Where in the World: Austrian Alps

Winter Wonderland: Exploring the Austrian Alps in Natters

An icy wind whips at my face as I open the front door, stepping out into the frigid morning. Little wisps of steam from a mug of freshly brewed tea offer fleeting moments of warmth on my face as they twist upwards, before quickly succumbing to the cold. We are surrounded by a ring of broad snow-crusted mountains and a dense forest of trees heavy with fresh powder. I take a deep and purposeful breath and savour the moment, for it’s not every day you get to wake up to such views. 

But then it’s not every day that you find yourself in the Austrian Alps in the depths of winter, in a motorhome. Our original idea had been to avoid the mountains altogether at this time of year, yet the best laid plans, as we have discovered many times over, never really stay true to form when you’re constantly on the move. Not that we mind such changes, what with their unexpected moments of joy and discovery, even if it does take a few days to adjust to temperatures reaching as low as minus fifteen. 

There was little to suggest that our campsite would be transformed into a magical scene fit for a winter fairytale when we first arrived, yet less than six hours later and the pitter-patter of snow could be heard on the roof as we settled into bed for the night. We drifted off to sleep blissfully unaware that the snow would not stop for another two days, waking the following morning to excited shouts from Dorothy proclaiming that she’d never seen so much snow in her life before. 

A frantic scramble for warm clothes and winter boots ensued before, moments later, she tumbled out of the door, closely followed by Harrison, the pair of them bursting with excitement, the air instantly fizzing with snowballs and flurries of powder thrown this way and that. The snow might have eventually stopped falling, but the excitement levels didn’t, building with every passing hour and snowy discovery, chief of which being an entire playground covered in the stuff. 

For all of the unbridled joy that comes from simply playing in the snow, it’s being high in the mountains away from civilisation, where the air’s still and the silence close to deafening, that the real beauty of winter is most impactful. Mountains, in their many shapes and sizes, have been synonymous with our travels not just on this journey, but throughout life. They have long been a place of refuge, an elixir for the soul and they are always calling us forth, particularly here. 

There’s a meditative quality to the day as we head for higher ground, surrounded by lonely peaks not often stood upon. The crunch of snow underfoot as we climb up through the empty forest, the shrill wind at our backs as we edge closer to the summit of our chosen mountain, the sense of size in such vast landscapes as the world zooms out around us. Gone are the shrieks of excitement and in their place hushed whispers of wonder, our eyes scanning the world in front of us. We are all alone, but always together. 

Travel Advice

Where in the World: The quiet and unassuming village of Natters sits high above Innsbruck in the Austrian Alps and is the gateway to a world of wonderful winter adventures. Surrounded by endless mountains and forests there are endless options for skiing, boarding, snow-shoeing, cycling (yes, even in winter) sledging and simply playing. 

How to Get There: Natters is a short drive, roughly eight kilometres, from Innsbruck, which itself can be reached easily enough all year round, arriving on either the A12, A13 or E45, depending on the direction of travel. Once in Natters follow the signs for Natterer See campsite, which is a further two kilometres up the road. 

Where to Stay: We have stayed at hundreds of campsites over the years and can safely say that Camping Natterer See is up there with the best of them, especially as a winter campsite. First-class facilities, excellent service and incredible views. It is situated close enough to Innsbruck to be convenient to take advantage of all the city has to offer, but far enough away to be in nature and an easy starting point to get higher into the surrounding mountains. 

Pegs Used: We stayed on a soft grass pitch securing our Fix&Go Anchor Plates 2.0 with 20cm Peg&Stops N. Our TieStraps 2.0 were secured with the 31cm screw-in Long pegs as the ground was quite soft. This set-up was perfect for the twelve days we were there, even with the snow that fell.   

Key Facts

Discovering Natters in the Austrian Alps in Winter

The quiet and unassuming village of Natters sits high above Innsbruck in the Austrian Alps and is the gateway to a world of wonderful winter adventures. Surrounded by endless mountains and dense forests, it serves as the gateway to incredible winter activities. Nearby activities include skiing, snowboarding, snow-shoeing, sledging, and more—perfect for creating unforgettable memories.

Why Visit the Austrian Alps in Winter?

• The Austrian Alps offer unparalleled natural beauty, with snow-covered peaks, serene forests, and countless outdoor activities.
• Ideal for families, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts, the region provides opportunities for skiing, sledging, snow-shoeing, and even winter cycling.
• The silence and tranquillity of the high mountains make them a perfect retreat for rejuvenation and wonder.

How to Get There

1. Natters is approximately 8 kilometres from Innsbruck and is easily accessible year-round.
2. Arrive via the A12, A13, or E45, depending on your direction of travel.
3. Follow signs to the Natterer See campsite, situated just 2 kilometres further into the mountains.

Where to Stay: Camping Natterer See

• Camping Natterer See offers first-class facilities, exceptional service, and stunning mountain views.
• The campsite is an excellent base for exploring the mountains or enjoying the cultural and culinary delights of nearby Innsbruck.
• For campers, Peggy Peg's advanced anchoring systems ensure a secure setup, even in snowy and soft ground conditions.

Pegs Used for Winter Camping

• Fix&Go Anchor Plates 2.0 with 20cm Peg&Stops N were used for soft grass pitches.
• 31cm Long screw-in pegs secured TieStraps 2.0, providing stability during snowfall.
• This setup was reliable throughout 12 snowy days, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Insider Tip

• Camping Natterer See stands out as one of the best campsites for winter travellers.
• Located just 8 km from Innsbruck, it combines the convenience of city access with the serenity of a nature escape.

Fazit: A Winter Wonderland in Natters

• Natters combines the magic of a snowy alpine escape with modern camping conveniences.
• The region’s accessibility and variety of activities make it an unmissable destination for winter adventurers.
• Trust Peggy Peg’s anchoring solutions for a safe, enjoyable camping experience in one of the world’s most beautiful winter landscapes.

Whether you're scaling peaks, sledging with your kids, or enjoying the serenity of untouched snow, Natters in the Austrian Alps promises a winter experience like no other.

Marcus is a husband, a father, an adventure athlete and an award-winning writer travelling the world in their Bailey of Bristol motorhome with his wife Kim and his two kids.

If you have any questions about their life on the road or simply want to follow their travels more closely, you can contact Marcus and Kim on Instagram through @marcusleachglobal and @our.roaming.odyssey