Austrian Adventure: Cities To Explore And Discover

Austria is a country full of beautiful natural landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lakes and broad rivers. Its cities offer a mix of old and new, with lively bars and restaurants alongside ancient buildings. Here are some of the best cities to visit in Austria.

Vienna: Ornate Baroque architecture, classical concerts, and world-class food

Vienna, Austria's capital, is a city of grand imperial palaces, secessionist architecture, and hidden wine gardens. The city boasts a plethora of museums, a rich musical heritage, and a thriving food scene.

Ornate Baroque Architecture

Vienna is known for its Baroque architecture, which can be seen in many of the city's historical buildings, particularly palaces and churches. This style, originating in the 17th and early 18th centuries, is characterised by highly decorative elements, such as frescoes, sculptures, and gilded objects. Notable examples of Baroque architecture in Vienna include:

• The State Hall of the National Library: A richly decorated and impressive hall that is sure to leave visitors in awe.
• Belvedere: A stunning example of non-ecclesiastical Baroque architecture, featuring both Upper and Lower palaces from the late Baroque period.
• Schönbrunn Palace: The late Baroque/Rococo summer residence of the Habsburgs, now a World Heritage Site.
• Palais Kinsky: A Baroque townhouse on Vienna's Am Hof square, known for its heavily decorated entrance portal.
• Peterskirche: A late Baroque church with an extraordinary interior, including classic Baroque elements such as light effects and illusionist paintings.

Classical Concerts

Vienna is synonymous with classical music, and the city offers a multitude of venues and orchestras to delight visitors. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the Vienna Mozart Orchestra, and the Vienna Residence Orchestra are just a few of the renowned musical ensembles that call the city home. The city's beautiful concert halls, such as the Golden Hall in Musikverein and the Vienna State Opera, provide the perfect setting for unforgettable musical experiences.

World-Class Food

Vienna offers a variety of culinary delights, from traditional cooking classes to innovative gastronomic experiences. Visitors can indulge in chocolate workshops at the Chocolate Museum, learn to make the perfect Wiener Schnitzel, or discover the traditional craft of original Viennese wafers. The city also boasts a thriving wine culture, with wine tours and tastings available, as well as beer tastings and guided tours to explore the local brewing heritage.

Salzburg: Medieval buildings, Mozart history, and filming location for 'The Sound of Music'

Salzburg is one of Austria's most striking cities, with a UNESCO-listed Old Town overlooked by an 11th-century fortress. The city is renowned for its elegant Baroque architecture, quaint cobblestone alleys, and bustling market squares. The historic core is one of the best-preserved in Austria, with medieval buildings and the baroque architecture of the Old Town.

Salzburg is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The house where the composer was born in 1756 is one of the city's most popular museums. Mozartplatz, located in the centre of the Old Town, features a statue of Mozart by Ludwig Schwanthaler, erected in 1842 on the 50th anniversary of his death. The square is surrounded by significant buildings, including the Neue Residenz, home to the Salzburg Museum, and the house where Mozart's widow, Constanze Mozart-Nissen, lived.

Salzburg also boasts a thriving musical community, with a packed calendar of concerts and events, including the five-week Salzburg Festival, featuring music, drama, and opera. The city is steeped in musical history, with venues such as the Felsenreitschule concert hall and the Salzburg Cathedral, where both Mozart and Haydn composed masses.

In addition to its musical heritage, Salzburg is known for its appearance in the iconic 1965 film adaptation of the musical 'The Sound of Music'. The film was shot on location in and around Salzburg, with many of the filming locations accessible to the public. These include the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, where the "Do-Re-Mi" scene was filmed, and the Felsenreitschule, a concert venue built into the Mönchsberg mountain where the von Trapp family performed before fleeing to Switzerland. Other locations include the village of Werfen, where Maria and the von Trapps had a picnic, and St. Michael's Church in Mondsee, where the wedding scene was filmed.

Graz: Medieval old town, modern art museum, and six universities

Graz, the capital of Styria, is often overlooked by tourists who tend to spend their time in Vienna and Salzburg. However, Graz is a picturesque city with a medieval central square and narrow streets in its UNESCO-listed old town.

Graz has a unique blend of tradition and modernity reflected in its art and architecture. The Kunsthaus Graz art museum, locally referred to as "the friendly alien", is an example of this. The museum, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, is a distinctive piece of modern architecture resembling a giant, blue-panelled sea cucumber. It sits across the river from the historic old town and hosts a diverse programme of contemporary art exhibitions.

Graz is also known as Austria's culinary capital, with superb restaurants and bustling farmers' markets offering fresh produce from the surrounding farmland and vineyards. The local farmers' market at Kaiser-Josef-Platz is a must-visit, where you can find local delicacies such as bacon, smoked sausages, apples, runner beans, and the Graz specialty, pumpkin seed oil.

Graz has six universities, so it is full of young people and a vibrant atmosphere. For stunning views over the city, you can take the funicular up to Schlossberg. The Armoury of Graz, built in the 17th century, is also well worth a visit.

Innsbruck: Surrounded by Alpine peaks, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and Ambras Castle

Austria is home to some of the world's most beautiful natural landscapes, from sprawling snow-capped mountains to Alpine lakes and broad, sweeping rivers. The country's cities offer something for every type of traveller, from world-class museums to rich musical heritage, innovative gastronomy, and unique artistic creations.

Innsbruck is one such city, surrounded by Alpine peaks, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and Ambras Castle.

Ambras Castle

Ambras Castle is a Renaissance castle and palace located in the hills above Innsbruck. It is considered one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tyrol and is one of the oldest museums in the world. The castle was built in the 16th century by Archduke Ferdinand II, who was one of history's most prominent collectors of art. The castle served as his family's residence from 1567 to 1595 and houses his extensive collections of weapons, armour, portraits, natural objects, and rarities.

The castle features the famous Spanish Hall, a notable example of German Renaissance architecture, with intricate wood-inlay ceilings and walls adorned with portraits of the rulers of Tyrol. The Upper Castle contains the Habsburg Portrait Gallery, showcasing paintings of members of the House of Austria and other European dynasties.

Innsbruck's Architecture and Attractions

Innsbruck's old town, Altstadt von Innsbruck, boasts picturesque medieval architecture and scenic river walks. The city is also known for its Gothic and Baroque architecture, with charming cafes, shops, and the iconic Golden Roof, a historical landmark with a museum delving into imperial history.

Innsbruck offers a range of attractions, including the Imperial Palace, with its magnificent state rooms, halls, and salons; the Alpine Zoo, home to 2,000 animals from the Alps; and the Court Church, housing the tomb of Emperor Maximilian and 28 life-size bronze statues.

Innsbruck truly showcases a unique blend of stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural offerings.

Bregenz: Medieval walls, a lively market, and stunning views

Austria is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lakes and sweeping rivers. The country's cities offer something for every type of traveller, from world-class museums to rich musical heritage, innovative gastronomy, and unique artistic creations.

One such city is Bregenz, a hidden gem nestled on the shores of Lake Constance. Bregenz has a rich history, dating back to Roman times, and was an important trading hub in medieval Europe. The city boasts medieval walls, a lively market, stunning views, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Medieval Walls and Architecture

The upper town of Bregenz, known as Oberstadt, is steeped in history and features well-preserved medieval architecture. Wander through its winding, cobblestone streets and take in the charming shops and colourful facades. The medieval walls and ancient tower, Martinsturm, offer panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

A Lively Market

Bregenz is known for its lively markets, including a weekly farmers' market and a Christmas market. Kornmarktplatz, a bustling square, is a great place to socialise and shop for fresh produce. Here, you can sample regional specialties and engage with friendly vendors who are passionate about their local produce.

Stunning Views

Bregenz offers breathtaking vistas at every turn. Take a cable car up Pfänder Mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Constance and the snow-capped Alpine peaks. For a more relaxed experience, stroll along the Seepromenade promenade by the lake or explore the Stadtgarten, a peaceful park with manicured lawns and vibrant flower beds.

Cultural Attractions

Bregenz also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with world-renowned festivals, museums, and art galleries. The city hosts the Bregenz Festival, a renowned event featuring opera performances on a floating stage in Lake Constance. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Kunsthaus Bregenz, a contemporary art museum designed by renowned architect Peter Zumthor.

Bregenz, with its medieval walls, lively markets, stunning views, and cultural attractions, is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of history and modern flair.

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