Lexi Webster
Austria is a small but mighty country, brimming with natural, architectural, and cultural beauties. It is a country that has something to offer all year round, from exciting ski trips and Christmas markets in winter to relaxing summer strolls across the dreamy shores of its many lakes. Beyond the snow-capped mountains and ski slopes, you'll find quaint candy-coloured towns, sunny alpine meadows, and sparkling turquoise lakes. It is also a cultural hotspot, with a rich musical history and a plethora of museums and galleries to explore.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cities | Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Hallstatt, Durnstein, Alpback, Tyrol |
| Mountains | Austrian Central Alps , Salzkammergut mountains |
| Lakes | Hallstatter Lake, Green Lake in Styria, Lake Grundlsee, Lake Schlegeis |
| Waterfalls | Krimml Waterfalls in Tauern National Park |
| Christmas markets | Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck |
| Culture | Mozart, Beethoven, Klimt, Hedy Lamarr |
| Art and architecture | Belvedere Museum, Mozart House, Imperial Palace, Imperial Court Church, Golden Roof, Ambras Castle, Spanish Hall, Garden Palace, Princely Library, Swarovski Crystal World |
| Food | Wiener Schnitzel, Marillenknödel |
| Transport | City airport train (CAT), bus, express train, ÖBB’s Railjet, ÖBB Nightjet |
| Cleanliness | One of the cleanest places in the world |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's natural beauty
Austria is a country of natural beauty, from the Alps to the lakes, and the valleys to the waterfalls. The country is a dream for nature lovers, with its stunning landscapes and natural wonders.
The Austrian Alps are a must-see for any visitor to the country. The mountain range stretches across the country, offering breathtaking views and plenty of outdoor activities. The Oetztal Alps, for example, enclose a nature park with a landscape that is highly striking. The artificial lake that sits between the mountains is a popular spot for hiking and climbing. The Zillertal Alps, too, offer an eye-catching scenery.
The town of Salzburg is a great base for exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The nearby Alpine retreat of Berchtesgaden, just 20 miles from Salzburg, is home to Germany's third-highest mountain, the Watzmann, and a deep glacial lake called Königssee. In summer, the lake transforms from a snowy wonderland to a lush paradise, surrounded by the Alps and the Berchtesgaden National Park.
The Tyrol Province is another popular destination for nature lovers. The province is home to the market town of Tyrol, which offers easy access to the Bavarian Castles and Ehrenberg Ruins. The crystal-clear Lake Schlegeis is also located in Tyrol, as is the picturesque village of Alpbach, known for its floral displays in summer and ski resorts in winter. The Swarovski Crystal World, located in the small Tyrolean town of Wattens, is another attraction in the area.
Austria is also home to stunning waterfalls, such as the Berga Layer Waterfall, which is easily accessible via an easy path. The Krimml Waterfalls in Tauern National Park are another impressive sight, as they are the tallest falls in Central Europe.
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The country's musical heritage
Austria is a country with a rich musical heritage. The country's capital, Vienna, is known as a world capital of music. The city is home to numerous musical landmarks, including the Belvedere Museum, which houses a collection of art, and the Mozart House, the birthplace of the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The city of Salzburg, located north of the Alps, is also known for its musical heritage. It is the birthplace of Mozart and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural value. The city's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is adorned with churches, castles, and palaces. The historic centre of Vienna, recognised by UNESCO for its cultural importance, is home to architectural ensembles, 19th-century buildings, monuments, parks, Baroque castles, and gardens. The Schönbrunn Palace, with its Baroque architecture and over 1,400 rooms, is a highlight.
In addition to these famous musical landmarks, Austria is home to several other cultural sites recognised by UNESCO. The Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn, a massive complex with over 1,400 rooms, is recognised for its cultural and historical significance. The city of Graz and its historic centre, added to the UNESCO list in 1999, is an example of the secular presence and the influence of aristocratic families in the cultural and artistic scene. The Fertő/Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape, shared with Hungary, is a unique border region where different cultures have met and mingled for 8,000 years, resulting in a diverse cultural landscape.
Austria also boasts impressive natural heritage sites recognised by UNESCO. The Semmering Railway, a 41-km stretch built between 1848 and 1854, was Europe's first standard-gauge, double-track mountain railway. The Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps, consisting of 111 separate sites spread over six countries, illustrate the life lived by their residents during the Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages. The Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe consist of 78 separate sites spread over twelve countries, offering a diverse landscape with alpine mountains, higher pastures, narrow valleys, and a salt mining town.
Overall, Austria's musical heritage is deeply intertwined with its cultural and natural landmarks, offering a rich and diverse range of experiences for visitors. From the musical landmarks of Vienna and Salzburg to the natural wonders of the Semmering Railway and the Ancient Beech Forests, Austria's musical heritage is just one aspect of the country's captivating charm.
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Vienna's stunning architecture
Vienna, Austria's capital, is a city of stunning architecture. The city's buildings are a testament to its rich history and cultural diversity, with influences from Germanic and Mediterranean cultures evident in the grand porticoes, shaded balconies, symmetrical arcades, and majestic loggias. Despite World War II bombings causing severe structural damage, Vienna has retained its eclectic elegance, and many original sites have been carefully restored.
One of the most iconic buildings in Vienna is St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom), a masterpiece of medieval Gothic architecture. The intricate and finely detailed decorative architecture of Stephansdom includes altars, towers, and figures that draw millions of visitors each year. The cathedral, named after the first Christian martyr, is the city's main symbol and the largest church in Vienna. The south tower, completed in 1433, marks the highest point in the city. The interior highlights include a wraparound late-Gothic pulpit, a winged Gothic side altar, an early-Baroque high altar, and the tomb of Prince Eugene of Savoy.
Vienna is also home to the Belvedere Palace, a Baroque summer residence built for Prince Eugene of Savoy between 1712 and 1723. The palace is adorned with ceiling frescoes depicting the prince's ascension into heaven and his resemblance to mythological gods. The decorative programme was executed by a group of mainly Italian artists, including Martino Altomonte and Carlo Carlone. Today, the palace serves as a picture gallery of Austrian paintings, notably showcasing several works by Gustav Klimt.
The city also boasts impressive modern architecture, such as the Erste campus, with its wavy and curvaceous glass exterior, and the monolithic glass cube of the Steirereck restaurant. Vienna's main train station, the Economics and Business University campus, is another contemporary masterpiece with its unique, curvaceous design.
In addition to its religious and royal architecture, Vienna also offers a range of cultural and artistic spaces. The neoclassical Staatsoper, one of the world's leading opera houses, features opulent interiors with marble, gold, and decorative stucco. The Hofburg, the official headquarters of the Habsburg Empire for centuries, showcases the splendour of imperial architecture, with the Swiss Courtyard being its oldest section. The Habsburg Imperial Palace and Imperial Court Church are also notable examples of Vienna's architectural heritage.
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Austrian cuisine
Austria has a strong tradition of sausage-making, with varieties including the Frankfurter, Käsekrainer, and Burenwurst. One of the most popular fast foods is the Bosna or Bosner, a spiced bratwurst in a hot dog roll, available at sausage stands (Würstelstand) across the country. In Lower Austria, local delicacies include Waldviertel poppies, Marchfeld asparagus, and Wachau apricots, the latter of which are used to make Marillenknödel, small dumplings filled with apricots and warm butter-fried breadcrumbs.
Pretzels hold a special place in Austrian cuisine, particularly in Vienna and Salzburg, where they are widely available in heurigen (wine taverns), breweries, bakeries, and on the street. Another must-try street food is Kiachl, a type of doughnut pastry fried in lard and filled with cranberry jam. For something savoury, try Zillertaler Krapfen, a speciality from the Zillertal Valley, featuring a savoury grey cheese filling in a crispy shell.
Austria is also famous for its cakes and pastries, including the Sachertorte, a chocolate cake with apricot jam filling, and the Linzer Torte, a shortcake pastry filled with redcurrant jam. The Prügeltorte is another special type of Austrian cake, often seen at celebrations, made by drizzling a liquid batter over a rotating spit to create a distinctive hollow centre. For something more savoury, try Strauben, a traditional Austrian funnel cake made with a simple batter of flour, egg yolks, salt, and white wine, fried to a golden brown and dusted with powdered sugar.
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Christmas markets
Austria is famous for its Christmas markets, which take place from mid-November until the end of the year. The markets offer a magical experience, with twinkling lights, the scent of seasonal treats like mulled wine and roasted almonds, and a special blend of handicrafts, regional delicacies, and festive cheer.
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a top Christmas destination, with over seven Christmas markets to explore. The Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is one of the largest and most famous markets in the city, offering traditional crafts, food, and an ice-skating rink. The Vienna Magic of Advent turns the City Hall Square into a shining fairytale land, with Christmas gifts, tree decorations, sweets, warming drinks, and fun Christmas workshops for kids. The Culture and Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace exudes imperial flair, with traditional handicrafts, nostalgic toys, and charming decorative items. The Belvedere Palace Christmas Village, set in a baroque setting, offers creative gift ideas and culinary delights. The Altstadt Christmas Market, with its glittering crystal trees, is also a must-visit.
Salzburg is another excellent destination for Christmas markets. The Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, located next to the city's main cathedral, is filled with twinkling lights and carolers, creating the perfect atmosphere for holiday cheer. The Hellbrunn Advent Magic adds to the fairy-tale experience with 700 fir trees adorned with 10,000 red baubles and fairy lights. The Salzburg Mountain Advent in the Großarl Valley offers a rustic charm with handcrafted nativity scenes displayed by torchlight and candlelight.
Innsbruck is a charming city nestled in the heart of the Alps, known for its historical architecture. The Innsbruck Marktplatz Market is a beautiful and romantic Yuletide paradise for children, with stalls offering gifts, hot tea, and festive treats.
For those looking for more originality, there are Christmas markets near Vienna, such as the Bratislava Christmas Market and the Budapest Christmas Market. Graz, known for its castles, also offers a unique Christmas market experience with Styrian arts and crafts, regional farm products, hot punch, and mulled wine.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria is a country full of natural, architectural and cultural beauty. From the snow-capped peaks of the Austrian Central Alps to the quaint candy-coloured towns, there is plenty to see and do. It is also considered the heart of the European music scene, with Salzburg being the birthplace of Mozart and Vienna being the residence of Beethoven.
Austria has a lot to offer, from the Mozart House in Salzburg to the Belvedere Museum in Vienna. You can also visit the Habsburg Imperial Palace and Imperial Court Church in Innsbruck, or take a stroll through the Mirabell Gardens. If you're looking for natural attractions, you can visit Lake Hallstatt, Lake Schlegeis, or the Krimml Waterfalls in Tauern National Park.
Austria is a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts, with plenty of options for skiing, cross-country touring, freeriding, and more. You can also visit the Christmas markets in Vienna, Salzburg, or Innsbruck, or try some of the country's famous cuisine, such as Wiener Schnitzel and Marillenknödel.
