Discover Austria: Best 12 Places To Visit For An Unforgettable Experience
Planning a trip to Austria can feel overwhelming, especially when considering the best time to visit. With its mix of grand palaces, snow-capped Alps, and charming villages, you might wonder where to start. Austria’s best 12 places to visit offer something for every traveler, from history buffs to nature lovers. The best times to visit Austria are during the summer months for outdoor activities and the winter months for skiing and snowboarding.
Did you know Austria ranks as one of Europe’s most visited countries? Over 31 million tourists flock to this Alpine paradise each year. From the musical streets of Vienna to the fairy-tale town of Hallstatt, Austria packs countless wonders into its borders.
This guide walks you through the must-see spots that make Austria unique. Get ready to explore the best of Mozart’s homeland, one of the best places in Austria for music lovers!
Key Takeaways
- Austria welcomes over 31 million tourists yearly, offering a mix of historical sites and natural wonders across its regions, with Lower Austria being one of the best places to explore.
- Vienna serves as Austria’s cultural center, with 1,441 rooms in Schรถnbrunn Palace, while Hallstatt’s 7,000-year-old salt mines showcase the country’s rich heritage.ย In Vienna, you can immerse yourself in the city’s musical history with a visit to the State Opera House or the House of Music. Hallstatt’s salt mines offer a unique cultural experience, allowing you to learn about the region’s ancient mining traditions.
- The Grossglockner High Alpine Road stretches 30 miles with 37 hairpin turns, reaching heights of 8,215 feet through the High Tauern National Park.
- Natural wonders abound, with Europe’s tallest Krimml Waterfall (1,247 feet), 76 lakes in Salzkammergut, and Bad Gastein’s thermal springs producing 5 million liters of healing water daily.
- The country offers year-round activities: winter skiing across 200+ kilometers in Bad Gastein, summer hiking in the Alps, and wine tasting along Styrian Wine Roads.
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More InformationVienna
Vienna waits for you with music in its streets and history in its walls.
The Belvedere Palace houses Gustav Klimt’s famous “The Kiss,” while the MuseumsQuartier buzzes with art lovers and cafรฉ-goers. You’ll spot locals enjoying Sachertorte in traditional coffeehouses, a ritual that UNESCO lists as part of Austria’s cultural heritage.ย Austria’s culinary scene is also a must-try, with dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, and Sachertorte being popular choices.
The Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral rises 446 feet into the sky, offering fantastic city views from its south tower. The Naschmarkt dazzles food lovers with 120 fresh produce stalls, spices, and local treats.
Hallstatt
Hallstatt sits like a jewel between mountains and lakes in Upper Austria. This fairy-tale village draws visitors with its 16th-century Alpine houses and narrow cobblestone streets. The crystal-clear Lake Hallstatt mirrors the town’s pastel-colored buildings, creating perfect photo spots at every turn.
Salt mines dating back over 7,000 years prove the area’s rich history. The Dachstein Ice Cave and World Heritage Skywalk offer breathtaking Alps views.
You’ll spot traditional wooden boats, called “Plรคtten,” gliding across the lake’s surface.
The village buzzes with charm through all seasons. Spring brings blooming flowers to window boxes, while summer offers perfect weather for lake activities. Fall paints the mountains in golden hues, and winter transforms Hallstatt into a snowy wonderland.
The Hallstatt Museum shows off Celtic artifacts found in the area. Take a funicular to the “World Heritage View” platform for stunning lake views. The local salt mine tours guide you through ancient tunnels where miners once worked.
The village’s Lutheran church, with its bone chapel, tells stories of the past. At lakeside cafes, you can grab Austrian treats or try fresh fish caught from the alpine waters.
Salzburg
alzburg is Mozart’s birthplace and a music lover’s paradise. This charming city blends old-world charm with modern culture through its baroque buildings and Alpine backdrop.
You’ll spot the mighty Hohensalzburg Fortress perched high above the city, watching over the Salzach River below. The Old Town buzzes with life as street musicians play classical tunes near Mozart’s childhood home.
The city showcases its rich musical heritage. Fans of the Sound of Music visit famous filming spots throughout Salzburg’s streets and gardens. Mirabell Palace Gardens shine with perfectly trimmed hedges and colorful flowers.
Local cafes serve fresh strudel and Mozart chocolates while you take in views of church spires and medieval architecture. Your next stop is the winter wonderland of Innsbruck, situated in the Alps.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck is a stunning city in the Austrian Alps. This charming city mixes old-world charm with modern flair, perfect for culture buffs and outdoor lovers. The Golden Roof, built in 1500, is the city’s most famous landmark.
You’ll spot this medieval wonder with its 2,657 copper tiles gleaming in the sunshine. The Habsburg dynasty left its mark here through the Imperial Palace and Ambras Castle, filled with art and royal treasures.
The city offers year-round adventures for every type of traveler. In winter, you can hit the slopes at nine surrounding ski resorts, all reachable within 45 minutes by free shuttle bus.
The Nordkette Cable Car takes you from downtown to high alpine peaks in just 20 minutes. Summer brings hiking trails, mountain biking paths, and rock climbing spots. The Old Town comes alive with cafes, shops, and baroque buildings painted in candy-colored hues, a beautiful place to visit for architecture enthusiasts.
The Swarovski Crystal Worlds, located just outside the city, amazes visitors with its giant crystal chambers and art installations.
Zell am See
Zell am See sparkles like a jewel between mountains and lakes in Austria. This stunning resort town sits next to Lake Zell, surrounded by the Hohe Tauern mountains and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.
The crystal-clear waters of Lake Zell in summer offer perfect spots for swimming, boating, and fishing. You’ll love strolling through the medieval town center with its charming shops, cafes, and the beautiful St.
Hippolyte’s Church is one of the beautiful places in Austria that showcases stunning architecture and history. The town mixes old-world charm with modern comfort, making it a perfect base for your Austrian adventure.
This alpine paradise transforms into a winter wonderland from December to March. The Schmittenhรถhe mountain gives you access to 77 miles of ski slopes for all skill levels. Take the cable car for breathtaking views of over 30 peaks above 9,800 feet.
The Kitzsteinhorn glacier lets you ski year-round, while the town buzzes with aprรจs-ski activities. Summer brings hiking trails through alpine meadows, mountain biking paths, and water sports on Lake Zell.
The mix of activities makes Zell am See perfect for thrill-seekers and relaxation lovers.
Graz and the Styrian Wine Roads
Moving south from Zell am See’s winter wonderland, you’ll discover Graz, Austria’s second-largest city. This charming spot mixes old and new in the best way possible. The Kunsthaus Graz, a bold blue bubble-shaped museum, stands next to medieval buildings.
The city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features stunning baroque architecture at every corner. The Schlossberg, a tree-covered hill with a clock tower, offers fantastic views of the red-tiled roofs below.
The Styrian Wine Roads lead you through rolling hills and endless vineyards. These scenic routes stretch across South Styria, where small family wineries welcome visitors with open arms.
You can taste crisp white wines, including the famous Sauvignon Blanc and Welschriesling. The roads wind past cute villages, apple orchards, and cozy wine taverns called “Buschenschanken.” Local farmers serve fresh bread, cold cuts, and wines in these rustic spots.
The good food, great wine, and beautiful views make this area a food-lover’s dream.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is Austria’s most thrilling mountain pass. This 30-mile scenic route takes you through the heart of the High Tauern National Park, climbing toย 8,215 feet.
You’ll zip past 37 hairpin turns while soaking in views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear mountain lakes. The road offers perfect spots to pull over and snap photos of Austria’s tallest mountain, the Grossglockner, towering 12,461 feet.
This alpine paradise opens from May to October, giving you plenty of time to plan your visit. Stop at the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Hรถhe visitor center for amazing glacier views and mountain goat sightings.
The road connects Bruck in Salzburg to Heiligenblut in Carinthia, passing through some of Austria’s most stunning landscapes. Pack a warm jacket – even in summer, temperatures can drop quickly at these heights.
The toll road costs about โฌ37 for cars, but the views make every penny worth it.
Wachau Valley
Nestled along the Danube River, Wachau Valley is Austria’s most stunning wine region. This UNESCO World Heritage site stretches for 24 miles between Krems and Melk, offeringย breathtaking views of medieval castles, rolling vineyards, and charming villages.
You’ll spot ancient monasteries on hillsides and terraced vineyards that have produced wine for centuries. Stone castles dot the landscape, telling tales of Austria’s rich past.
Local wineries welcome visitors for tastings of their famous Grรผner Veltliner and Riesling wines, made from grapes grown on steep riverbank terraces.
Bike trails wind through this picturesque valley, making it perfect for cycling adventures between historic towns. Stop at Dรผrnstein, a small village famous for its blue church tower and the ruins where Richard the Lion Heart was once held captive.
Visit Melk Abbey, a massive Baroque monastery that glows golden in the afternoon sun. Spring brings blooming apricot trees, while fall paints the valley in warm autumn colors. Take a river cruise to see medieval villages from a different angle or hike up to viewpoints for spectacular photos.
Small family-run restaurants serve local specialties like apricot dumplings and fresh fish from the Danube, paired with regional wines, making it one of the best places to experience authentic cuisine.
Krimml Waterfall
Moving from the charming Wachau Valley, Austria offers another natural wonder that will take your breath away. The Krimml Waterfall is Europe’s tallest waterfall, dropping 1,247 feet.
This mighty cascade breaks into three stunning stages as it thunders down the mountainside.
The roar of rushing water fills the air as you walk along the well-marked trail to view all three tiers. The path takes about 1.5 hours to climb, and there are plenty of viewing platforms to rest and snap photos.
The mist from the falls creates mini rainbows on sunny days, making it a perfect spot for nature photographers. The falls flow strongest in early summer as mountain snow melts, pushing up to 177,000 gallons of water per minute over the cliffs.
A trip here puts you in the middle of Hohe Tauern National Park, where Alpine meadows and rare wildlife surround you. The clean mountain air near the falls has healing properties, making this area a natural health resort since the 1960s.
Salzkammergu
Salzkammergut shines as Austria’s lake district, with its 76 stunning lakes spread across three provinces. This natural wonderland sits between Salzburg and Graz, offering crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming in summer and ice skating in winter.
The area’s salt mines brought wealth to the region centuries ago, giving it the name “Salt Chamber Estate.”.
You’ll spot charming villages like St. Wolfgang and Bad Ischl dotting the shorelines, each with its own story. Take a boat ride on Lake Wolfgang or hike through alpine meadows for breathtaking mountain views.
The region’s beauty inspired Mozart’s music and earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997, highlighting it as one of the most beautiful places in Austria. Local restaurants serve fresh fish from the lakes, while traditional coffee houses welcome you with Austrian pastries.
Summer brings opportunities for cycling along lake paths in Lower Austria, while winter transforms the area into a snowy paradise for cross-country skiing, making it one of the best places to enjoy outdoor activities.
Bad Gastein
Bad Gastein is a jewel in Austria’s crown, set within the High Tauern mountains. This stunning spa town, part of Austria, mixes Belle รpoque charm with modern wellness facilities, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit. The town’s grand buildings, painted in soft pastels, line the steep streets that cascade down the valley.
You’ll spot impressive waterfalls thundering through the center of town, creating a magical backdrop. The thermal springs here pump out 5 million liters of healing water daily, making it a top spot for health-focused travelers.
The resort offers year-round activities to keep you busy, ensuring it’s one of the best places in Austria for adventure seekers. In winter, ski enthusiasts flock to the 200+ kilometers of slopes perfect for all skill levels. Summer brings hiking and biking adventures across alpine meadows and mountain trails.
The Gastein Thermal Spa offers panoramic views while visitors soak in mineral-rich waters. Local restaurants serve hearty Austrian dishes in cozy settings, often with stunning valley views.
The fresh mountain air and the town’s natural beauty create an ideal escape from busy city life, making it one of the best places in Austria to unwind.
Kufstein
Kufstein is a charming medieval fortress town in Tyrol, Austria. The mighty Kufstein Fortress sits high above the Inn River, giving amazing Alps views. This 13th-century castle features Europe’s largest outdoor organ, the Heroes’ Organ, which plays daily at noon.
You’ll love strolling through the old town’s narrow streets with colorful buildings and cozy cafes, one of the best places to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
The town perfectly mixes old-world charm with modern fun. You can ride the glass elevator to the fortress, explore museums, and grab a drink at local beer gardens. The surrounding mountains offer excellent summer hiking trails and winter skiing spots, making it one of the best places for outdoor enthusiasts.
The town’s location near the German border makes it a perfect stop on your Austrian road trip. Local markets, music festivals, and traditional restaurants add extra sparkle to your visit in this Alpine gem, one of the best places to experience local culture.
Conclusion
Austria’s charm lies in its perfect mix of history, nature, and culture. You’ll find yourself lost in the magic of Vienna’s royal palaces or breathing fresh Alpine air in Innsbruck.
The country offers year-round adventures, from summer hikes in Salzkammergut to winter sports in Bad Gastein. Each city tells its story through Gothic buildings, music festivals, and local food markets.
Traveling through Austria will create memories of snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and friendly locals, showcasing some of the most beautiful places in Austria. Pack your bags and head to this beautiful country where Mozart’s music still fills the streets.
Start planning your Austrian journey today – adventure awaits in every corner of this Alpine paradise.
FAQs
Vienna tops the list of best places to visit in Austria. You’ll love the Gothic architecture and waltz concerts. Other beautiful places include Salzburg (Mozart’s hometown), Linz with its Ars Electronica Center, and the stunning Tyrol state for winter sports.
Austria is beautiful in both summer and winter. Summer is perfect for cycling along Lake Constance or exploring the Bregenz Forest. Winter brings Christmas markets and makes Austria one of the best ski destinations in Europe, especially in places like St. Anton am Arlberg.
Western Austria, including Vorarlberg and Montafon, offers fantastic outdoor activities. You can take aerial lifts up mountains, stay in cozy chalets, or visit wineries. The Schwarzenberg area is perfect for day trips and hiking through forests.
Yes! Austria’s tourist attractions suit all ages. Kids love the amusement parks, while parents enjoy the beautiful and picturesque villages. The House of Habsburg castles feel like fairy tales, and places like Wolfgangsee offer fun family activities.
Graz stands out with its Schlossberg fortification and unique blend of old and new. It’s one of Austria’s most beautiful cities, offering history and modern attractions. The beautiful area around Graz is perfect for exploring.
Absolutely! Austria borders Germany and Switzerland, making it easy to plan extended trips. Many tourists start their time in Vienna and then travel around Austria before visiting neighboring countries. The location makes it one of Europe’s best places for multi-country tours.
The 12 best places to visit in Austria include Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Hallstatt, St. Anton am Arlberg, Melk, Krems, Graz, the Hohe Tauern National Park, the Dachstein region, the Salzkammergut area, and the Wachau World Heritage Trail.
Some must-visit lakes in Austria include Lake Hallstatt, Lake Constance, Lake Wolfgang, and the lakes in the Salzkammergut region, where you can enjoy stunning views and various water activities.
In Hohe Tauern National Park, you can discover breathtaking alpine landscapes, diverse wildlife, and several hiking trails that lead to some of the best views in Austria.
St. Anton am Arlberg is renowned for being one of the best ski resorts in Austria, offering excellent skiing conditions, vibrant aprรจs-ski culture, and stunning views of the Alps.
Melk Abbey is a historic Benedictine monastery that showcases impressive Baroque architecture and is located on the banks of the Danube River, making it a must-see attraction on your visit to the Wachau World Heritage Trail.
When you visit Graz, be sure to explore its historic old town, visit the impressive Schlossberg, and enjoy the vibrant culinary scene that reflects the best of Styria’s local produce.
The Dachstein region is famous for its stunning alpine scenery, ice caves, and the Dachstein Skywalk, offering thrilling views that are sure to reward any visitor with unforgettable memories.
The Salzkammergut area is popular due to its picturesque lakes, charming villages, and outdoor activities available year-round, including hiking, skiing, and enjoying the beautiful landscapes.
History enthusiasts should visit places such as Melk Abbey, the historic center of Vienna, and the castles scattered throughout Austria, which reflect the countryโs rich history and architecture.
To experience the best views in Austria, visit the viewpoints in the Alps, take a scenic train ride through the mountains, or hike to the summits in national parks like Hohe Tauern and the Dachstein region.
