Why Austria Should Be Your Next Alpine Adventure

Switzerland and Austria are two neighbouring countries in the heart of Europe, both known for their stunning mountain landscapes and impressive cities. But which one to visit?

If you're a nature enthusiast, Switzerland's many alpine lakes might be the perfect destination for you. The country's incredible natural landscape is what makes it the tourism capital of Europe. It's famous for its chocolate and cheese, and its towns and cantons are known for their beautiful Swiss-German architecture. Switzerland is, however, very expensive.

Austria, on the other hand, is a cheaper option, with more towns that have a rustic, medieval alpine feel. Austrian cities are often more vibrant and energetic, with a stronger focus on art and culture, and the country is more multicultural than Switzerland. Austrian people are also known for their incredible hospitality.

So, if you're after a cultural and historical experience, or you're on a budget, Austria might be the better choice. But if you're looking for the ultimate European Alpine vacation, Switzerland and its famous lakes could be the better option.

Zurich

The city has a rich history, with early settlements dating back more than 6,400 years. It was founded by the Romans, who called it Turicum, and later gained independent and privileged status during the Middle Ages. During the 16th century, Zurich became a primary centre of the Protestant Reformation in Europe under the leadership of Huldrych Zwingli.

Today, Zurich offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities. The city has many museums and art galleries, including the Swiss National Museum and Kunsthaus. Schauspielhaus Zürich is considered one of the most important theatres in the German-speaking world. The city also boasts beautiful natural spots, such as Lake Zurich and the Uetliberg mountain, which offers impressive views of the city, lake, and Alps.

When it comes to accommodation, Zurich offers options ranging from luxury hotels to mid-range and budget-friendly choices. Visitors can enjoy various activities in Zurich, including exploring the old town, visiting museums and theatres, strolling through parks, and partaking in the city's vibrant nightlife.

In conclusion, Zurich is a vibrant city with a rich history, beautiful sights, and a thriving cultural and sports scene. It serves as a gateway to the rest of Switzerland and is worth spending time exploring.

Vienna

Day 1

Start your day by visiting the Stephansdom Cathedral, a symbol of the city with a baroque interior full of treasures. Climb up its 343 steps to enjoy panoramic views of the city. After this, take a stroll to the nearby Peterskirche, a beautiful Baroque church and classical music venue.

Day 2

Spend the morning at the Hofburg Palace complex, once home to the Habsburgs. Explore the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Spanish Riding School. In the afternoon, visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which houses a vast collection of ancient art and European masterpieces.

Day 3

Take a short tram ride to Zentralfriedhof, Vienna's main cemetery, where luminaries such as Beethoven, Strauss, Brahms, and Schubert are buried. In the afternoon, visit the Belvedere Palace, an 18th-century complex split into the Upper and Lower Belvedere, with beautiful Baroque gardens in between.

Day 4

Start your day at the Wiener Staatsoper, Vienna's renowned opera house. Then, walk to the nearby Stadtpark, a lovely park with a famous golden Strauss statue. In the afternoon, explore the Museumsquartier, a modern art quarter with various museums and cultural spaces.

Day 5

Spend the morning at the Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna's most popular tourist destination, with its beautiful gardens, the world's oldest zoo, and the Gloriette. In the afternoon, visit the Technisches Museum, a museum of science and technology located close to the Schönbrunn complex.

Day 6

Begin your day at the Prater, a huge parkland area and entertainment complex. Take a ride on the famous Riesenrad Ferris wheel, then explore the Wurstelprater, with its funfair rides and restaurants. In the afternoon, walk through the historic centre of Vienna, soaking in the beautiful architecture.

Day 7

Visit the Haus der Musik, a museum dedicated to sound and music, with exhibitions on famous "Viennese" composers. In the afternoon, explore the Albertina, a palace and renowned art museum, and take a stroll through the Volksgarten, a park with a beautiful rose garden.

Day 8

Spend the morning at the Natural History Museum, which features exhibits on everything from geology to giraffes. After this, visit the MAK, the museum of design and contemporary art. In the afternoon, walk through the Graben, a lovely street leading from Stephansdom to the Hofburg Palace, and see the Ankeruhr, an Art Nouveau mechanical clock.

This itinerary provides a comprehensive overview of Vienna, but feel free to modify it based on your specific interests and preferences.

Lucerne

• Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke): This wooden bridge, first erected in the 14th century, is one of the city's landmarks. It features a series of paintings from the 17th century depicting events from Lucerne's history.
• Lake Lucerne: One of the biggest lakes in Switzerland, offering steamship cruises and breathtaking views.
• Mount Pilatus: Take the cableway up Mount Pilatus for stunning views. Mount Pilatus also offers a range of activities, including the world's steepest cogwheel train and cable car rides.
• Mount Rigi: Accessible via a boat ride to Vitznau, followed by a cogwheel train. Mount Rigi is known for its extensive walking paths and panoramic views.
• Old Town Lucerne: Explore the historic Old Town with its well-preserved half-timber structures and painted fronts.
• Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal): A carving of a dying lion, commemorating the Swiss Guards who were massacred during the French Revolution in 1792.
• Swiss Museum of Transport: A comprehensive museum exhibiting all forms of transport, including locomotives, automobiles, ships, and aircraft.
• Culture and Convention Center (KKL): This center, designed by Jean Nouvel, features a world-renowned concert hall with acoustics by Russell Johnson.
• Richard Wagner Museum: Dedicated to the composer Richard Wagner, who lived in Lucerne from 1866 to 1872. The museum is located in his former villa on the lake at Tribschen.

Hallstatt

The town has a rich history, dating back to prehistoric times, and is particularly famous for its salt production, which began in the 8th century BC. The Hallstatt culture, an archaeological culture linked to Proto-Celtic and early Celtic people, flourished here during the Early Iron Age. The wealth generated by the salt industry is evident in the prehistoric cemeteries in Hallstatt, where elaborate grave goods have been discovered.

• The Hallstatt Skywalk, a platform perched 360 meters above the village, offering panoramic views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Hallstatt Ossuary, located in St. Michael's Chapel, which houses over 1,200 human skulls, with 600 of them painted and inscribed with names and dates.
• The Salzwelten Hallstatt, the oldest salt mine in the world, where visitors can learn about the history of salt production in the region and explore the mine.
• The Hallstatt Museum, which showcases artifacts from the Hallstatt culture and provides insights into the region's ancient history, particularly its role in the salt trade.
• The Lake Promenade, where visitors can stroll along the lake and take in the beautiful surroundings.
• The Upper Stairs, which offer a different perspective of the village and provide opportunities for stunning photographs.

Due to its popularity, Hallstatt can become crowded, particularly during the summer months and on weekends. Visitors should be prepared for limited parking and traffic, and it is recommended to arrive early or visit during off-peak seasons. Despite the crowds, Hallstatt is definitely worth a visit for its stunning scenery, fascinating history, and cultural offerings.

Salzburg

Day 1

Start your day by visiting the 11th-century Fortress Hohensalzburg, which offers stunning views of the city and is an unmistakable part of Salzburg's skyline. Then, head to the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, where the von Trapp children sang "Do-Re-Mi" in 'The Sound of Music'. After that, explore the Old Town (Salzburger Altstadt), a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with historic buildings, designer brands, and the annual Christmas Market.

Day 2

Begin your day at the Salzburg Cathedral, a unique architectural building constructed in the early 17th century and the site of Mozart's baptism. Then, visit the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Modern Art to learn more about the city's culture and history. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains and the DomQuartier Salzburg.

Day 3

Spend the morning at the Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn, and then visit the Getreidegasse, one of Salzburg's most popular locations. In the afternoon, explore the St. Peter's Abbey (Stift St. Peter), a medieval monastery that has been home to monks for over 1,000 years. End your day with a relaxing beer at the Stiegl-Brauwelt brewery, which offers daily tours and beer tastings.

Other Attractions

• Haus der Natur: A great place for children, with lots of interactive exhibits and activities.
• Wasserspiele Hellbrunn: A garden filled with sculptures, pools, and trick fountains.
• European Capital of Culture Bad Ischl Salzkammergut: A cultural hotspot located near Salzburg.
• Untersberg: Take the cable car up and enjoy the fabulous views from the top.
• Schloss Hellbrunn: A compact palazzo dedicated to displaying artworks, artifacts, and statuary.

Frequently asked questions