Best Places to Visit in Austria: Austria is a country that is popular for its scenic beauty and also for its cultural activities. Located in the Alps it is a place that every hiker and skier loves, and at the same time, Austria is a place that is known for its musical heritage – ranging from Strauss waltzes to the Mozart, and the Von Trapp family about which you must have learned through The Sound of Music. Be it magnificent cities or pretty villages, lavish dessert or the best operas, Austria has everything to leave you spellbound.
Let us now guide you through the top 10 places that you must visit if you are planning a trip to beautiful Austria. These are some of the best places to visit in Austria.
Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Austria:
10. Vienna
Vienna is Austria’s capital, a city that is most associated with the Austrian life. It is one of the liveliest cities with its street theaters, operas, ballets, art galleries, and musicals. Though all this makes it appear to be a completely modern city, its traditional flavor too is very much intact.
There are some amazing museums, and many imperial palaces that you are surely going to fall in love with, and of course also the Hofburg that once was home to the Habsburg rulers. This perfect amalgamation of beautiful historical architecture and the modern living makes Vienna a place that you certainly must visit.
9. Innsbruck
The peaceful alpine town that is surrounded by high mountains has so much to offer that definitely makes it worth your stay. You may simply enjoy walking through the old town or get amazed watching the Goldenes Dachl that is adorned with over 2500 shiny tiles. Or visit the popular Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, which is one of the best museums for those who are interested in Europe’s regional heritage.
Innsbruck also has some of the most popular ski resorts in the world and if you are an adventure enthusiast then you certainly will enjoy hiking up the attractive meadows, or you may go bungee jumping at the Europa Bridge. Either way, you are sure to have a great fun time here.
8. Hallstatt
This is one of those places that no tourists ever miss visiting. The little scenic town overlooks the calm Hallstatt lake waters. Together with offering you the chance to enjoy hiking, boating, and climbing, there are also many intriguing places that are worth a visit.
The Beinhaus is a place where you will get to see human remains that were placed there because of lack of grave spaces. Though this may sound gruesome, the experience is something really nice. The salt caves and the ice caves also should form a part of your must-visit list as they are extremely spectacular.
7. Salzburg
Salzburg is a charming city that is surrounded by majestic historical buildings and beautiful green meadows. It is the birthplace of Mozart, the famous composer and also the place where the popular movie The Sound of Music was shot.
You should even visit Aldsten, an old town that has stunning baroque buildings which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, do not miss witnessing the Hohensalburg fortress which is the last preserved castle of Europe.
6. Vorarlberg
If you love the mountains you will also love Vorarlberg, which is a mountainous region known for its stunning architecture and beautiful scenery. It is just not another new place that you must visit but it is simply a treat for the eyes. The mountains of Vorarlberg are an artistic and completely different view for any artist, explorer, or hiker.
The landscape between the Lake Constance and the mountains are ideal for long walks. There are many natural wonders here that you will definitely fall in love with and one of them is Montafon’s Verwall area.
5. Gesäuse National Park
Gesäuse, the latest and beautiful National Parks of Austria is a region with deep valleys, dense forests, and mountain ridges. It is an ideal location for harmless exploring and a great place for hikers and rafting enthusiasts. Out of the 6 mountain peaks located here, Hochtor is the favorite amongst hikers with a height of 2369 meters.
Any travel blogger, photographer, adventurer, or artist would just not get enough of this stunning place. Also one of the most iconic places for photographs.
4. Graz
This is the second largest city of Austria with six universities and one of the best preserved Old town areas of Europe. Its impressive baroque, numerous museums, renaissance style buildings, and an exceptional forested hill right in the city’s center offers a great view and make it a perfect place for vacations.
3. Worthersee
Spelunking, beautiful churches, and canoeing are amongst some of the reasons why you must visit Worthersee at least once. The stunning Worthersee will leave you spellbound and offers enough opportunities for canoeing, boating, and swimming in summers. If you are interested in some exploration and thrill then you can visit the colorful Griffen Stalactite cave.
Visiting Gmund the birthplace of Porsche and 12th-century Cathedral of Gurk should be a part of your list as well.
2. Zell am See
The first thing about Zell am See that will attract your attention is the perfect blue lake. You may choose to take a dive in the lake or may enjoy cycling around its picture-perfect plant-filled shores. Skiing and hiking in the mountains is also possible or you may even drive up on the Grossglockner Road and enjoy a splendid view.
1. Bad Gastein
You must visit the spa town of Bad Gastein and take a dip in the hot healing spring waters and breathe the fresh pure mountain air. Located on the High Tauern Mountain, this beautiful hill town even attracts those who love skiing in the winter months. Known for its Époque style villas and hotels, Bad Gastein has many thrilling hiking trails and lots of outdoor opportunities including biking.
If you are in Bad Gastein then also do visit the splendid Gastein waterfall that is located right in the heart of the town, and you surely will love it.
Austria is a perfect place for anyone who loves nature, anyone who loves adventure, and anyone who loves a serene place – in short, it is an ideal holiday destination for one and all.
