Leslie Massey
Austria is a destination with something for everyone, from mountains and lakes to cities and culture. The country's most famous city, Vienna, is a hub of beautiful architecture, museums, and a thriving music scene. The historic centre is rich in Baroque castles and gardens, as well as the grand 19th-century Ringstrasse. Beyond Vienna, there is much to explore, including the picturesque town of Hallstatt, the idyllic Innsbruck, and the spa town of Bad Gastein. For music lovers, a trip to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is a must. Adventure enthusiasts can hike, ski, or bungee jump in Innsbruck, while those seeking a more relaxed pace can cruise the Danube River or explore the lakeside villages.
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What You'll Learn
- Vienna: See beautiful architecture, museums and Christmas markets
- Salzburg: Explore the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location of The Sound of Music
- Innsbruck: Adventure enthusiasts can hike, bungee jump and ski
- Hallstatt: A picturesque town with a station on the Salzkammergutbahn
- Zell am See: Easy access to the Kaprun Glacier and year-round snow
Vienna: See beautiful architecture, museums and Christmas markets
Vienna is a city steeped in history and culture, with beautiful architecture, fascinating museums, and charming Christmas markets.
Architecture
Saint Stephen's Cathedral is a stunning example of medieval Gothic architecture and Vienna's biggest and most famous church. The Gothic building, with its ever-expanding size, symbolised the city's rising imperial ambitions under the Habsburgs in the 14th and 15th centuries. The south tower, completed in 1433, marks the highest point in Vienna, while the northern tower was never finished. The interior includes a wraparound late-Gothic pulpit, a winged Gothic side altar, an early-Baroque high altar, and the tomb of Prince Eugene of Savoy.
The Imperial Palace, built in the first half of the 19th century, features an unimposing outer gate, while the central projection of the Liechtenstein family's city palace is accented with colossal pilasters and a powerful cornice topped with an open balustrade and statues. The Burgtheater, designed by Gottfried Semper, features a highly articulated central axis and shows parallels with his Dresden Opera House.
Museums
Vienna's museums are renowned and display objects of global importance. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, a Neoclassical building, once housed a marble sculpture of Theseus slaying a centaur by Antonio Canova. The KHM is known for its galleries of old masters, including the world's largest Bruegel collection, as well as the Kunstkammer chamber of wonders, coin collections, and Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities.
The Mozarthaus is the only remaining original home of Mozart and his family, while the Dom Museum houses treasures of Stephansdom Cathedral and some modern art. The Third Man Museum features movie memorabilia and a special exhibition on WWII Vienna, and the Papyrus Museum holds a globally important collection of papyrus fragments and ancient Egyptian artefacts.
Christmas Markets
Vienna's Christmas markets, or Weihnachtsmarkt, are a delightful experience. The main markets, such as the famous Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz Square, offer a romantic atmosphere with wooden stalls, twinkling lights, steaming punch, roasted chestnuts, handcrafted decorations, and the scent of fresh pastries. The market outside Stephansdom Cathedral provides a unique backdrop, with horse-drawn carriages adding to the historical atmosphere. Am Hof, in the historical centre of medieval Vienna, offers a more intimate setting surrounded by historical buildings, while the Hirschstetten advent market features a giant floral exhibition in glasshouses.
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Salzburg: Explore the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location of The Sound of Music
Salzburg is a beautiful city in Austria, known for being the birthplace of the legendary composer, Wolfgang Amadé Mozart. It is also famous for being one of the primary filming locations of the classic film, The Sound of Music.
Mozart's Birthplace
The house where Mozart was born, known as the "Hagenauer Haus", is located on Getreidegasse 9 in Salzburg. The building now houses a museum dedicated to the composer, featuring exhibits that provide insight into his life, including his childhood, his musical beginnings, his relationships, and his passion for opera. The bright yellow façade of the building, adorned with the flag of the Republic of Austria, has become an iconic landmark in the city. The museum offers a mobile text guide that provides information about the exhibits on display.
The Sound of Music Filming Locations
Salzburg served as a backdrop for many memorable scenes in The Sound of Music. The city offers tours that take fans to various filming locations, including Leopoldskron Palace, Frohnburg Palace, the Mirabell Palace Gardens, the Old Town of Salzburg, the basilica in Mondsee, and the gazebo featured in the film. The Original Sound of Music Tour® was created by Panorama Tours, who were involved in the film production, allowing them to provide behind-the-scenes stories and insights during the tour.
In addition to its musical heritage, Salzburg offers a wealth of cultural attractions, natural beauty, and historical sites, making it a popular destination for travellers exploring Austria.
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Innsbruck: Adventure enthusiasts can hike, bungee jump and ski
Innsbruck, a city in Austria, is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, offering a plethora of thrilling activities such as hiking, bungee jumping, and skiing.
For hikers, the Bergisel Ski Jump provides a unique opportunity to explore the surrounding area. The ski jump, a towering structure designed by award-winning architect Zaha Hadid, offers a challenging hike to the Drachenfelsen viewing platform. The hike, suitable for all fitness levels, provides stunning views of the city and the Alps. The panorama trail around Bergisel, known as the circular Bergisel hiking route, offers an easy and short hike with panoramic views of the city and the Nordkette mountain range.
Innsbruck also offers the thrilling experience of bungee jumping. The Bergisel Ski Jump, a prominent landmark, provides an adrenaline-pumping opportunity for adventure seekers. Standing at the top of the ski jump and witnessing the stomach-churning view is an unforgettable experience. The ski jump has a rich history, having hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1964 and 1976, and was the site of the Four Battles of Bergisel in 1809.
Additionally, Innsbruck caters to skiers and snowboarders. The Nordkette mountains, easily accessible from the city, offer a different perspective on the ski jump. The ski area boasts a long history, dating back to 1927, and has seen continuous development, resulting in a modern ski jump that won the Austrian State Prize for architecture in 2002. The ski jump serves as a training ground for some of the world's best ski jumpers, who can be seen practising during the summer months.
Innsbruck's natural surroundings and mountainous terrain make it an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts seeking a combination of outdoor activities and exploration of historic sites. The city's vibrant student community also contributes to a lively atmosphere and diverse accommodation options.
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Hallstatt: A picturesque town with a station on the Salzkammergutbahn
Hallstatt is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Austria, boasting stunning natural scenery and a wealth of cultural attractions. One of the most notable features of Hallstatt is its location on the Salzkammergutbahn, a scenic railroad that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The town's train station provides easy access to and from other destinations in Austria, making it a convenient stop on any itinerary.
Hallstatt is known for its idyllic setting on the shores of a lake, with a boat service connecting the town to other lakeside communities. The lake provides opportunities for swimming, boating, and canoeing, making it a popular destination during the summer months. In addition to its aquatic attractions, Hallstatt offers a glimpse into Austria's rich history, with sites such as the oldest salt mine in the region and the picturesque Cave World in nearby Obertraun.
The town itself is characterised by charming architecture, including colourful skulls and historic buildings. Accommodation options in Hallstatt include the renowned Gasthof Simony-Hallstatt, offering a traditional Austrian experience. Visitors can also indulge in local cuisine at restaurants such as Restaurant Hubertuskeller and Ledererhaus, providing an authentic taste of Austrian culture and hospitality.
Hallstatt is often included in guided bus tours that explore the beauty of Salzkammergut, a resort area renowned for its shimmering blue lakes, alpine ranges, and charming villages. This picturesque region offers the quintessential Austrian experience, with opportunities for water sports, hiking, and exploring historic sites. Hallstatt's proximity to other popular destinations, such as Salzburg and Vienna, makes it a convenient addition to any Austrian itinerary, providing a blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration.
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Zell am See: Easy access to the Kaprun Glacier and year-round snow
Zell am See is a resort town in the Austrian Alps, offering stunning views of the Hohe Tauern mountains, including Austria's highest peak, the 12,460-foot Grossglockner. The town is known for its year-round snow and easy access to the Kaprun Glacier, making it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders.
The skiing in Zell am See goes up to 2,000 meters, with breathtaking views of Lake Zell and around 30 peaks over 3,000 meters. The town is also linked to the Ski Circus resorts, offering over 400 kilometers of slopes. The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, located in the region, provides 37 miles of slopes at 10,509 feet above sea level and is known for its alpine views and reliable snow conditions.
In addition to winter sports, Zell am See offers a variety of activities throughout the year. Spring brings a tapestry of flora and fauna, as well as longer, warmer days on the slopes. The area boasts world-renowned cycling routes, such as the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, a 30-mile route with 36 hairpin bends and stunning views. The town's location on the lakeshore also provides opportunities for water-based activities like stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and water-skiing.
Zell am See is easily accessible by public transport, with a main rail line from Bludenz to Innsbruck running through the Alps and a branch from Worgl to Salzburg via Zell am See. It is also just an hour and a half from Salzburg airport by bus, making it a convenient destination for travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
For a summer trip to Austria, you should consider visiting Salzburg, an idyllic Alpine town surrounded by high mountains. You can go sightseeing, visit Hellbrunn Palace, Nonnberg Abbey, and Salzburg Cathedral, and go hiking in the surrounding hills and mountains. You could also visit Worthersee Lake for swimming, boating, and canoeing.
For a winter trip to Austria, you should consider visiting Innsbruck for its world-renowned ski resorts. You could also go to Vienna to see the Christmas markets and ski in the Alps.
For museums and art galleries, you should consider visiting Vienna, which is home to one of the world's foremost museums, featuring works spanning five millennia. You can also see major works by artists such as Dürer, Raphael, and Titian. Additionally, you can visit the historic palace with an acclaimed art gallery showcasing a vast array of Gustav Klimt's work.
