Summers in Austria are likely to get even hotter as extreme weather becomes the norm worldwide, and we've already seen temperatures reaching (and surpassing) the 40C mark.
GeoSphere Austria said May 2026 already brought an unusually high number of hot days, with 46 weather stations setting new May records for days of at least 30C.
While the entire country is on high alert for high temperatures, there are a few regions that tend to keep milder temperatures - at least in comparison.
They also happen to be beautiful places with good connections to the train and public transport services.
READ ALSO: Five European cities you can reach from Austria in less than five hours by train
Here are five destinations in Austria that you can reach by train to escape the heat of the summer season.
Rauris and the Hohe Tauern, Salzburg
The alpine mountain range goes through Salzburg, Carinthia, and East Tyrol and contains some of the most spectacular landscapes. Some of its highest peaks, including the Sonnblick summit, reach 3,106 meters of altitude.
The mountain is a popular destination year-round, with ski tourers coming in winter and mountaineers in summer. For most visitors, the better heatwave option is to use Rauris as a base for lower-level hikes, shaded routes, springs, waterfalls and National Park scenery.
Nearest railway station: Taxenbach - Rauris, ca. 15 km from Rauris' town centre.
Here you can find more information about the area.
St. Michael im Lungau, Salzburg
This lovely market town located in Salzbrug is a major winter destination for skiing but also offers excellent hiking and tour possibilities during the summer.
While it's not as cold as the peak alps, the temperatures there are usually a few degrees lower than in other regions.
READ ALSO: How to explore the Austrian mountains in the summer like a local
It is still not “cool” in the middle of a serious heatwave, but its altitude and surrounding nature can make it feel fresher than lower-lying cities and valleys. It’s a better choice for a short break than a quick train-only day trip, because you’ll need to check onward bus or local transport connections.
Nearest railway stations: Unzmarkt (for those coming from the east and south) and Bischofshofen or Radstadt (if you are arriving from the north).
Here you can find more information about the area.
Semmering, between Lower Austria and Styria
The mountainous region is known as the ski resort of the Viennese. During summer, temperatures in the Hirschenkogel mountain (1,340m high) usually don't exceed 20C.
In the valley, though, they can get higher, but it's easy to cool off in the woods or the tree park, mountain carts and bike park, for example.
READ ALSO: Discover Austria: Five beautiful hikes and destinations south of Vienna
Nearest railway station: Semmering train station.
Here you can find more information about the area.
Ramsau am Dachstein, Styria
This small town is near the Dachstein mountains and because of its location and elevation, temperatures tend to be some degrees cooler than in surrounding areas. Average temperatures during summer are 20C, but heat waves can bring that up, so be mindful of the weather forecast.
READ ALSO: Heatwave: Nine of the coolest places in Austria
Still, the region is a trendy tourist destination with alpine pastures, beautiful lookout points and many mountain huts.
It's also easy to get to the Dachstein glacier, in Salzkammergut, where there are literal ice caves for people to get out of the blazing sun and seek refuge in subzero temperatures.
Nearest railway station: Schladming (and there are trains with direct connections from Graz, Innsbruck, and Vienna).
Here you can find more information about the area.
Vienna
The capital may be a hotspot for heat, but it has also been taking extensive measures to mitigate the effects of climate change. The city has numerous swimming spots (from beaches in different areas along the Danube to public pools), water fountains, and cooling water sprays throughout the Austrian capital.
Additionally, its many museums and famous cafes are air-conditioned, and you can enjoy some quiet time in the cool shade while eating a Sacher torte, for example.
READ ALSO: Vienna’s free ‘cooling centre’ lets you avoid Austria’s stifling heat
If things get really bad, you can take a trip to the South Pole and visit the penguins at Schönbrunn Zoo, which is always a lovely event. In 2026, the city said it had 34 Coole Zonen, or cooling zones, in 20 districts, as well as more than 1,000 parks and green spaces and around 1,800 public drinking fountains.
There are also public pools, natural bathing areas along the Danube, museums and cafés where you can get indoors during the hottest part of the day.
Nearest railway station: the Vienna Central Station, though you can also arrive through other stations, such as Westbahnhof or Meidling, for example.
READ ALSO: Five of the best things to do in Vienna this summer
Do you know any great spots to cool off during the Austrian heat? Let us know in the comment section below or send us an email at news@thelocal.at.
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