F1 2024 Insider's Guide No. 11 – Austria

The Austrian Grand Prix brings speed, style, and incredible scenery to the calendar. The mountains and hills of Austria serve as the perfect backdrop for this race, which was revived in 2014 after a decade-long gap. It takes place at the iconic Red Bull Ring in the southeast of the country. With no German Grand Prix in the calendar, this race takes on even more importance, attracting thousands of spectators from nearby Munich.

Fresh from their respective home races in Canada and Spain, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso arrive in the Styrian hills on the hunt for more points in the Formula One World Championship this weekend.

After the F1 exhilaration, what could be better than some Alpine exploring or enjoying the high-brow delights of Austria’s historic and handsome Habsburg capital.

Revel in history

Stylish Vienna – Vienna, the stylish capital city, rewards visitors with monuments, art, and clean, safe streets. The Ritz Carlton, the luxury hotel combining four 19th- century palaces, is an obvious choice for flaneurs. Distrikt and Pastarama offer excellent dining options, and the rooftop bar Atmosphere provides stunning views. Head to MuseumsQuartier to enjoy art and design aplenty at the various city museums. For a chic, fun experience, consider staying at 25 Hours Vienna—a small hotel pitched at a young, cool crowd.

How to find joy in the journey?

Alpine Exploration – Austria’s lakes, mountains and scenic roads are irresistible. In winter, skiers find their personal paradise at Kitzbuhel, Klosters and the party resorts such as Mayrhofen. During summer, hikers love the long mountain walks and alpine landscapes. Don’t miss the scenic routes like the Villach Alpine Road. The Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden is the perfect place to unwind, dine and relax. Its spa is a treat after a hard day in the mountains near Salzburg, then head back inside the hotel where sumptuous rooms await.

What’s new in Austria?

Hip happenings – Blue Crow Publishing’s new Modern Vienna Map is a must-have for architecture enthusiasts visiting the Austrian capital. Vienna boasts stunning modern buildings from Otto Wagner and Zaha Hadid, as well as impressive brutalist churches. The new Anantara Hotel offers resplendent comfort and top-end service in the heart of the city. Also new is the Hoxton - bringing a hipster dynamic to the notoriously history-focussed city of Vienna, which actually does have a lot of cool goings on. And the new Rosewood offers Austrian fare in its great restaurant, the Neue Hoheit Brasserie, including a cracking schnitzel and vegan vegetable tartare. And never forget the brasserie at The Guesthouse, a wonderful spot with a new menu.

Where should I go next?

Munich – The stately capital of Bavaria is just a short hop over the border from Austria. You can revel in the history of the city at the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, commissioned by the Kings of Bavaria for their eminent guests to stay in. Adorned with artworks from the Royal palaces, it features a grand cigar room and sophisticated ambience. Alternatively the cool, fresh Hotel Louis brings the feel of a boutique hotel with exquisite, subtle interior design yet historic nature. The hotel is located on the main food market where asparagus sellers hawk their wares. While in Munich, explore the English Gardens and watch surfers on the unique river rapids.

The Globe-Trotter x Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team partnership celebrates a shared commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and heritage; bringing together the timeless style of Globe-Trotter’s handcrafted luggage and the cutting-edge design and performance of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team.