Exploring Austria: Favorite Activities And Pastimes Of Austrians

Austria is a country that offers music, history, cakes, and stunning nature. It is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic cities of Salzburg and Vienna. The country offers a wide range of activities for visitors, from exploring its beautiful architecture, attending classical music concerts, visiting museums, and enjoying the outdoors.

Some of the top attractions in Austria include the Schönbrunn Palace, the Historic Centre of Vienna, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Belvedere palaces, the Tiergarten Schoenbrunn Zoo, and the Salzburger Altstadt.

Austria is also known for its wine and food culture, with traditional dishes such as Wiener schnitzel and Sachertorte. The country has a robust winemaking region, and visiting a Heuriger or Buschenschank, traditional wine taverns, is a unique experience.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Austria is a great destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and exploring lakes and mountains. The country is surrounded by the Alps, offering numerous ski resorts and breathtaking panoramic views.

With its diverse attractions, rich history, and natural beauty, Austria is a captivating destination that has something for everyone.

Explore the Austrian Alps and other natural wonders

Austria is a country of breathtaking natural landscapes, from towering mountains to lush nature reserves and crystal-clear lakes. Here are some places to explore and activities to try during your visit:

The Austrian Alps

Austria is famous for its Alps, which cover around 29% of the country and offer a range of outdoor activities. Hiking is a popular choice, with countless trails to choose from, including the challenging Stubai High Trail, which offers unbeatable views of the Stubai Valley mountain range. Other activities include mountain biking, climbing, and skiing. The Alps are also home to charming villages and towns, such as Innsbruck, which offer a unique blend of culture and nature.

Lakes

Austria is known for its stunning lakes, which provide the perfect setting for a range of activities. Lake swimming is a popular pastime, with many lakes offering crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings. Lake Weissensee, for example, is widely acknowledged as the purest swimming lake in the Alps and is said to have therapeutic qualities. Other notable lakes include Lake Altaussee, Lake Zell, and Lake Grundlsee, all known for their pristine waters and stunning scenery.

Waterfalls

Austria is home to several impressive waterfalls, including the Krimml Waterfalls in Hohe Tauern National Park, which are among the highest in the country. Another notable waterfall is the Zillertal Waterfall, accessible via a scenic hike through the Stilluptal Valley.

National Parks

Hohe Tauern National Park, established in 1981, is one of the newest and largest national parks in Europe. It covers an area of 1,800 square kilometres and boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as mountains, glaciers, and lakes. Another notable park is the Karwendel range, which borders Bavaria and Germany and offers glorious hiking trails in the summer and skiing tours in the winter.

Other Natural Wonders

In addition to its Alps, lakes, and waterfalls, Austria boasts other natural wonders such as the Eisriesenwelt ice cave, the largest in the world, and the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich architectural and agricultural history. The Danube River, which flows through the country, is also a popular attraction, offering river cruises and picturesque towns such as Linz along its banks.

Visit museums and historical sites

Austria is a great place to visit for history buffs. The country is home to many museums and historical sites, including:

The Hofburg Palace, Vienna

The largest palace in the city and the residence of most Austrian royalty, including the Habsburg dynasty, who lived there for over 600 years. The Hofburg is a fascinating place for tourists interested in history and architecture.

St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna

Also known as Stephansdom, St. Stephen's Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral and the seat of the Archbishop of the Austrian Archdiocese of Vienna. It is a symbol of Austrian history and identity.

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna

The Cultural World Heritage Site of Schönbrunn Palace is Austria's most frequently visited tourist attraction. The palace's residential and state rooms feature original furnishings and decorations, conveying an authentic impression of the imperial lifestyle. The surrounding park and gardens make Schönbrunn a unique synthesis of Baroque art and a convenient and popular recreational area for Vienna's population.

Belvedere Palace Museum, Vienna

The Belvedere Palace Museum is part of the Belvedere palace complex, designed by Lukas von Hildebrandt in late Baroque style. The Upper Belvedere houses the greatest collection of Austrian art, complemented by the work of international artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Max Beckmann.

Mozarts Wohnhaus, Salzburg

Mozarts Wohnhaus is a museum dedicated to the life and works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his family. The Mozart family resided in this house from 1773 to 1780. Visitors can explore the history of Mozart and gain insight into his life during the 18th century.

DomQuartier Salzburg

The DomQuartier Salzburg is a museum complex offering a unique blend of architectural structures and secular and sacred art collections centred around the Salzburg Cathedral and Cathedral Square. The establishment of the DomQuartier has opened up several previously inaccessible areas to the public.

Hellbrunn Palace, Salzburg

Hellbrunn Palace is an early Baroque villa of palatial size, built between 1613 and 1619. The palace was named after the 'clear spring' that supplied it.

Klosterneuburg Monastery, Vienna

The Klosterneuburg Monastery, located northwest of Vienna, belongs to the congregation of the Austrian Augustinian Canons Regular. The complex has a rich history, dating back to its foundation by the Austrian Margrave Leopold III and his wife Agnes of Waiblingen in the early 12th century.

Ambras Castle, Innsbruck

Perched high in the hills above Innsbruck, Ambras Castle has a rich and interesting history. The castle was owned by the Habsburg Dynasty and later converted into a Renaissance-style building by Archduke Ferdinand II to display his world-famous collection of art, books, and 15th-century armoury. The castle is now a museum, housing the Habsburg Portrait Gallery, with over 200 paintings of historical and artistic value.

Mozart's Birthplace, Salzburg

Mozart's Birthplace is located in the heart of Salzburg and is one of the most visited museums in Austria. Mozart was born in this building on January 27, 1756, and spent his childhood and youth in the apartment on the third floor. Visitors can take an hour-long tour through the original rooms, discovering furniture from the 18th century, certificates, letters, portraits, and historical instruments, including Mozart's own violin and clavichord.

Experience the food and drink

Austria is a land of culinary delights, with a wide variety of dishes, drinks, and experiences to offer. Here are some ways to experience the food and drink of Austria:

Indulge in Traditional Austrian Food

Austria has a rich culinary heritage, with dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Tiroler Gröstl, and Tafelspitz. Wiener Schnitzel, a flattened, breaded veal cutlet served with potato salad, is a signature dish in Vienna. Tafelspitz, Emperor Franz Joseph's favourite, is boiled beef served with roasted potatoes, vegetables, and horseradish sauce. Other traditional dishes include Erdäpfelsalat, a classic Austrian potato salad, and Speckknödel, hearty dumplings from Tyrol packed with bacon. Don't forget to try the legendary Käsekrainer, a sausage filled with cheese cubes, at a Würstelstand (sausage stand).

Explore Austria's Wine Culture

Austria has a thriving wine culture, with Heuriger (wine taverns) and vineyards across the country. Head to Lower Austria's Weinviertel, where 14,000 winemakers produce a third of the country's wine, or to the stone-terraced vineyards by the Danube in the Wachau Valley. The old town of Rust in Neusiedler See, Burgenland, is also a tavern-packed haven for wine tastings. Vienna itself has 700 hectares of vineyards, making it the only European capital to grow wine within its city limits. Grinzing, in the 19th district, is the place to start your wine exploration.

Sample Regional Specialities

Austria is known for its regional specialities, such as Lower Austria's prized Waldviertel Mohn (poppy seeds) and seasonal Wachau apricots, used in sweet treats like Marillenknödel (apricot dumplings). Styria's apples produce renowned cider, but the region's liquid "green gold" is pumpkin seed oil, generously poured over dishes like Backhendlsalat (fried chicken with potato salad). Freshwater fish, such as pike perch from Neusiedler See, are sourced from the glazed lake regions. Carinthia's Kärntner Lax'n (lake trout) is another delicacy.

Discover Austria's Coffee Culture

Vienna's love for coffee is legendary, with its coffee houses recognised on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Waiters in formal attire serve Wiener Küche (Viennese cuisine), coffee, and pastries in plush surroundings. Some notable coffee houses include Café Prückel, Café Landtmann (Freud's favourite), and Café Central, the elite meeting place of poets, philosophers, and revolutionaries. For your first bite of the famous Sacher Torte (glazed chocolate cake with apricot jam), head to the red-velvet-upholstered Café Sacher.

Dine in Michelin-Starred Restaurants

Austria also boasts 16 Michelin-starred restaurants, 15 of which are in Vienna and Salzburg. Steirereck Meierei in Vienna is a fine-dining and cheese restaurant in the Stadtpark, while Tian in Salzburg is a gourmet vegetarian restaurant known for its rare ingredients and experimental cooking.

Partake in winter sports

Austria is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, offering a high density of ski resorts, second only to Switzerland in Europe. The ski season typically lasts from early December to late March, with the best conditions for skiing in mid-January and the least crowded times being early December, mid-January, and late March. Here are some tips and suggestions for partaking in winter sports in Austria:

Choosing a Ski Resort

Austria boasts a wide range of ski resorts to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a ski resort in Austria:

• Price, Size, and Location: Generally, the larger the ski resort and the higher the elevation, the higher the price. Resorts in Carinthia and Styria tend to offer better value and are less crowded than those in Tyrol, Vorarlberg, and Salzburg.
• Athletic Experience: Faster lifts, such as chairlifts and gondolas, provide more skiing opportunities. Some resorts cater to beginners, while others offer more challenging black slopes and backcountry experiences.
• Other Activities: Consider the range of activities offered by the resort besides skiing and snowboarding. Some resorts focus solely on winter sports, while others provide a wider range of activities for families or those seeking relaxation.

Popular Ski Resorts in Austria

• Lech and Zürs am Arlberg: Famous for its royal clientele and an underrated ski area in Vorarlberg.
• St. Anton: Tyrol's best-known resort, offering extreme skiing options.
• Ischgl: A progressive resort with a link to Switzerland and the village of Samnaun.
• Sölden (Ötztal): Popular with snowboarders and après-ski enthusiasts.
• Kitzbühel: Renowned for its nightlife and charm, attracting a glamorous crowd. It also hosts the annual Hahnenkamm World Cup Race, one of the world's most notorious downhill racecourses for men.
• Mayrhofen: A busy resort popular with foreign tourists, featuring a nearby glacier.
• Obertauern: Compact resort with excellent snow cover due to its location and altitude.
• Zell am See: Scenic location on a lake, offering skiing, walking trails, and a small snowfield/glacier.

Winter Sports Events

Austria hosts a variety of exciting winter sports events each year, including:

• Hahnenkamm World Cup Races in Kitzbühel: Featuring the notorious "Streif" downhill racecourse, challenging the world's top male athletes.
• Arlberg Kandahar Races in St. Anton am Arlberg: Showcasing the world's fastest female racers competing in Downhill and Super-G events.
• World Cup Bobsleigh & Skeleton in Innsbruck: The world's best racers gather in Innsbruck/Igls for action-packed competition on the Olympic Bobsleigh Run.
• International Dolomites Run in Obertilliach: One of the most iconic and scenic Nordic ski races in Austria, held annually in January.

Avalanche Danger

When partaking in winter sports in Austria, it is essential to be aware of avalanche dangers. Off-piste skiing is available, but it is strongly recommended to ski with a guide, carry appropriate avalanche rescue equipment, and have proficiency in using it.

Enjoy the music and festivals

Austria is known for its rich musical history, and the country is filled with music festivals throughout the year. The capital, Vienna, is a hub for music lovers, with its world-renowned opera houses and concert halls.

Vienna

One of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, the Vienna State Opera, is a must-visit for opera enthusiasts. The auditorium hosts 350 performances by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Vienna State Ballet each year, as well as the Vienna Opera Ball. The Vienna Musikverein, home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, is another iconic venue known for its exceptional acoustics.

For a more intimate experience, St. Peter's Church offers classical concerts in a stunning 18th-century setting. The church, inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, features a gilded pulpit and colourful frescoes.

Salzburg

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, offers a range of musical experiences. The Salzburg Cathedral, with its twin towers and marble facade, provides a classical Italian baroque experience. The city also hosts the annual FM4 Frequency Festival, attracting music lovers from all over the world.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck, nestled high in the Alps, was once a centre of the Habsburg Empire. The city hosts the annual Festival of Early Music in August, featuring music from 1500 to 1750, held in castles and churches. Ambras Castle, with its splendid wall paintings, is a highlight for many visitors. The city also offers a religious music festival during Easter and a summer dance festival.

Other Notable Festivals

Austria boasts a variety of music festivals catering to different tastes. The Bregenzer Festspiele, Donaukanaltreiben Festival, Seefestspiele Mörbisch, and Summa Cum Laude Festival are just a few examples. Electronic music enthusiasts can enjoy the Electric Mountain Festival in Sölden, while the Danube Island Festival in Vienna offers a diverse line-up.

With its abundance of music festivals and venues, Austria is a true paradise for music lovers, offering everything from classical concerts to modern electronic music in breathtaking settings.

Frequently asked questions