Following consistently low numbers of new COVID-19 cases and the re-opening of hotels, restaurants, museums, and attractions, Austria is gradually opening its borders. Travel to some neighboring countries is now possible without the need for testing and quarantines.
Further updates on international travel restrictions are expected over the summer. For inspiration for future travels through the Austrian countryside, let me share three amazing small train rides with you! At just an hour from Vienna, the Wachaubahn leads through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Departing from Vienna, you will eventually travel through vineyards and quaint villages along the Danube up to Emmersdorf, a short distance from famous Melk Abbey.
If you love the Salzkammergut landscape (prominently featured in The Sound of Music), take the historic meter gauge cog railway Schafbergbahn. This steep mountain ride up 1,200 meters from Lake Wolfgang provides breathtaking vistas of the lake district. Further West in the Tyrol, the Zillertalbahn promises another utterly
scenic ride through the Alpine valley of the Ziller, not far from regional capital Innsbruck. On weekends, original steam railways take passengers all the way from the town of Jenbach to the winter ski resort Mayrhofen. All aboard! For more tips and travel plans, visit Barbara Cacao's website Vienna Unwrapped