Leslie Massey
Austria is a small country with a lot to offer. The northern part of the country is traversed by the River Danube, which adds to its allure as a tourist destination. The city of Salzburg is known for its music, from the warbling nuns of The Sound of Music to Mozart concertos. The city of Graz is another must-visit, with its UNESCO World Heritage Status Old Town and its title of UNESCO City of Design. In Vienna, you can find lavish palaces, coffee houses, concert halls, and galleries. The Kunstkammer Vienna, the Vienna Opera House, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum are some of the top attractions in the city. The Spanish Riding School is also a popular destination, where the classical style of riding preferred by the aristocracy is still practiced. The Belvedere, Schönbrunn, and Hofburg Palaces are some of the grand palaces that you can visit in Vienna. If you're looking for outdoor activities, Austria has plenty of options for hiking and biking, with the Lienz Dolomites and Asitz Mountain being popular destinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cities | Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, Innsbruck |
| Attractions | Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Kunstkammer Vienna, Belvedere, Hoher Dachstein, Edelweiss Spitze, Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, Grossglockner, Pasterze Glacier, Landhaus, Golden Roof, Lienz Dolomites |
| Activities | Skiing, sailing, cycling, sunbathing, walking, hiking, classical music concerts, viewing art |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the city of Graz, home to the Styrian Armoury and the Uhrturm (Clock Tower)
- Visit Vienna and its palaces, coffee houses, concert halls, galleries, and slopes
- Hike the Asitz Mountain, a peak coated in snow during winter and a haven for nature and culture in summer
- Experience Salzburg, the city of music, and attend the Salzburg Festival, a classical music fest
- Take in the sights of the River Danube, which flows through the northern part of the country
Explore the city of Graz, home to the Styrian Armoury and the Uhrturm (Clock Tower)
Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, is a must-visit for those interested in architecture and history. The city's atmospheric medieval centre, the largest in Europe, is filled with architectural marvels and opulent historic buildings.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Graz is the Uhrturm, or the Clock Tower. Built in the 13th century, the tower was first mentioned as a fortification in 1265, with the clock itself being installed in 1569. The clock tower is unusual as its hour hand is larger than its minute hand, making it easier to read from a distance. The tower also features a wooden battlement and walk encircling it, which was once used by fire watchmen to keep an eye on the city.
Another notable attraction in Graz is the Styrian Armoury, which houses an impressive collection of weapons and armour. The Armoury showcases the history of military equipment and is a fascinating insight into the city's past.
In addition to the Uhrturm and the Styrian Armoury, Graz has several other historical sites worth exploring. The Schlossberg, or 'Castle Mountain', is a tree-clad hill in the centre of the city that offers extensive views of Graz. It is home to a fortress that dates back to at least the 10th century, with a 400-metre-long castle constructed in the 16th century by Italian architects. While the castle was largely demolished by Napoleonic forces in 1809, the Uhrturm, the Glockenturm (bell tower), and two bastions remain. Today, the Schlossberg is a public park with entertainment venues, cafes, and restaurants. It is also the site of the Elevate Festival, a contemporary music, art, and political discourse event held annually.
Graz also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with beautiful Baroque architecture and grand buildings. The Hauptplatz, the main square of the city, was built in 1160 by Otakar III, one of the Babenberg dukes. Under their rule, Graz became an important commercial centre.
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Visit Vienna and its palaces, coffee houses, concert halls, galleries, and slopes
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city steeped in history and culture. The city is known for its grand palaces, traditional coffee houses, renowned concert halls, art galleries, and nearby ski resorts.
One of the most famous palaces in Vienna is Schönbrunn Palace, which offers a glimpse into the city's imperial past. The palace, with its beautiful gardens, was once the residence of the Imperial family. Visitors can explore the imperial apartments, admire the Baroque architecture, and learn about the everyday lives of the imperial children. The palace also houses the Sisi Museum, the Vienna Furniture Museum, and the Children's Museum, making it a great attraction for families. Another notable palace in Vienna is the Vienna Hofburg, which was once the imperial court stables and now houses the Imperial Apartments and the Museum of Carriages.
Vienna's coffee house culture is renowned, and the city is filled with traditional cafes that have been frequented by famous figures throughout history. One of the most famous coffee houses is located in the Palais Ferstel, where Trotsky and Freud were known to enjoy their drinks. Other notable coffee houses include the one on Gumpendorfer Straße, known for its Edwardian refinement and billiard tables, and the literary Café Jelinek, which dates back to the 19th century and features neo-rococo ceilings.
Music lovers will delight in Vienna's concert halls, which are renowned for their acoustics and architectural grandeur. The Musikverein, or the Wiener Musikverein, is considered one of the finest concert halls in the world and is home to the Vienna Philharmonic. The Golden Hall, or Große Musikvereinssaal, is a masterpiece of architecture and acoustics, hosting the annual Vienna New Year's Concert. The Brahms Hall, also located in the Musikverein, is another renowned venue for classical music enthusiasts. The Wiener Konzerthaus, built in 1913, is another notable concert hall, emphasising both tradition and innovative musical styles.
Vienna is also a haven for art enthusiasts, boasting countless galleries showcasing both early masterpieces and contemporary art. The city's gallery district, Schleifmühlgasse, is home to venues such as the Galerie Georg Kargl, displaying works by foreign and Austrian artists. The Challery, or Charity Gallery, is a unique gallery where art is sold for charitable causes, with venues changing with each exhibition. Art lovers can also explore the MAK Museum, which showcases exhibitions in fields like art, design, fashion, and architecture.
Finally, for those seeking outdoor adventures, Vienna offers easy access to several ski resorts. Semmering, located about an hour's drive from Vienna, is one of the best-known winter destinations, featuring a gondola, a chairlift, and a draglift. The Hochkar ski area, located about two hours' drive from the city, is the largest of the resorts, offering a high initial starting point and decent snow conditions. Other nearby resorts include Stuhleck, Mönichkirchen - Mariensee Skischaukel, and St Corona, all within a one to two-hour drive from Vienna.
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Hike the Asitz Mountain, a peak coated in snow during winter and a haven for nature and culture in summer
Nestled in the Eastern Alps, Asitz Mountain is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and culture enthusiasts alike. Known locally as Berg der Sinne (Mountain of the Senses), Asitz Mountain offers a unique blend of natural beauty, artistic expression, and musical experiences.
During the winter, Asitz Mountain is coated in snow, creating a glittering winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy the Asitz lift, which operates in the evening, offering a magical experience with a hint of wonder as you glide up the mountain. At the top, you'll find a cosy atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and live musical performances at the AlteSchmiede. The Asitz Winter Night promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment, with breathtaking artists lighting up the night and a band providing a rustic and relaxed ambiance.
As the seasons change and summer arrives, Asitz Mountain transforms into a vibrant summer destination. The mountain is known for its hiking and biking trails, offering a range of options for all skill levels. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the gondola (free with the local tourism card) provides easy access to the summit, where you can enjoy breathtaking views, art installations, music, and alpine cuisine.
The summer months, from late spring to early autumn, are particularly special on Asitz Mountain. The TONspuren concerts, held from late June to August, create an enchanting atmosphere with their docile tones and magical setting by the lake. As the sun sets, the sound of music echoes across the waters, creating an unforgettable auditory and visual experience.
Asitz Mountain is also renowned for its art and culture. The summer Asitz art trail, featuring installations from different artists each year, takes visitors on a journey through the towering pines, clearings, and shaded benches. Artworks by Adriana Franza, found along the trails and in mountain huts, add a unique dimension to the natural surroundings. With the City of Mozart, Salzburg, nearby, the influence of music and creativity permeates the region, making Asitz Mountain a destination that truly engages all the senses.
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Experience Salzburg, the city of music, and attend the Salzburg Festival, a classical music fest
Salzburg is a city steeped in music and culture, and the annual Salzburg Festival is a testament to that. The festival, which usually runs from mid-July to the end of August, is one of the world's most important festivals for opera, music, and drama. It attracts world-renowned artists and offers a wide-ranging programme that includes classics and a special programme for young people. The festival also includes orchestra concerts with compositions by Mozart and his contemporaries.
The 2025 edition of the festival, for example, featured 170 opera, drama, and concert performances, with a central theme of "power". Opera highlights included Peter Sellars' staging of Gustav Mahler's 'Der Abschied', and Gaetano Donizetti's 'Maria Stuarda'. The drama segment offered 'Jedermann' (Everyman) with Philipp Hochmair in the title role, and 'The Last Days of Mankind' by Karl Kraus. The Vienna Philharmonic performed five concerts, conducted by renowned conductors such as Andris Nelsons and Riccardo Muti.
The Salzburg Festival also includes the Whitsun Festival, which in 2025, took its musical inspiration from the lagoon city of Venice. The festival featured music spanning five centuries, including works written in, for, or inspired by Venice. One of the highlights was Monteverdi’s Vespro della Beata Vergine, a 17th-century masterpiece.
Salzburg is also known for its Mozart Week, an annual winter festival organised by the Mozarteum Foundation to celebrate the birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The festival, held across various venues in Salzburg, features a diverse array of classical music performances by artists from around the globe.
Outside of the festival, Salzburg and its surroundings offer plenty of other attractions for visitors. Nature lovers can explore the Hoher Dachstein mountain, located at the border of Upper Austria, Styria, and Salzburg. This natural paradise boasts some of the largest glaciers in the Alps, along with a suspension bridge, an ice palace, and stunning views from the mountain's summit.
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Take in the sights of the River Danube, which flows through the northern part of the country
The River Danube is a vital waterway that flows through nine countries, including Austria, and has been used for centuries to transport goods and people across Europe. The river is a lifeline for Austria, connecting historic cities, nature reserves, and cultural treasures.
The Danube enters Austria at Jochenstein in Upper Austria and then passes through Linz, a city known for its modern cultural attractions, such as the Ars Electronica Center and the Lentos Art Museum. The river then meanders through the scenic Schlögener Schlinge and winds its way through the renowned Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stretch of the river between Melk and Krems is famous for its steep vineyards, historic castles, and charming landscapes. Dürnstein, a town in the Wachau Valley, is known for its castle and its connection to Richard the Lionheart. On the opposite bank lies the ruins of Aggstein Castle, one of the most impressive castles along the Danube.
Further downstream, the Danube flows through the Austrian province of Lower Austria, where you can find a mix of Roman and Celtic influences alongside Baroque architecture and modern attractions. The river then reaches Vienna, where it forms the Donaukanal or Danube Canal, an arm of the river that forks off and flows through the city. The main river crosses the upper part of Vienna, away from the historical centre. In Vienna, the Danube flows through the Donau-Auen National Park, one of the last large riverine forests in Central Europe, providing a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna.
The river continues its journey east, passing through the town of Passau and flowing through the Austrian countryside, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into the country's rich history and culture. The Danube has inspired artists and musicians, with Johann Strauss the Younger composing the famous waltz, "The Blue Danube," which premiered in 1867.
Whether you choose to cruise, cycle, or drive along the Danube in northern Austria, you will be treated to a myriad of stunning landscapes, historic towns, and cultural experiences that showcase the unique character and beauty of this region.
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Frequently asked questions
Northern Austria is home to the Eastern Alps, which occupy about 60% of the country. The region is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. The city of Salzburg is a popular destination, known for its music, Baroque architecture, and the Salzburg Festival, a classical music festival held during the summer.
Salzburg is famous for its music, including the warbling nuns featured in The Sound of Music and Mozart concertos, as the composer was born in the city in 1756. The city also boasts beautiful Baroque architecture, including a high-on-a-hill fortress and a dome-encrusted Old Town.
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is known for its palaces, coffee houses, concert halls, and galleries. The city is also home to several cultural institutions, such as the Vienna Opera House and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, as well as religious monuments like Saint Stephen's Cathedral. Graz, Austria's second city, is also worth visiting. It boasts a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and the Styrian Armoury, the world's largest.
