Exploring Austria: Must-See Attractions And More

Austria is a small country, but it offers a lot to see and do. From stunning cities full of culture to crystal-clear lakes and epic mountain slopes, here are some of the must-see attractions in Austria.

Vienna

Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is a grand city with traditional architecture and sophisticated coffeehouses. The city is home to many elegant royal residences, such as Schönbrunn Palace, the Belvedere, and Vienna City Hall. It also boasts museums such as the Albertina art museum and the Museum of Art History.

Salzburg

Famous for its connection to The Sound of Music, Salzburg is easily one of the best things to see in Austria. The city is also the birthplace of renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A large statue of the composer stands in Mozartplatz.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a city in the west of Austria, surrounded by the Alps. The city combines winter sports with distinguished imperial architecture, such as the elaborate Golden Roof and the Gothic Hofkirche.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a fairy-tale village in the Salzkammergut region, adored for its enchanting scenery. The village has swans swimming around a pristine lake and quaint Alpine houses. It is also home to the oldest salt mine in the world and the Hallstatt Skywalk, which offers incredible views of the Hallstätter See and the nearby Dachstein Mountains.

Graz

Graz is the second-largest city in Austria and boasts one of the best-preserved historic centres in Central Europe. The city has a lively and youthful feel and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road

If you're after a scenic drive, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of the must-sees in Austria. The road offers incredible views of the country's tallest peak, Grossglockner, and is surrounded by incredible Alpine scenery.

Zell am See

With its lovely lakeside scenery and ski slopes, Zell am See is a popular year-round destination and one of the best towns in Austria for outdoor activities.

Bad Gastein

Bad Gastein is a picturesque spa town located in the heart of Austria's High Tauern Mountains. The town is known for its spectacular landscape, charming Belle Époque architecture, and impressive Bad Gasteiner Waterfall.

Wolfgangsee

Wolfgangsee, or Lake Wolfgang, is a serene lake in the Salzkammergut region near Salzburg. The lake is surrounded by mountains and nearby towns, such as St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang im Salzkammergut.

Wachau Danube Valley

The Wachau Valley is a scenic stretch of dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and picturesque vineyards along the Danube River. The valley is home to historic sites such as Schönbühel Castle and the ruins of Aggstein Castle.

Hoher Dachstein

Hoher Dachstein is a mountain on the border of Upper Austria and Styria. At 2,700 meters, it's the highest mountain in either state and is home to several glaciers. The mountain offers a variety of ways to enjoy the views, including the Dachstein Suspension Bridge and the glass-bottomed Stairway to Nothingness.

Vienna – Walk down the glorious past

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is steeped in culture and grandeur. The city is renowned for its glorious past, having been home to influential musicians, philosophers, and scientists. Here is a guide to walking through Vienna, exploring its glorious past:

The Ringstrasse Boulevard

Walking down the Ringstrasse Boulevard is a great way to immerse yourself in Vienna's beauty and history. This grand boulevard is lined with majestic buildings and parks, offering a glimpse into the city's imperial past.

Hofburg Imperial Palace

The Hofburg Imperial Palace is a must-visit attraction in Vienna. For centuries, it served as the seat of the Habsburg monarchy, and its architecture showcases various styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Classicism. The complex includes beautiful squares, gardens, courtyards, and rooms filled with art and historical artefacts.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

St. Stephen's Cathedral, or Stephansdom, is an iconic landmark in Vienna's old city centre. This Gothic cathedral boasts a 137-metre-high South Tower, intricate tiling, and stunning views from its Watch Room. The cathedral has a rich history, with its origins dating back to the 12th century.

Kärntnerstrasse

Kärntnerstrasse is Vienna's prime shopping promenade, located in the heart of the city. It is part of a large pedestrian area filled with history and beautiful architecture. Along Kärntnerstrasse, you will find hidden alleyways, lovely cafés, and unique shops, including the glassware manufacturer Lobmeyr, a former Imperial Supplier to the Court.

Franziskanerplatz

As you wander through Kärntnerstrasse, make your way to Franziskanerplatz, one of Vienna's loveliest squares. This tranquil square is home to the Hieronymous Church and the adjacent Franciscan monastery. It is the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, and indulge in people-watching, a favourite pastime of the Viennese.

Vienna State Opera

The Vienna State Opera, or Wiener Staatsoper, is a prominent landmark and a major transport hub. Three tram lines, four bus lines, and three underground lines converge here. The opera house itself is a magnificent structure, and its surrounding area offers a variety of culinary delights, including traditional sausage stands and elegant cafés.

Albertina

Located near the opera house, the Albertina is a superbly renovated imperial palace and museum. It houses an impressive art collection, including masterpieces by Da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo. The Habsburg Historic Staterooms of the Albertina showcase imperial glamour.

Schönbrunn Palace

A visit to Schönbrunn Palace is a must for anyone interested in architecture and history. This Baroque palace, once a summer residence for Empress Maria Theresa, boasts 1,441 rooms and 500 acres of parks and gardens. The palace complex includes formal gardens, a labyrinth, a palm house, an Alpine garden, and Europe's oldest zoo.

Belvedere Palace

Another spectacular palace in Vienna is the Belvedere, consisting of the Upper and Lower Palaces. The Upper Palace is particularly noteworthy for its impressive art collection and well-preserved architecture. The Lower Palace also features stunning architectural details, such as the Marble Gallery and the Grotesque Hall.

Vienna Woods

For a break from the city, head to Vienna Woods, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located just outside Vienna. This natural haven is home to diverse flora and fauna and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Salzburg – A date with Mozart

Salzburg is a charming city surrounded by rolling green meadows and majestic historical buildings. It is the birthplace of the genius composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and the place where the iconic movie, The Sound of Music, was shot.

The Old Town Aldsten, with its stunning Baroque buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hohensalzburg Fortress is a must-see, boasting of being Europe's last preserved castle.

The Mozart Birthplace museum in the Hagenauer Haus is one of the most visited museums in Austria. It was the residence of the Mozart family for 26 years. The museum invites you to take a tour through original rooms and a middle-class apartment reconstructed as authentically as possible. Original certificates, letters, and memorabilia document Mozart's life in Salzburg. A collection of portraits, mostly done during Mozart's lifetime, allows you to experience this musical genius face-to-face. A particular joy for Mozart fans: the historical instruments, including Mozart's own violin and clavichord.

The Mozart Residence on Makartplatz, where the Mozart family moved to in 1773, is also now a museum.

The Salzburger Festspiele, a grand extravaganza of culture, music, and the arts, is an experience to remember.

The themed walk, City Walk: Mozart, takes you to the most important sites of Mozart's life and legacy. Start exploring at the house in the Getreidegasse where Mozart was born. The path then leads you to the other side of the river, where you will find the main building of the Mozarteum Foundation as well as the last resting place of his father Leopold and his widow Constanze Mozart in the cemetery of St. Sebastian. Then you walk on to the Mozart Monument, which has had its place on the Mozartplatz since 1842. As a seven-year-old, Mozart gave his first Salzburg court concert in the state rooms of the Residenz, and as a musician at the prince archbishop's court, he also composed for these rooms. On a detour to the unique St. Peter's Cemetery, you can visit the grave of Mozart's sister Nannerl – on the way there you can go into the Cathedral and see the original baptismal font.

An absolute must for Mozart fans during any Salzburg visit is, of course, going to a concert. Several concert series and festivals, such as Mozart Week, keep the musical legacy of Mozart vibrantly alive in the city of his birth. For a particularly delectable musical treat, we suggest a “Mozart Dinner Concert” accompanied by an excellent meal at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium.

Innsbruck – The picture-postcard town

The idyllic alpine town of Innsbruck, surrounded by high mountains, has plenty of options to make your stay worthwhile. You could enjoy a leisurely walk through the Old Town and marvel at the glittering Goldenes Dachl, adorned with more than 2,500 shiny tiles, or get a peek into the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, one of the finest museums for regional heritage in Europe.

A destination for all seasons and one of the most magical places to visit in Austria in winter, Innsbruck has world-renowned ski resorts which can be enjoyed in the winter months. Adventure enthusiasts can go hiking up the gorgeous meadows, bungee jumping at Europa Bridge, take the thrilling funicular ride up the Nordkette mountain range, and even check out the Innsbruck nightlife.

Innsbruck has plenty of accommodation and transport options, making it a convenient place to visit. The best way to reach Innsbruck from Vienna is via train, which takes about 4-5 hours.

Places to Visit in Innsbruck

• Goldenes Dachl: Perhaps the best-known attraction in Innsbruck, this relic from the city's rich Habsburg past is located in the heart of Innsbruck Old Town (Altstadt). It adorns a Late Gothic oriel window of a former palace, the Neuer Hof, which was used by royalty.
• Hofburg: The Emperor Maximilian I, who reigned in the late 1400s and early 1500s, made Innsbruck the main residence and the seat of the Habsburg government. His palace, the Hofburg, was remodelled by Empress Maria Theresa in 18th-century Baroque and Rococo styles.
• Hofkirche: The highlight of the Hofkirche, or Court Church, is the spectacular Tomb of Emperor Maximilian I, widely considered the finest work of German Renaissance sculpture.
• Triumphal Arch

Best Time to Visit Innsbruck

December to April is the best time to visit Innsbruck if you're interested in winter sports or want to experience the town's magical Christmas atmosphere. If you're looking for warmer weather, June to August is a great time to visit, with mild temperatures perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. However, this is also the busiest time for tourism, so expect higher prices and crowds. For fewer crowds and milder temperatures, consider visiting in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October).

Hallstatt – Scenic lake views

Hallstatt is a small town in the state of Upper Austria, known as the land of "white gold" due to the thick layers of rock salt in its mountains. It is situated in the Salzkammergut region, which usually has a cold climate. The town is famous for its 16th-century Alpine houses and alleyways, and its ancient salt-mining culture.

Hallstatt offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains, and is a great place for nature lovers and those seeking peace. The town has a swimming lake with a beach, and offers activities such as beach volleyball, boating, and waterslides.

• Salt Mines (The Salzwelten): Take the Salt Mine Funicular lift from the visitor centre up to the Salt Mountain, or hike for an hour to reach the site. The Salt Mines are closed during winters.
• Dachstein Mountain: Take a cable car ride up to Dachstein Mountain to enjoy panoramic views of the valley and lake. Visit the Ice Caves to see frozen waterfalls, even in summertime.
• The Bone House (The Beinhaus): Located in the lower level of Saint Michael’s Chapel, this unique site houses human skulls with artwork on them. It has been a part of the town's Catholic Church since the 12th century.
• Market Square (Marktplatz): This square is located in the heart of the Old Town Hallstatt, with colourful buildings, cafes, and shops. The Holy Trinity fountain sits at its centre.
• Five Fingers Lookout Point: Take bus 543 or a cable car to the Dachstein Visitor Centre, and then hike to the Five Fingers metal structure jutting out of the mountain. Enjoy spectacular views of the Alps and the surrounding nature.
• Hallstatt Museum (Welterbemusseum Hallstatt): Discover artefacts from the salt mines and cemeteries of the Iron Age, offering insight into Hallstatt's culture.
• Salt Mine Funicular Lift: Take the funicular lift from the visitor centre up to the Salt Mountain, or hike for an hour to reach the site.
• Skiing: Enjoy skiing and snowboarding on one of the state's highest peaks.

There are also plenty of dining options in Hallstatt, such as the patisserie Maislinger, the Steegwirt Restaurant, and the Braugasthof Lobisser.

How to Get to Hallstatt

To get to Hallstatt from Salzburg, you can drive via road 158, or take bus 150 and a train to Hallstatt railway station, followed by a ferry across the lake.

Wachau – Best wines and a dose of history

Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Lower Austria, between Melk and Krems. The valley is known for its terraced vineyards and historic villages, adorned with castles and churches. The region is famous for its full-bodied, pepper-tinged Grüner Veltliner and rich, steely Riesling wines.

The Wachau wine region is small, with 124 vineyards and 650 growers cultivating 3340 acres of land. The valley is characterised by its steep slopes, with vineyards located on hillsides above the Danube. The most flavourful Wachau wines come from vineyards on sun-drenched, south-facing terraces. The unique combination of soil, climate and winemaking skill is recognised with the protected designation of origin Wachau DAC.

The best vineyards in the region produce some of the world's finest white wines, with decades of ageing potential. The climate is dynamic, with two powerful climate zones – the western Atlantic and the eastern Pannonian – becoming tightly interwoven. The hot, dry summers and severe winters are balanced out by the expansive of the Danube’s waters. Cool winds from the Waldviertel in the north bring about sizeable temperature fluctuations between day and night, especially in the months leading up to the harvest. The contrast between the cooler Spitzer Graben valley in the west and the warmer Loibenberg in the east gives the grapes their multi-faceted aromatics.

The Wachau Valley is also a great place to explore historic villages, such as Spitz, Weißenkirchen, Joching, Dürnstein and Loiben. Melk Abbey, a spectacular monastic site, is also located in the Wachau Valley.

Frequently asked questions