08/09/2026
From September 2 to 4, our Middle School students traveled across Austria for their grade level retreats. These trips offer valuable bonding opportunities among students as well as between students and teachers, and serve as an integral part of their educational journey at AISV, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Grade 6 took their retreat to the Salzkammergut region, visiting Hallstatt, Obertraun, and Bad Ischl. Students toured a local salt mine, visited an ice cave, explored the town of Hallstatt, took in the views from the Five Fingers Lookout, browsed a street market, and toured the Imperial Residence in Bad Ischl.
Grade 7 spent their time in Mariazell, located in the Styrian region. This trip allowed Grade 7 students to come together as a learning community and discover more about Austria while exploring the outdoors. Students participated in team-building activities, toured the historic center of Mariazell, visited the Seegrotte in Hinterbrühl, built rafts, and tackled a high ropes course.
Grade 8 traveled to Neusiedler See in Burgenland, staying in the town of Rust for their final Middle School retreat. Students enjoyed the landscape, flora, and fauna of the region by bicycle, boat, and foot, and even went on a nature safari in Illmitz. They also took part in water sports like sailing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Shared experiences are a wonderful way to connect, and these retreats set a great precedent for the rest of the school year. Thank you to the faculty and staff who organized these fantastic itineraries!