Exploring Austria: Top Attractions And Hidden Gems

Austria is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From stunning palaces and lakeside villages to magnificent cities and the best operas, Austria has something for everyone. Here is a brief overview of some of the top tourist attractions in this enchanting country.

Vienna, the nation's capital, boasts grand palaces, museums, and beautiful architecture, including Baroque castles and gardens. The Historic Centre of Vienna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see. Other notable mentions in Vienna are the Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Belvedere Palaces, and the Hofburg Imperial Palace.

Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is known for its stunning Baroque architecture and musical heritage. The Old Town of Salzburg, or Salzburger Altstadt, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is intertwined with the spirit of Mozart. The Hohensalzburg Fortress, overlooking the city, is one of Europe's best-preserved castles.

Innsbruck, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offers a unique blend of pristine landscapes and a sophisticated urban centre. The medieval town of Innsbruck, or Innsbruck Altstadt, features the famous Golden Roof, constructed for Emperor Maximilian I.

Hallstatt, a scenic lake town, is known for its Alpine houses and the subterranean salt lake at Salzwelten. The Dachstein Caves, one of Europe's most impressive cavern networks, are also nearby.

Austria also boasts stunning natural wonders such as the Krimml Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in the country, and the Eisriesenwelt Cave, the world's largest ice cave.

For winter sports enthusiasts, Austria is a dream come true. With some of Europe's finest skiing, winter is almost as busy as summer in the country's spectacular mountain regions. Kitzbühel, Zell am See, and St. Anton am Arlberg are popular ski resorts.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road offers a breathtaking drive through the Austrian Alps, showcasing the magnificence of the country's natural landscapes.

These are just a few highlights of the many attractions that make Austria one of Europe's top tourist destinations. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, natural wonders, or outdoor adventures, Austria has something for everyone.

Vienna: Imperial and Modern

Vienna is a city that effortlessly combines the past with the present. It is a place where you can waltz through vast, exuberantly gilded palaces like the Hofburg and Schönbrunn, tour Klimt-filled galleries like the Upper Belvedere, stroll down grand baroque streets, and wander past follies and Greek gods in landscaped gardens.

The music of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss reverberates in some of the world's most opulent concert halls, such as the Musikverein and Staatsoper. Even going for a coffee can be a regal affair at chandelier-lit cafés like Café Central, once frequented by 19th-century bigwigs.

However, Vienna is not all about show. Beyond the grand buildings and cultural institutions of the Innere Stadt and the Gothic Stephansdom, you'll find a liveable, loveable capital that moves to its own urban, edgy beat. This is especially true along the banks of the Danube, at the MuseumsQuartier, and at food markets like Naschmarkt, where Vienna embraces the world in street food and spice.

• Schönbrunn Palace – The Cultural World Heritage Site of Schönbrunn Palace is Austria's most frequently visited tourist attraction. The residential and state rooms convey an authentic impression of the imperial lifestyle, while the surrounding park and gardens make Schönbrunn a unique synthesis of Baroque art and a convenient recreational area for locals.
• Historic Centre of Vienna – The historic centre of Vienna is rich in beautiful architecture, including Baroque castles and gardens, as well as the late-19th-century Ringstrasse, lined with grand buildings, monuments, and parks.
• St. Stephen's Cathedral – Austria's most prominent national symbol, this magnificent cathedral is known for its intricately tiled roof and its nearly 500-foot-tall South Tower, which provides amazing views of the city.
• Belvedere Museum – The two Belvedere palaces were built in the early 18th century as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. One of Europe's most stunning Baroque landmarks, this ensemble comprises the Upper and Lower Belvedere and an extensive garden, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Belvedere houses the greatest collection of Austrian art, complemented by works of international artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Max Beckmann.
• The Hofburg – For centuries, the Vienna Hofburg was the centre of the Habsburg Empire. Today, the palace houses three museums that provide insights into the traditions and everyday life of the imperial court: The Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Silver Collection.
• Albertina – Situated in the heart of Vienna's city centre, the Albertina houses one of the world's most important art collections. Founded in 1776, the museum owns masterpieces by Da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Dürer, and Rembrandt. The Batliner Collection "From Monet to Picasso" is a permanent exhibit showcasing the most important works of artists from the age of modernism.
• Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna – Experience one of the world's foremost museums, with works spanning five millennia, from Ancient Egypt to the modern era. The museum features unique major works by Dürer, Raphael, Titian, and Velázquez, as well as the world's largest collection of Bruegel paintings.
• Vienna Opera House – The first-class opera and ballet performances in the renowned Vienna Opera House have a worldwide reputation.

Linz: Austria's Most Forward-Thinking City

Linz is a city of contrasts, where ancient history meets cutting-edge innovation. Located on the banks of the Danube River in Upper Austria, it is the country's third-largest city and has a long and fascinating history. Once a Roman fort called Lentia, it later became an important medieval trading centre and is now a hub of creativity and culture. Here are some of the highlights that make Linz a must-visit destination in Austria.

A Rich Historical Legacy

Linz has a wealth of historical buildings and sites that showcase its long and varied past. The city's main square, dating back to 1230, is one of the largest converted squares in Europe. The square is dominated by the Pestsäule, or Dreifaltigkeitssäule, a towering monument built to commemorate the victims of the plague. Surrounding the square are architectural gems such as the Old Town Hall, the Feichtinger House, and the Kirchmayr House.

Nearby is the Schloss, the former residence of Emperor Friedrich III, where you can find the oldest Austrian church, Sankt/Saint Martins Church, dating from the early medieval Carolingian period. Another notable religious site is the neo-Gothic New Cathedral (Mariä-Empfängnis-Dom), which, at 134.8 metres, is the tallest church in Austria.

Linz also boasts a wealth of museums and galleries, including the Upper Austrian Regional Museum, with its archaeological, cultural, and natural history collections, and the City Museum Nordico, which houses an extensive art, historical, and archaeological collection related to the city.

A Cultural Hub

Linz has a thriving cultural scene and is known for its festivals, art, and music. It was named a European Capital of Culture in 2009 and is home to the Ars Electronica Center, a world-renowned centre for media arts that attracts artists and visitors from around the world. The city also hosts the annual Ars Electronica Festival, which brings together artists, technologists, and society to explore the intersection between art, technology, and society.

Linz is also known for its performing arts scene, with venues such as the Brucknerhaus concert hall, the Landestheater regional theatre, and the Musiktheater, one of the most modern opera houses in Europe. The city is also home to the Johannes Kepler University, named after the mathematician who spent several years teaching in Linz and discovered the laws of planetary motion here.

A City of Innovation

Linz is known for its forward-thinking approach to urban development and has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives. The city is a leader in open data, with the Open Commons Linz initiative making a wide range of data related to city life, government, and tourism freely available to the public. The city also has an extensive network of electric buses, trams, and trolleybuses, making it easy to get around without a car.

Linz is also home to a vibrant startup scene, with many companies focusing on technology and innovation. The city has a strong focus on media arts, with initiatives such as the Valie Export Center, an international research hub for media and performance art, and the Tabakfabrik, a former tobacco factory that has been transformed into a creative hub.

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Adventures

Linz is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Danube River flowing through the city and the Pöstlingberg hill offering panoramic views. The city has several parks, including the Donaulände, a popular meeting spot for locals, and the Botanischer Garten, which attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Linz delivers with hiking trails, cycling routes, and water sports on the river. The Pöstlingbergbahn, a steeply graded tramway, takes visitors up the Pöstlingberg hill, while the Linzer Grottenbahn offers a unique grotto railway experience.

Culinary Delights

Linz offers a diverse culinary scene, influenced by the 140 nations represented in the city. From traditional restaurants and wine taverns to modern and exotic cuisine, there is something to suit every taste. Local specialities include the famous Linzer torte, a sweet pastry with a lattice design, as well as a variety of knödel and strudel. The city also has several à la carte restaurants and gourmet eateries that have been recognised by Gault Millau, a renowned restaurant guide.

Salzburg: Baroque Altstadt and Alpine Peaks

Salzburg is a charming city in Austria, known for its stunning Baroque architecture and picturesque landscapes. The city is nestled in the Austrian Alps, providing a breathtaking backdrop to its historical and cultural attractions. Here is a more detailed guide to Salzburg: Baroque Altstadt and Alpine Peaks.

The Altstadt (Old Town)

The Altstadt of Salzburg, also known as the "Old Town," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the main attractions of the city. It is located on both sides of the Salzach River and is characterised by its well-preserved historical buildings and charming atmosphere. The Altstadt is intertwined with the spirit of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and you can find many references to his life and work throughout the area.

Some of the highlights of the Altstadt include:

• Getreidegasse: This bright-yellow townhouse was the birthplace of Mozart and now houses a museum dedicated to the composer.
• Residenz Palace: A magnificent palace where prince-archbishops once resided, showcasing the grandeur of the past.
• Salzburg Cathedral: With its copper dome and soaring spires, it's an iconic landmark in the city.
• Hohensalzburg Fortress: This 900-year-old fortress sits high on a hill, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Alps.
• Mönchsberg: The wooded cliffs of Mönchsberg provide a peaceful escape and lead to Augustiner Bräustübl, a 400-year-old brewery with a large beer garden.

Alpine Peaks and Nature

Salzburg is surrounded by majestic Alpine peaks that offer a stunning backdrop to the city and provide opportunities for outdoor activities. Some of the notable Alpine attractions near Salzburg include:

• Untersberg: This mountain, located on the border with Bavaria, can be reached by cable car and offers breathtaking views of the city and the Alps.
• Hiking Trails: The area around Salzburg is ideal for hiking, with well-marked trails leading into the mountains and offering panoramic views.
• Lake District: The Salzkammergut region, south of Salzburg, is known for its picturesque lakes, including the famous Hallstatt Lake.
• Grossglockner High Alpine Road: This scenic road takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including waterfalls, lakes, and glaciers.
• National Parks: Salzburg is close to several national parks, such as Hohe Tauern National Park, offering pristine wilderness and wildlife-spotting opportunities.

Cultural Experiences

Salzburg has a thriving cultural scene, with a year-round programme of concerts and festivals. Here are some cultural experiences to enjoy:

• Summer Festival: Held in July and August, this world-renowned festival celebrates classical music and the arts.
• Haus für Mozart: This concert hall is a must-visit for classical music enthusiasts, hosting performances throughout the year.
• Mirabell Palace and Gardens: This beautiful palace has stunning gardens and is often a venue for concerts and cultural events.
• Festung Hohensalzburg: The fortress itself is not just an architectural marvel but also a cultural hub, hosting various events and exhibitions.
• Sound of Music Tours: Being the filming location of the iconic movie, Salzburg offers numerous tours that take you to the film locations and bring the movie to life.

Graz and the Styrian Wine Roads

Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a relatively unsung destination. However, it has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status for its Mediterranean-like Old Town and is also a UNESCO City of Design. Graz has plenty to offer to its visitors, from the Styrian Armoury, the world's largest armoury, to the Uhrturm (Clock Tower), which tells the story of the city's survival during the French invasion.

Graz is also a great starting point for exploring the surrounding Styrian Wine Roads. South Styria, located about a two-hour drive southwest of Vienna and less than an hour from Graz, is a gorgeous region with green rolling hills, vineyards, picturesque villages, wine taverns, and lovely, family-owned hotels and inns. The South Styrian Wine Road, located near Graz, runs from Ehrenhausen to Leutschach, passing through countless vineyards and quaint villages. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting at various taverns and wineries along the route, such as Kögl and Erika's. The region also offers stunning landscapes, ideal for hiking and exploring.

The South Styrian Wine Road can be easily accessed from Graz by car or train. It is a perfect weekend getaway, offering a combination of natural beauty, wine culture, and local cuisine.

Bregenzerwald: Peaceful and Rural

The Bregenzerwald region in Vorarlberg is a peaceful and rural area, with narrow valleys carving up mighty peaks and forests. The region is a delightful mix of Alpine heights and the wavy hills and lush dairy country of the Bregenzerwald.

The Bregenzerwald is the perfect place to spend a few days, whether hiking, cycling or cross-country skiing. Roads here unzip through cow-nibbled pastures, passing limestone peaks and one ludicrously pretty timber chalet-lined village after the next. The dream is Schwarzenberg, where you can visit the Angelika Kauffmann Museum before lunch in the wood-panelled parlour at Gasthof Hirschen.

The KäseStrasse (cheese road) is a must-visit for cheese lovers. This road twists through the valley and lush mountain meadow, linking up cheese-makers, farm shops and Schoppernau’s show dairy.

The preservation of these habitats in Austria is forward-thinking, benefiting animals, plants and the climate, and serving as precious natural attractions for people.

Frequently asked questions