Austria: A Romantic Honeymoon Destination?

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Austria is a captivating honeymoon destination. From the enchanting streets of Vienna to the fairy-tale landscapes of the Alps, Austria offers a harmonious symphony of romance, culture, and breathtaking vistas. Whether you're strolling through historic cities, savouring world-class cuisine, or exploring vineyards and ski resorts, Austria provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.

Vienna, the capital, is known as the City of Music, having been home to composers like Mozart and Beethoven. The city boasts Baroque architecture, opulent palaces, and a vibrant cultural scene. Beyond Vienna, Austria boasts charming mountain villages, picturesque lakes, and unique attractions such as the Schonbrunn Palace, the Eisrieswelt Caves, and the Swarovski Visitor Centre.

With its rich history, stunning natural scenery, and abundance of activities, Austria is an ideal destination for couples seeking a mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation on their honeymoon.

Vienna State Opera

Austria is a great choice for a honeymoon, offering a blend of culture, stunning landscapes, and exquisite cuisine. And Vienna, known as the "City of Music", is the perfect place for couples who love stumbling upon live music.

The Vienna State Opera is one of the leading and most famous opera houses in the world. It is the house with the largest repertoire and one of the busiest opera houses in the world, producing 50 to 60 operas per year in approximately 200 performances.

The opera house is located in the city centre, at Opernring 2. It is characterised by its "Renaissance elbow style", with a central tract featuring a huge loggia leading to the “Ringstraße”. The building also features a domed roof over the stairs, an auditorium, and a stage. The new auditorium accommodates 2,200 seats and standing places. Significant details include the loggia, with its allegories in the arcades, the wall paintings, and the imposing staircase with the statues of the seven Free arts, made out of marble. The Schwind Foyer, the Gobelin Hall, and the Marble Hall are among the other unique features of the opera house. The stage area covers a gigantic 1,500 square metres.

The Vienna State Opera offers tours during the day. There are no tickets required in advance for the tour, and the starting hours are available directly at the opera house. Formal wear is highly recommended for performances, although not mandatory, and business attire will suffice.

The opera house's 2024/25 season includes some of the most popular opera performances, such as Aida, Tosca, La Traviata, The Magic Flute, Ballet Nutcracker, the Marriage of Figaro, and der Rosenklavalier.

Schonbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit destination for honeymooners in Vienna, Austria. This Baroque palace, with its 1,441 rooms, was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers and is one of Europe's most beautiful Baroque complexes. The palace has a rich history spanning over 300 years, reflecting the changing tastes and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs.

History and Architecture

Schönbrunn Palace has been in the possession of the Habsburgs since 1569 when Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II purchased the land. The palace was built and remodelled during the 1740s and 1750s under Empress Maria Theresa, who received the estate as a wedding gift. The palace's name, Schönbrunn, meaning "beautiful spring," is derived from an artesian well that provided water for the court. The palace's exterior was later redecorated in the neoclassical style by Franz I.

Imperial Residents

Schönbrunn Palace was home to many notable imperial residents, including Emperor Franz Joseph, who was born and spent his final years at the palace, and Empress Elisabeth, after whom the famous cake, the Imperial Torte, is named. Mozart, as a six-year-old prodigy, even played music in the mirrored hall. The palace holds many secrets and stories of the imperial family, which can be discovered through its various rooms and gardens.

Rooms and Interiors

The palace boasts a total of 1,441 rooms, with 45 open to the public. The interiors are decorated in the opulent Rococo style, featuring magnificent furnishings. Notable rooms include the Round Chinese Cabinet, where Maria Theresa held secret conferences, the Vieux Laque Room, where Napoleon held meetings, and the Blue Chinese Salon, where Emperor Charles I signed his renunciation. The Millions Room, adorned with rosewood and miniatures from India and Persia, is one of the most exquisite Rococo rooms.

Gardens and Grounds

The Schönbrunn Palace park is a Baroque masterpiece, featuring impressive fountains, statues, and monuments. The sculpted garden space between the palace and the Neptune Fountain is known as the Great Parterre, designed by Jean Trehet, a disciple of André Le Nôtre, in 1695. The garden axis points towards a 60-metre-high hill, crowned by the Gloriette structure, built to glorify Habsburg power. The Roman Ruin, designed by Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg, is another notable feature, symbolising the decline of great powers.

Activities and Events

Schönbrunn Palace is Vienna's most popular tourist destination, offering a range of activities and events. Classical concerts featuring Mozart's music are held in the spectacular halls, Orangerie, and Schlosstheater. The annual Summer Night Concert is a highlight for music lovers. The palace has also been a filming location for productions such as the Sissi trilogy and The Amazing Race. The Imperial Carriage Museum, the Crown Prince Garden, the Orangery Garden, and the Maze & Labyrinth are all part of the palace park and are well worth exploring.

Alpine scenery

Austria is a captivating honeymoon destination, offering stunning natural scenery and a plethora of activities for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Here are some highlights of the Alpine scenery that newlyweds can enjoy:

• Innsbruck: Known for its brightly coloured buildings against the backdrop of snow-capped Alps, Innsbruck offers a romantic carriage ride, relaxing thermal spas, and a vibrant nightlife for an unforgettable experience.
• Salzburg: As the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is a haven for music lovers. The Baroque architecture, charming streets, and the Salzach River create a perfect setting for a stroll with your loved one.
• Vienna: Dubbed the "City of Love" and the "City of Music", Vienna boasts impressive palaces, art museums, and a rich musical history. The city's Baroque architecture and opulent palaces showcase its grandeur.
• Hallstatt: This enchanting small town is known for its ancient salt mine and the stunning Lake Hallstatt, surrounded by 16th-century Alpine houses. A walk through the alleyways hand-in-hand and exploring the Gothic Catholic church make for a memorable experience.
• Grossglockner High Alpine Road: One of Austria's most scenic routes, this road offers breathtaking views of green pastures, waterfalls, and snow-covered mountains. It's a perfect drive to enjoy the beauty of the Austrian Alps.
• Hohe Tauern National Park: Located in the heart of the Austrian Alps, this vast national park is home to endangered species and boasts colourful alpine meadows, glaciers, and towering peaks. The ancient landscapes, waterfalls, and rugged cliffs will leave you in awe.
• St. Anton am Arlberg: This picturesque village in Tyrol offers incredible ski terrain, providing an opportunity for couples to hit the slopes together and create unforgettable memories.

Austria's Alpine scenery provides a perfect backdrop for a romantic honeymoon, offering natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming villages to explore.

Romantic hotels

Austria is a great honeymoon destination, offering a blend of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and exquisite cuisine. Here are some of the most romantic hotels for a memorable Austrian honeymoon:

Romantik Hotel Zell am See

One of the oldest buildings in the centre of the mountain town of Zell am See. For a romantic holiday, book the garden suite in the Landhaus Cottage in the middle of a rose garden, or the Romantic theme room with a fireplace and stone walls. The highlight is the Emotion Spa area with an indoor-outdoor pool heated to 30C all year round and a relaxation room with water beds.

Mountains Hotel

Mountains Hotel is in the heart of the Olympia region Seefeld, close to Innsbruck, Munich and Zurich. Dinners of freshly made traditional dishes are served in a cosy dining room with a winter garden overlooking a vast panorama of mountains. Don’t forget to pair these delicious dishes with wines from the hotel cellar or an energy drink at the juice bar in the spa section. Lomi lomi and hot-stone massages are also available for hotel guests.

Ebner’s Waldhof am See

This family resort in Austria has a private beach by Lake Fuschl in the Salzkammergut region. It also has a 4,000-square-metre all-inclusive spa, a golf course and indoor playing facilities, making it an ideal active honeymoon getaway. Upgrade options include a junior suite with a lake view or terrace facing the garden, and a two-room suite spread over two floors.

Das Edelweiss – Salzburg Mountain Resort

The Hettegger family set up this alpine-style resort in the Salzburger Land region, taking advantage of a prestigious mountainside setting. Rooms and suites feature massive wood furnishings and decor in the Austrian traditional style, while the mountain spa exudes alpine romance. Don't miss out on the black angus specialities, rump steak or a nice T-bone steak – all from local farmers.

Schloss Fuschl, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa

In The Sound of Music Salzkammergut region of Austria, overlooking Lake Fuschl, Schloss Fuschl dates back to 1450. This resort has 110 guest rooms, luxury suites and lakeside cottages, combining old-European charm with modern opulence. In the palace, you’ll find a collection of old master paintings, as well as sparkling chandeliers that lend an air of sophistication and grandeur. Dining at the Schloss Fuschl Fishery, you’ll taste the freshly smoked catch of the day or a delicate fish soup paired with a wine from the on-site Vinothek.

Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol

The Interalpen-Hotel near Seefeld stands at an altitude of 1,300m, surrounded by lofty mountains. This upscale hotel resort in Austria includes one of the largest spas in the Alps, spanning more than 5,300 square metres. Elegantly and cosily furnished rooms and suites are equipped with a balcony or terrace with mountain views. For an unforgettable honeymoon, book one of the exclusive penthouse suites on the seventh floor.

Austrian cuisine

Breakfast

Breakfast in Austria is typically "continental", consisting of bread rolls with jam, cold meats or cheese, accompanied by coffee, tea or juice.

Mid-morning or afternoon snack

A mid-morning or afternoon snack, known as a "Jause", consists of a slice of bread topped with cheese or ham. A more substantial version, known as a Brettljause, is similar to a British ploughman's lunch and is served on a wooden board.

Main meal

Austria's most famous dishes include Wiener Schnitzel (a breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet), Tafelspitz (beef boiled in broth), Rindsuppe (beef soup), and Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). Other popular dishes include:

• Kaiserschmarrn - soft, fluffy pancake ripped into bite-sized pieces and served with a fruit compote
• Knödel - dumplings which can be both sweet and savoury. A popular sweet version is made with plums
• Goulash - a hotpot similar to Hungarian pörkölt, often eaten with rolls, bread or dumplings
• Saftgulasch - an Austrian twist on traditional Hungarian goulash, made with lean beef and a large quantity of onions
• Various sausages, including the Frankfurter, Käsekrainer and Burenwurst
• Liptauer - a spicy cheese spread, eaten on a slice of bread

Dessert

Austria is famous for its cakes and pastries, including the Sachertorte (a chocolate cake with apricot jam filling), Linzer Torte, Dobostorte and Esterhazy Torte. Strudels are also popular, particularly those filled with sweetened curd cheese, sour cherry or poppy seeds.

Drinks

Austria has a well-known coffee culture, with its own varieties including:

• Mokka or kleiner Schwarzer - similar to espresso, but extracted more slowly
• Großer Schwarzer - a double Mokka
• Kleiner Brauner or großer Brauner - single or double Mokka with milk
• Verlängerter - "lengthened" Mokka with more water and milk
• Melange - half Mokka, half heated milk, often topped with foamed milk
• Kapuziner - kleiner Schwarzer with whipped cream
• Einspänner - großer Schwarzer with whipped cream

Beer is also popular and typically served in 0.2 litre, 0.33 litre or 0.5 litre measures. The most common types are pale lager, cloudy Zwicklbier, and wheat beer.

Austria also produces wine, mainly in the east of the country, and is known for its schnapps (fruit brandy).

Frequently asked questions