Austria: A Worthwhile Destination?

Austria is a European country that is definitely worth visiting. It is a unique country that is beautiful almost everywhere, with impressive architecture, an enthralling culture, and heavenly scenery. The country is also significantly cheaper than other beautiful countries like Norway and Switzerland.

Vienna: the beautiful capital

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a beautiful city with a rich history and vibrant culture. It has been named the 'city with the best quality of life' eight times in a row by consulting firm Mercer, thanks to its low crime rates, clean air, cheap rents, and rich culture. The city is known for its stunning architecture, ranging from Baroque castles and gardens to modern design shops. It also boasts an impressive musical history, having been home to composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert.

Exploring Vienna

A walk through Vienna's historic centre will take you past beautiful buildings such as the Stephansdom cathedral, the Imperial Hofburg complex, and the Spanish Riding School. You can also explore the many museums, such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Sigmund Freud Museum. If you're looking for a unique shopping experience, head to the Naschmarkt, Vienna's vibrant open-air market. And don't forget to indulge in the city's famous coffeehouse culture and sample some of the best cakes and pastries in Europe.

Seasonal Attractions

Vienna is a popular destination year-round, with Christmas markets and illuminated buildings during the winter, and beautiful parks and outdoor activities in the summer. The city also comes alive during Easter, with several Easter markets and springtime events. No matter the season, a trip to Vienna is always a good idea!

Breathtaking scenery

Austria is a showcase for just how beautiful mountain scenery, valleys and lakes can be. The country is mostly situated in the Alps, making it a very popular place with skiers and hikers. Charming towns tucked in sweeping green hillsides topped by craggy peaks lie in wait.

The snow-capped peaks of the Austrian Central Alps attract skiers and winter sports enthusiasts every year. The region of Salzkammergut is also a must-see, with its stunning crystal-blue lakes, waterfalls, mountains, caves and green hills. The Grossglockner Alpine Road is a 30-mile journey that is considered the most scenic road trip in Austria. The road starts in Bruck and travels towards the magnificent 12,461-foot Grossglockner, Austria’s tallest mountain.

The picturesque spa town of Bad Gastein is located in the heart of Austria’s High Tauern Mountains. Covered in lush forests and surrounded by steep, mountainous cliffs, Bad Gastein is known for its spectacular landscape and charming Belle Epoque architecture. The Grand de l’Europe Hotel is one of the most notable buildings in the area. The impressive Bad Gasteiner Waterfall is also a unique sight to see, as it flows directly through the middle of the town centre.

The largest lake in Carinthia, the Worthersee lies in the south of Austria at the foot of the Gurktal Alps and Karawanks mountain range. The lake is surrounded by lush forests, which make for some fantastic hiking. There’s also a scenic bike path winding its way along the lakeside.

The Zillertal Alps, snaking along the border of Austria and Italy, is home to towering glacial peaks, jagged mountain cliffs, and tree-lined valleys. There are more than 85 different glaciers in Zittertal, some of which stand over 11,000 feet above sea level. The Hintertux Glacier is one of the tallest and is open 365 days a year for both skiing and hiking.

Austria's Wachau Valley is a scenic 18-mile stretch of dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and picturesque vineyards. The valley is also one of Austria's smallest but most important wine regions.

Music scene

Austria is famed for its musical history, and several of the world's most famous musicians, such as Mozart and Klimt, originated from the country. So, it's no surprise that Austria has a strong music scene.

In Vienna, you can marvel at the grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace and the stunning artistic elegance of Belvedere Palace, where you can learn more about classical music throughout history. Vienna is also home to the Vienna Opera Ball, which showcases the country's classical music tradition and cultural heritage. As Mozart's birthplace, Austria is probably the best place to experience classical music while visiting Europe.

Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace, is also a must-visit for music lovers. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture and is brimming with exceptional galleries and museums. You can visit Mozart's birthplace, which has been turned into a museum, and enjoy a Mozart Dinner Concert at the Baroque Hall of St Peter's Abbey. Salzburg is also known for its modern music scene, with its Museum of Modern Art becoming a go-to contemporary art gallery.

If you're looking for something a little more contemporary, the city of Innsbruck in Tyrol has a thriving music scene, with several clubs and venues offering a range of electronic music genres, such as techno, hardstyle, and house.

Austria also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Salzburg Festival, which features opera, drama, and concerts.

Architecture

Austria is known for its impressive architecture, ranging from Gothic churches to Art Nouveau exhibition centres, from Baroque palaces to modern art museums. The country's capital, Vienna, is brimming with outstanding Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings. The Ringstrasse, a circular road in Vienna, encapsulates most of the city's architectural sights.

The country is home to many impressive landmarks, including the 1400-room Schönbrunn Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and the Belvedere Palace, which features works by Gustav Klimt. The Karl-Marx-Hof, a 'people's palace' in Vienna, is another notable building.

Apart from the big landmarks, even the architecture on mundane buildings such as apartments and shops is aesthetically pleasing.

The picturesque spa town of Bad Gastein, located in the heart of the High Tauern Mountains, is known for its Belle Epoque architecture. The iconic Grand de l'Europe Hotel, towering over the city, is one of the most notable buildings in the area.

Graz, Austria's second-largest city, boasts one of the best-preserved historic centres in Central Europe. Baroque palaces and Renaissance courtyards sit alongside centuries-old churches and modern museums.

Innsbruck, known as the 'Capital of the Alps', offers a mix of history, culture, and architecture. The city features beautiful buildings such as the Baroque Saint Jacob Cathedral, the Renaissance-style Habsburg Imperial Palace, and the 16th-century Schloss Ambras.

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is home to a plethora of beautiful buildings. The 17th-century Baroque Mirabell Palace and Gardens, the gazebo in the Schloss Hellbrunn's gardens, and the von Trapp family home (now a hotel) are some of the must-see attractions.

Cleanliness

Austria is known for being one of the cleanest countries in the world. In fact, Vienna has been named the 'city with the best quality of life' eight times in a row by consulting firm Mercer, with low crime rates, clean air, cheap rents, and a rich culture being contributing factors.

Austria's cities are remarkably clean, with very little litter on the ground. Austrians are known for speaking up if they see someone littering. The country's cleanliness is all the more impressive when you consider how popular it is as a tourist destination.

Austria's natural areas are also pristine. The country is famous for its stunning scenery, including snow-capped mountains, crystal-blue lakes, waterfalls, green hills, and charming villages. The Grossglockner High Alpine Highway, in particular, has been described as "the most beautiful place I've ever seen".

Austria's cities are also known for their impressive architecture, with beautiful buildings ranging from medieval to Baroque and Art Nouveau styles. The country's capital, Vienna, is brimming with outstanding Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings. Graz, Austria's second-largest city, boasts one of the best-preserved historic centres in Central Europe, with Baroque palaces and Renaissance courtyards alongside centuries-old churches and modern museums.

Overall, Austria's cleanliness and attention to preserving its natural and architectural beauty make it a highly desirable tourist destination.

Frequently asked questions