Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe which is brimming with picture-perfect landscapes, awash with stunning architecture and steeped in rich history. From the bustling streets of Vienna to the snow-capped peaks of the Tyrolean Alps, the alluring romance of the Danube to the baroque concert halls of Salzburg, there is no shortage of amazing destinations to explore in Austria. This is a country that certainly rewards those who dare to deviate from the well-trodden path.
In this blog, we will take a look at the 10 best places to visit in Austria.
No. 10 - Kitzbühel
Located in the Tyrol region of Austria, Kitzbühel is a picturesque town that is renowned for its skiing and winter sports. The town has hosted the famous Hahnenkamm ski race since 1931, and it is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious races in the world.
In addition to skiing, Kitzbühel offers a range of other outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and golfing. The town's scenic location in the Kitzbühel Alps provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Visitors can explore the town's charming old town, which features traditional Austrian architecture, quaint shops, and cosy cafes. The town is also home to many luxury hotels and spas, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing and indulgent getaway.
In the summer months, Kitzbühel offers a range of cultural and sporting events, such as the Kitzbüheler Alpenrallye classic car race, the Kitzbühel Music Festival, and the Kitzbühel Golf Festival.
No. 9 - Grossglockner Alpine Road
The Grossglockner Alpine Road is a scenic mountain road that crosses the Austrian Alps. It is named after the Grossglockner, which is the highest mountain in Austria, with an elevation of 12,461 feet. The road is located in the Hohe Tauern National Park, which is the largest nature reserve in the Alps and covers an area of over 1,800 square kilometres.
The Grossglockner Alpine Road is known for its stunning mountain views and is a popular tourist attraction. The road is 30 miles long and has a maximum altitude of 8,215 feet. It features 36 hairpin turns and a total of 16,400 feet of elevation gain.
The road was constructed between 1930 and 1935 as a way to promote tourism in the region. It was designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a series of tunnels, bridges, and viewing platforms. Today, the road is one of the most popular driving routes in the Alps, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Along the route, there are several places to stop and take in the scenery, including the Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe, which is a panoramic viewing platform that offers breathtaking views of the Grossglockner and the surrounding mountains. There are also several hiking trails and visitor centres along the route, which provide information about the region's geology, flora, and fauna.
No. 8 - Bad Gastein
Bad Gastein is a small spa town located in the Gastein Valley in the Austrian state of Salzburg. It is situated in the Hohe Tauern National Park, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery and is known for its natural hot springs and spa facilities.
The town became famous as a popular spa destination in the 19th century, attracting many wealthy visitors who came to bathe in the thermal waters and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Today, it remains a popular destination for wellness and relaxation, with several modern spa and wellness centres.
In addition to the spa facilities, Bad Gastein is also a popular destination for outdoor activities. The town is surrounded by hiking trails, including the famous Hohe Tauern National Park, which is home to several peaks over 3,000 meters. In the winter, the town is also popular for skiing and snowboarding, with several ski resorts in the surrounding mountains.
The town itself is characterised by its grand architecture, with many of the buildings dating back to the Belle Époque era. The most famous landmark in Bad Gastein is the waterfall that runs through the centre of the town, which is illuminated at night, creating a dramatic and beautiful sight.
No. 7 - Wachau Valley
The Wachau Valley is a picturesque region located in Lower Austria. Situated along the Danube River, The Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its terraced vineyards, charming towns, and medieval castles. The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has a rich history that dates back to the Roman era.
One of the main attractions in the Wachau Valley is the Danube River, which winds its way through the valley and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride down the river to see the vineyards and castles from a different perspective.
The valley is also home to several charming towns and villages, including Dürnstein, which is known for its medieval castle and blue church tower; Spitz, which is famous for its apricot orchards and wineries; and Krems, which is a historic town with well-preserved buildings and narrow streets.
The Wachau Valley is also a renowned wine region, with over 1,000 hectares of vineyards producing some of Austria's best wines, including Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. Visitors can take a wine tour and taste the local wines in one of the many family-run wineries and wine taverns in the region.
No. 6 - Graz
Graz is the second-largest city in Austria and the capital of the state of Styria. The city is located in the southeast of Austria, and it is renowned for its beautiful architecture, cultural heritage, and vibrant atmosphere.
Graz has a rich history that dates back to the Roman era, and the city's historic centre, characterised by narrow, winding streets, historic buildings, and charming squares, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town features many well-preserved buildings from different periods, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The most iconic landmark of the city is the Schlossberg, a hill that rises in the centre of the old town and features a clock tower and a panoramic view of the city.
Graz is also known for its thriving arts and culture scene. The city is home to many museums, galleries, and performance venues, including the Kunsthaus Graz, a modern art museum, and the Schauspielhaus Graz, a theatre that hosts many international productions.
Food and drink is also a big part of life in Graz and the city is renowned for its wine, especially the local white wines.
No. 5 - Zell am See
Zell am See is a small town located in the Austrian Alps, in the state of Salzburg. It is situated on the shores of Lake Zell and is surrounded by majestic mountains, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts as well as summer holidaymakers.
One of the main attractions in Zell am See is the lake, which is renowned for its crystal-clear water and picturesque setting. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, rent a boat or paddleboard, or simply relax on one of the many lakeside terraces.
Zell am See is also a popular skiing destination, with two ski areas located nearby: the Schmittenhöhe and the Kitzsteinhorn. The Schmittenhöhe is a family-friendly ski resort with over 77 kilometres of ski runs, while the Kitzsteinhorn is a glacier ski area with runs that are open year-round. The town also offers plenty of opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
During the summer months, Zell am See is a hub for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and paragliding. The surrounding mountains are crisscrossed with well-marked hiking and cycling trails, and there are several cable cars and chairlifts that offer access to high-altitude routes with stunning views.
The town centre of Zell am See is home to several historic buildings, including the 16th-century Vogtturm tower, which offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains. There are also several museums, art galleries, and cultural
No. 4 - Salzkammergut
Salzkammergut is a stunning lake region in Austria that covers parts of the states of Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Styria. The region is known for its crystal-clear lakes, dramatic mountain scenery, and charming towns and villages.
Salzkammergut has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century, thanks to its breathtaking natural beauty and historic salt mining industry. One of the most popular attractions in the region is the Hallstatt village, which is situated on the shore of the Hallstätter See (Lake Hallstatt). This charming village has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its well-preserved historic buildings, including the 16th-century St. Michael's Chapel.
Salzkammergut is also home to several other picturesque lakes, such as Wolfgangsee, Traunsee, and Attersee. These lakes offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as swimming, boating, and fishing, as well as hiking and cycling along the scenic lake shores and mountain trails.
The region is also famous for its salt mining heritage, and visitors can take a tour of the salt mines in Hallstatt and learn about the history and technology of salt mining. In addition, there are several museums and cultural events throughout the region that showcase the local art, history, and customs.
Another attraction in Salzkammergut is the Dachstein Ice Cave, which is located near the town of Obertraun. This natural wonder features a labyrinth of icy tunnels, frozen waterfalls, and stalactites, which are illuminated with colourful lights for an otherworldly experience.
Finally, Salzkammergut is known for its spa and wellness facilities, with several thermal spas and wellness centres located throughout the region. These facilities offer a range of treatments and therapies, such as massages, saunas, and hot springs, that are designed to help visitors relax and rejuvenate.
No. 3 - Innsbruck
Innsbruck is a charming city located in the western part of Austria, in the state of Tyrol. With a population of around 130,000 people, it is the fifth-largest city in Austria and is known for its stunning alpine scenery.
The city is surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Austrian Alps, including the Nordkette mountain range, which is easily accessible by cable car from the city centre. Innsbruck is a popular destination for winter sports, with several ski resorts in the surrounding mountains, as well as for hiking and other outdoor activities in the summer.
Innsbruck has a rich history, dating back to Roman times. The city's historic Old Town is characterized by its colourful Baroque buildings and narrow, winding streets. One of the most famous landmarks in Innsbruck is the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), a gilded balcony in the heart of the Old Town that was built in the 15th century.
For those interested in culture, the city is home to several museums, galleries, and theatres, including the Tyrolean State Museum and the Innsbruck State Theatre. The city is also home to several universities and research institutes, which contribute to its lively and creative atmosphere.
Innsbruck is also a great place for foodies, with a range of traditional Tyrolean and Austrian dishes to try. The city is particularly known for its hearty, meat-based cuisine, including dishes like schnitzel and Kaiserschmarrn, a sweet shredded pancake.
No. 2 - Salzburg
Salzburg is a picturesque city in western Austria, situated near the border with Germany. It is the capital of the state of Salzburg and has a population of around 150,000 people.
Salzburg is best known for its musical heritage, as the birthplace of the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The city hosts a range of cultural events throughout the year, including the Salzburg Festival, which is one of the world's most prestigious music festivals.
The city's historic Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterised by its stunning Baroque architecture and narrow, winding streets. One of the most famous landmarks in Salzburg is the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which sits on a hill overlooking the city and offers panoramic views.
Food is also an important part of life in Salzburg, with a range of traditional Austrian and Bavarian dishes to try. The city is particularly known for its pastries, including the famous Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet soufflé dessert.
No. 1 - Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria, situated in the eastern part of the country. With a population of over 1.8 million people, it is the political, cultural, and economic center of the country.
Vienna has a long and rich history, having served as the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for over 600 years. This history is reflected in the city's stunning architecture, which ranges from Gothic and Baroque to Art Nouveau and modernist.
One of the most famous landmarks in Vienna is the Schönbrunn Palace, which was the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its impressive gardens and Baroque architecture. Another popular attraction is the Hofburg Palace, which was the imperial palace of the Habsburgs and now houses several museums, including the Imperial Treasury and the Spanish Riding School.
Vienna is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, theatres, and concert halls, including the Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein, which is one of the most famous concert halls in the world. The city is also known for its coffeehouse culture, which dates back centuries and has played an important role in Viennese social life.
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