Exploring Austria: The Ultimate Adventure Itinerary

Austria is a captivating country nestled in the heart of Europe, offering a plethora of attractions for visitors to explore. From the majestic Alps to the charming Old Towns, and from the vibrant cities of Vienna and Salzburg to the tranquil lakes, Austria has something for everyone. Here are some of the must-do experiences in Austria: strolling through the historic centre of Vienna, admiring the architectural grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace, exploring the picturesque village of Hallstatt, indulging in the coffeehouse culture of Vienna, hiking through the Hohe Tauern National Park, and savouring the delicious cuisine, including the famous Wiener Schnitzel and Sacher Torte. For adventure seekers, there's skiing at world-class resorts, kayaking on the Danube River, and biking along the Danube Cycle Path. Austria truly offers a diverse range of experiences that will leave visitors with unforgettable memories.

Explore Vienna's palaces and museums

Vienna is known for its rich history, culture, and architecture. The city is home to stunning palaces and museums that were once the residences of European empires and nobles. Many of these palaces are open to the public, providing an opportunity to explore the lavish lifestyles of the Viennese royalty. Here is an overview of some of the must-visit palaces and museums in Vienna:

Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn)

Schönbrunn Palace is a grand Baroque palace surrounded by beautiful gardens, fountains, and sculptures. Built in the 17th century as a summer palace and hunting lodge for the Habsburgs Empire, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Vienna's most popular tourist attractions. The palace offers various ticket options, including the Imperial Ticket, which provides access to the palace's staterooms, gardens, and the Gloriette viewpoint. The Grand Tour includes a visit to the private apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. The palace also has a café, Café Gloriette, which offers stunning views of the palace and was once a favourite spot for the Habsburg family.

Hofburg Palace

Located in the Old Town of Vienna, Hofburg Palace served as the residence of the Habsburgs for 600 years. The palace now houses several museums, including the Sisi Museum, which showcases the life of Empress Elisabeth; the Imperial Apartments, featuring lavish furniture, chandeliers, and art pieces; and the Silver Collection, displaying imperial silverware and dining sets. The palace also includes a chapel and the famous Spanish Riding School, where you can witness the classic equestrian skills of Lipizzan horses.

Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace, built in the 18th century for Prince Eugene of Savoy, comprises the Upper and Lower Belvedere and is known for its well-curated French-style gardens. The Upper Belvedere showcases magnificent art pieces, including works by Gustav Klimt, Peter Paul Rubens, and Diego Velázquez. The Lower Belvedere hosts exhibitions on Austrian art from the medieval period. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens designed in the French Baroque style.

Liechtenstein Palace

Located in the heart of Vienna, Liechtenstein Palace is a Baroque-style palace that once served as the residence of the Liechtenstein family in the 17th century. The palace features a grand hall with a beautifully painted ceiling by Andre Pozzo and a gallery of Baroque masterpieces, including works by Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, and Rembrandt van Rijn. The palace also has a garden with fountains and sculptures and hosts public events such as concerts and exhibitions.

Albertina Palace

Albertina Palace, constructed in the 18th century for the Dukes of Saxony-Teschen, is now home to an impressive art collection. The palace houses masterpieces from renowned artists such as Picasso, Monet, Degas, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt. It offers guided tours in multiple languages and provides a glimpse into the Imperial glamour of the Habsburg Historic Staterooms.

Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is one of the world's foremost museums, showcasing art spanning five millennia. Visitors can admire unique major works by artists such as Dürer, Raphael, Titian, and Velázquez, as well as the largest collection of Bruegel paintings in the world. The museum also includes the Kunstkammer Vienna, featuring the Saliera by Benvenuto Cellini, enhancing the artistic experience.

Visit Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a small town in Austria, nestled in the Alps alongside a lake. It is known for its picturesque beauty and dramatic mountain backdrop, making it one of the most beautiful lakeside towns in the world. Here is a guide on how to make the most of your visit to Hallstatt.

Getting There

Hallstatt is closest to the city of Salzburg, which is about an hour and ten minutes' drive away. It can also be reached from Vienna, which is a three-hour drive away.

If you are travelling by public transport, you can take a train from Salzburg or Vienna to Attnang-Puchheim, and then switch to the train bound for "Bad Ischl and Obertraun". The Hallstatt station is one stop before Obertraun and south of Bad Ischl. From the train station, take the ferry across the lake to reach Hallstatt. This ferry ride offers a glimpse of the town in all its lakeside glory.

What to Do in Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a very small place and can be explored on foot. The old town, with its colourful gingerbread-like houses, is a must-see. There are also two great photo spots in town, one on the north side and the other on the south side, where you can capture the iconic postcard view of Hallstatt.

For a unique experience, take a tour of the centuries-old salt mine, which was once the town's main industry. At the top of the mine, you will find an observation deck offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

If you are feeling adventurous, try out the World Heritage Skywalk, a platform that sits 350 meters above the rooftops of Hallstatt, providing panoramic views of the Dachstein Salzkammergut region.

For nature lovers, there is the option to rent a boat and get out on the water, or go stand-up paddle boarding. You can also visit Dachstein Krippenstein, just a few minutes away, for some alpine scenery, hiking, and spectacular views.

When to Go

Summer is the peak season in Hallstatt, with large crowds and higher prices. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the months of March, April, May, October, and November.

Where to Stay

For a more peaceful experience, it is recommended to spend at least one night in or near Hallstatt. This allows you to explore the town in the early morning or evening when there are fewer tourists. There are various accommodation options available in and around Hallstatt, including cabins, villas, and hotels.

Take a road trip on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a must-do when visiting Austria. This genuine masterpiece in high alpine road building twists and turns for 48km through Hohe Tauern National Park, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Here's everything you need to know to plan your road trip:

When to Go

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is typically open from early May to early November. However, it's important to check the road conditions before you go, as it can be closed due to snow or stormy weather. The road is also often bumper-to-bumper by noon, especially during the peak summer season, so an early start is recommended to beat the crowds.

What to See and Do

The road offers a wealth of exciting experiences and natural wonders. Here are some highlights:

• Views: The road provides countless phenomenal viewing points, including the Edelweiss Spitze, which offers a panoramic view of over 30 three-thousand-metre mountains, including Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak, and the Pasterze Glacier.
• Exhibitions: Along the road, you'll find numerous free exhibitions and experience worlds, such as the exhibition "Sepp Forcher" and various themed hiking paths.
• Nature: The road blends seamlessly into the mountains, with rare plants and animals around every turn. Keep an eye out for the Grossglockner High Alpine Road 'High Five': the ibex, golden eagle, marmot, Apollo butterfly, and the Alpine bumblebee.
• Hiking: The road offers access to numerous starting points for short walks and extended hikes.
• Gastronomy: There are cosy restaurants, alpine inns, and traditional lodges along the road where you can enjoy a meal or spend the night.

Practical Tips

• Tickets: Purchase your day ticket online in advance to enjoy discounts on souvenirs, food, and drinks.
• Driving: Practical tips for safe driving and the latest information about driveability are available to help you plan your trip.
• Snow Clearance: Snow clearance on the road is a special event, with Wallack rotary snow ploughs clearing snow masses from the road each year to ensure it's open for the season.

Experience the views from the top of Hohensalzburg Fortress

Constructed in 1077, the Hohensalzburg Fortress is a large medieval fortress in the city of Salzburg, Austria. It is the biggest fully preserved castle in Central Europe and is perched atop the Festungsberg mountain at an altitude of 506 metres. The fortress is 250 metres long and 150 metres wide, making it one of the largest medieval castles in Europe.

The fortress offers a 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings. Visitors can take in the stunning views from the top of the fortress, including the Baroque historical district of Salzburg, the surrounding mountains, the river running through Salzach, and the world-famous skyline of the city. The views are especially breathtaking in the winter when the city is covered in snow.

There are several ways to reach the fortress. Since 1892, visitors have been able to take the Fortress Funicular, located in the Festungsgasse, to reach the top. Alternatively, visitors can choose to hike up to the fortress. The fortress is open all year round, and visitors can explore the many museums it houses, including the Fortress Museum, the Marionette Museum, the Museum of the Rainer Regiment, and the historic armoury.

In addition to the museums, the fortress also features the Princes' Chambers, consisting of the Princes' Hall, the Golden Chamber, and the Golden Hall. The furnishings in these rooms are original and have remained unchanged since 1501/1502. Another notable feature is the simulation of the night sky, consisting of gold stars on an azure and royal-blue background. The fortress also offers a panorama tour, which leads visitors through the salt magazine, the dungeon, and finally to the viewing platform of the Reckturm tower, where they can enjoy the breathtaking views.

Every Sunday at 11:45 am, the tower brass players perform from the trumpet tower, filling the old town with the sounds of Baroque fanfares and festive processions. The fortress is also a venue for the well-known Salzburger Festungskonzerte (Salzburg Fortress Concerts).

Indulge in Austrian cuisine

Austria is known for its rich and hearty cuisine, with a focus on meat and carb-dense foods like pastries and bread. Here is a guide to indulging in Austrian cuisine:

Viennese Coffeehouse Culture

Coffee is an integral part of Austrian culture, with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. The Viennese coffeehouse is a unique institution, offering a range of coffee styles, from the traditional Mokka to various milk-based coffees and even iced coffee. Spending an afternoon in a coffeehouse, savouring a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, is a quintessential Austrian experience. Some famous coffeehouses to visit include Café Sacher, known for its chocolate cake, Café Central, with its posh atmosphere, and Café Sperl, which exudes a bohemian charm.

Traditional Dishes

Austria has a variety of traditional dishes that showcase the country's culinary heritage. Here are some must-try dishes:

• Wiener Schnitzel: This is the national dish of Austria, consisting of a thin breaded and fried veal cutlet, often served with fried potatoes, sour cream, and onions.
• Tafelspitz: A classic Austrian dish made of beef boiled in a vegetable broth, typically served with minced apples, horseradish, or sour cream with chives.
• Gulasch: A hearty stew similar to Hungarian goulash, often served with rolls, bread, or dumplings.
• Apfelstrudel: A flaky pastry filled with spiced apple, cinnamon, and raisins. It is a beloved Austrian street food and can be found all over the country.
• Käsespätzle: Austria's answer to macaroni and cheese, this dish consists of soft egg noodles smothered in a generous helping of cheese.
• Kaiserschmarrn: Literally meaning "shredded emperor," this dish is made of fluffy shredded pancakes topped with jams, sweet sauces, fruit compotes, or caramelized dry fruits.
• Knödel: Dumplings that can be both sweet and savoury. Sweet knödel are often made with plums, while savoury knödel are served as a side dish or in soups.

Regional Specialities

In addition to the classic dishes mentioned above, each region of Austria has its own unique culinary traditions and specialties. Here are some regional dishes to try:

• Styrian Breaded Chicken Salad: A specialty from the region of Styria, this dish combines breaded chicken with a refreshing salad.
• Carinthian Cheese Noodles: Carinthia is known for its cheese-based dishes, and these noodles are made with savoury mountain cheese.
• Tyrolean Gröstl: A simple yet comforting dish from the Tyrol region, consisting of pan-fried potatoes, chopped beef or pork, butter, and onions, often topped with a fried egg.
• Vorarlberg Mondseer: A semi-hard, pale yellow cheese made from cow's milk, originating from the town of Mondsee in Vorarlberg.
• Burgenlandish Cuisine: Influenced by Hungarian cuisine, Burgenlandish dishes often feature spicy flavours and combinations like crushed potatoes with onions, known as "Greste Krumpian."
• Lower Austrian Delicacies: Lower Austria is known for its regional specialities, such as Waldviertel poppies, Marchfeld asparagus, and Wachau apricots. The "Marillenknödel," dumplings filled with apricots and warm butter-fried breadcrumbs, are a local favourite.

Seasonal Treats

Austria also has a variety of seasonal dishes and treats that showcase the country's fresh produce. In the spring, asparagus is a popular ingredient, with Spargel, a dish made with asparagus, breadcrumbs, and a dollop of butter, being a summer staple. During the autumn, be sure to try the Buchteln, baked buns filled with sweet jams, ground poppy, or sweet curds, and topped with vanilla sauce. And in the winter, warm up with a cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) and indulge in baked treats like Vanillekipferl biscuits and Kokosbusserl (coconut kisses biscuits).

Frequently asked questions