Exploring Austria: Activities And Attractions To Discover

Austria is a country with a lot to offer, from its scenic beauty to its rich cultural heritage. It is famous for its winter sports, Mozart, stunning architecture, coffee and cake, and, of course, The Sound of Music.

Austria is home to the world's largest ice cave, the oldest restaurant, and the oldest amusement park. It also has some of the best ski resorts in the world.

The country's capital, Vienna, is a cultural hub, with museums, palaces, and the Vienna State Opera. Other cities like Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, and Linz also offer unique experiences, from music festivals to exploring medieval architecture.

Austria's natural wonders include the Hohe Tauern National Park, the Krimml Waterfalls, and Lake Constance. The country is also known for its wine, with the Wachau Valley being a popular destination for wine connoisseurs.

With its mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, Austria has something for everyone.

Explore the Austrian Alps

The Austrian Alps are a dream destination for adventurers and seekers of picturesque landscapes. With towering peaks, serene lakes, and charming Alpine villages, the Austrian Alps offer a harmonious blend of natural beauty, exhilarating adventures, and cultural immersion. Here are some ideas to explore this wondrous destination:

• Admire the Majestic Landscape: The Austrian Alps are a geological masterpiece, boasting snow-capped peaks, rugged terrain, lush meadows, and pristine winter wonderlands. Capture breathtaking photographs or embark on hiking trails to immerse yourself in the splendour of nature.
• Winter Wonderland: The Austrian Alps transform into a magical winter destination, renowned for its top-notch skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Iconic resorts such as Kitzbühel, St. Anton, and Zell am See cater to skiers of all skill levels. Cozy winter villages, local cuisine, and thermal spas also await your discovery.
• Summer Adventures: When the snow melts, the Austrian Alps reveal an intricate network of lakes, rivers, and hiking trails. From leisurely walks to challenging treks, there's something for every hiker. Explore wildflower-strewn meadows, cruise along picturesque lakes, or visit charming Alpine villages.
• Thrilling Adventures: For adrenaline seekers, the Austrian Alps offer an array of adventure sports. Try paragliding over lush valleys or white-water rafting on the Ötztaler Ache river. Rock climbing, mountain biking, and canyoning will satisfy your thirst for excitement.
• Cultural Immersion: The Austrian Alps provide a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. Explore Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, with its historic Old Town, Imperial Palace, and the Golden Roof. Visit the Swarovski Crystal World, a unique complex showcasing stunning crystal displays and exhibits.
• Culinary Delights: Indulge in traditional Austrian cuisine, perfectly paired with local wines or beers. Savour dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and Kasnocken in Alpine huts or mountain restaurants, taking in the stunning surroundings as you feast.
• Sustainable Tourism: Many accommodations in the Austrian Alps prioritize sustainability, adopting renewable energy sources and eco-friendly practices. Respect the natural environment by participating in activities like hiking, biking, and wildlife observation, and supporting local and organic food production.

Visit museums and palaces

Austria is home to many beautiful museums and palaces, here are some of the best:

The Belvedere, Vienna

The Belvedere is an architectural experience in itself, with two historic palaces and lovingly manicured gardens. The palaces were built in the early 18th century by Baroque architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt to be used as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. The palaces house the greatest collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day, as well as works by international artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Max Beckmann.

The Albertina, Vienna

The Albertina is home to one of the largest and most precious graphic art collections in the world, with nearly 50,000 drawings and one million prints dating from the Late Gothic period to the present day. You can view works by Schiele, Klimt, and Kokoschka, as well as Warhol, Rauschenberg, and Baselitz. The museum is located in the heart of Vienna and also boasts impressive Habsburg Historic Staterooms.

Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is located in a grand Ringstraße building and houses an unrivalled collection of old masters, including a vast selection of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. The museum also features Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman Antiquities, and Medieval Art.

Museum of Modern Art, Salzburg

Salzburg's Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art sits atop a cliff face 60 metres above the historic old town. The museum features Austria's National Photography Collection with around 12,000 titles, as well as the TAP and TOUCH Cinema by VALIE EXPORT.

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 popular recreational area for Vienna's population.

Fortress Hohensalzburg, Salzburg

This 11th-century castle overlooks Salzburg from a hill on the outskirts of the city. The fortress is a visible landmark featuring in Salzburg's world-famous skyline. Visitors can explore the sturdy defences and enjoy panoramic views of the city and mountains beyond.

Sample Austrian cuisine

Austrian cuisine is heavily influenced by the country's history as a multi-national empire, with many different cultures contributing their own nuances to the country's food. Austrian dishes share similarities with the cuisines of neighbouring countries in Central Europe, especially Hungary, Bavaria, Bohemia and Northern Italy.

Austrian cuisine is known for its rich flavours and abundance of meats and carbs, including pastries and breads. Here are some traditional Austrian dishes and drinks to sample:

• Viennese Apfelstrudel: A flaky pastry lined with apple filling and spiced with cinnamon, sugar and raisins.
• Wiener Schnitzel: A fried delight made with a thin breaded veal or pork cutlet, served with fried potatoes, sour cream and onions.
• Vienna Sausage: A type of sausage made of parboiled pork and beef, then smoked at low temperatures.
• Knödel: A dumpling that can be both sweet and savoury. The savoury version is served as a side dish or in soups, while the sweet version is made with plums.
• Tafelspitz: A classic Austrian dish of beef boiled in a broth of vegetables and spices, served with minced apples, horseradish or sour cream with chives.
• Tiroler Gröstl: A simple, hearty dish of pan-fried potatoes, chopped beef or pork, butter and onion, often topped with a fried egg.
• Käsespätzle: Austria's answer to mac 'n' cheese, made with soft egg noodles and a generous helping of cheese.
• Potato Gulasch: A hearty, spicy stew made with potatoes, onions, bell peppers and sausages, seasoned with hot paprika.
• Kaiserschmarrn: Fluffy shredded pancakes topped with jams, sweet sauces, fruit compotes and caramelised dry fruits.
• Sachertorte: A melting chocolate cake, often served with whipped cream.
• Frittatensuppe: A Styrian soup made with crêpes.
• Speckknödel: Dumplings with bacon, a speciality of Tyrol.
• Salzburger Nockerln: A sweet soufflé made from eggs, a speciality of Salzburg, Mozart's home.
• Powidl: A thick, sweet plum jam.
• Palatschinken: Pancakes similar to French crêpes, filled with jam and sprinkled with sugar or other toppings. They can also be served savoury, such as with spinach and cheese.
• Germknödel: A fluffy yeast dough dumpling filled with plum jam and garnished with melted butter, poppy seeds, powdered sugar and sometimes vanilla cream.
• Marillenknödel: A dumpling stuffed with an apricot and covered with streusel and powdered sugar.
• Sauternes: A sweet wine from the Sautern region of Styria.
• Almdudler: A soft drink based on mountain herbs, considered the "national drink of Austria".
• Skiwasser: A traditional Austrian beverage made with water, raspberry syrup and lemon juice.
• Beer: Austrian beers are typically pale lagers, with Zwicklbier (naturally cloudy) and wheat beer also available.
• Wine: Wine is mainly cultivated in the east of Austria, with the most important wine-producing areas being Lower Austria, Burgenland, Styria and Vienna.

Take a road trip

Austria is a small country with a lot to offer. From its cities to its summits, you can discover all of its facets on a custom road trip. Here is a suggested itinerary for a road trip across Austria:

Innsbruck to Zell am See

Innsbruck is a city enveloped by the Austrian Alps, making it a ski-lover's playground in winter. In summer, you can take a cable car from the fairytale Old Town to the soaring saw-toothed peaks in around 40 minutes.

From Innsbruck, head to Zell am See, one of Austria's loveliest mountain lakes. It is idyllically located on the west bank of the Zeller See. The classic excursion from Zell is by cableway to the top of the local mountain, the Schmittenhöhe, which offers fabulous all-around views.

Zell am See to Hallstatt

From Zell am See, head to the underrated Fuschelsee and Wolfgangsee. Enjoy a glorious lakeview lunch at Schloss Fuschl Fischerei or Edenbergers on Fuschelsee. At St Gilgen, take the Zwölferhorn cable car for more amazing lake and mountain views.

Continue on to Hallstatt, a gorgeous village tucked between majestic peaks and the glassy waters of Hallstätter See. The town is pedestrian-only, so leave your car at one of the nearby parking garages and take the shuttle or walk into the centre. For a refreshing hike, head to Obertraun and take the Krippensteinbahn to the "5 Fingers" viewing platform.

Hallstatt to Salzburg

From Hallstatt, head to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and The Sound of Music. The city has a vibrant cafe culture and lots of history to soak up.

Salzburg Castle/Fortress Hohensalzburg sits atop a rocky promontory above Salzburg. You can take a funicular up to the castle or walk the path up the hill. Other highlights include Hellbrunn Palace, Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart's Birthplace and Residence, Residence Square, and Linzer Gasse.

Salzburg to Melk

From Salzburg, head east to the medieval town of Kufstein, with its 30,000-year-old history and rich cultural roots. Then, continue on to the quaint riverside town of Melk, where you'll find one of the most magnificent abbeys in Austria. Melk Abbey perches above the village and looks out onto the Danube.

Melk to Vienna

From Melk, head to Linz, the third-largest city in the country. Linz is known for its excellent modern art and science museums, the Lentos and the Ars Electronica Center. From Linz, head to the Wachau Valley, with its authentic villages, gently rolling hills, and lush vineyards. Stop at a wine tavern or tasting room to sample the local signature grapes, Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.

Finally, head to Vienna, where you can explore the Imperial Palace, the Spanish Riding School, the Mozarthaus Vienna, the Ringstrasse Boulevard, Belvedere Palace, the Augarten, and Schoenbrunn Palace.

Go skiing

Austria is a great destination for skiers, with its beautiful mountainous landscape, abundance of high-quality ski resorts, and optimal snow conditions. Here is a detailed guide to going skiing in Austria:

Where to Ski in Austria

Austria has numerous ski resorts catering to different preferences and skill levels. Here are some of the top places to ski in the country:

• Kitzbühel, Tirol: Known for its steep Streif racing piste and the annual Hahnenkamm race, Kitzbühel offers a combination of tradition and hospitality. It has 233 km of pistes, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and a vibrant après-ski scene.
• Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn: Stretching across SalzburgerLand and Tirol, Skicircus is one of the world's largest ski areas, with 270 km of pistes catering to all skill levels. It hosts the Freeride World Tour and Rave on Snow, the world's biggest winter electronic music festival.
• Zell am See-Kaprun, SalzburgerLand: An hour from Salzburg Airport, Zell am See offers a combination of mountains, a lake, and a glacier. It has 3030-metre-high slopes on the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier and a variety of pistes for all skill levels.
• Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, Tirol: Located just 45 km from Innsbruck, Ski Juwel offers 113 km of pistes and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and charming villages. It has a generous beginner's area and a park for freestylers and boarders.
• St. Johann in Tirol: An exceptionally family-friendly ski region with 40 km of slopes and excellent conditions. It offers a great variety of pistes catering to all skill levels. The region also has numerous traditional Austrian cuisine options.
• Innsbruck: Innsbruck has emerged as a skiing destination, offering the Ski Plus City Pass, which includes access to 13 ski areas and 22 city attractions. The resorts around Innsbruck cater to different skill levels, from beginner-friendly slopes to challenging terrain.
• Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, Tirol: With the tallest mountain in the area, the Zugspitze, at 2,962 m, the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena offers slopes for all skill levels and is connected by free buses. It provides excellent family-friendly packages, with free childcare and ski courses for children as young as two.
• Obertauern, SalzburgerLand: Obertauern boasts some of the most reliable snow conditions in Austria, with excellent skiing from late November to early May. It is an Olympic centre and a high-altitude training site.
• Sölden/Ötztal, Tirol: Sölden is one of the most renowned ski destinations in the Alps, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure. It has a ski link to the glacier skiing area, providing access to nearly 150 km of ski pistes. It is also known for its great après-ski and cultural events.
• SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, Tirol: One of the largest and most modern ecological ski resorts in Austria, with 270 km of groomed slopes. It is powered by 100% green electricity and offers ski schools, rustic Alpine huts, and après-ski bars.
• Ischgl, Eastern Alps: Ischgl is known for its lively après-ski scene and high-quality slopes. It provides access to three neighbouring resorts (Galtür, Kappl, and See) on the same lift pass. It also boasts excellent ski resort spas, including the Silvretta Spa.
• Kitzbühel, Tirol: This Tyrolean resort is famous for its historic Hahnenkamm downhill ski race, one of the most challenging courses in the World Cup. It offers varied terrain, from steeps to gentle village slopes, and a vibrant village atmosphere.
• Lech, Arlberg: Lech is a charming resort tucked away in the Arlberg region, offering access to the vast Ski Arlberg area with 300 km of pistes. It caters particularly well to intermediate skiers, with plentiful red and blue runs. Lech also has a ton of options for advanced skiers and snowboarders, including off-piste areas.
• Mayrhofen, Zillertal: A picture-postcard resort perfect for confident skiers and snowboarders, Mayrhofen has one of the Alps' greatest snowboarding scenes. It is known for

Frequently asked questions