Where to go in 2024

Who doesn't love fantasising about their next trip? We've gone for lesser-known locations, and whether you're seeking bright lights, striking natural scenery, serenity or excitement, here's where you're sure to find it.

- BERNARD O'SHEA

Austria Bad Ischl in Austria’s alpine lake-filled Salzkammergut region is a European capital of culture in 2024, but never mind the culture, check out the gorgeous scenery! The favourite spa and holiday resort of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Sisi, and an inspiration for composers such as Franz Lehár, Johannes Brahms and Johann Strauss, it oozes calm, charm and history. Thanks to its excellent road and rail links, it’s a great base to explore the region. Of the five sizeable lakes in the vicinity, the prettiest is Lake Hallstatt (pictured, right).

Bad Ischl adorns the confluence of the Ischl and Truan rivers. Pick of its imperial buildings is Kaiservilla, the royal family’s former summer residence, open daily from April to October and sporadically in other months. Treat yourself to a soak and pampering at the Salzkammergut/ Eurothermen thermal pools complex, and take the cable car up to Mount Katrin to admire the Alps in all their glory. Salzburg – one of Europe’s most beautiful cities – is just 50km to the west

Every Austrian holiday should include time in the capital, Vienna, but don’t overlook Graz, on the southern side of the Central Alps. Austria’s second-largest city is known for its nightlife, coffee houses, food and a more Mediterranean vibe than its northern rivals. Fun, modern elements among its UNESCO World Heritage historic centre are the Kunsthaus museum and Murinsel – an island made of metal and glass on the Mur River. Take the funicular up to Schlossberg, a hill topped by a 16th-century clock tower, then – we dare you! – take the world’s tallest (64m) indoor slide down. graztourismus.at