Exploring Austria: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Austria is a small country packed with breathtaking scenery, charming towns, and romantic cities. Many travellers consider it the most romantic country in Europe.

Vienna, the city of music, art, culture, and fine food, is a must-see destination. It boasts stunning buildings, from the Stephansdom Cathedral to the Austrian Parliament and Schönbrunn Palace.

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is another beautiful city. It oozes historical charm and will transport you back in time. The Old Town is crammed with antiquities, and the city is also home to several stunning castles and fortresses, including Hohensalzburg Fortress and Mirabell Palace.

Hallstatt, a picturesque village nestled between lakes and mountains, is another popular destination. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its 16th-century church and lakefront promenade.

There are many ways to tour Austria, from buses and trains to cars and guided tours.

Vienna: Art, music, food and culture

Vienna is a city steeped in art, music, food, and culture. Known as the world capital of music, it is home to seven concert halls, including the Golden Hall at the Musikverein, and the Vienna State Opera, where the famous Society of Friends of Music, founded in 1812, ensures that Vienna remains a leading music centre. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra gives frequent performances at the State Opera House, which is one of the leading opera houses in the world. The Burgtheater, founded in 1776, is one of the most highly regarded German-language theatres in Europe.

Vienna is also a city of art, boasting the Kunsthistorisches Museum, with the largest Bruegel collection outside the Netherlands, and the Albertina, with its immense collection of graphic arts, including engravings by Dürer and Rembrandt.

The city is also known for its culinary delicacies, with traditional coffee houses and wine taverns. The coffeehouse has been a Viennese institution for three centuries, with the Viennese turning it into a sort of second living room. There are also the taverns, or Buschenschänke, where young sour wine, or Heuriger, is served.

Vienna's city centre has been selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has about 30 castles and over 160 palaces, including the magnificent Baroque palaces of Schönbrunn and Belvedere.

Salzburg: Mozart, mountains and The Sound of Music

Salzburg is a city steeped in musical history and is renowned for its Baroque architecture. It is a bucket-list destination, not just in Austria, but in the world. Salzburg is the fourth-largest city in Austria and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also known as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for the classic movie, "The Sound of Music".

Mozart's Salzburg

Salzburg was home to Mozart, the legendary composer, and there are many landmarks associated with him. You can visit the house where Mozart was born and raised and explore the rooms where he composed his most famous works. You can also visit his family residence and the Mozarthaus, where he lived as an adult.

The Sound of Music

For fans of the movie, there are plenty of locations to visit. The Mirabell Gardens, where Maria and the Von Trapp children danced and sang "Do-Re-Mi", and the Nonnberg Abbey, where Maria was a novice, are two of the most famous. You can also visit the Felsenreitschule and Schloss Leopoldskron, or take a guided bike tour or bus tour to explore the locations further afield.

Alpine Views

The Salzburg countryside offers breathtaking views of the Austrian Alps, with rolling hills, snow-capped peaks, and crystal-clear lakes. The city itself is surrounded by five mountains: Mönchsberg, Kapuzinerberg, Rainberg, Festungsberg, and Hellbrunner Berg.

Baroque Architecture

Salzburg is famous for its Baroque architecture, with palaces, churches, and public buildings all showcasing this extravagant style. Notable examples include the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace, and St. Peter's Abbey.

Historic Streets

Take a stroll through Salzburg's historic streets and discover the charming atmosphere of this medieval city. Admire the elegant Baroque architecture, wander down quaint cobblestone alleys, and explore bustling market squares. Getreidegasse, the most famous shopping street, is a delight for shoppers and window-shoppers alike, with a mix of expensive boutiques and chain stores.

Musical History

Beyond Mozart, Salzburg has a rich musical history. The city was home to Joseph Haydn's brother, Michael, who wrote many choral pieces, and Josef Mohr, the writer of the lyrics for "Silent Night", was born here. The annual global musical and drama event is hosted at the Festival Hall, which was featured in "The Sound of Music".

Hallstatt: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The small town of Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Austria's Salzkammergut region. Nestled between towering Alpine peaks and the serene waters of Lake Hallstatt, Hallstatt offers breathtaking natural scenery and a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your visit to this enchanting destination.

Getting There

Hallstatt is easily accessible by road and can be reached via a scenic drive from nearby cities such as Salzburg and Vienna. There are also train services available, with the unique experience of a ferry ride from the train station to the town centre, as it is situated on the lake's opposite shore.

Attractions and Activities

• The World Heritage Museum of Hallstatt: Delve into the past and discover how the salt trade shaped the lives and customs of Hallstatt's residents.
• Lake Hallstatt: Take a boat trip on the lake to admire the town's architecture and boathouses from a different perspective.
• The Rudolf Tower: Enjoy panoramic views of the town, lake, and Dachstein massif from this tower, which can be reached by a funicular or on foot.
• Salt Mines: Explore the oldest salt mines in the world and learn about the history of salt production, which dates back to prehistoric times.
• Beinhaus: Visit the bone house, a unique attraction that showcases the skulls and bones of former inhabitants, painted with colourful designs and symbols.
• Dachstein Caves: Discover the spectacular cave systems in the region, including the Dachstein Ice Cave, with its fascinating ice formations, and the Mammoth Cave, known for its colourful rock formations.
• Hiking: Hallstatt is a hiker's paradise, offering trails for all experience levels. Explore the Five Fingers viewing platform, the Schönbergalm nature reserve, or the Heilbronner Rundwanderweg loop trail for breathtaking views of the mountains and unspoiled nature.

Accommodation and Dining

Hallstatt offers a range of accommodation options, from cosy guesthouses to luxury hotels. When it comes to dining, you can enjoy local specialities and Austrian cuisine at restaurants such as Restaurant Zauner, renowned for its delicious fish dishes.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or adventure seeker, Hallstatt has something for everyone. Its picturesque setting, rich cultural heritage, and array of attractions make it a must-visit destination on your tour of Austria.

Graz: Culinary delights and Mediterranean charm

Graz, the capital of Styria, is known as Austria's culinary capital. The city is packed with vineyards, agricultural land, forests, and mountains. It is also home to the Styrian Wine Road.

Graz is very walkable, with stunning architecture, both traditional and design-led, and a rich cultural history. The river Mur cuts through the city, separating the charming old town from the edgier bohemian district of Lend. The design-led Murinsel island and countless bridges connect one side of the city to the other.

Graz is known for many local foods, including runner bean salad (Käferbohnensalat, or "bug bean salad") and Brettljause (roughly translated as "snack on a board").

• Aiola Upstairs: This restaurant sits at the top of Schlossberg, close to the clock tower. It offers panoramic views of the city, and its menu features both regional and international dishes made with the best ingredients.
• Die Speis am Lendhafen: This vegetarian restaurant (with vegan options) serves regional, seasonal, and sustainable dishes. At least two-thirds of the food is produced within a 50km radius, and the restaurant has a zero-waste policy.
• Gut Schlossberg: This cute place is a shop and restaurant located in a tiny baroque castle built in 1627. It stocks over 1000 products from more than 100 small-scale producers from Styria and the rest of Austria. The restaurant upstairs serves local food, including Käferbohnensalat, chanterelle goulash, and Austrian dessert platters.
• Gasthaus Glöcklbräu: For traditional Austrian food and authentic surroundings, head to Glöcklbräu in Glockenspielplatz. Popular traditional dishes like Backhendl (deep-fried chicken) are served here, along with vegetarian options like Käsespätzle (mac 'n cheese with crispy onion).
• Aiola im Schloss: This restaurant is set in a beautiful location next to a small castle with gardens and fountains. It is a sister restaurant to Aiola Upstairs and also serves excellent regional specialties.
• Farmers Market at Kaiser Josef Platz: There are 17 farmers' markets in Graz, but Kaiser-Josef Markt is the largest. It offers regional and seasonal products, including fresh fruits, vegetables, Styrian cheese, flowers, meats, sausages, eggs, and fruit juices.
• 'sFachl: This unique concept store allows small producers to rent a wooden box/crate (fachl) for a month to a year to sell their products without the overheads of running a shop or stall. You can find a variety of pumpkin seed products here, from oil and pesto to crackers and chocolate-covered pumpkin seeds.
• Die Eisperle: This multi-award-winning ice cream parlour serves pure vegan ice cream made from the freshest high-quality produce, with no preservatives or artificial additives.
• Standl 5 Wurscht: This is Graz's sustainable sausage stand, located on Hauptplatz next to the fountain. The owner, August "Gustl" Krivec, is passionate about sustainability, and no producer is more than 50 km away.
• Gösser Bräu: When in Graz, you must try the local beer. Gösser Bräu is a well-known brewery and a big part of Austrian beer culture, dating back to 1860. They produce many varieties of beer, and you can enjoy them in their beer garden or indoor space.
• Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax: Founded in 1569, this is the oldest bakery in Graz. You'll be drawn in by the gorgeous wooden façade on Hofgasse, where you'll find a glorious display of chocolates, cakes, and baked goods. Try their signature treat, the Sissi-Busserl, bite-sized chocolate-drizzled macaroons.
• Buschenschank Dokter: When in Styria, a visit to a Buschenschank for a Brettljause is a must. Buschenschank Dokter is a family-owned farm and wine tavern that has been producing wine and growing food for over 200 years. Their Brettljause includes cheese, meats, pickles, salads, breads, trout, and bug bean salad, all paired with their own wines.
• Café Energieschiff Mochart: Enjoy an unforgettable scrambled egg breakfast drizzled with rich pumpkin seed oil at this cafe near Graz, located in a passive house shaped like a boat with photovoltaic sails on the roof.

Innsbruck: The Capital of the Alps

Innsbruck is a city nestled amidst majestic peaks, earning it the nickname 'The Capital of the Alps'. This picturesque city offers a unique combination of nature, history, and culture, all concentrated in a remarkably small area.

Things to Do in Innsbruck

• Explore the Old Town: Wander through the charming cobblestone streets and admire the historic buildings, including the famous Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof).
• Visit the Hofkirche: This 16th-century church is known for its intricate architecture and the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I.
• Take a trip up the Nordkette: Hop on the Nordkette cable car and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding Alps.
• Stroll through the Imperial Gardens: These beautiful gardens offer a glimpse into the city's imperial past and provide a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
• Check out the Ambras Castle: This Renaissance castle houses a fascinating collection of art and armoury, and offers stunning views of the city.
• Try some local cuisine: Sample traditional Tyrolean dishes such as Kaspressknodel (cheese dumplings) and Kiachl (fried dough pastries).

Where to Stay in Innsbruck

• NALA individuellhotel: A quirky hotel with uniquely designed rooms, a sun terrace, and a fitness room.
• Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz: A contemporary hotel with an atmospheric bar located in the pedestrian zone.
• Hotel Weisses Rössl: A boutique hotel set in a historic building, featuring a 600-year-old Tyrolean restaurant.

Best Tours/Activities in Innsbruck

• Tyrolean Folk Show: Experience traditional Tyrolean music, dancing, and culture at this lively performance.
• Innsbruck Sightseeing Tour: Explore the city's highlights, including the Golden Roof, Imperial Palace, and Hofkirche, with an expert guide.
• Innsbruck Audio Tour: Discover the city at your own pace with a downloadable audio guide, available in multiple languages.

Frequently asked questions