Exploring Austria: Activities And Attractions

Austria is a small Central European country that is culturally rich and boasts stunning natural landscapes. It is famous for its music, history, cakes, and outdoor activities. The country is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic cities of Salzburg and Vienna.

The best time to visit Austria depends on what you want to do. Go in the winter to see Christmas markets and ski the Alps, in the spring for fewer crowds and an Austrian ball, in the summer for leisurely hikes around the Alps and lakeside villages, and in the fall for a symphony or opera and to visit Austrian wine country.

Some of the top attractions in Austria include:

- Schönbrunn Palace

- Mozart's Birthplace

- Kunsthistorisches Museum

- St. Stephen's Cathedral

- Belvedere Palace

- Fortress Hohensalzburg

- Tiergarten Schoenbrunn - Zoo Vienna

- Salzburger Altstadt

- Semmeringbahn Railway

- Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave

- Hallstatt

- Wachau Valley Vineyards

- Melk Abbey

- Swarovski Kristallwelten

Explore the sprawling grounds of Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see for anyone visiting Austria. The palace and its sprawling grounds offer a glimpse into the opulent world of the Habsburg rulers and are a testament to the country's rich history and cultural heritage. Here is a guide to help you explore the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace:

The Gardens

The gardens of Schönbrunn Palace are an impressive display of Baroque landscaping and were designed to be a symbol of imperial power. They cover a vast area, providing a convenient and popular recreational space for Vienna's residents and visitors alike. The gardens feature intricate designs, with statues adorning the Great Parterre and its boskets, as well as carefully curated plant life. The Orangery, added by Eleonora Gonzaga, and the Palm House, which replaced several smaller glass houses, are also located within the gardens.

The Gloriette

The Gloriette is an early Classicistic colonnaded structure built in 1775 on the crest of the hill behind the palace. It serves as the crowning element of the Great Parterre and offers breathtaking views of the palace grounds and the city beyond. The Small Gloriette, a tower-like pavilion, is situated in the middle of the wooded hillside on the eastern side of the park.

The Neptune Fountain

The Neptune Fountain was conceived as part of the overall design of the gardens and park commissioned by Maria Theresa in the 1770s. It is located at the foot of Schönbrunn Hill and serves as the visual focal point of the avenue leading up to the palace.

The Roman Ruin

Originally known as the Ruin of Carthage, the Roman Ruin is located at the foot of the wooded slopes of Schönbrunn Hill. It is a set of follies designed by architect Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg and was erected in the late 18th century. The fashion for picturesque ruins symbolised the decline of great powers and the preservation of the remains of a heroic past.

The Obelisk Fountain

Together with the Gloriette and the Zoo, the Obelisk Fountain is one of the most important focal points in the gardens. It is situated at the end of the eastern diagonal avenue, providing a striking visual element to the garden's design.

The Tiergarten

The Tiergarten, or the zoo, is another notable feature of the Schönbrunn Palace grounds. It is the oldest existing zoo in the world, founded in 1752, and is home to over 700 species of animals.

The Privy Garden

The Privy Garden, or Meidlinger Vertiefung, is located to the west of the castle and was once a play area and drill ground for the children of the Habsburgs. It now features a café, known as Landtmann's Jausen Station, which offers refreshments and stunning views of the palace and its surroundings.

Try winter sports

Austria is a winter sports paradise. With its extensive ski areas, modern cable cars, perfectly groomed pistes, and breathtaking mountains, it offers something for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Here are some reasons why you should try winter sports in Austria:

Explore Ski Areas

Austria boasts extensive ski areas with modern cable cars, perfectly groomed pistes, and breathtaking mountain views. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll find slopes that challenge and excite you. The Austrian Alps are renowned for their excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions, with a wide range of resorts catering to all tastes and abilities. Resorts like Arlberg and Mayrhofen offer a comprehensive range of runs suitable for all ages and skill levels, along with ski equipment rentals and classes.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is a fantastic way to explore Austria's snow-covered mountains and valleys. It allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the winter landscape while getting some exercise. You can enjoy the crunch of fresh snow under your feet and breathe in the crisp mountain air as you glide through snowy trails.

Winter Hiking

Austria's winter landscape provides a unique and peaceful hiking experience. You can discover quiet trails through snowy forests, listen to the silence of nature, and enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. Winter hiking is a great way to explore the country's natural beauty at a slower pace.

Ice Skating

Gliding across the ice in Austria, whether on a frozen lake or an outdoor rink, is a memorable experience. You can enjoy a fun day out with friends or family, taking in the stunning surroundings as you skate. Many cities and towns in Austria offer ice skating opportunities during the winter months.

Tobogganing

Tobogganing is a fun and exciting way to enjoy the Austrian winter landscape. You can hike up to the top of a hill or take a lift, and then speed down on a sled, enjoying the thrill of the ride and the beautiful views along the way. At the bottom, cosy huts and sledding tracks await, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Snowshoe Hiking

Snowshoe hiking is a unique way to discover the most beautiful regions of Austria in winter. It allows you to explore areas that may be inaccessible by other means, and you can get informative tips and insights from local guides. Snowshoeing is a great way to connect with nature and experience the quiet beauty of the winter landscape.

Austria's winter sports offerings provide a range of thrilling and exhilarating experiences for all ages and skill levels. Whether you're an adventure seeker or prefer a more relaxed pace, you'll find activities that suit your interests. So, get out there and enjoy the snow-covered landscapes, breathtaking views, and unique cultural experiences that Austria has to offer during the winter season!

Visit the historic Hohensalzburg Fortress

The Hohensalzburg Fortress is a medieval castle that sits atop the Festungsberg mountain in Salzburg, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. It is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe and is accessible by foot or via the Festungsbahn funicular railway, which has been in operation since 1892. The fortress has a rich history spanning centuries and was built to protect the principality and the archbishops from enemy attacks. It has never been successfully taken by foreign troops.

The fortress is open all year round and houses several museums, including the Fortress Museum, the Marionette Museum, the Museum of the Rainer Regiment, and the historic armoury. The armoury features an interactive exhibition on suits of armour and weapons. The fortress also boasts the Princes' Chambers, which include the Princes' Hall, the Golden Chamber, and the Golden Hall. These chambers feature original furnishings and decorations from the 16th century, such as a stunning tile stove in the Golden Chamber.

For an even more immersive experience, visitors can enjoy the Panorama Tour, which takes them from the salt magazine to the dungeon and finally to the viewing platform of the Reckturm tower, offering a breathtaking view of the city. The fortress also features a magical theatre and modern media stations for a more innovative twist to the traditional castle experience.

The Hohensalzburg Fortress is a must-see attraction in Salzburg, offering a wealth of history, stunning architecture, and unparalleled views.

Tour the largest ice cave in the world

The Eisriesenwelt ice cave in Werfen, Austria, is the largest of its kind in the world. It is located about 25 miles south of Salzburg and is open to visitors from May 1 to October 31. The tour includes a cable car ride and a hike, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and warm clothing. The cave itself has no electricity, so visitors are provided with lanterns to explore the ice formations. The tour is not recommended for those with difficulty walking due to the number of steps involved. However, the views of the ice giants and the surrounding mountain landscape are well worth the effort.

The Eisriesenwelt ice cave is a spectacular natural wonder and a must-see attraction for those visiting Austria. The journey to the cave is an adventure in itself, with a cable car ride and a hike offering beautiful mountain views. Once inside the cave, visitors are treated to a unique and authentic experience as they explore the ice formations by lantern light. It is a challenging journey, but the reward is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a breathtaking setting.

The tour begins with a 20-minute uphill walk to the cable car station, followed by a short cable car ride to the cave entrance. From there, it is another 20-minute uphill hike to the cave. The entire tour takes around three hours, including the time spent in the cave, which is about 70-80 minutes. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes and warm clothing, as the temperature inside the cave is below freezing. Gloves are also recommended, as the handrails can be icy.

The Eisriesenwelt ice cave is a popular attraction, and pre-booking is advised during peak holiday seasons. Tickets can be purchased online at a discounted rate, and there are special rates for groups of 20 or more people. The cave is closed during the winter months, so plan your visit accordingly. The tour is not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues due to the amount of walking and climbing involved.

The Eisriesenwelt ice cave is a unique and memorable experience, offering stunning visuals and a chance to connect with nature. It is a challenging journey that requires some physical fitness, but the reward is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a breathtaking setting.

Experience the coffeehouse culture in Vienna

Vienna's coffeehouse culture is so integral to the city that it was added to UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list for Austria in 2011.

History

The history of Vienna's coffeehouse culture dates back to the end of the Siege of Vienna in 1683. Legend has it that the first coffee house was opened by a Polish-Habsburg army officer named Jerzy Franciszek Kulczycki with beans left behind by the Turks. Another account claims that an Armenian businessman named Johannes Theodat (aka Johannes Diodato or Deodat and Owanes Astouatzatur) was the first to open a coffee house in 1685.

Coffeehouse Culture Today

Viennese coffee houses are described as places "where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is found on the bill." They are known for their social practices, rituals, and elegance, enticing customers with a wide variety of coffee drinks, international newspapers, and pastry creations.

Viennese coffee houses typically feature marble tabletops, Thonet chairs, newspaper tables, and interior design details in the style of historicism. The staff, dressed in white and black, are known for their congenial and leisurely approach, leaving customers to linger without pressuring them to order more or move on.

Notable Coffee Houses

Notable coffee houses in Vienna include:

• Café Central – a favourite of Peter Altenberg and Leon Trotsky
• Café Landtmann – Sigmund Freud's preferred café
• Café Museum
• Café Sacher – a café part of the Hotel Sacher
• Café Hawelka
• Café Griensteidl – a favourite of Leon Trotsky and many writers
• Café Sperl
• Café Bräunerhof
• Café Demel – a famous sweet bakery

Coffee

Coffee is not just coffee in Vienna. Instead of a simple filter coffee, you might try a Wiener Melange, Franziskaner, Einspanner, kleiner Brauner, or Verlängerter. Your espresso will arrive on a serving tray with a glass of water and an upside-down spoon, a tradition dating back to the days of the nobility.

Food

All coffee houses should have cakes and pastries, particularly Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). Some also have fully-fledged restaurant menus, serving small food dishes like sausages, desserts, cakes, and tarts, like Punschkrapfen and Linzer torte.

Frequently asked questions