Austria - Amazing Places of the Country

Austria is a country that is known for its stunning cities, charming villages and breathtaking Alpine mountain landscapes. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer or love charming towns, Austria has something for everyone!

One of the most picturesque places in Austria is Zell am See, which lays amidst cozy chalets and rolling green hills. It’s a great place to visit for a relaxing swim and hiking.

Vienna

Vienna, located on the Danube River, is a city known for its stunning Baroque architecture, elegant palaces and museums. It is also the home to the world-famous Vienna Opera, one of the best performing arts centers in the world.

The city has a long and rich history, dating back to Celtic settlements in the fourth century BC. It has undergone several changes throughout history, becoming a Roman, Byzantine, Magyar, and Habsburg capital. Today, it is an enchanting destination with a wealth of historical sites to explore and an abundance of top-notch attractions.

It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for all tourists, especially those with a keen interest in art. The MuseumsQuartier district is packed with museums, each housing an array of impressive exhibits.

Another must-visit site is the Natural History Museum, which features a fascinating collection of fossils, dinosaur skeletons and other unique artifacts from the past. Its permanent exhibition on human origins, Gold Cabinet and Venus Cabinet are some of the highlights of its vast collections.

If you love to see animals up close, you'll find more than 400 different species at the zoo in Vienna. It's a great place for a family outing or to take your children on a trip that they'll never forget.

The opulent State Hall of the Austrian National Library is a must-see attraction and a wonderful example of eighteenth-century architecture. The building has a delightful dome and a great statue of Emperor Charles VI in the center. A large number of books and old tomes line the shelves, making this an amazing place for a quick visit.

A renowned tourist attraction, St Stephen’s Cathedral is the most important church in Vienna and it is a must-see. It is a mixture of Renaissance, ancient Greek and Roman style with Byzantine and Baroque influences. Its huge tower is a highlight of the city’s skyline.

You can get a fantastic view of the whole city from this church and there are numerous tours that you can opt to take that will give you a good idea about how this beautiful place was built. Whether you want to take in the beautiful architecture, listen to some live music or just take a walk around the church, it is a place you will not regret visiting.

It is impossible to get acquainted with the sights of Austria in one day, as well as in a week, but you can see the maximum number of new places with the help of a rented car at one of the country's airports. For example, in Innsbruck you can rent a car from 17 euros per day, in Vienna - from 16 euros per day.

Salzburg

Salzburg is an enchanting city that offers visitors a mix of history and culture, and the perfect blend of UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can easily explore this beautiful town within a day, visiting its historical centre and taking in the views from Hohensalzburg fortress.

In addition to its impressive architecture and picturesque scenery, Salzburg is also known for being home to a number of famous Sound of Music locations and the birthplace of Mozart. It's a great place to visit if you're looking for a culturally sophisticated city that boasts a burgeoning arts scene, fantastic food and manicured parks.

Across the river from the Historic Old Town and the baroque structures that define this European capital, is the lively Steingasse street where quaint shop signs merge with modern art. There's a cosy little cafe and a few other places to get a snack or drink in this edgy area.

As if the charm of Salzburg's Baroque architecture and scenic beauty weren't enough to attract visitors, this city is also known for its amazing ice caves, where icy waterfalls and ice formations await you. A trip to the ice caves is one of the top things to do in Austria, but don't forget to check out other highlights like the salt mines or St. Hippolyte's Church, which has a stunning bell tower.

Another must-see is Mirabell Palace & Gardens, which was built by Baroque master builder Lukas von Hildebrandt. If you're feeling adventurous, climb up to the castle's roof for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and the city below.

If you're a fan of medieval castles, don't miss the Festung Hohensalzburg Fortress, which is Europe's largest and best-preserved medieval fortress. Once a royal residence, this fortress was also used as a prison and has fascinating history behind it.

The streets of this historic city centre are full of beautiful, opulent buildings. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but there's also plenty of modern architecture that is a delight to see.

With a strong musical tradition and a vibrant arts scene, Salzburg is a wonderful place to visit all year round. In summer, the city becomes a mecca for classical music lovers. And during winter, the slopes are popular for skiers and snowboarders.

Tyrol

For those who enjoy mountain adventures, Tyrol is a dream destination. It's home to some of the most stunning peaks in the Alps, with everything from glacier skiing to family friendly rafting and hiking.

When you're ready to kick back, the region offers plenty of spas and sauna villages for you to soak in natural thermal waters or relax in a sauna. You can also experience a ride on the famous Alpine coaster, which takes you down a mountain track with views of the surrounding countryside.

If you're looking for something more adventurous, consider a trip to the largest glacier ski resort in the country. The Stubai Glacier has more than 110 kilometers of runs, a fun park for snowboarders and freestylers, and breathtaking views.

In addition to being a mecca for outdoor lovers, Tyrol is also known for its delicious food. There are plenty of traditional dishes to try, including Tiroler Grostl (a hearty potato and meat dish), Kaspressknodel (cheese dumplings) and Kaiserschmarrn (sweet shredded pancakes).

It's also an excellent place to sample the local craft beer. There are several excellent breweries in the area, such as Forst in Algund and Pfefferlechner in Lana.

There are also plenty of quaint mountain villages in the region to explore, such as Soll, which sits between the Wilder Kaiser and Hohe Salve mountains. You can spend your days soaking up the stunning mountain scenery while taking in the culture of the area, which is dotted with castles and cathedrals.

As the only region in Europe that boasts over 800 castles, you'll have plenty of options for exploring the medieval era during your visit to Tyrol. Many of these castles are open to the public, and their ruins are a fascinating way to immerse yourself in medieval life.

Aside from the castles, South Tyrol is also full of churches, chapels and cathedrals that adorn towns, villages and countryside in awe-inspiring numbers. You'll be able to see them all from a car or on foot, which is an incredible way to take in the region's history.

As a traveler, the best time to visit Tyrol is spring and fall. This is when you'll be able to enjoy more of the beauty of the Alps and save money on hotel rates.

Carinthia

Carinthia is Austria's southernmost province, attracting people who prefer a slower pace of life. The countryside here is also known for its unspoiled nature and a reasonable cost of living. Skiing is the main attraction during the winter and there are plenty of other activities on offer for all ages.

The most popular Carinthia attractions include its castles, medieval towns and villages, mountains, lakes and rivers. The capital city Klagenfurt is the region's most interesting town, with impressive museums and architectural landmarks that have earned it a reputation as one of Austria's must-see places.

Those who love art should head to the Museum Moderner Kunst Karnten (MMKK), which is an excellent gallery of contemporary Austrian and international work. It also hosts a series of interesting exhibitions and events.

Another must-visit is the stalactite caves of Eisenkappel Grifften and Hyuttenberg. If you're travelling with children there's the colourful park of gnomes in Gurk.

There's also a fantastic museum of miniature buildings in Klagenfurt, which is perfect for younger visitors. It features a great zoo and planetarium with fascinating lectures on the world.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the region's many lakes provide a fantastic setting for swimming, water-skiing and other water sports. There are also a number of emerald-coloured rivers that are famed for their kayaking and white water rafting.

If you're looking for a more rural place to explore, take a trip to Lake Millstatt or Ossiach. You'll also find the pretty market towns of Gmund, Friesach, St Veit an der Glan and Spittal an der Drau.

Finally, the awe-inspiring Pasterze glacier is the largest in the Eastern Alps and can be seen from all over the area. It's easy to reach from Villach, so make a point of putting it on your Carinthia travel itinerary.

Carinthia's mountains are a major attraction during the winter season, with many resorts offering skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Gerlitzen, Nassfled, Flattach and Bad Kleinkirchheim are some of the most popular destinations in Carinthia for skiers, and Heiligenblut is also worth a visit. This small town is located on the edge of the Hohe Tauern mountain range and National Park and offers the chance to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks.