Lexi Webster
Austria is a landlocked country in south-central Europe, sharing borders with eight countries. It is predominantly mountainous, with 62% of the country occupied by the Alps. The Austrian Alps form the physical backbone of the country, with three major ranges running west to east: the Northern Calcareous Alps, the Central Alps, and the Southern Calcareous Alps. The landscape is also characterised by the Danube River, which flows through the country from Germany before emptying into the Black Sea. In addition to its mountains, Austria is known for its crystal-clear lakes, powerful rivers, and stunning waterfalls. The country's hiking trails take visitors through untouched nature, along flowing streams, and through relaxing forests.
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What You'll Learn
Austria's landscape is largely mountainous
Austria is a landlocked country in south-central Europe, sharing borders with eight other countries. It is a predominantly mountainous country, with 62% of the country occupied by the Alps. The Austrian Alps form the physical backbone of the country, and are subdivided into a northern and southern limestone range, composed of rugged mountains, and a softer central range composed of crystalline rocks. The Central Alps are the largest and highest range in Austria, with the Grossglockner mountain reaching a height of 3,797-3,798 meters.
The Alps stretch from west to east across the country, with the western Austrian states of Vorarlberg, Tirol, and Salzburg characterized by the high Alps. This Alpine landscape extends to central Austria, with the Salzkammergut region, and to the state of Steiermark (Styria) in the east. The northern foothills of the Alps include the Danube Valley and the Bohemian Forest, a low mountain range with bare, windswept plateaus and a harsh climate. The Bohemian Forest covers 10% of the country.
The remaining 28% of Austria is moderately hilly or flat, with the lowlands and hilly regions in the northeast and east of the country, and the rolling hills and lowlands of the Southeastern Alpine Foreland. The parts of Austria that are most suitable for settlement run north of the Alps through the provinces of Upper Austria and Lower Austria in the Danube Valley, then curve east and south of the Alps. The landscape southeast of the low Leithagebirge mountain forms the southern lip of the Vienna Basin, where the steppe of the Hungarian Plain begins.
Austria's landscape is dotted with picturesque lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, with the country being one of the most water-rich in the world. The clear lakes, rivers, and waterfalls are known for their excellent water quality, with 88% of bathing lakes rated as "excellent". The country's hiking trails and nature and national parks showcase a rich variety of plants and animals, offering a unique outdoor experience.
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The country is well-watered, with lakes and rivers
Austria is a predominantly mountainous country in Central Europe, with the largest part of the country (62%) occupied by the relatively young mountains of the Alps. The country is well-watered, with lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. The Austrian Alps form the physical backbone of the country, with three major ranges running west to east: the Northern Calcareous Alps, the Central Alps, and the Southern Calcareous Alps. The Central Alps are the largest and highest ranges in Austria, running from Tyrol to the Styria-Lower Austria border. The Northern Calcareous Alps run from Vorarlberg through Tyrol and Salzburg along the German border, then through Upper Austria and Lower Austria toward Vienna. The Southern Calcareous Alps are on the Carinthia-Slovenia border.
The country's landscape is dotted with Alpine lakes, nestled deep within the mountainous landscapes. These lakes are famous for their beauty and excellent water quality, with 88% of Austria's bathing lakes rated as "excellent". The clear lakes and rivers of Austria are known for their pristine water, which comes straight from springs and groundwater, making Austria one of the most water-rich countries in the world.
The Danube River, which has its source in southwestern Germany, flows through Austria and is an important inland waterway. North of the Danube lies the Bohemian Forest, an older, lower granite mountain range. The Danube winds between the eastern edge of the Alps and the hills of Bohemia and Moravia as it journeys toward the Hungarian Plain. Vienna lies in the area where the Danube emerges from between the mountains into the drier plains.
Austria's nature and national parks showcase a rich variety of plants and animals and offer unique outdoor experiences. The Salzkammergut lake region, for example, is home to Hallstatt, Austria's oldest and most photographed village. Framed by mountains and the glassy water of Hallstätter See, Hallstatt boasts a 5,000-year-old history and can be reached by cable car from Obertraun. The Kaisertal Nature Reserve, voted the most beautiful spot in the country in 2016, is bordered by the quiet Kaiser mountains and dotted with remote Alpine inns.
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The Alps are the country's backbone
The Austrian Alps can be divided into three ranges: the Northern Calcareous Alps, the Central Alps, and the Southern Calcareous Alps. The Central Alps, which include the Ötztal Alps and the High Tauern, are the largest and highest ranges in Austria, running from Tyrol to the Styria-Lower Austria border. The Northern Calcareous Alps run from Vorarlberg through Tyrol and Salzburg along the German border, while the Southern Calcareous Alps sit on the Carinthia-Slovenia border. The Northern and Central Alps generally become lower in elevation as they extend further east.
The high Alpine character extends beyond the western states of Vorarlberg, Tirol, and Salzburg, reaching into Carinthia, the Salzkammergut region of central Austria, and the state of Steiermark (Styria). The foothills of the Alps in the north and south are dotted with orchards and vineyards, blending tradition and nature harmoniously. The Salzkammergut lake region, nestled in the Alps, is home to the picturesque village of Hallstatt, surrounded by mountains and the glassy water of Hallstätter See.
The Eastern Alps are part of a broader band of mountains stretching from the Riviera to Vienna. Geologically, these mountains were formed by the convergence of the Adriatic and Eurasian Plates, resulting in the upward fold of the landscape. The Alps continue beneath the eastern basins of Austria, concealed by sediments, before emerging again in the Carpathians and Dinarides.
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The landscape is also characterised by forests
The landscape of Austria is incredibly diverse, ranging from majestic Alpine mountains to picturesque valleys, lakes, and rivers. A significant feature of this landscape is its extensive forest cover. The forests of Austria are a defining characteristic of the country's geography and play a crucial role in shaping the overall environment.
The forest areas in Austria are vast, covering approximately 4 million hectares, which equates to around 47% of the country's total land area. This makes Austria one of the most forested nations in Europe. The forests are distributed across the country, with a higher concentration in the mountainous regions, particularly in the Alps, which dominate the western and southern parts of Austria.
The Austrian forests are composed of a diverse range of tree species, reflecting the varied climatic and geographical conditions across the country. Coniferous trees, such as spruce, fir, and pine, are the most prevalent, thriving in the cooler, higher altitudes of the Alps. These trees are well-adapted to the harsh winter conditions and provide a vital resource for the timber industry. Deciduous trees, including beech, oak, and maple, are also found in significant numbers, particularly in the lower-lying regions and valleys, where they form lush, vibrant forests that burst with color in autumn.
The forests of Austria serve multiple purposes and are carefully managed to balance ecological, economic, and recreational needs. They provide a habitat for a rich variety of flora and fauna, including many endangered species that find refuge in the protected forest reserves. The Austrian forests are home to iconic wildlife such as red deer, roe deer, chamois, and golden eagles, as well as numerous bird and butterfly species. The careful management of these forests ensures sustainable timber production, supports local communities, and provides a vast network of trails and natural spaces for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
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The country is bordered by several nations
Austria is bordered by eight countries: Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, and Germany. The country extends roughly 360 miles (580 km) from east to west and is bordered by Germany to the northwest, the Czech Republic to the north, and Slovakia to the northeast. To the east lies Hungary, and to the south, Slovenia. To the southwest, Austria is bordered by Italy, and to the west by Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Austria's landscape is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. The country is also home to the Danube River, which flows through the northeastern part of Austria, winding between the eastern edge of the Alps and the hills of Bohemia and Moravia before emptying into the Black Sea. The Danube Valley, for centuries, served as Central Europe's link to the Balkan Peninsula. The river is of significant importance as an inland waterway, with the completion of the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal in 1992 enhancing its role by connecting the rivers Rhine and Main with the Danube, enabling barge traffic from the North Sea to the Black Sea.
The largest part of Austria (62%) is occupied by the relatively young mountains of the Alps, which run west to east through the country. The Central Alps, consisting largely of a granite base, are the largest and highest ranges in Austria, running from Tyrol to the Styria-Lower Austria border. The Northern Calcareous Alps run from Vorarlberg through Tyrol and into Salzburg along the German border, while the Southern Calcareous Alps, predominantly composed of limestone and dolomite, run along the Carinthia-Slovenia border. The Grossglockner, at 12,460 feet (3,798 meters), is the highest elevation in the country and is located in the Southern Calcareous Alps.
The western Austrian states of Vorarlberg, Tirol, and Salzburg are characterised by the majestic mountains and magnificent scenery of the high Alps. This high Alpine landscape also extends to the western part of the state of Kärnten (Carinthia), to the Salzkammergut region of central Austria, and to the Alpine blocks of the state of Steiermark (Styria). North of the Alpine spur lies a hilly subalpine region, stretching between the northern Alps and the Danube, encompassing the northern portion of Upper Austria. The lowland area east of Vienna and the northern part of Burgenland may be considered a western extension of the Little Alföld (Little Hungarian Plain).
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Frequently asked questions
Austria is a predominantly mountainous country in Central Europe. The largest part of Austria (62%) is occupied by the relatively young mountains of the Alps, which extend for over 500km across the country. The Central Alps are the largest and highest range in Austria, with the highest mountain being Großglockner at 3,797m. The landscape also includes meadows, forests, vineyards, lakes, and even glaciers.
Austria's landscape offers a range of outdoor activities. Mountain biking, hiking, and skiing are popular. You can also take cable cars up to the mountains for panoramic views of the country's nature parks, lakes, and villages.
Austria has many scenic landscapes. Hallstatt, a village in the Salzkammergut lake region, is surrounded by mountains and lakes and has been called the most beautiful spot in the country. Other notable landscapes include the Kaisertal Nature Reserve, the Rüfikopf trail, and the Green Ring trail, where you can find hidden installations and sculptures depicting Austrian folk tales.
