Summary
With its majestic Eastern Alps and the glacial peaks of the Hohe Tauern, charming medieval towns constructed from timber and nestled beneath towering mountains, storied cities shaped by Habsburgs and Holy Roman Emperors, an exceptional coffee culture, and expansive forests of fir, beach, and hornbeam, Austria certainly ranks among the most stunning countries in Europe. This exploration reveals essential urban and rural sites throughout this remarkable nation, celebrated for its ski resorts and delectable strudels. Enjoy our compilation of the top destinations to visit in Austria!
1. Vienna
Vienna, the magnificent former imperial residence of the Habsburg dynasty, stands as a harmonious blend of grand Baroque architecture, opulent palaces, and romantic parks. At the heart of the city lies the imposing Hofburg, encircling the beautifully landscaped Heldenplatz, while the nearby Museumsquartier showcases masterpieces by Klimt, Picasso, and Warhol. The labyrinthine streets of the Vienna Innere Stadt (old town) host iconic cafes and deco-inspired tea houses where renowned figures such as Freud, Wittgenstein, and Trotsky have left their mark. Vienna is undoubtedly a destination not to be overlooked!
2. Hochosterwitz Castle
Perched over 170 meters above the picturesque Zollfeld plains, Hochosterwitz Castle embodies the quintessence of a medieval fortress, characterized by crenellated walls, pointed turrets, and impressive gatehouses. Renowned as one of Europe’s most magnificent castles, its history spans over 1,000 years, recounting tales of Carinthian dukes, Habsburg emperors, and the threats posed by Turkish invasions. Visitors may ascend the old fortified entrance route, passing through no fewer than 14 defensive gates while enjoying breathtaking views of Slovenia and Eastern Austria.
3. The Grossglockner
Recognized as the highest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner dominates the dramatic landscape of the Hohe Tauern massif, reaching an altitude of 3,798 meters above sea level. This remarkable peak, which consists of a blend of stark summits and glacial valleys, is a premier destination for hiking enthusiasts and those set on experiencing the renowned High Alpine Road. The road winds around stunning viewpoints such as Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, providing access to breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Alpine wilderness.
4. Alpbach
Often recognized as Austria’s most picturesque winter resort, Alpbach is situated more than 1,000 meters above sea level in the Tyrolean Alps. Enveloped by blooming meadows of wildflowers in summer and more than 145 kilometers of meticulously groomed ski runs in winter, the village entices visitors with its collection of charming timber chalets and traditional Austrian dwellings, elaborately adorned with cascading bougainvillea and intricately carved balconies, including the notable St. Oswald Church, the final resting place of the esteemed Erwin Schrödinger.
5. Finkenberg
The quaint Tyrolean village of Finkenberg cascades gracefully down a hillside within the stunning Zillertal Valley, characterized by rustic wooden homes and traditional Austrian taverns, blanketed in snow during winter and surrounded by verdant Alpine peaks in summer. In addition to its idyllic scenery, Finkenberg hosts the Finkenberger Almbahnen, a lift system that transports skiers and snowboarders to the renowned slopes of Mayrhofen. Further down the valley lies the majestic Hintertux glacier, offering exhilarating snow sports opportunities and impressive panoramic views of the Italian Trentino-Alto Alps.
6. Imst
Located in the heart of Western Tyrol along the central valley of the River Inn, picturesque Imst is nestled at the base of the Austrian Alps, offering easy access to the Hoch-Imst ski area. The town combines charming narrow streets, traditional Germanic church spires, and serene surroundings, including rolling farmland, soaring limestone peaks, and lush forests of spruce and fir. A wealth of hiking and mountain biking trails further enhances the natural allure of the area.
7. Innsbruck
Innsbruck, once the residence of the esteemed Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, boasts a stunning Old Town replete with Baroque palaces and Tyrolean mansions. Visitors can navigate the cobbled streets and historical sites, including the renowned Golden Roof and the grand Hofburg. Additionally, the city features multiple armories and the splendid Ambras Castle perched on the surrounding ridges, complemented by numerous Bavarian-style beer halls and inviting eateries serving schnitzel and strudel near the ski resorts.
8. Zell am See
Zell am See epitomizes Austria’s idyllic Alpine lake towns, hugging the shores of its namesake cobalt-blue lake against the backdrop of the majestic Hohe Tauern ranges. The locale has evolved into an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, attracting millions of adventure seekers every year, highlighting its offerings in sailing, hiking, mountain biking, scenic drives, and skiing, primarily on the snow-covered peaks of the nearby Kitzsteinhorn. Furthermore, Zell am See features an elegant center adorned with pastel-colored chalets amidst blooming rhododendron and edelweiss.
9. Mondsee
Set within the picturesque northern Austrian lake district, Mondsee is famed for its cinematic connection to The Sound of Music, with the marriage scene filmed at the historic Mondsee Abbey. Nestled alongside its namesake lake and enveloped by dramatic Alpine peaks, the area is adorned with UNESCO-classified cave dwellings, golf courses, and sailing clubs, making it an irresistible retreat for locals seeking respite from urban life.
10. Graz
With an enchanting historic quarter and a vibrant student presence, Graz stands out as one of Austria’s most beloved cities. Its Innere Stadt, which beautifully intertwines Renaissance, Gothic, and Slavic architectural styles among cobblestone streets and red-tiled roofs, serves as the backdrop for significant landmarks such as Schlossberg hill, characterized by a notable clock tower, and the Styrian Armoury, a remarkable collection of 32,000 artifacts from a time when Graz was on the frontier between the Ottoman Empire and Western Europe.
11. Hallstatt
Hallstatt has emerged as the quintessential representation of Alpine Austria, renowned for its charming medieval architecture and stunning landscapes. Featuring terraced homes draped in ivy hues of pink and wood-brown, the town reflects beautifully on the Hallstätter See. Historically significant, Hallstatt was once a pivotal site for salt mining during the first millennium BC, and today visitors can explore the ancient Hallein Salt Mine and the Heritage Museum that details the town’s intriguing past.
12. Feldkirch
Exploring the enchanting streets of Feldkirch on the borders of the Vorarlberg region reveals a captivating blend of Swiss, Francophone, and Germanic influences. The bustling Marktgasse invites visitors to experience authentic beer houses and Rhineland eateries, while the impressive Schattenburg Castle, perched on the surrounding hills, captivates with its four fortified towers and bulwarks, reflecting the town’s rich historical legacy under the Montfort Earls.
13. Bad Gastein
Presenting a more regal and sophisticated ambiance compared to typical Tyrolean timber towns, Bad Gastein emerges dramatically from the depths of the Hohe Tauern National Park, featuring a striking combination of Belle Époque and Art Deco architecture. The town’s centerpiece is the thundering Gastein Waterfall, flanked by elegant 19th-century hotels and eateries, with forested slopes surrounding the town. Many visitors flock to Bad Gastein for exceptional skiing in winter, while others pursue the natural wellness offered by its celebrated spas and thermal springs, popularized by Empress Sisi.
14. Salzburg
No exploration of Austria’s essential destinations would be complete without acknowledging Salzburg, a city teeming with enchanting Baroque and medieval architecture, particularly evident within its UNESCO-recognized Old Town. This is where Mozart found inspiration, where Julie Andrews’ character sang amid the valleys, and where the Salzburger bishops displayed their might by constructing the formidable Hohensalzburg Castle overlooking the valley’s salt-rich hills. Beyond its historical significance, Salzburg’s vibrant cultural scene attracts countless visitors, with its lively pubs, hearty brewhouses, and an extensive program of operatic and classical performances, including daily reenactments of The Sound of Music.
15. The Wienerwald
The Wienerwald, located on the outskirts of Vienna, offers a serene escape for locals seeking outdoor adventures such as hiking and cycling. The woodlands extend over 45 kilometers from the banks of the Danube, becoming more rugged as they approach the Northern Limestone Alps and Upper Austria. This picturesque area features a rich blend of hornbeams, oaks, fir trees, and spruce groves, hosting an abundance of wildlife and providing numerous walking trails, along with charming, lesser-known villages for exploration.
