Things to Do in Austria in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Austria
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring awakening in the valleys means you'll catch early wildflowers and fresh green landscapes below 1,000 m (3,280 ft) while still having snow-covered peaks above - this transitional period creates dramatic scenery you won't see any other time of year
- Substantially fewer tourists than May through September, particularly in the first three weeks of April - major attractions like Schönbrunn Palace and Hallstatt see roughly 40-50% fewer visitors compared to summer, meaning shorter lines and better photo opportunities
- Easter markets throughout the country typically run late March through mid-April, offering a more intimate alternative to the massive Christmas markets - prices for handcrafted goods are generally 20-30% lower than December equivalents, and you'll actually interact with artisans rather than fighting crowds
- Accommodation pricing sits in shoulder season territory - expect to pay 30-40% less than peak summer rates in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, with even better deals in the first two weeks before Easter holidays kick in across Europe
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability is genuinely challenging for planning - you might experience 15°C (59°F) and sunshine one day, then 3°C (37°F) with sleet the next, particularly in alpine regions where conditions above 1,500 m (4,920 ft) remain winter-like through mid-month
- Many mountain cable cars and high-altitude hiking trails remain closed until late April or early May - the transition period means you're too late for reliable skiing but too early for alpine hiking, creating an awkward in-between season for mountain activities
- Daylight hours are decent at roughly 13 hours by month's end, but early April still sees sunset around 7:30 PM, limiting evening outdoor activities compared to summer's 9 PM sunsets - worth considering if you're trying to maximize sightseeing time
Best Activities in April
Vienna's Museum Quarter and Imperial Palace Complex
April weather makes this the ideal time for Vienna's indoor cultural attractions. The variable conditions mean you'll appreciate having world-class museums as backup plans, but the improving weather also makes walking between sites pleasant. Schönbrunn Palace gardens start showing early blooms by late April, and the Belvedere's grounds become particularly photogenic. Museum crowds are manageable compared to summer crush, and you can actually spend time with masterpieces at the Kunsthistorisches Museum without being jostled. Temperature hovers around 8-12°C (46-54°F) during the day, perfect for mixing outdoor palace grounds with indoor galleries.
Wachau Valley Wine Tasting and Cycling Routes
The Danube Valley west of Vienna becomes genuinely lovely in April as apricot orchards bloom, typically peaking mid-to-late month depending on spring temperatures. Cycling the Danube path between Melk and Krems covers roughly 36 km (22 miles) of flat, paved trail with vineyard views and medieval towns. Weather is cool enough that you won't overheat on the bike, usually 10-14°C (50-57°F), but warming enough that outdoor wine tastings on terraces become feasible. Most Heurigen wine taverns reopen for the season in early April after winter closures. Crowds are minimal compared to the tour bus invasion of summer months.
Salzburg Old Town and Sound of Music Locations
Salzburg in April strikes a sweet spot - spring arrives earlier here than in higher alpine areas, with temperatures around 7-13°C (45-55°F), making walking tours of the compact Old Town comfortable with a light jacket. The city hasn't yet filled with summer festival crowds, so you can actually enjoy Getreidegasse shopping street and Mirabell Gardens without constant congestion. Sound of Music tour buses run to locations around the Salzkammergut lake district, where early spring scenery provides that fresh, green backdrop. Rain happens roughly every third day, but the baroque architecture looks particularly atmospheric in moody weather.
Innsbruck and Surrounding Valley Hiking
Innsbruck offers a unique April experience where you can ride the Nordkette cable car from the city center at 574 m (1,883 ft) to Hafelekar at 2,300 m (7,545 ft) and experience three seasons in 20 minutes - spring in the valley, late winter at the top. Lower elevation trails around Innsbruck, particularly along the Inn River and up to Bergisel, become accessible and pleasant for walking as temperatures reach 8-12°C (46-54°F) in the valley. The dramatic contrast between snow-capped peaks and greening valleys creates exceptional photography opportunities. Higher trails above 1,800 m (5,905 ft) remain snow-covered, so manage expectations accordingly.
Hallstatt and Salzkammergut Lake District Exploration
April timing for Hallstatt is genuinely strategic - you'll avoid the overwhelming crowds that descend May through October, when this tiny village sees up to 10,000 daily visitors. Early April can still feel quite cool at 5-10°C (41-50°F) with potential for grey skies, but late April often delivers clear days perfect for photographing the iconic lakeside village with mountain backdrop. The salt mine tours run year-round and provide indoor activity during inevitable rain showers. Surrounding lakes like Wolfgangsee and Mondsee become accessible for shoreline walks as weather improves, though water remains far too cold for swimming.
Thermal Spa Towns and Traditional Bathhouses
Austria's thermal spa culture makes particular sense in April when weather remains cool and unpredictable. Towns like Bad Ischl, Baden bei Wien, and Bad Gastein offer historic bathhouses where you can spend entire afternoons soaking in naturally heated mineral waters ranging from 32-38°C (90-100°F). The combination of indoor and outdoor thermal pools means you can enjoy outdoor bathing even when air temperature sits at 8°C (46°F) - the contrast creates an invigorating experience locals favor in shoulder seasons. These towns also offer pleasant walking in spa parks as spring progresses.
April Events & Festivals
Easter Markets Throughout Austria
Traditional Ostermarkte run in major cities from late March through Easter Monday, typically mid-April in 2026. Vienna's markets at Schönbrunn Palace, Am Hof square, and Freyung feature hand-painted eggs, wooden crafts, and spring decorations. These markets feel more authentic and less commercialized than Christmas equivalents, with better opportunities to watch artisans demonstrate egg-painting techniques and traditional crafts. Salzburg and Innsbruck also host significant Easter markets with regional specialties.
Vienna Spring Festival
Frühlingsfestival at Rathausplatz typically runs through early April, featuring food stalls, local wines, and live music in front of the neo-Gothic city hall. The festival bridges the gap between winter markets and summer events, offering a chance to experience outdoor Viennese social culture as weather improves. Evening visits around 6-8 PM catch the best atmosphere as locals finish work and gather for Spritzer wine and conversation.