While we think about Austria we mostly think about the opening scene of The Sound of Music. But if you aren’t a big fan of music then don’t be disappointed because even after that you have a lot of things to explore in this popular travel destination in Europe. In this article, we will discover fifteen amazing places to visit in Austria.
Austria is one of the smallest countries in Europe but that does not decrease its beauty. Moreover, some of Europe’s finest natural beauty exists in this nation.
If you are planning to visit Austria for your upcoming vacation then here are the 15 amazing places to visit. These places are not just beautiful but even peaceful at the same time as well. Therefore, without any more ado stay until the end of the blog to know more about the land. Here we go!!
Table of Contents
Amazing Places to Visit in Austria:
1. The Vienna Hofburg
The splendid palace of Hofburg is in Vienna of Austria. For many centuries this palace was the seat of Austria’s monarchy. Now this palace is under the state government and the president conducts the state business in the same room that belonged to Emperor Joseph II.
But the most interesting part about this palace is that nearly every ruler from 1275 ordered alterations to it. Hofburg sits in 59 acres of land which encompasses of 2600 rooms and 19 courtyards.
The highlight of this palace is the Imperial Silver collection that you should not miss visiting. Apart from that, you can even visit the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments.
2. Hallstatt
Hallstatt is often mentioned as one of the beautiful places in Austria. Some of the tourists are so mesmerized by the scenic beauty that they say it to be the most sumptuous place in Europe.
This town overlooks the serene Hallstatt lake. On the other hand, this town even offers you the chance to enjoy hiking, boating, and climbing. The highlight of this exotic place in Austria is the Beinhaus which still contains the stacks of human remains.
They are kept in this particular place due to a shortage of graves in the town. Although this might sound really weird the experience of visiting such a place is once in a lifetime of experience.
3. Salzburg
If you are a music fan then this place is definitely for you. It is the birthplace of Mozart and Salzburg even allows visitors to enjoy every aspect of this music through exhibitions.
The Sound of Music has always remained the primary reason behind visiting this city in Austria. Although, in recent years there have been many companies that have evolved with their own version of Sound of the Music tour.
Apart from musical tours, there are even museums, galleries and high-end restaurants and cafes where you can spend a good amount of time.
4. Mostviertel
If you want your itinerary to even include lower Austria then do not forget to visit Mostviertel. It is the most captivating region in the whole country. This region is filled with green meadows in the north and snow-covered peaks in the south.
This combination of the landscape is a paradise of endless charm and beauty. This is the only region in Europe that has the largest pear orchards. Mostviertel even offers monuments, museums, and even family activities like skiing.
5. Graz
It is the second-largest city in Austria but this fact did not affect the calmness of this place. It is still a relaxing location as it has been for ages. This city even has beautiful architecture.
However, this does not make it feel old at all. No matter how many times you visit Graz you will surely feel that you are visiting a new town every single time.
You should definitely thank the modern buildings in the city that always provides a different dimension. Apart from the architectural beauty this state of Austria is even well known for its nightlife as well.
6. Alpbach
Alpbach has been voted as the most beautiful village in Austria. This sweet village is situated between a cluster of snow-covered mountains which are perfect for ice skiing.
The village of Alpbach is covered with wooden farmhouses, fields of cattle, and traditional craft shops. If you love to spend some time amid the beauty of nature and peace in Austria then nothing is best than visiting Alpbach.
7. Worthersee
Worthersee is the largest lake in Carinthia state in Austria. It is one of the famous places to visit in Austria. This lake provides a picturesque image of the whole city. But the most intriguing part of Worthersee lies across the lake.
There are several colorful caves that are worth visiting. On the other hand, you can even find cathedrals that date back to the 12th century.
8. Wachau
Along with the Danube lake running through it, Wachau is the most famous tourist place in Austria’s southern region. The town of Dunstein is well known as the place where Duke Leopold V held the British king, Richard the Lion-Hearted.
A prisoner for several years in the late 12th century while the town of Melk is renowned for its beautiful Benedictine abbey. The valley has more than 500 historic monuments, so tourists are going to have to make some tough choices.
9. Innsbruck
Innsbruck or you can even call as “bridge over the inn” is a tourist destination for every season. It is internationally known for its winter sports, having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976. But this Tyrolean city offers more than just great skiing.
This town even has many cathedrals as well which has collections of painting and armor. Moreover, there is even a Bell Museum that has a history of around 400 years of bell making.
10. Salzkammergut
Salzkammergut is a beautiful resort area that starts with Salzburg and heads east into a land of lakes. Sparkling clean lakes, green hills, wonderful mountains, romantic towns like St.Wolfgang and Hallstatt make up this region.
Travelers who have seen the movie The Sound of Music will know what this lake region looks like because that movie was filmed in and around the city of Salzburg and the neighboring Salzkammergut region.
11. Gesäuse National Park
The newest of Austria’s beautiful National Parks, Gesäuse is set in a region of mountain ridges, deep valleys, and dense forests. It is the perfect location for harmless exploring and is a favorite location for rafting connoisseurs and hikers.
Of the six mountain peaks over 2000 meters in the park, Hocktor is the highest and most popular among visiting hikers – reaching a staggering 2369 meters in height.
12. Hochosterwitz Castle
Many consider it to be the most impressive medieval castle in Austria, and with good reason. It stands proudly on top of a 160-meter-high Dolomite rock formation, making it look like something out of a fairytale.
Between Easter and the end of October, each year visitors are allowed inside certain parts of the castle. Tourists can walk along the 620-meter pathway through 14 intriguing fortified gates before they reach the stunning façade of the castle.
13. Krems
Krems an der Donau is a postcard-pretty riverside town in the Lower Austria’s Danube’s Wachau Valley tourist region. It is renowned for both its wine production and its beautiful historical center (which has earned it a UNESCO heritage site status).
Situated at the gateway to the World Heritage cultural landscape of the Wachau, it displays one of the most stunning stretches of the river valley in the whole of Europe.
14. Thayatal National Park
Thayatal National Park lies close to the border of Austria and the Czech Republic. This unique location is Austria’s smallest national park, and one of central Europe’s last natural valleys.
The park itself is technically two parks split across the border. The landscape consists of a deep canyon with steep slopes and numerous rock formations.
15. Kitzbuhel
If you’re an avid skier and you’re looking for one of the top ski resorts in Austria, look no further than Kitzbuhel. Legends have been born on these slopes, including three-time Olympic medalist Toni Sailer.
But Kitzbuhel actually began its life in the 16th century as a mining town that catered for silver and copper mining.
Visiting these places is a must if you wish to explore the beauty of this nation. Austria has never disappointed its admirers and so it won’t ever disappoint you.
The most beautiful fact about Austria is that no matter how many times you have visited this country, you will always have a feeling of newness. So, head to this sumptuous land and explore the splendor it has.
