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New European train routes are a dime a dozen, as we say in the United States.
But brand new train companies?
That’s another story – and undoubtedly one worth telling, especially if it leads to it one of the last remaining breathtaking cities in Central Europethe kind of place that will really knock your socks off… or take off your Crocs, if you pack for comfort over dignity.
Remember when Frozen came out and was all the rage?
Everyone and their child were singing Adele Dazeem’s hit song (“Let It Go”) and looking for the nearest real fairytale village.
Well, they skipped one…
The Travel Off Path team is pleased to present you with Austria’s best-kept secret, which will be easier to reach than ever once a groundbreaking railway line is launched from Vienna.
All aboard! Vienna is Europe’s new springboard
Unless it’s Christmas market season, a favorite of mine if I do say so myself, it’s not often you hear of Vienna being the centerpiece of someone’s European getaway.
Vienna realizes that its beautiful city often complements your vacation in nearby countries, so it looks for new ways to get you here.
Ironically, they also find new ways to get you out, but still spend time and money doing so…
Vienna will be the home base Silverstar Railwaysreportedly a luxury-style trainwhich is of course no surprise given the magnetizing opulence of the city, from the grand boulevards to the stunning imperial palaces.
Passengers can choose one all-inclusive package during the 7-stop journey, which ultimately ends in the Salzkammergut region, known for its wondrous lakes and towering mountain ranges.
Although founded in 2024, the upstart rail company has lofty goals for the year ahead as it prepares to launch its first-ever route to a Frozen-esque mountain town that 99% of even the most seasoned tourists skip.
That would be so Bad Australian. There’s a joke in there somewhere, but we’ll leave the punchline to you…
Joking aside, Austria is about to unveil another mountainside charmer besides Salzburg once travelers discover it even exists.
The STAR-Blue train is scheduled for launch May 2027the luxury train departs from Vienna only Tuesday and ThursdayIt won’t be until September that it turns into a winter wonderland.
Better yet, Silverstar already has permission to connect Venice, and is rumored to be pursuing six more connections, including Slovenia and Croatia.
Here’s the full itinerary as confirmed by Silverstar’s LinkedIn after:
- Vienna Hauptbahnhof
- St. Pölten
- Linz
- Gmunden
- Bad Ischl
- Hallstatt
- Bad Aussee
Hallstatt’s unknown doppelgänger
Hallstatt may not be a name you immediately recognize, but it is the only city in Austria that was built during the Frozen craze that officials had to impose restrictions on visitors.
I’ve made a lot of absolutely hilarious comments over the years about gouging your eyes out with selfie sticks, and that’s largely unrealistic.
But Hallstatt is such a small town, people aren’t supposed to come here in hordes, so it really could have happened.
The irony is that – as you can see – Bad Aussie is only one stop away. While the train route did not exist during the Frozen era it still wouldn’t have been that difficult to achieve because it was so close.
With an almost identical dreamscape of alpine chalets and sweeping mountain backdrops, travelers can now give Hallstatt a much-needed breather in favor of a dupe with an equivalent image, which is much less touristy and just as majestic.
No, there’s no lake on the edge of town like Hallstatt, but Bad Aussee still offers the same magic that Salzkammergut is known for, along with the Altaussee, Grundlsee and Toplitzsee within easy reach.
In other words: it’s Bad Auss.
I try…
Honestly, that joke gets crickets anyway, since Bad Aussee is pronounced ‘Baht OW-zeh’.
What to do when you get here
In addition to admiring the towering mountains and postcard cityscape, Bad Aussie is known among locals for its wellness tourism and Austria’s largest flower festival.
Anchored by the Daffodils Vital Resorta saltwater spa and suite hotel beneath the Dachstein and Loser peaks.
This relaxing hotel uses natural brine from the Altaussee salt mountain, with a salt cave, a saltwater lake and a salt inhalation steam bath.
In the meantime, I’m just amazed that I found a combination that’s saltier than my ex.
Think of Bad Aussee as Hallstatt’s quieter (albeit salty) cousin, but there’s still plenty to do beyond taking selfies and going for a dip.
Here are 3 must-dos outside the famous spa scene:
- Altaussee Lake: Crystal clear water, mountain views, swimming and lakeside walks just on the edge of town
- Loser mountain: Scenic walks, panoramic views, alpine rides and some of the area’s best mountain scenery
- Daffodilfest: A signature spring festival, with folk music and giant daffodil-covered figures parading through the city
Austria is one of the safest countries in Europe
It doesn’t matter whether you’re in Vienna, Salzburg, Bad Aussee or far-reaching Vorderweißenbach, Austria is considered safe to visit not only by fellow travelers, but also by the US Department of State’s advisory (Level 1: Exercise Normal Precaution) – the lowest possible designation.
Travelers currently score Austria 90/100 on our own safety index.
