Austria was once a major European power, and modern-day Austria is every bit as prosperous as it was back when it was a member of the massive Habsburg Empire. Since ancient times, Vienna has been a shining example of cultural excellence in areas such as classical music, architecture, art, and pastry.
Mozart was born in Salzburg, which also happens to be a city filled with stunning architecture. Despite the fact that its rich history and beautiful architecture are certainly among the reasons why Austria deserves its reputation as a top travel destination, the landlocked country has much more to offer. A journey to Austria is sure to please anybody, whether they are city people or nature lovers. From towns steeped in centuries of history to beautiful villages set amid stunning mountains, the nation is full of great locations to explore.
01 Hallstatt
This quaint little town boasts a breathtaking view of the placid waters of Hallstatt Lake, making it a must-visit destination in summer or the winter. The fact that you can go rock climbing, hiking, and boating here isn’t the only thing that makes this region so interesting; there are also some fascinating locations to visit here that add to the area’s overall appeal. In addition to being well worth a visit, the ice caverns and salt caves, each of which contains an amazing underground salt lake, are extremely breathtaking.
02 Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Few destinations can compare to Austria’s Grossglockner High Alpine Driving for a once-in-a-lifetime road adventure. Winding its way across the spectacular Alpine divide, the beautiful route travels from Bruck in the Salzach Valley towards Austria’s highest peak, the Grossglockner. The track is 48 kilometers of driving heaven that blends in well with the spectacular backdrop. Alpine meadows, alpine forests, breathtaking national parks, and ice glaciers are just some of the sights you may expect to see along the journey. Photographers will, needless to say, have the time of their life shooting the breathtaking scenery.
The dramatic 30-mile trek down Grossglockner Road is certainly regarded as the most picturesque road trip in Austria. The route begins in Bruck and leads to Austria’s highest peak, Grossglockner, at an elevation of 3,798 meters (12,461 feet). The route winds through Hochtor Pass and crosses the Alpine divide at 2,600 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level, offering stunning panoramas of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Grossglockner Road is a fascinating experience for drivers and passengers because of its many sharp curves. However, it’s also a favorite location for hikers due to the thousands of trails and roads that travel around the mountain.
Suggested Trailoka: Most beautiful places in Italy
03 Vienna
The capital of Austria has maintained its reputation as a cultural center, thanks in large part to its abundance of stunning Baroque architecture. In addition to being one of Austria’s most popular tourist spots, the culinary scene in this city is unrivaled. It has the highest quality of life rankings and is thus a popular choice for anyone looking to relocate abroad. Beautiful Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, the Rathaus, and Belvedere Palace are just a few of the many opulent locations open to visitors.
04 Zell am See
Zell is See, a small town in the Kitzbühel Alps, is home to a lovely blue lake of the same name and is a popular tourist destination in Austria. The picturesque slopes and quaint cottages in the area undoubtedly play a role in its popularity. In the summers, the little town is packed with visitors who come to relax and swim in the lake and ride the surrounding trails. Those who have access to a vehicle may also drive up the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and take in the breathtaking panoramas.
05 Salzburg
Mozart was born in Salzburg, the fourth-largest city in Austria, located in the country’s central region. One can easily see the great composer being affected by the beauty of this old city. The city is stunning, with the pristine Alpine backdrop against which it stretches along the Salzach River.
The historic Hohensalzburg Fortress, perched above the Festungsberg hill, gives the city an air of unrivaled grandeur. Getting there requires either a 20-minute hike or a one-minute ride on a funicular. Sound of Music lovers may also visit St. Peter’s Monastery. Salzburg is home to the genuine von Trapp family mansion, which is now a prominent hotel. Meanwhile, the composer’s birthplace is open to music lovers who want to examine preserved instruments and copies of the composer’s compositions.
06 Salzkammergut
Attractive villages, crystal clear water lakes, mountains, and cities, always lighting in Salzkammergut. The gorgeous environment shows something from a fairy tale and is made all the more so by the colorful. To experience unrivaled panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside, you may get on a funicular train in Hallstatt and go through the mountain valleys to the Hallstatt Skywalk observation platform.
Trailoka suggested: 10 Best Visiting & Relaxing Places in France
07 Graz
Graz, Austria, is the country’s second-largest city and is known for its red roofs and the castle atop Schlossberg Hill. In addition, the modern Kunsthaus Graz, affectionately known as the “friendly alien,” is a defining feature of the city. This one-of-a-kind art gallery is emblematic of the way the historic district of this UNESCO World Heritage Site mixes the past and present, like a giant blue balloon floating between the Baroque roofs of the historic district. Graz has been dubbed the “City of Design” because of its thriving arts scene.
08 Innsbruck
Innsbruck is one of the most picturesque cities in Austria due to its location on the banks of the Inn River and in the shadow of mountains that rise to over 2,000 meters in elevation. The fifth-largest city in the country is also known as the Capital of the Alps, attracting many tourists who come to walk or ski in the area. Millions of people visit every year to ski or snowboard in the snow and take in the breathtaking views. The city has twice hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976 and is well-known for its top-notch facilities for winter sports.
09 Bad Gastein
An excursion to Bad Gastein’s thermal springs should be at the top of your itinerary if you value relaxation and pampering. Each year, hundreds of visitors flock to enjoy the several resorts and thermal spas in this attractive spa town in Austria’s High Tauern Alps. Hikers and skiers flock to the town year-round due to its convenient proximity to the surrounding woods and steep mountain slopes.
For total pleasure, you may arrange a stay at the legendary Grand Hotel de l’Europe. This 11-story hotel has been a local fixture for almost a century. Nearby, the distinctive Bad Gastein Waterfall runs through the middle of the town, making this one of the most interesting sites to visit in Austria.
10 Dürnstein
Dürnstein, a little village in the Wachau Valley wine area on the Danube, is one of Austria’s most picturesque locations. Several vineyards along the river produce the renowned Riesling and Grüner Veltliner grapes, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. Dürnstein Castle’s remains are full of history and may be found on a rocky slope above the city. In 1193, during the Third Crusade, Duke Leopold V held Richard I of England imprisoned here. From the downtown area, a stroll to the castle will take you around 20 minutes.
Conclusion
Austria’s majestic mountains, crystal clear lakes, rivers, and valleys are among the most beautiful places in the world. Austria has everything you need to indulge your senses, from picturesque villages to spectacular cities, from the world’s finest operas to the most decadent sweets. Let us show you the most beautiful parts of Austria, from the well-known Vienna and Salzburg to the less-visited Bregenz and the Wachau. You will undoubtedly have a fantastic day appreciating the local culture and discovering the stunning Alpine scenery. For a trip you won’t soon forget, don’t forget any of these stops on your schedule, and make the most of the opportunities they provide.
Take only memories, Enjoy your tour & Leave only footprints
Share with Your Travel Pocket List
- Hallstatt
- Grossglockner High Alpine Road
- Vienna
- Zell am See
- Salzburg
- Salzkammergut
- Graz
- Innsbruck
- Bad Gastein
- Dürnstein