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Author: Shari Hearn

Article source: http://www.articlealley.com/. Used with author's permission.

So you've planned your trip to Austria. You're going to visit all the
popular Austrian sites: Vienna (no doubt to tour the Sigmund Freud
Museum), Innsbruck and Salzburg. And you'll have a fabulous time.

But, while you're visiting Austria, why not take the road less traveled?
That's right, go a little off the beaten track. But, where, you might ask?
Hmm… I think I have a few suggestions:

Oetz Valley

A beautiful long valley, with gorges and deep green forests, in the
state of Tyrol, located in the western part of Austria. What makes
the Oetz Valley so memorable? First, there are the many waterfalls
you'll find there, including Stuibenfall - the highest waterfall in Tyrol.

You'll be mesmerized as you watch how the falls dance with the sunlight.
Hiking trails abound in the Oetz Valley (sometimes referred to as Ötztal
Valley), with some footpaths so gentle they are perfect for families
with children in carriages. And if hiking's not your thing, there are
numerous scenic drives to experience the beauty by car. There's
even a scenic drive to view Stuibenfall.

Of course, no visit to the Oetz Valley is complete without Otzi the
Ice Man, who was found in the area in 1991 by two hikers.
Oh, you don't know about Otzi the Ice Man? Scientists speculate
that he was a man between 40 and 50 years old who was caught in
a heavy snowfall 5200 years ago. Otzi then fell asleep and froze to
death. The freezing weather immediately mummified Otzi, turning him
into Otzi the Ice Man.

Though Otzi no longer resides in the Oetz Valley
(his new home is the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology in Bolzano,
Italy) his legend certainly remains in many of the attractions around
the valley.

Hallstatt

Another "off the beaten track" destination in Austria is Hallstatt,
one of Austria's oldest settlements. Hallstatt boasts having the
oldest salt mine in the world. It could also boast being one of
the most colorful. You'll certainly have a great time just walking
among the colorful old 16th and 17th century homes which populate
the town.

But, what really sets Hallstatt apart, and makes it worth taking the
road less traveled, is St. Michael's Chapel, built in the 12th century,
which sits next to the ossuary. Not exactly sure what an ossuary is,
are you? Well, it's a place such as a vault) for holding the bones of
the dead.

You see, space is at a premium in Hallstatt, so when people
are buried they're only buried for a certain period of time (10 years
being the average) before they are exhumed and their bones are
placed in the ossuary. For a small admission charge, one can view
an array of skulls in St. Michael's chapel. It seems sculls have been
on view in St. Michael's since the 18th century, often times decorated
with wreaths. Now, if this isn't off the beaten track, I don't know what is.

Bad Gastein

Feel like some outstanding views and incredible skiing? Then look
no further than Bad Gastein.

Yes, that's right, a destination with the words "Bad" and "Gas." Just
don't think about it. Because Bad Gastein is quickly becoming
noticed by world travelers. And with good reason. Located just an
hour outside of Salzburg, Bad Gastein offers some of the best skiing
in the Alps. However, with its challenging ski slopes and old world
charm, you might not have Bad Gastein to yourself for long.

But, skiing isn't the only thing Bad Gastein is known for. Bad Gastein
boasts seventeen natural springs—both outdoor and indoor—infused
with radon gas from deep within the earth.

This bubbling water gives the baths healing properties with temperatures
between 45 and 51 degrees Celsius (113 to 123 degrees Fahrenheit).
It's said the baths are natural remedies for sufferers of arthritis and
other ailments. So, now you have three more spots to add to your
Austrian itinerary. So, go ahead, plan a trip off the beaten track.
You'll thank yourself.

Shari Hearn suggests you visit the
Travel Planning website, www.thetravelerscompanion.com.

Shari Hearn is a writer and frequent contributor to www.thetravelerscompanion.com, and www.myjuicer-reviews.com