Explore Austria's Captivating Cities: A Travel Guide

Austria is a magnificent Alpine country with a plethora of panoramic peaks, cultured cities, and shimmering lakes. Its cities offer a blend of the old and the new, with lively bars and restaurants alongside ancient cobbled streets, castles, churches, and cathedrals. Here is an introduction to some of the must-visit cities in Austria.

Vienna: Imperial palaces, museums, and grand opera houses

Vienna, the graceful capital of Austria, is awash with impressive imperial buildings and palaces, conveying the wealth and power of its former monarchs. The city is a delight to get lost in, with its eclectic mix of architectural styles beautifully displayed on the facades of its lavish opera houses, museums, churches, and more.

The centre of Vienna is very walkable, with the main sights massed along the opulent Ringstrasse. Nicknamed 'the City of Music', Vienna has a rich musical heritage and is renowned for its opera halls. The famous residents whose names roll off the tongue include Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert.

Vienna boasts a plethora of cultural and artistic sights, fantastic museums, beautifully ornamented palaces, great markets, fantastic restaurants, coffee houses, and atmospheric Viennese bars.

The Belvedere Museum, housed in a beautiful Baroque palace with stunning gardens, is a must-see. The museum is celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2023 with two new exhibitions. The Leopold Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of works by Austrian Expressionist painter Egon Schiele, is also well worth a visit. The Albertina, with its astonishing collection of graphic works, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, with its vast collection of work by the celebrated 16th-century Dutch painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder, are other notable museums in the city.

Vienna is also home to impressive imperial palaces. The Schönbrunn Palace, a former imperial summer residence with 1,441 rooms, is a particular highlight. Visitors can explore the lavish state apartments, admire the beautiful gardens, and even take a horse-drawn carriage ride. The Hofburg Palace, another former imperial residence, is also worth visiting.

For opera lovers, a visit to the Vienna State Opera is a must. This world-renowned opera house has been hosting performances for over 150 years and is known for its impressive architecture and acoustics.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Vienna also has a lively food and drink scene. The city is known for its excellent wines, and there are many wine gardens to discover. The Vienna Woods, where the vineyards open their taps, is a wonderful place to visit, especially at night.

Salzburg: Mozart's birthplace, with a UNESCO-listed Old Town

Salzburg is a must-visit city in Austria, known for its stunning scenery, rich history, and thriving cultural scene. Located amid towering Alps, ski resorts, and alpine valleys, Salzburg offers a magical experience as you wander through its elegant streets.

Mozart's Birthplace and Legacy

Salzburg is renowned as the birthplace of the legendary composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born in 1756 in the Hagenauer Haus on Getreidegasse. The Mozart Birthplace museum, established in 1880, invites visitors to embark on a journey through Mozart's life. Original certificates, letters, memorabilia, and historical instruments offer a glimpse into the life of this musical genius. The annual Mozart Week celebrates Mozart's birthday on January 27th, with concerts and events honouring his legacy.

UNESCO-Listed Old Town

Salzburg's charming Old Town, one of the best-preserved in Austria, boasts magnificent baroque architecture. The UNESCO-listed site is overlooked by the imposing 11th-century Hohensalzburg fortress, adding to the grandeur of the city. The Old Town is a delight for food lovers, with Linzergasse offering a variety of dining options. The Mirabell Palace and Gardens, with their famous walkways, are also must-visit attractions.

Other Attractions

Salzburg's musical heritage extends beyond Mozart. The city hosts the renowned Salzburg Festival, a five-week celebration of music, drama, and opera. The city also boasts a thriving craft beer scene, with centuries-old breweries and modern spots offering unique experiences. For nature lovers, the surrounding mountains provide stunning views and excellent hiking trails.

Salzburg, a city of art and culture, leaves a lasting impression with its combination of historical charm and vibrant artistic community. It is a place where the past meets the present, and the legacy of Mozart continues to inspire and fascinate visitors from around the world.

Graz: Green spaces, fine food, and a blend of old and new

Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a must-visit for anyone seeking a blend of green spaces, fine food, and a mix of old and new. Located in the southern province of Styria, Graz stimulates all the senses with its elegant architecture, fragrant green spaces, vibrant nightlife, and culinary delights.

Green Spaces and Sustainability:

Graz stands out for its commitment to sustainability and abundance of green spaces. You'll find parks, flower gardens, and farmers' markets throughout the city, with the River Mur slicing through its student-heavy centre. The Botanical Gardens, Augarten Park, and Legensteinpark offer refreshing walks, while the surrounding wild, romantic landscapes are perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures.

Old Meets New:

Graz seamlessly blends the old with the new, earning a UNESCO City of Design title. The city's Altstadt (Old Town) boasts pretty streets, free electric trams, and impressive courtyards with a Mediterranean flair. At the same time, daring modern buildings, such as the KunstHaus museum of modern art, showcase Graz's reputation as a city of design. Baroque buildings host both classical concerts and modern jazz and electro music festivals, reflecting the city's dynamic arts scene.

Culinary Delights:

Graz has gained a reputation as Austria's culinary capital, offering superb restaurants and bustling farmers' markets showcasing fresh produce from the surrounding farmland and vineyards. With 300 city farmers, Graz's markets, delis, and restaurants provide a range of regional specialties, from herb-marinated Vulcano ham to organic bread. The city's buzzing bars, laid-back street cafes, and fine-dining establishments cater to all tastes, including traditional Styrian dishes and international cuisine.

Attractions and Landmarks:

Graz has no shortage of attractions to explore. The Uhrturm (Clock Tower) and the world's largest armoury are unique landmarks. The Old Town delights with its cobbled alleys, red rooftops, and Renaissance courtyards. Eggenberg Palace houses excellent art and ancient artefact exhibitions, while also featuring the inventive Planetengarten, a modern astrological garden. The funicular railway up to Schlossberg offers epic views and legends, with the 16th-century clock tower as an iconic symbol.

Graz truly offers a laid-back, cultural, and natural experience, making it a must-visit destination in Austria.

Innsbruck: A winter wonderland, with summer festivals and nature trails

Innsbruck is a picturesque city nestled in the Austrian Alps. With its stunning mountain backdrop, Innsbruck offers a plethora of outdoor activities and natural wonders to explore. The city has something to offer year-round, from winter sports and cosy Christmas markets to summer festivals and hiking trails.

Winter Wonderland

Innsbruck truly comes alive in the winter months. The city's location in the Inn Valley, surrounded by towering Alpine peaks, makes it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are popular activities, with a range of slopes and trails to explore. For a unique winter experience, try snowshoeing in the side valley of Valsertal, where you can walk through untouched snowy landscapes and take in the majestic views of the Tux Alps.

Summer Festivals

Innsbruck is a vibrant cultural hub, hosting a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. Classical concerts, traditional Tyrolean celebrations, and sporting competitions take place against the stunning backdrop of the city's grand architecture. The Innsbruck Freeride Open, a freeride competition, and the magical light park are just a few of the exciting events on offer.

Nature Trails

Innsbruck is a paradise for hikers, with 52 scenic trails to choose from. The Karwendel Nature Park offers popular hikes, such as the route from Hafelekarspitze to Pfeishütte, which provides incredible views. The Höttinger Bild and Rauschbrunnen circular hike is another favourite, offering a unique panoramic view of Innsbruck and the surrounding valleys. For an easy family-friendly option, try the Stangensteig-Trail, a beautiful running route through the Tyrolean Karwendel mountains.

Historic Sites and Student Life

Innsbruck's old town, with its grand Hapsburg palace and impressive cathedral, is a testament to the city's former glory as the seat of Maximilian I's imperial court. The large student population also contributes to the city's lively atmosphere, with a dynamic arts scene and vibrant nightlife.

Linz: A cultural hub with a historic centre and nearby wine region

Linz, Austria's third-largest city, is a cultural hub with a rich history, a vibrant art scene, and a lively atmosphere. Located on the banks of the Danube River, it has been a significant city since Roman times, when it was established as a fort named Lentia. Over the centuries, Linz served as an important trading post and later gained prominence during the Habsburg Empire, with several influential figures choosing to reside in the city.

Today, Linz is known for its blend of exciting architecture, technology, and experimental art. The city boasts several cultural institutions, including the renowned Ars Electronica Center, a museum and research facility that attracts artists and visitors from around the world. The Lentos Art Museum, the Brucknerhaus, and the Landestheater music theatre are also among the city's most important cultural landmarks.

The historic centre of Linz is characterised by its medieval architectural style, with the Main Square being one of the largest converted squares in Europe. The square features the Pestsäule, or "plague column," designed by Antonio Beduzzi in the early 18th century. Surrounding the square are several historically relevant and architecturally interesting houses, such as the Old Town Hall and the Feichtinger House.

Nearby, visitors can explore the Old Quarter, which boasts Renaissance houses and older structures with baroque facades. The Mariä Empfängnis Dom, or New Cathedral, is also located in this area. It is the tallest church in Austria, standing at 134.8 metres, and is constructed entirely of sandstone.

In addition to its cultural and historical offerings, Linz also has a vibrant food scene, with both traditional restaurants and old wine taverns, as well as modern and exotic cuisine. The city's culinary offerings are influenced by 140 nations, and there are several à la carte restaurants and gourmet eateries to choose from.

For those seeking outdoor activities, Linz offers hiking on the Donausteig trail, cycling along the Danube path, and swimming in the nearby lakes. The city also has several parks, including the Donaulände, a popular meeting point for young people, and the Wasserwald, a large park in the south of the city.

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