Let’s talk about some of the most beautiful places to visit in Austria. Located in central Europe, Austria is a beautiful country known for its rich cultural heritage, pristine landscape, stunning architecture, and vast historical significance. As nearly 70 percent of Austria is a mountainous region amidst the snow-covered Swiss Alps, the country can still list some of the most unique places to visit in Austria. Other than its stunning landscapes and historical sites, the country is also known for its winter sports, ski resorts, and other adventure sports that attract lakhs of visitors each other. As a European power in the early 19th century, Austria has contributed immensely in terms of arts, music, and culture.
So keeping in mind some of the beautiful places to visit in Austria, we look at the top 20 places to visit in Austria in our next holiday season:
Here is the list of the 20 Must Visit Places In Austria
- Vienna
- Salzburg
- Salzkammergut
- Innsbruck
- Graz
- Bad Gastein
- Grossglockner High Alpine Road
- Zell am See
- Vorarlberg
- Worthersee
- Bregenz
- Hoher Dachstein
- Tyrol
- Carinthia
- Styria
- Burgenland
- Hallstatt
- Mostviertel
- Alpbach
- Lake Constance
Table of Contents
Best Places To Visit In Austria
Salzkammergut
Salzkammergut is a resort region in Austria that offers beautiful landscapes, pristine lakes, and quaint towns and villages. Tourists flock to this region every year to enjoy one of the pleasantness the place has to offer. One can go boating, swimming, or sailing in lakes such as Lake Traunsee, Lake Mondsee, or Lake Attersee, explore the Hallstatt Salt Mine, or go sightseeing at the historical Schloss Ort Castle. The region also boasts of historical buildings including the stunning Basilica on the banks of Lake Mondsee made famous after being featured in the evergreen movie, ‘The Sound of Music’.
Salzkammergut has Dachstein Salzkammergut, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to the famous Dachstein Ice Cave and Mammoth Cave frequented by adventure lovers.
Vienna
Let’s look at a few places to visit in Vienna, Austria. Vienna is the capital city of Austria and is known for its historical and cultural legacy. The city is rich in architectural marvels such as historical palaces, monuments, buildings, and gardens. It has been home to classical musical greats such as Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Bruckner, Haydn, Schoenberg, Johann Strauss I & II, and Brahm. You will find some of the best places to visit in Austria in Vienna.
The most notable of the architectural wonders in Vienna include the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna State Opera House, the Belvedere Palace, the Albertina Museum showcasing works of greats like Picasso and Raphael, the Schonbrunn Palace which is a World Heritage Site, and the St. Stephen Cathedral which offers a panoramic view of the city from its tower.
Salzburg
Salzburg is one of the largest cities in Austria and shares its border with Germany. It’s known for its medieval architecture, stunning Swiss Alps landscapes, and musical heritage. Some of the city’s key attractions include the Hohensalzburg Fortress, located on a hilltop which is one of the largest fortresses in Europe and offers a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding landscapes.
One can also visit the Salzburg Old Town marked as a World Heritage Site and dotted with historic landmarks and old-world streets. There is also the Salzburg Museum showcasing the city’s history, art, and culture, and the St. Peter’s Abbey and Cemetery, known for its beauty and founded in the 7th century.
Innsbruck
Counted among the largest cities and one of the oldest inhabited places in Austria, Innsbruck is a picturesque region located in the heart of the Swiss Alps famous for its dazzling landscapes, impressive architecture, historic heritage, and vibrant culture. One of the most known places in Innsbruck includes the Ambras Castle located on the city’s outskirts and famous for its striking art collection including armor and weapons of the year.
There’s also Swarovski Crystal Worlds located just outside the city and famous for its impressive art installations and exhibitions. Other places of interest are the Imperial Palace, the final resting place of Emperor Maximilian I, the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum showcasing traditional Tyrolean crafts, artifacts, clothing, etc., and the Innsbruck Cathedral famous for its frescoes and altars.
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Graz
The second largest city in Austria, Graz holds the distinction of having one of the best preserved historic centers, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site in central Europe. It was also designated the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2003. Today, Graz is famous the world over for having some of the best places to visit in Austria. From its well-preserved historic architecture such as UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites, to Graz’s Old Town with its medieval streets, vintage palaces, and courtyards, Graz is historic in nature.
Schlossberg Hill in the city’s center offers adventure hiking trails and a panoramic view of the city. Other notable places to visit include the Graz City Park, the Herz Jesu Kirche – a beautiful church with stunning architecture, stained glass windows, and intricately designed interiors and the museum, the Styrian Armoury, a part of many museums and the largest historical armory in the world.
Bad Gastein
Located in the Austrian Alps, Bad Gastein is a picturesque spa town known for its stunning landscapes, historic architecture, and thermal springs. Some of the most notable places to visit include the spectacular cascading Gastein Waterfall and the Felsentherme pools fed by natural hot springs, Stubnerkogel mountain which offers a panoramic view of the city from its summit, few hiking trails, and a suspension bridge.
For arts and history lovers, Gastein Museum is showcasing the city’s mining history and culture including exhibits and the history of the city’s tourism development. Then there is Kaiser-Wilhelm-Promenade with its grand hotels and old elegant villas. In winter, the city and its surroundings also offer its visitors ample opportunities for adventure sports like skiing, biking, etc.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is the highest surfaced scenic mountain pass road in Austria and is named after the country’s highest mountain, Grossglockner. It offers the visitors views of stunning, vibrant landscapes and panoramic views of the Alps. There are various viewpoints along the route such as the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Hohe viewpoint that offers stunning views of the largest Austrian glacier, the Pasterze Glacier.
Flora and Fauna are in abundance on both sides of the road and designed to have the least impact on the environment. For adventure seekers, there are numerous hiking trailers along the route that allow one to experience nature at its best including enjoying the Hohe Tauern National Park.
Zell am See
Zell am See, a picturesque lakeside town is located in the Kitzbuhel Alps and is an important tourist destination due to its pristine landscape, natural beauty, many ski resorts, and shoreline on Lake Zell, known for its crystal-clear water and the surrounding beautiful mountains. These mountains generate opportunities for hiking, biking, snowboarding, skiing, and various other sports. Hence, it has been a popular tourist destination during both winter and summer for decades.
Lake Zell itself offers opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, swimming, and other water sports. There are several trails for adventure suitable for all levels of skill. One can also indulge in a game of golf at one of the many golf courses in Zell surrounded by beautiful alpine landscapes.
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Vorarlberg
Vorarlberg is a mountainous state located in western Austria and is famous for its ski resorts and pristine alpine scenery. Other noteworthy places to visit are its number of tranquil lakes, thundering waterfalls, raging rivers, rugged peaks, forest hills, wintry crags, and looming castles.
Few ski resorts offer seasonal sports such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding in winter while in summer there are options like trekking, etc. Dornbirn, the largest city in Vorarlberg, is full of beautiful modern architecture, shopping centers, and cultural events that are a major attraction among visitors.
Worthersee
Known for its crystal-clear waters, Worthersee is located in the southern Austrian state of Carinthia. Worthersee is a popular tourist destination especially in summer with lakhs of tourists flocking to the place for water sports like swimming, water skiing, sailing, boating, etc. The surrounding hilly region offers ample opportunities for adventure sports like hiking, trekking, etc.
Carinthia’s capital Klagenfurt situated on the eastern shore of Worthersee is known for its historic buildings and recreational spots. Another attraction around Worthersee is the Minimundus miniature park which houses more than 150 miniature models of famous landmarks from across the world. This park attracts both young and old for its striking miniature displays.
Bregenz
Nestled on the eastern side of Lake Constance, the third-largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, Bregenz is famous for its pristine, scenic beauty, arts and cultural festivals, and a host of historic buildings spread across the city. The most happening event in this region is one of the most famous opera festivals in the world – the Bregenz Festival. It’s held on a floating stage on Lake Constance and is an annual event attracting music lovers from around the world in large numbers.
The surrounding area of Lake Constance offers adventure seekers ample opportunities for cycling, hiking, mountaineering, and wildlife parks. Bregenz also boasts of a couple of museums like Vorarlberg Museum dedicated to Vorarlberg history, arts, and culture, and Bregenz Art House dedicated to modern art.
Hoher Dachstein
Hoher Dachstein is a rustic limestone mountain located in Central Austria and is listed as the second-highest mountain in the Northern Limestone Alps in the region. It’s famous for its extensive glacier system and offers ample opportunities for mountaineering, hiking, and other adventure sports thanks to its numerous hiking trails and other challenging routes that offer panoramic views of the valley as well as give a glimpse of the flora and fauna of the Alps.
The Dachstein Skywalk located at the summit of Hoher Dachstein provides a panoramic view of the Alps. The ‘Stairway to Nothingness’, a glass platform and a part of the Dachstein Skywalk extending over the edge of the cliff, attracts a host of daredevil tourists to try it. Because of its geological importance, the Dachstein region has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Tyrol
Tyrol, a region rich in history, is located in the Alps in the western part of Austria. The snow-capped mountains of Tyrol offer ample reasons for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers to visit the place.
Tyrol is witness to some of the key archaeological remnants of the earliest human settlements in the region from the Palaeolithic period including the mummified remains of a man from 3000-3100 BC. Many regions in Tyrol are a central hub for tourism, adventure sports like skiing and hiking, and historical and cultural activities. Tyrol is plush with pristine Alpine landscapes, towering peaks, picturesque valleys, and crystal-clear lakes that are a nature lover’s delight. For the art lovers, there are many museums they can visit.
Carinthia
Located in the Alps in the southern part of the country. Carinthia is a state with an abundance of beautiful mountainous landscapes, historic towns, and wonderful pristine lakes making the place an ideal tourist destination. These places give wonderful opportunities to visitors to enjoy their favorite sports – skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and swimming. Some of the famous tourist spots include Lake Worthersee and Millstatter See.
These two lakes with their crystal-clear waters, pristine landscapes, and villages dotting its shores are a visitor’s delight. One can go swimming, boating, or sailing on these lakes. Then there is the medieval Hochosterwitz Castle which gives a panoramic view of the countryside. Not to forget Minimundos, one of the museums dedicated to miniature replicas of famous landmarks from around the world. For the adventurous lot, there are winter sports, hiking trails, plenty of amazing flora and fauna, and a lot more.
Styria
Styria is a rugged mountain region surrounded by a dense forest. It is famous for its rich history and culture. Styria is abundant with lush green landscapes, rugged mountains and hills, pristine lakes, and vineyards. Like other states of Austria, Styria too is steeped with traces of ancient civilization.
The city of Graz designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site with its stunning clock tower and hills that offer a panoramic view of the city is the most happening place among the tourists.
Of the striking places to visit in Styria is Schloss Eggenberg, a medieval palace-cum- a museum that has amazing arts and cultural artifacts on display not to forget its beautiful landscaped gardens.
The dense mountainous region offers numerous opportunities for mountaineering, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, swimming, sailing, and much more.
Burgenland
Counted among one of the least populated states, Burgenland is located in the easternmost part of Austria. It is known for its arts, history, natural landscapes, and culture.
Some of the places worth visiting in Burgenland include Lake Neusiedler, one of the largest steppe lakes and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. This site is famous for its wide range of flora and fauna in its region.
Visitors can enjoy swimming or boating in the lake or go hiking, walking, or cycling on the numerous trails around the lake. There is also Neusiedler See National Park with its diverse bird species, salt ponds, and steppe-like landscapes. One can visit the Guessing Castle situated on a medieval hilltop that offers a stunning view of the region. The castle also houses a museum that showcases the history of Burgenland. For the wine lovers, there are numerous vineyards to look forward to. Overall, Burgenland is steeped in history and natural sights ideal for history buffs, wine enthusiasts, and of course nature lovers.
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Hallstatt
Hallstatt is a small town in the district of Gmunden in Austria and is known for its natural picturesque landscapes and alpine slopes. It has a rich history of salt mining that put the place on the world map right from prehistoric times when Hallstatt was the center of salt mining. The Salzwelten Hallstatt, a historic salt mine showcases ancient mining techniques, and the salt has played an important part in shaping the history of the region. One can take a funicular ride to reach Hallstatt Skywalk, a platform located high on the Salzberg Salt Mountain which gives a panoramic view of the region.
One can go swimming, sailing, and boating in one of the many lakes dotting Hallstatt, go hiking and cycling around the lakes, or visit the Dachstein Giant Ice Cave to explore the cave and the spectacular natural ice formations deep inside.
Mostviertel
Located in lower Austria, Mostviertel is known for its rugged peaks, gorges, lush mountains, and stunning landscapes. It offers tremendous prospects for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
The Otscher-Tormauer Nature Park is one such place famous for its limestone peaks, deep gorges, and deep forests that offer ample hiking and biking trails with breathtaking views. There is also Ybbs Valley where one can indulge in river cruises. For water sports lovers, there is Erlaufsee Lake where you can go swimming, boating, or sailing.
For the religious visitors, there are numerous monasteries including the Mariazell Basilica located in the town of Mariazell. It houses a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary that attracts devotees from across the world.
For the history buffs, there are numerous castles and museums that one can visit to explore the rich history and culture of the region.
Alpbach
Alpbach is one of the most picturesque landscaped towns with quaint villages located in Tyrol in the western region of Austria, earning the moniker as the ‘Most beautiful village in Austria’. The place attracts hordes of tourists both in winter and summer because of the numerous opportunities it offers in terms of adventure and leisure sports.
Due to being surrounded by lofty mountain peaks, Alpbachal offers adventure and seeks numerous trails for hiking, biking, and leisurely walks in summer, and in winter, one can indulge in sports like skiing, snowboarding, or other activities. Alpback Lermoos Culture Train ride on the historic narrow gauge track takes you through the scenic route that offers a panoramic view of the countryside. The people of Alpbachtal host various arts, music, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Lake Constance
Considered one of the largest lakes in Europe, Lake Constance is a huge lake in Europe, a part of which is located in Austria. On the Austrian side, the lake’s shoreline lines lie in the state of Vorarlberg, a state known for its natural landscapes, rocky mountains, and beautiful rivers and lakes.
The lake offers tremendous opportunities for water sports like swimming, sailing, boating, or taking a boat ride to enjoy the scenic shorelines. The shoreline has well-developed cycling tracks that give a stunning view of the lake and the surrounding mountains and forests.
The forest and surrounding areas are also abuzz with flora and fauna, a boon for nature lovers and leisure walkers.
Throughout the year, the Lake Constance hosts numerous arts, cultural, and sporting events that attract visitors from all over the world.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, we have just highlighted some of the best places to visit in Austria. Austria offers in abundance opportunities to enjoy multiple views of beautiful landscapes, serene lakes, lush forests filled with diverse flora and fauna, and places of historical importance not just to history scholars but to every visitor as well. It has adventure sports, water sports, and leisure sports for everyone. We have also listed some of the best places to visit in Austria in summer when you enjoy the tranquility and quietness of the region as you relax by the lakeside or a river or go sailing on the serene waters. So plan today and mark Austria as your next holiday destination.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the most beautiful part of Austria?
Graz is the most beautiful part of Austria
Is Austria a cheap country to visit?
Austria is not a cheap country to visit but it offers value for money.
What is Austria famous for?
Austria is known for its Alpine landscapes and sparkling white wines.
Is Austria very expensive?
Yes, Austria is expensive but it offers value for money.
What is Austria’s currency?
Euro is Austria’s and Europe’s common currency.
What is the beautiful city of Austria?
Vienna is the most beautiful city in Austria.
What is the prettiest village in Austria?
Hallstatt is the prettiest village in Austria.