Exploring Austria: Sights, Activities, And Cultural Delights

Austria is a country that has it all: from quaint Alpine charm to classical concert halls, storied old towns, and serious snow sports. Here are some of the best things to do in Austria:

- Explore the historic centre of Vienna, which is rich in beautiful architecture, including Baroque castles and gardens, as well as the late-19th-century Ringstrasse lined with grand buildings, monuments and parks.

- Visit Schönbrunn Palace, the Cultural World Heritage Site and Austria's most frequently visited tourist attraction.

- See a performance at the Vienna Opera House, one of the most opulent and famous opera houses in the world.

- Take a thrilling drive on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, which offers incredible views of waterfalls, jewel-coloured lakes, and snow-capped summits.

- Gasp at the beauty of Krimml Falls, the highest falls in Europe, which drop over thickly forested slopes and boulders with a thunderous roar.

- Visit the pretty village of Hallstatt, a storybook cluster of chalets peering into a looking-glass lake.

- Explore the Danube Valley on two wheels, with its abbeys, castles, woodlands, orchards, vineyards, and villages.

- Visit the Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave, the largest ice cave in Europe, which offers an otherworldly experience.

- Take a dip in Austria's hot springs and sauna culture.

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see for anyone visiting Austria. This grand palace was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers and is now one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historic monuments in the country. Here is a detailed itinerary for visiting Schönbrunn Palace:

Getting There and Buying Tickets

The palace is located in the 13th district of Vienna, called Hietzing. It is recommended to buy your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues and secure your preferred time slot.

The Grand Tour

The Grand Tour is a comprehensive tour of the palace that includes an audio guide. This tour takes you through the private apartments of Franz Joseph and Elisabeth, the southern reception rooms, and the State Apartments. You will also get to explore the entire piano nobile of the palace, including the rooms occupied by Empress Maria Theresa. The Grand Tour offers fascinating insights into the lives of the imperial family, especially the famous Empress Elisabeth. The tour also provides an opportunity to admire the 18th and 19th-century interiors, décor, and furnishings that convey an authentic impression of the imperial lifestyle.

The Imperial Tour

If you are short on time, the Imperial Tour is a perfect way to focus on Franz Joseph and Elisabeth. This tour takes you through their private apartments and suites, including the famous Empress Elisabeth's reception room with its Rococo Revival interior. You will also get to experience the extravagant grandeur of the Great Gallery, the exotic charm of the 'Chinese Cabinets', and the magnificence of the Hall of Ceremonies.

The State Apartments Tour

The State Apartments Tour, which includes an audio guide, gives you access to some of the finest rooms in the palace. You will get to admire unique works of art, grand halls, and exquisite cabinets. This tour provides insights into courtly display and the personal tastes of monarchs, particularly Empress Maria Theresa.

The Guided Tour Maria Theresia

The Guided Tour Maria Theresia focuses on the remarkable life of Empress Maria Theresa and the significant influence she had on the Habsburg Empire and Schönbrunn Palace. You will explore the magnificent Bergl Rooms on the ground floor, the ceremonial state rooms, and the precious 18th-century chambers on the first floor.

The Guided Tour Franz Joseph

The Guided Tour Franz Joseph includes the state rooms and private apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, along with glimpses behind the scenes. This tour allows you to wander through the stylistic epochs of the imperial era and gain a deeper understanding of their lives.

Other Attractions

In addition to the palace tours, Schönbrunn offers several other attractions. The Children's Museum is an excellent choice for families, providing interactive exhibits and activities that teach about the everyday life of the imperial children. The palace also has beautiful gardens, including the Great Parterre, the Gloriette, and the Roman Ruin. The Tiergarten, or zoo, is another popular attraction, claiming to be the oldest in the world. Finally, the palace hosts classical concerts featuring the music of Mozart and his contemporaries, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacular halls even more.

Explore the historic centre of Vienna

The Historic Centre of Vienna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. It is a beautiful area, rich in architectural ensembles, including Baroque castles and gardens, as well as the late 19th-century Ringstrasse, lined with grand buildings, monuments, and parks.

The centre developed from early Celtic and Roman settlements into a medieval and Baroque city, eventually becoming the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It has played an essential role as a leading European music centre, from the great age of Viennese Classicism through to the early 20th century.

The inner city contains a number of medieval-era buildings, including the Schottenkloster, the oldest monastery in Austria, and the churches of Maria am Gestade, Michaelerkirche, Minoritenkirche, and Minoritenkloster, all from the 13th century. St Stephen's Cathedral dates from the 14th and 15th centuries.

In 1683, Vienna became the capital of the Habsburg Empire and developed rapidly, becoming an impressive Baroque city. Many noble families built new palaces, and existing medieval buildings were altered and given Baroque features. Several historic buildings are now associated with the residences of important personalities such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert.

In the second half of the 19th century, the fortifications around the inner city were demolished, and the opportunity was taken to create one of the most significant 19th-century ensembles in the history of urban planning. The Hofburg complex was extended with the addition of the Neue Hofburg, an 'Imperial Forum', and joined with large museum complexes into a single ensemble. The Burgtheater, parliament, town hall, and university formed another ensemble linked with these structures.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw further creative contributions by Viennese designers, artists, and architects in the periods of Jugendstil (Art Nouveau), the Secession, and the early Modern Movement in architecture.

Take in the views from St. Stephen's Cathedral

St. Stephen's Cathedral is a must-see when visiting Vienna. The cathedral is a symbol of the city and the country's most important Gothic building. It is a landmark, a symbol of identity, and synonymous with the reconstruction of the Republic after the Second World War.

The cathedral's construction began in the 12th century, and its interior has changed repeatedly over the centuries. The tallest of its four towers is the south tower, which stands at 136 meters (446 ft) and offers a panoramic view of Vienna. The tower room is reached via 343 steps, and a total of 13 bells hang here, including the Pummerin, the second-biggest free-swinging chimed church bell in Europe.

The roof of St. Stephen's Cathedral is constructed with ornately patterned, richly coloured, glazed tiles. Over 230,000 tiles were used to create the Royal and Imperial double-headed eagle and the coat of arms of the city of Vienna.

The cathedral is also known for its intricate stone carvings, including a self-portrait of the unknown sculptor, known as the Fenstergucker. The beautiful stone pulpit is a masterpiece of late Gothic sculpture, with reliefs of the four original Doctors of the Church.

St. Stephen's Cathedral is the final resting place of notable figures, including Emperor Friedrich III, buried in an impressive marble sarcophagus, and Prince Eugene of Savoy, who has his final resting place in a private chapel.

To take in the views from St. Stephen's Cathedral, visitors can climb the 388 steps to the top of the south tower or take the lift to the north tower. The views from the top offer a breathtaking panorama of Vienna and are well worth the effort.

Tour the Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace is a must-see for anyone visiting Austria. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Europe's most stunning Baroque landmarks, comprising the Upper and Lower Belvedere and an extensive garden. The two palaces were built in the early 18th century by Baroque architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy.

The Belvedere houses the greatest collection of Austrian art, dating from the Middle Ages to the present day. The collection includes the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt's paintings, including the iconic 'The Kiss' and 'Judith'. Other highlights include works by Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka.

The Upper Belvedere is the more impressive of the two palaces, with a beautiful interior and famous artwork. The Marble Hall, with its lavish frescoed ceiling, is possibly the most beautiful room in the palace. The Lower Belvedere, on the other hand, is visually less impressive, with a darker interior. It currently houses a temporary exhibition of Ukrainian art.

The Schlossgarten Palace Gardens between the Upper and Lower Belvedere are also worth a visit. They are considered one of the most stunning gardens in Vienna, with great landscaping. The Grobe Bassin is possibly the most picturesque outdoor park in the Upper Belvedere.

The Belvedere is located just a short tram ride from Vienna's city centre. Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue, and it is recommended to book a time slot in advance to avoid long queues. An audio guide is available for an additional fee, and there is a cafe and gift shop on-site.

Overall, a visit to the Belvedere Palace is a must for art lovers and those interested in Baroque architecture. The beautiful buildings, stunning gardens, and impressive art collection make for an enjoyable and enriching experience.

Discover the Salzburg Cathedral

The Salzburg Cathedral is a 17th-century Baroque cathedral located in the Old Town area of Salzburg, Austria. It is dedicated to Saint Rupert and Saint Vergilius and was founded by Saint Rupert in 774 on the remnants of a Roman town. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1181 after a fire. In the 17th century, it was completely rebuilt in the Baroque style under Prince-Bishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau.

The Salzburg Cathedral is an imposing tribute to the Early Baroque. The resplendent façade is made of Untersberg Marble, with four monumental statues looking down: the Apostles Peter and Paul, holding a key and a sword, and Salzburg's two patron saints, Rupert and Virgil, holding a salt vessel and a model of the church. The two escutcheons at the top of the gable commemorate the two builders of the cathedral, Markus Sittikus and Paris Lodron.

The cathedral is very much the centrepiece of Salzburg. Inside, you can find the place where composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptised, as well as the crypt, the art installation "Vanitas", and the chest containing relics of the Saints Rupert and Virgil. There are also many secrets associated with the seven bells and three entrance doors.

The cathedral is located on the south bank of the river Salzach, next to Mozart's Birthplace. The closest public transport stop is Salzburg Rathaus, on routes 25, 27, 28, 840, and O-Bus 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 14. The best way to get around Salzburg is on foot, as the streets are largely pedestrianised.

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