AICH, AUSTRIA - SUMMER TIME

Aich in winter Aich in the winter
Aich is located in Styria, south-eastern Austria. It lies in the very well known Dachstein-Tauern region. This region has gained a reputation as an international venue, mainly because of the skiing. It has hosted many ski world cup races, the special olymics 1993 and the skiing world championships in 1982 as well as the nordic combination for the world cup in 2005. During the summer months it becomes a fantastic holiday destination with great mountain and other activities, for example, paragliding, free climbing, mountaing biking etc.

The Dachstein-Tauern region, is just as active in the summer months as in the winter. It becomes a paradise for all sort of activities, indoor and out, and the skiing continues through the summer on the glacier.

For the adventurer, hiking and trekking are the two most popular hobbies here in the summer. As you have seen from the picture the views are magnificent, and the temperatures in the summer are very comfortable. Horse back riding is another good way of getting out in the fresh Alpine air and having a look around. You can also hire bikes very easily and so making your own cycling tour is another popular option.

For the thrill seaking types there are options in the air, on the ground, or on the water. Airbourne activities include paragliding, hand gliding, or, if you like a motor, flying. If you prefer to get wet the area around Aich offers white water rafting down the fast Alpine waterways, or canoeing, kayaking or water skiing on the number of lakes in the region. For those that like to keep a foot on the ground (or a wheel) the winter ski slopes turn into great places for down hill (or mountain) mountain biking, summer roll tobogganing is fun for all ages and quad-biking can be found all over the region. If you are a rock climber, there is a whole mountain range for you to use.

For the sporty types there is a hugh selection of activies to appeal to the whole family. There are numerous tennis clubs boasting tennis courts, squash courts and table tennis tables. Great locations for fresh water fishing and river fishing are located all over the region. You can play golf on one of the most challenging courses in Austia, where Bernhard Langer designed the 18th hole or if you are looking for something a little less challenging, the mini golf course is a hit with families.

Local sports, if you would like to try your hand at something a little different, include Asphalt "stockschiessen", a summer time version of the winter "eisstockschiessen", is very similar to curling and fun for all the family. "Kegeln" is also very popular, similar, but in no way the same, as bowling. Nine pins, a smaller ball and easier scoring brings "Kegeln" it's own challenges. Don't forget to thow under the string!

For the water/beach lovers there are a number of lakes in the area. They range from very small to several kilometres. Here you can sunbath to your hearts content if you like. The children and adults can enjoy many beach activities. Beech volleyball courts can be fun for people of any age and, with the fresh mountain water, the clean, fresh water is a joy to swim in.

For the "Keep Fit" crowd the possiblilities in these mountains are almost endless. In Austria currently, Nordic walking is extremely popular. It is a full body workout and combines with the terrain and the air, can be as challenging as you like. There are a number of local gyms so if you would rather lift weights or use a jogging maschine, you can. If you want to stay outside, there are some beautiful places for jogging and trekking, and you can even try out inline skating.

Relaxing and unwinding, the two most important parts of holidaying are easily possible in these beautiful surroundings. The Alpine fresh air, the beaches, the water, the temperatures, all these things add to the perfect break from your daily life.