The history, culture, natural beauty, and regionally specific pursuits of Austria are unparalleled. Europe’s other winter sports mecca, along with Switzerland, is here. While winter sports enthusiasts go to Austria for the winter Olympics, summertime visitors flock to the country to see its ancient towns and quaint villages and to trek in the breathtaking Alps. The following are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Austria to use as inspiration for your own itinerary.
17. Hochosterwitz Castle
It’s easy to understand why the historic Hochosterwitz Castle was supposedly the model for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Every one of the castle’s fourteen gates has a specific purpose: to keep invaders out. Visitors ride an extraordinary inclined train up to the castle, where they can see a chapel built entirely of marble and adorned with priceless statues. Visitors may still see the arsenal, which has examples of weaponry dating back to the 14th century.
16. Krems
The Wachau Valley begins at the confluence of the Krems and Blue Danube rivers in the ancient city of Krems, which is located west of Vienna. The historic district of Krems is pedestrian-friendly, so you can easily explore the city’s old city gates and the Gozzoburg castle. Many tourists visit Krems to learn more about the city’s renowned wine scene. Visitors to Krems may learn everything about the city’s wine culture at the Weinstadmuseum, located in the downtown area. The museum’s knowledgeable staff can also direct them to the best wine tasting rooms and vineyards all across Krems and along the Danube.
15. Eisriesenwelt Cave
One way to think about Eisriesenwelt is as a theme park for ecotourists. The Eisriesenwelt is home to a network of subterranean ice caves with hundreds of kilometres of trails leading through breathtaking underground chambers. After descending more than 700 stairs, you will reach the Eispalast. This ice castle is vast, and its walls glisten brightly in the sunlight. Shuttles run routinely from the Werfen railway station to the Eisriesenwelt, the closest city, where guests may stay overnight and take advantage of the resort’s round-trip shuttle service.
14. Vienna State Opera
The Ringstraße, or Ring Road, is located in the heart of Vienna and is lined with many famous sights. The Vienna State Opera House is only one example. The building itself is a 19th-century example of Neo-Renaissance architecture. This is a genuinely large location, with marble stairs and painted ceilings. Following World War II bombing, the building was reconstructed in its original design. Touring the Vienna State Opera is fascinating, but nothing compares to experiencing one of the numerous spectacular musical performances or elegant balls that take place there each year.
13. Mirabell Palace
Salzburg’s Mirabell Palace, or Schloss Mirabell as the locals call it, was commissioned by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich in the early 16th century as a gift for his lover. The palace underwent extensive modifications in the 17th century, creating a baroque interior with many ornate details. There is a lot of marble, stucco, and huge frescoes within. It is well known that Marble Hall is one of the most photogenic venues in the city for weddings. The grounds outside are as stunning, and the sculpture collection is among the best in the world.
12. Schafberg
Schafberg is a mountain summit located in the middle of the Salzkammergut Mountains. This peak in the Limestone Alps offers a breathtaking panorama of the Wolfgangsee Lake. The convenience of a steam railroad makes Schafberg a popular vacation spot. This railway, known as the Schafbergbahn, travels from St. Wolfgang to the peak of the mountain. The railway, made famous by the film The Sound of Music, is a must-see.
11. Hohenwerfen Castle
Even though the historic Hohenwerfen Castle is located on a rocky ledge with stunning views of the Salzachtal Valley, the scenery is secondary to the amazing castle. Visitors are drawn to the castle in large part because of the falconry, which gives them a taste of mediaeval life. The dungeons are dark and musty, while the belfry is bright and airy. A ghoulish yet interesting feature of the castle, the dungeons are home to some of the original instruments.
10. Zell am See
Zell am See is one of Austria’s most well-known Alpine resorts. The lake that the city is based around, Zeller See, is a beautiful blue and clear example of an Alpine lake. In the distance, the snowy peaks of the Hohe Tauern Alps can be seen, and the area is ideal for outdoor activities like skiing, fishing, and cycling. The historical landmarks, such as Castle Rosenberg, built in the 16th century, are the icing on the cake of this gorgeous location.
9. Melk Abbey
It’s no exaggeration to say that Melk Abbey is among the most illustrious religious institutions in the world. The tranquil Benedictine monastery sits on a high rock above the placid Danube River. Leopold II’s fortress was converted into a monastery in 1089 after being granted to the monks. The magnificent place of worship is now widely regarded as a prime example of the period’s booming Baroque architecture, as well as the musical and liberal arts.
8. Seefeld in Tyrol
Seefeld, site of the Winter Olympics twice, is a major cross-country skiing hub with accessible terrain for all levels of skiers. It is situated on a beautiful natural reserve, making it ideal for outdoor activities in all seasons. Seefeld is the perfect place to unwind since it has the most luxurious hotels.
7. Hohensalzburg Castle
As one of Europe’s biggest and best-preserved mediaeval castles, this one in Salzburg is really breathtaking. The powerful stronghold, perched atop Festungsberg Mountain, provides Salzburg with a dramatic backdrop and a sense of history and grandeur. The Salzburg Bull, an organ with over two hundred pipes, is housed in this castle. Hohensalzburg Castle, located in the city of Salzburg, is one of Austria’s most visited landmarks and a breathtaking example of mediaeval architecture.
6. Hofburg Imperial Palace
The Hofburg Imperial Palace is a must-see while visiting Vienna. Until World War One, this building served as the Habsburg royal family’s official home. The stables, library, and Spanish Riding School were among the many additions to the palace made as the Habsburgs amassed more power and wealth. The Michaelerplatz entry leads to many museums, including the old royal residences and the magnificent Imperial Silver Collection.
5. Innsbruck Altstadt
Innsbruck’s stunning location in the heart of the stunning Alpine mountain range will make you feel very small. It has been said that the region has two distinct personalities, with beautiful natural scenery and a modern city at its heart. When you visit Innsbruck, don’t miss the chance to explore the historic town of Altstadt, with its distinctive architecture and plenty of businesses. Visit the Altstadt and its most recognisable monument, the Golden Roof, during your explorations. Thousands of gilded copper tiles were used to give this home of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I the appearance of solid gold.
4. St Anton am Arlberg
St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria, is yet another world-famous ski resort. Tyrol is home to some of the world’s most challenging ski slopes, and this community is the perfect starting point for adventurers. St. Anton has a reputation for being a place where young, daring people “work hard and play hard.” Every year, both winter sports enthusiasts and summer mountaineers go to the area to explore the huge environment. St. Anton is the place to go if you want to have a good time.
3. Grossglockner Alpine Road
The Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe Visitor Center may be reached at the end of the scenic Grossglockner Alpine Road. The Grossglockner, the tallest peak in Austria, is clearly seen from that vantage point. Even though there is a fee to use the Grossglockner Alpine Road, the breathtaking views from the high alpine region are well worth it. There is often traffic on the route from the start of May to the end of October.
2. Hallstatt
Hallstatt, a little community in the Salzkammergut area known for its salt manufacturing, is another fantastic destination. The community has a rich and illustrious history since salt has always been in demand as a means to preserve and flavour food. The village’s transformation into a glitzy baroque town was funded by the profits from the salt trade. Stop at the underground salt lake in Hörnerwerk cavern to witness the ancient guy who was preserved there. Do not leave Austria without seeing Hallstatt, one of the most extraordinary destinations in the country.
1. Schonbrunn Palace
The last stop on the itinerary is the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, one of Vienna’s top attractions. Designed to rival Versailles in scale, this palace’s construction spanned 1696–1712 at the behest of Emperor Leopold I and was later used as the imperial summer residence by Empress Maria Theresa. The world’s first zoo, a maze, a labyrinth, and a marble summerhouse perched on top of a 60-meter-high hill are just some of the delights that can be found in the Palace Park.
