Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Austria
Austria, a land of stunning alpine landscapes and rich cultural heritage, captivates with its historic cities, classical music tradition, and charming villages. From the imperial grandeur of Vienna to the picturesque beauty of Salzburg, Austria offers a blend of history and natural beauty. Explore majestic palaces, savour delicious Viennese pastries, and experience vibrant cultural festivals. The country’s Alpine scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and world-renowned ski resorts make it a top destination for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Austria’s unique charm ensures an unforgettable travel experience.
When to visit
Temp Range
Currency
Min Budget
Jun – Aug
15 – 30°C
59 – 86°F
Euro (EUR)
$50-70/day
Top Attractions
See below for a selection of the top attractions in Austria, review the map to see where these are located to help plan your trip.
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Vienna’s most iconic palace, known for its Baroque architecture, extensive gardens, and historical significance as the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs. Visitors can tour the opulent state rooms, stroll through the immaculate gardens, and visit the onsite zoo and labyrinth, offering a glimpse into imperial life.
Access from – Vienna
Historic Centre of Vienna
Vienna’s Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its architectural landmarks, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and Vienna State Opera. Visitors can explore narrow cobblestone streets lined with cafes, museums, and shops, and experience Vienna’s rich cultural heritage through its music, art, and grand imperial history.
Access from – Vienna
Danube River cruise
A Danube River cruise offers scenic views of Vienna’s skyline and historic landmarks like the Parliament Building and Prater Park. Visitors can enjoy leisurely boat rides, dine on board, and learn about the river’s role in European history. The cruise provides a relaxing way to experience Vienna’s beauty and waterfront attractions from a unique perspective.
Access from – Vienna, Wachau Valley
Salzburg’s Old Town
Salzburg’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famed for its medieval and Baroque architecture, including landmarks like Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg Cathedral. Visitors can stroll along Getreidegasse, Mozart’s birthplace, and enjoy concerts at Mirabell Palace. The Old Town’s charming streets, cafes, and music festivals celebrate Salzburg’s cultural heritage and artistic legacy.
Access from – Salzburg
Innsbruck and Golden Roof
Innsbruck, nestled in the heart of the Alps, is known for its historic architecture and winter sports. Visitors can explore the Old Town’s medieval buildings, visit the Imperial Palace, and admire the iconic Golden Roof. Innsbruck offers skiing at nearby resorts, scenic mountain hikes, and cultural attractions like the Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
Ski resorts in the Austrian Alps
Austria’s Alps boast world-class ski resorts like Kitzbühel, St. Anton, and Zell am See. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and après-ski activities amidst breath-taking alpine scenery. The resorts offer diverse terrain for all skill levels, cosy mountain lodges, and opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts to experience Austria’s renowned hospitality and mountain culture.
Access from – Innsbruck, Kitzbühel, St. Anton
Hallstatt and Lake Hallstatt
Hallstatt, a picturesque village on Lake Hallstatt, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic salt mines and charming alpine scenery. Visitors can explore the village’s fairy-tale-like streets, visit the Salt World Museum, and take boat rides on the lake. Hallstatt offers breath-taking views of the Dachstein Mountains and a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation and exploration.
Melk Abbey
Melk Abbey, perched above the Danube River in Lower Austria, is a stunning Baroque masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can tour its ornate library, Imperial rooms, and abbey church adorned with frescoes and gold leaf. The abbey’s hilltop location provides panoramic views of the Danube Valley, making it a cultural and architectural gem.
Access from – Melk
Graz and Historic Centre
Austria’s second-largest city, is known for its well-preserved historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore medieval landmarks like the Clock Tower and Graz Cathedral, stroll through narrow streets lined with cafes and shops, and visit cultural institutions such as the Kunsthaus Graz. Graz’s blend of history, architecture, and modernity offers a charming urban experience.
Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave
Eisriesenwelt, near Werfen in Salzburg Province, is the largest ice cave in the world, renowned for its stunning ice formations and underground chambers. Visitors can take guided tours through its labyrinthine passages, marvel at ice sculptures, and learn about the cave’s natural history. Eisriesenwelt offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience in the Austrian Alps.
Access from – Werfen
Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Swarovski Crystal Worlds is a multimedia art museum and exhibition space dedicated to crystal artistry. Visitors can explore themed chambers filled with crystal installations by international artists, marvel at the iconic Giant Crystal, and shop for exclusive Swarovski products. Swarovski Crystal Worlds offers a blend of art, design, and innovation in a dazzling sensory experience.
Access from – Wattens
Hiking in the Austrian Alps
Hiking in the Austrian Alps offers unparalleled natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Visitors can explore scenic trails like the Eagle’s Walk in Tyrol, hike to picturesque mountain lakes, and ascend peaks such as the Grossglockner. The Alps provide diverse landscapes, from lush valleys to rugged peaks, offering hikers opportunities to experience Austria’s alpine wilderness and breath-taking vistas.
Access from – Various (Innsbruck, Zell am See, Salzburg)
Map
See map of Austria to review top attractions. For the best experience save locally to open with google maps/share with your friends to help plan your next adventure! Some locations are hidden behind others, click map to reveal full details:
Transport
Austria’s transport routes include an efficient train network connecting major cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck including high=speed options. Domestic flights are limited due to the country’s compact size, with Vienna International Airport being the main hub. Within cities, taxis are available with metered fares; Uber operates in Vienna and some other cities, providing a convenient alternative. Public transportation such as trams and buses are reliable for local travel, especially in urban areas. Rental cars are popular for exploring scenic routes through the Alps and countryside.
Budget
Traveling in Austria varies; budget travellers spend $50-$70 per day on hostels and simple meals; mid-range travellers budget $100-$140 for hotels and dining out; luxury travellers may spend $300+ daily, enjoying upscale accommodations, fine dining, and exclusive experiences. Costs are higher in major cities like Vienna and Salzburg.
Seasonality and Weather
Austria experiences a varied climate due to its diverse landscapes. In the Alpine regions, winters are cold (around -5 to 0°C / 23 to 32°F) with abundant snowfall, ideal for skiing. Summers are mild to warm (20–25°C / 68–77°F) with pleasant weather for hiking and outdoor activities. In Vienna and other lowland areas, winters are milder (0–5°C / 32–41°F) and summers warmer (25–30°C / 77–86°F). The best time to visit Austria is during the summer months from June to August, when temperatures are comfortable across the country and outdoor festivals, cultural events, and outdoor recreation are in full swing.
Must Try Dishes
Language
The main language spoken is German. Below are some key phrases (phonetic translation) to get you started. A big smile and a few words can get you a long way!
WindingTravel 