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Claudia S.
Affiliate & Social Media Manager
at ALPS RESORTS

Day Trip to the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg

Is a visit to Styria’s motorsports mecca worth it?

Formula 1, MotoGP, and thousands of fans from all over the world. That’s exactly what most people associate with the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. But is it worth a visit even when there isn’t a race weekend taking place?

Visitors can enjoy track tours, driving experiences, scenic viewpoints, dining options, and the Spielberg Kids Playworld—one of Austria’s largest indoor adventure worlds for children. The Motorsport World in the Murtal Valley is perfect for families, groups of friends, and couples, and can be easily combined with a vacation around Murau or Eisenerz.

Visitors to the Red Bull Ring can experience motorsports firsthand, take a Ring Tour to go behind the scenes, or spend a relaxing day exploring the adventure world, restaurants, and scenic viewpoints. Families, in particular, often underestimate just how much there is to do beyond Formula 1 and MotoGP.

Why We Wanted to Take a Closer Look at the Red Bull Ring

To be honest, for a long time I had mainly associated the Red Bull Ring with Formula 1 and MotoGP. Major events, fast cars, and plenty of motorsports.

But as we did our research, it quickly became clear: The venue offers plenty of activities for visitors even outside of race weekends. That’s exactly why we wanted to find out whether Spielberg is also a good option for a day trip for families, groups of friends, or couples.

Spoiler: Anyone who thinks they’ll be back in the car after two hours will likely be surprised.

Facts & Figures About the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg

The Red Bull Ring is one of Europe’s most famous motorsports circuits. The current track is 4.3 kilometers long and features 10 turns as well as dramatic elevation changes of nearly 70 meters. It is precisely this combination that makes the track particularly exciting for drivers and spectators alike.

Spielberg is also a frontrunner when it comes to attendance figures. During the Formula 1 weekend, around 300,000 fans from all over the world regularly travel to Styria. This makes the Austrian Grand Prix one of the most-attended races on the entire Formula 1 calendar. In addition to thousands of motorsports fans, well-known personalities from sports, music, film, and social media are also regularly in attendance.

Getting to Spielberg and First Impressions

From Kreischberg, you can reach the Red Bull Ring in about an hour. From Murau, it takes about 50 minutes. Spielberg is also about 45 minutes away from the Erzberg Alpin Resort, making it an excellent destination for a day trip. Getting there is straightforward, and you can spot the racetrack’s distinctive curves from a distance.

Once there, the size of the complex is particularly striking. What often looks more compact on TV is actually a sprawling motorsports world with various experience zones, restaurants, viewing points, and event areas.

Even on regular visiting days, there’s a special atmosphere. You quickly realize just how important the Red Bull Ring is for the region and for international motorsports.

A motorcyclist celebrates under a Red Bull arch during a racing event, while others compete in the background.

What events take place at the Red Bull Ring?

The Red Bull Ring hosts some of Europe’s biggest motorsports events. The absolute highlight is the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix, which draws hundreds of thousands of fans to Spielberg every year. Equally popular is the MotoGP, where the world’s best motorcycle racers battle it out on the track for every tenth of a second.

In addition, other motorsports events take place regularly, including the DTM, the ADAC GT Masters, various motorcycle racing series, and historic racing events featuring classic cars. International running races, cycling events, and corporate events also take advantage of the Red Bull Ring’s unique setting.

If you’re not a fan of large crowds, you should plan your visit outside of race weekends. Then you can explore the facility in a much more relaxed atmosphere, and many attractions such as the Ring Tour or Driving Experiences are also available.

Tip: The Formula 1 and MotoGP weekends are particularly spectacular. The region transforms into an international event destination with fan zones, concerts, and a unique motorsports atmosphere that can be felt far beyond the racetrack.

Highlights for Motorsports Fans at the Red Bull Ring

The racetrack is, of course, the centerpiece of the complex. The Red Bull Ring Tour is particularly exciting. In about 90 minutes, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at areas you’d otherwise only see on TV. Race Control, the Media Center, VIP areas, and various stations around the track show just how much organization and technology goes into a race weekend.

If you want to do more than just watch motorsports—you want to experience it firsthand—you’ll find various Driving Experiences. Depending on the package, you can drive yourself or experience motorsports up close as a passenger. The viewing pointsaround the track are also worth a visit. The area around the North Grandstand is particularly popular. From here, you can see large sections of the track and get a good sense of the Red Bull Ring’s spectacular elevation changes.

A panel discussion featuring racers in a modern setting with screens, engaged audience, and a scenic backdrop. | © Name

Red Bull Ring Highlights for Families

The Spielberg Kids Playworld is one of Austria’s largest indoor adventure centers. Climbing areas, trampolines, play zones, and numerous activities ensure that children can easily spend several hours here.

Families can also visit the various viewing points around the racetrack and watch the race cars during test drives or events. Those who want to get active themselves will find a go-kart track at the Red Bull Ring where children and adults alike can put their driving skills to the test.

Another plus: The grounds are spacious, modern, and feature several restaurants as well as plenty of opportunities to take breaks throughout the day. This makes it easy to plan a varied family outing where both children and adults will have a great time.

Tip for families: Plan for at least half a day. If you combine the Ring Tour with Kids Playworld, a lap on the go-kart track, and a leisurely lunch break, you can easily spend a whole day at the Red Bull Ring. If you’re still looking for a gift for your grandchildren, nephews, nieces, or your own children, you should take a closer look at Playworld. Instead of just another toy, here you’ll find quality time together and plenty of action.

This is a really great alternative, especially on days when the weather is bad.

Lunch break with a view of the Ring

The Schönberghof Spielberg is the perfect spot for a lunch break.

Its location right on the Ring makes the restaurant particularly appealing. While you’re eating, you’ll have frequent views of parts of the track, keeping you right in the thick of the action.

If you’d like to wind down your trip in a relaxed way, the Ring Rast offers a convenient stop on the way home for coffee, dinner, or a quick break before heading back to Murau or Kreischberg. By the way, they serve really good burgers there.

A modern restaurant with glass walls and outdoor seating overlooks lush green hills under a clear blue sky.

Who should visit?

Motorsports fans will, of course, get their money’s worth. The track’s history, the atmosphere, and the various experiences make Spielberg a must-see.

Families benefit from the combination of motorsports and recreational activities. Kids Playworld, in particular, ensures that even children who aren’t particularly interested in cars can enjoy an exciting day.

Groups of friends will also find plenty to enjoy. In addition to the Ring Tour and the Driving Experiences, there’s a dedicated go-kart track where you can race against each other. Anyone who’s always wanted to play at being a race car driver will find the perfect opportunity here.

And even those who are simply curious will gain interesting insights into a world they usually only know from TV.

My Tips for Your Day Trip to Spielberg

Be sure to allow plenty of time. Many visitors underestimate just how much there actually is to see and do there.
Check in advance for guided tours and other tours. For me, the Ring Tour in particular is one of the highlights that makes a visit special.
If you’re traveling with children, be sure to set aside enough time for Kids Playworld.

ALPS RESORTS as a starting point for the Red Bull Ring

If you’d like to combine your visit to Spielberg with a vacation, you’ll find several suitable accommodations around Murau and the Kreischberg . The resorts around the Kreischberg are particularly convenient. From there, you can reach the Red Bull Ring in no time and perfectly combine your trip with other activities. In addition to the Erzberg Alpin Resort, which is ideal for a visit to the Red Bull Ring, the Almdorf Hohentauern in the Murtal Valley is among the region’s recommended accommodations. The cozy chalets, some of which feature a private sauna and whirlpool, are located just about 45 kilometers from the Red Bull Ring and are ideal for anyone looking to combine motorsports with relaxation in the mountains.

Conclusion: Is a day trip to the Red Bull Ring worth it?

Yes, definitely.

The Red Bull Ring is much more than just a racetrack for Formula 1 and MotoGP. While motorsports form the foundation, a versatile destination has emerged around it that appeals to families, groups of friends, and motorsports fans alike.

The blend of information, experiences, and entertainment is particularly well done. Add to that the Kids Playworld, the Ring Tour, and numerous opportunities to customize your day.

And that’s exactly why, in the end, one thought sticks with you above all else: One day is barely enough to discover everything.

ALPS RESORTS around Spielberg

Whether around Murau, in the alpine village of Hohentauern, or at the Erzberg Alpin Resort, after an exciting day at the Red Bull Ring, cozy apartments and chalets, some with private saunas or hot tubs, await you. This is how a day trip can easily turn into a relaxing vacation in Styria.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg

When is the best time to visit the Red Bull Ring?

It depends on what you want to experience. If you want to soak up the unique atmosphere of motorsports, you should plan a visit during a Formula 1 or MotoGP event. However, it will be much busier then. For a relaxed day trip, the months of May through October—outside of major racing events—are particularly well-suited. During this time, guided tours, restaurants, and interactive attractions are open, while visitors can enjoy the grounds in a much quieter setting.

Can you visit the Red Bull Ring when there isn't an event taking place?

Yes. Many areas, guided tours, and activities are also available outside of Formula 1, MotoGP, or other events.

Is there an ALPS RESORTS property right next to the Red Bull Ring?

No. There are no ALPS RESORTS accommodations directly at the Red Bull Ring. However, the resorts around Murau, Kreischberg, and the Murtal Valley are ideal for a day trip. The Almdorf Hohentauern is also within easy driving distance of Spielberg.

Is half a day enough for the Red Bull Ring?

No, at least not if you want to see more than just the race track. With the Ring Tour, scenic overlooks, dining options, driving experiences, and the Spielberg Kids Playworld, you can easily spend a whole day there.

Do you have to be a motorsports fan for a trip to Spielberg to be worth it?

No. Families, groups of friends, and tech enthusiasts in particular will find plenty of activities around the Red Bull Ring that have nothing to do with a race weekend.

Can you visit the Red Bull Ring for free?

No. Many areas of the grounds are open to the public, but guided tours, driving experiences, and certain attractions require a fee.

Are there any activities for children?

Yes. The Spielberg Kids Playworld is especially popular, featuring trampolines, climbing areas, and plenty of play options.

Can you drive on a Formula 1 track yourself?

No, not during regular visiting hours. However, there are various driving experiences where you can get behind the wheel yourself.

Is Spielberg still worth a visit even when it's raining?

Yes. Indoor attractions like the Spielberg Kids Playworld, in particular, make the trip worthwhile even in bad weather.

Is the Spielberg Kids Playworld only suitable for young children?

No. Many areas are also geared toward older children and teenagers. This makes Playworld a great choice for families with children of different ages.

Are the Red Bull Ring and the Spielberg Ring the same thing?

Yes. Today's Red Bull Ring is located in Spielberg, Styria, and is the modern successor to the former racetrack in Spielberg.

Can you combine this visit with other attractions?

Yes. The Red Bull Ring is a great choice for a day trip while on vacation in Murau, on the Kreischberg, in the Murtal, or in Hohentauern.

Claudia S.

Affiliate & Social Media Manager at ALPS RESORTS

Always hungry - for good food, new favorite spots, and fresh ideas. On the ALPS RESORTS blog, Claudia shares recipes, travel tips, and vacation inspiration for everyone who loves the mountains, good food, relaxing getaways—and, just like her, dogs. More about Claudia

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A woman sits on the terrace of a chalet and works on her laptop.