Exploring Austria's Countryside: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Austria is a small, landlocked country in central Europe, packed with sights, from the cultural stronghold of Vienna to the Alpine town of Innsbruck. The country is known for its impressive mountain ranges, lake districts, and history-rich cities.

The best way to travel through the Austrian countryside is by train. The country's national operator, ÖBB, offers an extensive network of high-speed trains that connect its nine federal states. Alternatively, you can opt for private rail operators like WESTbahn, which offers double-decker trains with supersaver and flexible tickets.

If you're looking for picturesque countryside destinations, consider visiting the Salzkammergut region, known for its stunning lakes and mountains. Hallstatt, a village in this region, is particularly popular for its idyllic scenery and 16th-century wooden houses. The Bregenzerwald region is another hidden gem, with narrow valleys, mighty peaks, and lush dairy farms.

For a mix of city life and outdoor adventures, head to Innsbruck, where you can explore the medieval Old Town and ride the Nordkette Cable Car for stunning alpine views. Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, offers a blend of Renaissance courtyards and baroque palaces, with nearby wine roads veining the rolling hills and vineyards of the Styria region.

Whether you're seeking tranquil lakeside towns or adventurous mountain hikes, the Austrian countryside has something for everyone.

Travel by train on Austria's high-speed rail

Austria's ÖBB trains are a great way to travel the countryside. The country's premier transportation network offers a seamless and comfortable travel experience, with modern amenities and incredible views. The ÖBB trains connect various destinations across Austria and neighbouring countries, providing an eco-friendly, efficient, and reliable mode of transportation.

The ÖBB network boasts over 5,000 km of tracks, with high-speed trains reaching up to 230 km/h. The Railjet (RJ) trains are perfect for crisscrossing the country, while the faster Xpress (RJX) connects major cities. Amenities on these trains include free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, luggage racks, power sockets, and designated Quiet and Family Zones.

If you're looking for an even faster option, the German and Austrian ICE trains operate at a maximum speed of 230 km/h. The Railjet trains also fall into this category and offer three classes: Economy, First, and Business. Each class provides a unique level of luxury and comfort, ensuring a delightful journey.

When travelling by train in Austria, you can easily connect to other European cities. For example, the route Vienna – Gyor – Budapest links Austria to Hungary, while the route Graz – Vienna – Brno – Prague connects to the Czech Republic.

So, whether you're looking for a scenic journey through the countryside or a quick way to get from city to city, travelling by train on Austria's high-speed rail is a great option.

Explore the Tyrolean Mountains

The Tyrolean Mountains are located in the historical region of Tyrol, which spans across Northern Italy and western Austria. The area is characterised by its location in the Alps, with the landscape heavily influenced by mountains. The region consists of the State of Tyrol, the Province of South Tyrol, and the Province of Trento. The largest cities in Tyrol are Innsbruck, Trento, and Bolzano.

Tyrol is known for its majestic mountains and deep valleys dotted with picturesque villages. The state boasts over 500 peaks higher than 3000 meters above sea level, with the highest mountains in Tyrol including:

• Ortler
• Königspitze
• Großglockner
• Monte Cevedale
• Wildspitze

The Alpine landscape in Tyrol is perfect for outdoor activities, both in summer and winter. There are unending hiking trails, with approximately 24,000 kilometres of hiking paths crisscrossing the state. Cable cars and ski lifts run during the summer, making the region accessible to families with small children and wheelchair users.

In winter, Tyrol transforms into a skier's paradise, with renowned ski resorts such as Kitzbühel, Sölden, and St. Anton. In addition to alpine skiing, there are opportunities for cross-country skiing, ice skating, tobogganing, and winter hiking.

The region is also known for its cultural heritage and traditions. The Tyrolean cuisine showcases its alpine influence, with dishes such as goulash, Kaiserschmarrn, and apple strudel. The local population also organises countless folklore and traditional festivals throughout the year.

Tyrol is easily accessible by train, with the national operator ÖBB offering high-speed and regional train services connecting major cities and smaller towns. Additionally, cable cars, funiculars, and gondola cable cars provide convenient transport to reach the mountain peaks.

With its breathtaking scenery, abundant outdoor activities, and rich cultural offerings, exploring the Tyrolean Mountains in Tyrol is a memorable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Visit the historic city of Vienna

Vienna, the cultural stronghold of Austria, is a city steeped in history. The best way to explore the city is by walking through its historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are some must-visit attractions to include in your itinerary:

St. Stephen's Cathedral

St. Stephen's Cathedral, or Stephansdom, is a massive cathedral that has stood in the Innere Stadt since the 13th century. It features a mix of Romanesque architecture and Gothic structures, with intricate stonework and high vaulted ceilings. You can explore the underground catacombs, which house the tombs of members of the Habsburg royal family, cardinals, archbishops, and victims of the Great Plague of Vienna. Climb the 343 steps to the top of the South Tower for panoramic views of the city.

Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace, a grand hunting lodge that later became the official Habsburg summer residence, is one of the finest Baroque palaces in Europe. The palace has ornate rooms and vast gardens comparable to Versailles. A tour will take you through apartments belonging to various Habsburg rulers, such as Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz Joseph, and his wife, Empress Elisabeth. The palace grounds also include the Tiergarten, the oldest zoo in the world.

Hofburg Palace

Hofburg Palace, the winter residence of the Habsburgs, is a sprawling complex with about 2,600 rooms. The Sisi Museum, named after Empress Elisabeth, offers insights into the grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty and the life of this beloved empress. You can also explore the Imperial Apartments, where the royal family lived.

Kunsthistorisches Museum

The Museum of Fine Arts boasts an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian and Greek artefacts, as well as masterpieces by European artists like Titian, Velasquez, Van Dyck, and Rubens. The building itself is impressive, with a ornate facade featuring intricate sculptures.

Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace, comprising two palaces separated by a 17th-century French-style garden, is said to be one of the best examples of Baroque architecture globally. The palaces once belonged to notable figures like Prince Eugene of Savoy and Archduke Franz Ferdinand. They now house Austrian art, including works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka.

MuseumsQuartier Wien

Straddling the Ringstrasse, the MuseumsQuartier Wien is a vast cultural institution housing several museums. The Leopold Museum has an impressive collection of Austrian masterpieces, including works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka. The Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK) showcases 20th-century works by the likes of Max Ernst, Rene Magritte, and Andy Warhol.

Austrian National Library

The Austrian National Library, located off Josefsplatz, features the spectacular State Hall (Prunksaal). This baroque masterpiece, built for Emperor Charles VI in the 1720s, boasts a soaring oval dome, lavish decorations, and impressive statues.

Café Central

Café Central, established in 1876, is one of Vienna's most famous coffee houses. It was once a meeting place for poets and intellectuals, including Sigmund Freud and Stefan Zweig. The grand café, known for its delicious pastries, occupies the ground floor of a magnificent building that once housed the stock exchange and central bank.

Volksgarten Rose Garden

The Volksgarten Rose Garden is a blast of colour, with row after row of different rose varieties set against a backdrop of imperial opulence. Visit in late spring or summer when the roses are in full bloom, and go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

MAK Museum

The MAK Museum showcases applied art and design. It is located in a beautiful building and features special exhibitions and installations on green themes.

The Military History Museum

This museum showcases items that offer a direct connection to the past, including the car and clothes worn by Archduke Franz Ferdinand when he was assassinated in 1914, which marked a pivotal moment in world history.

Discover the beauty of Salzkammergut

The Salzkammergut is a resort area in Austria, stretching from the city of Salzburg eastwards to the peaks of the Dachstein Mountains. The region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its spectacular alpine panoramas, lakes, and picturesque villages. Here are some highlights and tips to help you discover the beauty of Salzkammergut:

Hallstatt

Nestled between Lake Hallstatt and the Dachstein Mountains, Hallstatt is a charming village known for its pastel-coloured buildings and stunning natural surroundings. Explore the "bone house" in St. Michael's Chapel, where you can find over 600 colourful human remains due to the recycling of graves from the 16th century. Take a short cable car ride to reach the world's oldest salt mine, "Salt Worlds", where you can learn about the region's rich history of salt quarrying. Enjoy panoramic views from the "World Heritage Skywalk", located 350 meters above the village.

Dachstein Caves

The Dachstein Mountains, towering at 9,826 feet, offer a spectacular sight. Take a cable car from Obertraun to explore the Giant Ice Cave and the Mammut Cave. The Giant Ice Cave features 500-year-old ice formations, illuminated by coloured lights and music. The Mammut Cave, one of the largest karst caves in the world, impresses with its laser installations and projections.

5fingers Viewing Point

For thrill-seekers, the 5fingers viewing point offers a breathtaking experience. Reaching over 1,300 feet above ground, it provides unbeatable panoramas of Hallstatt, Lake Hallstatt, and Salzkammergut. One of the "fingers" is made entirely of glass, adding to the adrenaline rush.

Lake Activities

Salzkammergut offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating, and other water sports. Take a boat trip on Lake Wolfgangsee, a popular spot since the Habsburger days. Visit the nearby villages of St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, and Strobl, each with its unique attractions. Enjoy the luxurious spa hotel Weißes Rössl or explore the history and connection to Mozart in St. Gilgen.

Hiking and Nature Trails

Gosau is a nature lover's paradise, offering mountains, forests, and breathtaking Dachstein views. It features excellent hiking trails ranging from family-friendly walks to full-day tours. The Lakes of Gosau are popular destinations, with mountain huts along the way providing rest and refreshments. Mondsee, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by a quaint village, is also worth visiting. It is known for its medieval monastery and the famous basilica St. Michael, featured in "The Sound of Music".

Cultural Attractions

Salzkammergut has a rich cultural heritage. Visit the Klimt Center in Kammer-Schörfling to learn about the life and works of Gustav Klimt, who found inspiration in the Attersee Lake. Take a ceramics factory tour in Gmunden, known for its handmade ceramics and castle on a tiny island. Explore the Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl, the former summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife, Elisabeth.

With its stunning natural landscapes, cultural attractions, and recreational activities, Salzkammergut offers a diverse and captivating experience for travellers seeking to explore the beauty of Austria.

Experience the Bregenzerwald region

The Bregenzerwald region is located in the westernmost state of Vorarlberg, just kilometres from Lake Constance, which borders Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The area is comprised of 23 picturesque villages, forests, pastures and mountains.

Where to Stay

The villages of Dalmüs and Mellau are ideal bases for exploring the area. Hotel Bären in Mellau is a cosy yet modern hotel, recently renovated with a minimalist approach and a focus on quality and sustainability. Alpenstern Panoramahotel in Dalmüs is another great option, with a breathtaking infinity pool overlooking the mountains.

Things to Do

The Bregenzerwald region offers stunning mountain trails, delicious local food and innovative attractions. Explore the hiking trails in Damüls, with over 200km of marked trails, expansive valleys and breathtaking views. Visit the medieval St Nikolaus Church, which features impressive late-medieval frescoes. Discover the Umgang Bregenzerwald, a series of 13 short walks through 12 villages, offering insights into the local lifestyle and history. Take the Mellau cable car for gorgeous views of the village and valley below. Admire the Bregenzerwald architecture, known for its innovative approach and mix of traditional and contemporary styles. Visit the Werkraum Bregenzerwald in Andelsbuch, a craft and trade association showcasing the region's craftsmanship.

Where to Eat

The Bregenzerwald region boasts numerous award-winning chefs and a focus on local produce. Bären Hotel in Mellau offers a delicious breakfast spread with local ingredients. Naze's Hus, also in Mellau, serves delicious traditional dishes in a building that is centuries old. Biohotel Schwanen in Bizau is a family-run restaurant with a strong focus on local and organic produce. Adler Grossdorf in Egg is another great option, offering culinary experiences with menus created by different guest chefs each week.

How to Get There

The closest international airports to the Bregenzerwald region are in Zurich, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Munich. From Zurich, you can easily get to Bregenz by train or with a change in St Gallen or Feldkirch. There are also great connections from within Austria, with regional buses and railways available.

Frequently asked questions