Things to Do in Austria in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Austria
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Easter markets transform town squares with traditional crafts, Sachertorte, and mulled wine - Vienna's Freyung and Salzburg's Residenzplatz become cultural hubs from March 29-April 13, 2025
- Alpine hiking trails at 800-1200m (2,625-3,937 ft) elevation open with wildflower blooms and snow-free paths, while higher altitudes remain closed - perfect middle ground for moderate hiking
- Museum and palace visits are ideal in cool 10-15°C (50-59°F) weather with minimal tourist crowds - Schönbrunn Palace has 40% fewer visitors than summer peak
- Heuriger wine taverns begin outdoor seating season with new wine releases and asparagus specialties, particularly strong in Wachau Valley and around Vienna
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability requires layered clothing - temperatures can swing 10°C (18°F) in one day, and afternoon showers arrive without much warning
- Many alpine cable cars and mountain huts remain closed until May 1st, limiting high-altitude activities and Hallstatt's famous Skywalk
- Daylight hours are still limited to 6:30am-7:30pm, reducing time for outdoor photography and sightseeing compared to summer months
Best Activities in April
Danube Valley Cycling Tours
April's mild temperatures and blooming apricot orchards make cycling the Danube from Melk to Dürnstein ideal. The 36km (22-mile) route has minimal headwinds and comfortable 12-16°C (54-61°F) riding temperatures. River cruise boats return cyclists to starting points, avoiding tourist summer crowds.
Salzburg Old Town Walking Tours
Cool April weather is perfect for 3-4 hour walking tours without summer heat exhaustion. Easter decorations still adorn Mozart's birthplace area, and spring light creates ideal photography conditions for baroque architecture. Fewer cruise ship groups mean better access to Mirabell Gardens.
Hallstatt Lake Activities
Before summer crowds arrive, Hallstatt offers peaceful lake walks and boat rides in crisp 8-12°C (46-54°F) morning temperatures. The iconic village photos are clearer in April's clean air, though bring layers as lake winds add 5°C (9°F) wind chill.
Vienna Palace and Museum Tours
April's cool, dry days are ideal for indoor palace exploration without summer's stifling crowds. Schönbrunn's gardens begin blooming, and the 1.5km (0.9-mile) palace grounds are walkable in comfortable temperatures. Habsburg history tours have immediate availability.
Wachau Valley Wine Tasting
New wine releases coincide with April asparagus season in Austria's premier wine region. Terraced vineyards at 200-400m (656-1,312 ft) elevation offer comfortable hiking between tastings. Grüner Veltliner and Riesling tastings pair with seasonal white asparagus dishes.
Innsbruck Alpine Valley Walks
While high peaks remain snow-covered, valley walks at 600-900m (1,968-2,953 ft) offer stunning Alpine views without technical climbing. The Nordkette range provides dramatic backdrops, and cable car rides to 2,000m (6,562 ft) reveal snow panoramas.
April Events & Festivals
Wiener Festwochen
Vienna's premier arts festival begins late April with theater, dance, and music performances across historic venues. International artists perform in venues from Burgtheater to unconventional spaces. Tickets start €25-45 for most performances.
Easter Markets (Ostermärkte)
Traditional markets appear in town squares across Austria selling hand-painted eggs, wooden crafts, and seasonal foods. Vienna's Freyung, Salzburg's Residenzplatz, and Innsbruck's Altstadt host the largest markets with 30-50 vendors each.