LGBTQIA+
Austria under the rainbow
Austria and its capital Vienna are known for diversity and openness. A growing number of queer initiatives, events and safe spaces welcome people from the LGBTQIA+ community. The abbreviation LGBTQIA+ stands for lesbian, gay, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual: In other words, for people of different sexual orientations and gender identities.
Find some tips for places that celebrate the entire spectrum of the rainbow, and raise awareness of safe spaces below. In the spirit of pop icon Lady Gaga: "I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way!"
A country of many colours
For a city trip
Hotel-Pension Wild
At the Hotel-Pension Wild, LGBTQIA+ guests have been warmly welcomed for decades. A sports sauna in the souterrain invites you to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
Le Meridien
The design hotel Le Meridien in the heart of Vienna is a hotspot for the city's creative scene.
Hotel Motto Vienna
Equally centrally located Boutique Hotel Motto combines elegance and urban lifestyle.
Lower Austria - for a countryside stay
Loisium Wine & Spa Hotel Langenlois
Loisium Hotel in Kamptal combines the region's long wine growing tradition, modern lifestyle and elements of the surrounding landscapes in its unique design.
Styria - famous for its wine
Absteige zur bärtigen Therese
Austria's first queer mountain getaway (called "Bearded Therese" in English) sits amidst stunning landscapes, in close proximity to the vineyards, and regularly hosts fun events.
Carinthia - for a lakeside stay
Lake's Hotel & Spa
The Lake's Hotel & Spa is located in Pörtschach by Lake Wörthersee. Most studios and suites have a direct lake view.
Hotel City Villach
The Hotel City Villach sits right in Villach's old town, surrounded by mountain peaks and crystal clear lakes.
Vorarlberg - design meets nature
Sporthotel Silvretta Montafon
The Sporthotel Silvretta Montafon is your home in the mountains, a perfect spot for being active and relax.
The city of music
Best Western Plus Amedia Art Salzburg
The Best Western Plus Amedia Art Salzburg is near the old town, the train station and the exhibition centre of Salzburg
Landhotel Postgut
The Landhotel Postgut in the Lungau region is perfect for a skiing holiday, as well as an active summer break. It even offers horse-back riding lessons.
A combination of city and mountains
Haus Romeo
The Alpine Gay Resort Haus Romeo in Scheffau in the Wilder Kaiser mountains is the perfect place for a relaxing break.
aDLERS
Surrounded by the mountains and with the entire city of Innsbruck at your feet, hotel aDLERS makes it easy to escape your everyday life.
Hotel Schwarzer Adler
If the walls could talk at the Boutique Hotel Schwarzer Adler in Innsbruck, they'd have many stories to tell about famous artists, celebrities and European royals who have stayed here.
More hotel tips
Events
6 September 2025
In the grand setting of Vienna’s City Hall, the annual Diversity Ball invites guests to an evening of dazzling performances, vibrant beats, and extravagant outfits. Traditional ballroom culture meets modern party vibes: Multiple dance floors encourage lively celebrations, prominent figures from the LGBTQIA+ community mingle with the crowd, and the spectacular midnight show causes a stir every year.
The ball is a celebration of diversity in all its forms, with no boundaries: Gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, background, or religion are irrelevant. The event impresses with its comprehensive accessibility, including sign language interpretation for speeches. Those who love bold fashion, extravagant performances, and energetic dancing will experience an unforgettable night.
Tip: To learn more about sign languages and non-verbal communication, visit the Hands Up interactive exhibition in Vienna, open year-round.
Villa Vida in Vienna is primarily a café but also a venue for queer events. At the regular Queens Brunch, breakfast comes with a side of drag performances. At Café Savoy, the rainbow flag flies proudly amidst a baroque, traditional Viennese decor, and guests are served delicious food and drinks all day long. Excellent cocktails are offered at Mango Bar, with a cosy garden space for outdoor seating in summer.
In Salzburg, HOSI serves not only as a bar but also as a community hub for the LGBTQIA+ scene, hosting regular events. Also in Salzburg is Mexxx Gaybar, which doubles as a club. Nearby, you’ll find Dark Eagle, a two-storey cruising bar with darkrooms.
Since the 1980s, Why Not has been a popular club in Vienna, making it one of the city’s oldest safe spaces for gay men. Themed nights offer everything from 90s parties and a gay edition of Oktoberfest to steamy porn parties. Expect energetic pop and trash music, bold performances, a sexy atmosphere, and daring outfits at KEN Club events, which are hosted in various rotating Viennese clubs.
The Circus proudly bills itself as "Austria’s Biggest Gay Party," attracting thousands of LGBTQIA+ guests to venues like Arena Wien and Praterdome. Another popular queer party series, PiNKED Vienna, features pop and electro beats in changing club locations.
More cafés, bars, clubs, and festivals
The Löwenherz bookstore in Vienna is perfect for browsing, offering a wide selection for gay, lesbian, and transgender readers. Alongside books, you'll find magazines and DVDs, and the shop regularly hosts events.
In Vienna’s first district, ChickLit bookstore sells feminist and lesbian literature in both German and English. Known as a "Gay Lifestyle Store," Gayt in the fifth district has clothing, accessories, fetish wear, and toys. The basement also houses an art gallery featuring works by gay artists.