Best Places to Visit in Austria

Known For : St Stephens Cathedral Hofburg Schonbrunn Palace

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria, located in the eastern part of the country, situated along the banks of the Danube River. It is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, you'll be transported back in time to the days of imperial grandeur, with palaces and museums that showcase the city's storied past.

Best Time: May to October

50 Vienna Attractions

Known For : Altstadt Hohensalzburg Fortress Mirabell Palace and Gardens

This small, little storybook city will be an ideal holiday destiantion if you want to a break from the buzz of the city life, if you want nothing more than to stroll along the streets with the sorrounding countryside. From Mozart and The Sound of Music to ice caves, salt mines, churches and castles, Salzburg packs in an awful lot for the small city.

Best Time: Throughout the year

36 Salzburg Attractions

Innsbruck, Austria is a picturesque city with a unique charm that will make any traveler fall in love. Located in the heart of the Alps, this ancient city offers a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a vibrant city life. Innsbruck is an ideal destination for those who seek an active holiday, with plenty of outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. It's also a great destination for culture lovers, with its many museums, galleries, and churches.

Best Time: June - September

Hallstatt Austria is a picturesque lakeside village located in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. It is known for its historic salt mine and its stunning alpine scenery, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The town is nestled between the Lake Hallstatt and the Dachstein Mountains, making it a great spot for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and skiing.

Best Time: June - September

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, in Hohe Tauern National Park, is a mountain pass offers a thrilling drive with panoramic views of the Austrian Alps, including the majestic Grossglockner, the country's highest peak. Along the 48-kilometer route, visitors encounter alpine meadows, glacial streams, and a series of hairpin bends, culminating in the Edelweissspitze viewpoint, where the breathtaking scenery unfolds.

Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site along the Danube River in Austria, is a captivating stretch of vineyard-covered hills, charming villages, and historic landmarks. This picturesque region is renowned for its stunning landscapes, dotted with terraced vineyards, medieval castles, and the Melk Abbey.

Eisriesenwelt, located near Werfen, Austria, is the largest ice cave in the world, offering a surreal underground experience. With a labyrinthine network of icy chambers and formations, this natural wonder extends over 40 kilometers. Visitors are treated to the mesmerizing sight of glittering ice stalactites and stalagmites, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

Zell am See is a small town located in the Salzburg province of Austria, surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and the crystal clear waters of Lake Zell. It is an ideal destination for alpine and winter sports enthusiasts, as well as for those seeking a peaceful and serene setting for a holiday.

Best Time: June - September

Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, is a popular tourist destination for its rich heritage and culture. Located in the southeastern part of the country, it is home to several architectural gems, including the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's main attraction is its old town, which is a small and picturesque old city full of cobblestone streets, Baroque architecture, and cozy cafes.

Best Time: June - September

Lake Wolfgang, or Wolfgangsee, situated in the Austrian Salzkammergut region, is a stunning alpine lake surrounded by picturesque villages and emerald-green mountains. The lake's clear waters reflect the charm of St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, and Strobl, the enchanting villages along its shores. Visitors to Wolfgangsee can enjoy leisurely boat rides, lakeside promenades, and panoramic views of the Dachstein Alps.

The Semmering Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an engineering marvel winding through the Semmering Pass in Austria. Constructed between 1848 and 1854, it represents a pioneering achievement in railway design with its tunnels, viaducts, and galleries set against the stunning backdrop of the Austrian Alps. This historic railway not only facilitated transportation but also offers travelers breathtaking panoramic views.

Nestled in the eastern part of Austria, Burgenland is a renowned wine region celebrated for its vineyards and charming villages. This picturesque area, bordered by Hungary to the east, is characterized by rolling hills and the serene Lake Neusiedl. Burgenland is particularly famous for its red wines, with indigenous grape varieties like Blaufränkisch thriving in its favorable climate.

Perched majestically on a volcanic hill in Styria, Austria, Riegersburg Castle stands as a formidable medieval fortress with a rich history dating back over a millennium. Offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, the castle features impressive fortifications, including thick stone walls and towers.

The Krimml Waterfalls, nestled within the High Tauern National Park in Austria, stand as the country's highest waterfalls, cascading in three tiers over a total height of 380 meters. The falls are a mesmerizing natural spectacle, surrounded by lush alpine landscapes and offering breathtaking views. A well-maintained trail allows visitors to ascend alongside the falls, providing an immersive experience and a closer look at the powerful rush of water.