss or theft. If you’re planning on taking part in several activities, it can be handy to have some plastic on you to avoid expensive traveler’s cheques, plus credit cards from HSBC and other familiar providers also enable easy access to money at the ATMs. However, it’s wise to exercise caution, using only official bank machines here and sticking with local currency at the market and in smaller shops.
There’s no doubt that Qatar offers some world-class cultural attractions beyond the more energetic highlights, and while you’re in the country, set aside some time for the historic Al Zubarah fort or browse the recreated 19th-century Souk-Waqif, in Doha.
This country has been undervalued in the past but is now coming to the world’s attention. With its desert adventures, ancient sites, and thriving culture, this attention is thoroughly deserved.
This is a travel feature by world traveler, Jose Capelo. He loves exploring the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar and has spent many trips exploring the wild deserts of Qatar.
Bondi is well known for sun, surf, and fun, but what can you do if you find yourself there in the colder months from June to August? Here are a few suggestions for things to do in Sydney’s most popular suburb when the temperature drops.
8 Things to do in Bondi in Winter
1. Go on an art tour
If the weather doesn’t allow for the typical outdoorsy activities Bondi is known for, a tour of some of its first-rate art galleries can be a great way to spend an afternoon. Don’t miss the Cooee Aboriginal Art Gallery, dedicated to promoting Indigenous art, and the Bondi Art Lounge, where you can view works from local artists or even take a beginner class and create a masterpiece of your own.
2. Take a hike
In crisp cool temperatures, a hike along the coastal cliffs with a view of the gorgeous Pacific Ocean below can’t be beaten. One of the most popular hikes is the Bondi to Coogee Walk, which is 6 km and takes you through Sydney’s eastern suburbs and past plenty of cafes, restaurants, and kiosks where you can stop to rest and take in the sights.
3. Head to Bondi Icebergs for some winter swimming
Even during winter, swimming is not entirely out of the question in Bondi. The Oceanside pool at Bondi Icebergs Club is open year-round, and the winter swims every Sunday from May to September have become a time-honored tradition. Although club members must complete at least three winter swims a year to retain their lofty membership title, non-members who are up for the challenge can pay a one-time fee to use the pool and sauna.
4. Strap on your skates and visit the only beachside skating rink in Australia
If winter swimming is a step too far for you, why not skate instead? Bondi has Australia’s only beachside ice rink, and the ocean view in the background makes for a striking contrast. The ice rink is open from June 27 to July 13, and aside from hosting skating sessions that are open to the public, it also features spectacular ice shows from Stars On Ice.
5. Settle in for brunch at one of Bondi’s decadent cafes
Winter wouldn’t be the same without a few indulgences, and after all your skating and hiking, you’ve probably earned a hearty brunch anyway. Fortunately, Bondi is full of great brunch options, from Trio Café with delicacies like poached eggs with truffle oil and char-grilled halloumi; to the rustic Brown Sugar, where you can indulge in classic comfort food like buttermilk pancakes and English muffins with bacon.
6. Join a cooking class, dodge ball game, or salsa lesson
During the winter, it may seem like most people have gone off to hibernate, but if you know where to look, you can still find plenty of social things to do. Start by checking out the Bondi community page on Gumtree. You can find like-minded individuals to explore the area with or even join a group for fun activities like hiking, biking, or cooking.
7. Score some vintage fashion at Bondi Markets
The Bondi Markets, held every Sunday on Bondi Beach, are known in Sydney for being the best place to shop for vintage clothing and accessories and hip new fashions from emerging designers. Aside from style, you can also shop for art, furniture, flowers, books, local produce, and delicious street eats. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a great place to do some people-watching and see the Bondi locals in their element.
8. Stop by the Bondi Pavilion
The Bondi Pavilion is one of the suburb’s oldest landmarks dating back to 1928 when it first opened, featuring grand dining rooms, a lounge, a ballroom, and the Turkish and Hot Sea Water Baths. Today, it’s used as an art and cultural center and is home to a theatre group, recording studio, and art gallery. There’s always something going on here, from pottery classes to festivals to open-air cinemas, so check it out if you have a chance.
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...
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