Discover Austria's Must-See Attractions And Secrets

Austria is a country with a rich history, beautiful places, and unique traditions and activities. It is a popular holiday destination in Europe, attracting almost 4 million tourists annually. The country boasts stunning natural beauty, from the towering Eastern Alps to the magical Northern Bohemian Forest and the banks of the roaring Danube River. Here are some must-see attractions in Austria:

- Vienna – The capital city of Austria, known for its magnificent architecture, vibrant culture, and impressive history. Must-see spots include the Vienna Opera House, the neo-Gothic City Hall, the Ringstraße (Ring Road), and the historic centre of Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

- Salzburg – A cultural hub and birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The city is known for its historic monuments, architecture, and The Sound of Music film locations.

- Schönbrunn Palace – The principal residence of the Habsburg emperors until 1918, featuring 40 lavishly furnished rooms, including the Blue Chinese Salon and the Imperial Silver Collection.

- Eisriesenwelt – The world's largest ice cave, located near Salzburg, offering guided tours and stunning frozen waterfalls and ice formations.

- Hallstatt – A picturesque Alpine village on the banks of Lake Hallstätter, offering year-round activities such as skiing, hiking, boating, and swimming.

- Melk Abbey – A well-known Benedictine monastery with stunning religious architecture, spanning across seven courtyards and housing historical sites like the tombs of the House of Babenberg.

- Grossglockner High Alpine Road – One of the most impressive high mountain roads in Europe, offering breathtaking views of the Austrian Alps.

- Innsbruck – A historic town surrounded by high mountains, known for its Winter Olympics legacy and attractions such as the Golden Roof and the Gothic Hofkirche.

- Admont Abbey Library – The largest monastic library in the world, located in a Benedictine monastery on the Enns River, featuring beautifully decorated ceilings and gold adornments.

Vienna's Opera and Ballet Venues

Vienna is a city with a rich history and cultural diversity, offering a blend of magnificent architecture, outstanding culture, music, and charm. The city is home to several impressive opera and ballet venues, including:

The Vienna State Opera

The Vienna State Opera is considered one of the most important opera houses in the world, producing 50 to 60 operas per year in approximately 200 performances, with a different opera often being produced each day of the week. The structure was built in the 19th century in a Neo-Renaissance style featuring marble staircases and painted ceilings. After being bombed during World War II, it was rebuilt to restore its original style. The Vienna State Opera is the main stage for operetta, opera, musicals, and ballet in Vienna.

Volksoper Vienna, or Vienna People's Opera, is a major opera house and the second regular performance venue of the Vienna State Ballet. Each season includes about 25 productions, totalling approximately 300 performances, encompassing opera, operetta, musicals, and ballet.

Theater an der Wien

Theater an der Wien is a full-time venue for opera and classical music in Vienna. It has seen the premieres of many celebrated works of theatre, opera, and symphonic music.

Vienna Volksoper

The Vienna Volksoper is one of the two most beautiful and largest stages in Vienna and a regular performance venue for the Vienna State Ballet. The Volksoper is also home to opera, operetta, and musical performances.

Magnificent Castles and Palaces

Austria is brimming with centuries-old castles and palaces. Many are perched atop hills, offering panoramic views for miles, while others are nestled in picturesque landscapes surrounded by meadows, fields, and forests. Here are some of the most magnificent castles and palaces in Austria:

• Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna: This opulent palace was the summer residence of the Habsburg Imperial family. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 40 of its 1441 rooms open to the public. Visitors can also explore the palace grounds, which feature the world's oldest zoo.
• Eggenberg Palace, Graz: This Baroque palace is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Graz - Historical Centre". It houses the pre- and early history collections of the Universalmuseum Joanneum.
• Schloss Ambras, Innsbruck: This 16th-century Renaissance castle was a wedding gift from the son of Emperor Ferdinand I to his wife, Philippine Welser. It houses important art collections and one of the most extensive glass collections in the world.
• Kufstein Fortress, Kufstein: This fortress was a wedding gift from Ludwig of Brandenburg to Margarete "Maultasch", the last Duchess of Tyrol. It hosts concerts and other joyous events, but it was also used as a prison for a long time.
• Kreuzenstein Castle, Leobendorf: This medieval castle, located just 30 minutes from Vienna, was demolished in the Middle Ages and rebuilt in the 19th century. It retains most of its medieval architecture.
• Hohenwerfen Castle, Werfen: This impressive medieval rock castle enjoys a spectacular position overlooking the Salzach Valley. It is flanked by the Tennen Mountains and the Berchtesgaden Alps. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, bird of prey demonstrations, and medieval games.
• Aggstein Castle, Lower Austria: This fortified castle is built on a hill, offering a magnificent view of the valley. Now partly in ruins and overgrown with vegetation, it is a romantic destination.
• Hochosterwitz Castle, Carinthia: This fortress, built on top of a 150-metre hill, is visible for 30 kilometres around. It is one of the best castles, palaces, and fortresses in Austria, according to both Austrians and world travellers.
• Schloss Esterházy, Eisenstadt: This magnificent palace in the charming city of Eisenstadt boasts beautifully manicured gardens and houses significant cultural treasures, including priceless artworks and furnishings, privately collected by the Esterházy family.
• Mirabell Palace, Salzburg: Built in the early 17th century by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his mistress, Salome Alt, this palace features beautiful grounds and gardens. It is known for its marble hall, considered one of the most picturesque wedding spots in Salzburg.

Natural Wonders and Wildlife

Austria's natural attractions captivate those who value sustainability and ecological preservation. The country's diverse landscapes, from alpine meadows to crystal-clear lakes, showcase its commitment to protecting natural habitats and promoting biodiversity. Here are some must-see natural wonders and wildlife experiences in Austria:

The Alps and Alpine Roads

The mighty Eastern Alps dominate Austria's landscape and offer thrilling adventures. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, one of the most impressive mountain roads in Europe, winds through rocky terrain and lush pastures. The road connects Bruck in Salzburg with Heiligenblut in Carinthia, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,504 meters. The road is usually open between May and October and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Alpine scenery.

Lakes and Waterfalls

Austria boasts stunning lakes nestled in the Alpine landscapes. The famous Hallstätter Lake, situated in the idyllic village of Hallstatt, is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and swimming. Lake Zell, in the town of Zell am See, is another picturesque lake set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The Krimml Waterfalls, with a total drop of 380 meters, are the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in Austria, located in the High Tauern National Park.

Ice Caves

Eisriesenwelt, located near Werfen, is the world's largest ice cave system, spanning 42 kilometers of narrow passages. Guided tours lead visitors through captivating frozen waterfalls and ice formations, illuminated by candlelight. The cave is accessible via a hike and a cable car ride, offering a unique experience in the heart of the Alps.

Wildlife and Nature Reserves

Austria is home to diverse wildlife and nature reserves. The Donauauen National Park, the last large floodplain landscape in Central Europe, protects endangered species and offers a tranquil escape. The Northern Bohemian Forest, forming a natural border with Germany and the Czech Republic, provides the quintessential Alpine experience with glassy lakes, ski chalets, and hiking trails. The country also boasts six national parks with mountains, forests, and waterfalls, as well as biosphere reserves where nature remains untouched.

Mountain Peaks

Austria presents excellent opportunities for mountain climbing and hiking. The Grossglockner, the country's highest peak at 3,798 meters, features a unique pyramid-shaped summit. Despite its imposing appearance, it is relatively easy to climb, making it accessible to experienced and novice climbers alike. The Kitzbüheler Horn, standing at almost 2,000 meters in the Tyrol Region, offers panoramic views of the scenic valleys below and can be reached by cable car or hiking.

Cultural and Historical Sites

Austria is a country with a rich history and beautiful places to visit. Here are some of the cultural and historical sites to see:

Hofburg Imperial Palace, Vienna

The Hofburg Imperial Palace was the official residence of the Habsburgs until the First World War. The palace was built in stages, with additions such as the stables, the library, and the Spanish Riding School. Visitors can tour several museums on-site and even get a glimpse into the former royal apartments and the glittering Imperial Silver Collection.

Melk Abbey, Lower Austria

Melk Abbey is a Benedictine abbey that dates back to the 11th century. It is one of the most famous abbeys in Austria and is known for its stunning religious architecture. The complex spans 325 meters and features seven different courtyards. The abbey is located on a rocky promontory above the Danube River and houses the tombs of the members of the House of Babenberg, Austria's first ruling dynasty.

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna

Schönbrunn Palace served as the principal residence of the Habsburg emperors from the 1700s until 1918. It played a prominent role in Austrian and European court life. Visitors can take guided tours to see the lavishly furnished rooms, including the Blue Chinese Salon, the Porcelain Room, and the Vieux-Laque Room.

Stephansdom, Vienna

Stephansdom, also known as Steffl (Little Stephan), is a Gothic masterpiece and one of Vienna's most iconic landmarks. The church has a long history, with a structure standing on the site for centuries.

Eisriesenwelt, Werfen

The Eisriesenwelt is the world's largest ice cave, spanning 42 kilometres in the Hochkogel Mountain. Visitors can take a lift down to the cave and follow a guided hike to explore the frozen waterfalls and ice formations.

Admont Abbey Library, Admont

The Admont Abbey Library is located in a Benedictine monastery on the Enns River. Built in the 18th century, it is the largest monastic library in the world. The ceilings and cupolas are decorated with frescoes, and the light reflects off gold details, creating a stunning visual effect.

Austria offers a wealth of cultural and historical sites to explore, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Austrian Food and Drink

Austria is known for its delicious food and drink, from pastries and cakes to cheese and beer. Here is a guide to some of the culinary delights you can expect to find on your trip.

Savoury Dishes

Austria's most famous export is Schnitzel, traditionally made with breaded veal, but now also made with chicken. Another classic is Tafelspitz, a beef dish boiled in broth, often served with apple, horseradish and chives sauce. Then there's the ubiquitous sausage, usually served in a roll with mustard and onions. Vienna sausage is a mix of pork and beef, served on bread or in a bun. Austrian pancakes, or Palatschinken, are similar to French crêpes and can be served with sweet or savoury fillings. Austrian dumplings, or Knödel, come in both sweet and savoury varieties. Try the Kaspressknödel, a traditional cheese dumpling, or the Germknödel, a fluffy yeast dumpling filled with plum jam.

Sweet Treats

Indulge in the famous Sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake invented by Franz Sacher, or the Mozart torte, a chocolate, pistachio and nougat cake. Sample the Esterhazy Torte, a delicate layered cake, or the Linzer Torte, a cake with ground almonds or nuts and redcurrant jam. For something fruity, try the Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) or the Kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy pancake with raisins and fruit compote.

Drinks

Austria is famous for its coffee house culture, which is recognised by UNESCO. Enjoy a long coffee break with a slice of cake, and sample a traditional Mokka or Melange. For something stronger, try a glass of Sturm, semi-fermented grape juice, or schnapps, a fruit brandy that can be made from apricots, rowanberries, gentiana roots, herbs or even flowers. If you prefer wine, try a glass of Zweigelt, one of Austria's most notable red wines, or a crisp white wine from west of Vienna. For beer lovers, there's Märzen, a pale lager, or a Zwicklbier, a naturally cloudy beer.

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