The Most Beautiful Cities in Austria
Austria is known for its stunning cities, but it’s the small towns that make up much of its charm. These picturesque villages are often surrounded by majestic mountains, ensuring that every view is postcard-perfect.
Dornbirn is a beautiful town in Vorarlberg that’s framed by lakes and mountains. Its quaint old town makes it a delightful place to walk, while the Schattenburg Castle draws visitors interested in history.
1. Vienna
The capital of Austria is the Audrey Hepburn of cities – elegant, sophisticated, and beautiful with its Art Nouveau flourishes, opulent museums, and gorgeous palaces. Take a free tram around the Innere Stadt, and make sure to visit Schlossberg and the Uhrturm for unbeatable views over the UNESCO-listed old town. The more keen-eyed will also notice Italian and Balkan influences in the architecture that adorns the city’s medieval streets.
If a day of history isn’t enough, head out to Schonbrunn for an afternoon at the summer palace of the Habsburg dynasty. The massive palace stretches over 1,440 rooms, and is in a class of its own when it comes to incredible architecture. It’s easy to see why so many people call it the most beautiful palace in the world.
Vienna is a city that’s as easy on the eye in winter as it is in summer, when you can take advantage of the many Christmas markets and stroll alongside the Danube river to admire its glistening bridges. If you are a music lover, it’s a must to attend a performance at the Musikverein, a stunning location that harks back to Austria’s past glory.
If shopping is your thing, the Viennese love to head down Mariahilferstrasse for practically every high-end brand name you can imagine – and the crowds to match. You can also find plenty of quaint independent boutiques on Kirchengasse, Lindengasse, or Neubaugasse. If all that retail therapy tires you out, head out to the surrounding area for some restorative nature. The nearby town of Mondsee has a gorgeous lake that’s perfect for swimming and recreational activities, while Feldkirch is home to a mountain-top church with amazing views over the surrounding mountains and forests.
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 Vienna you can rent a car from 16 euros per day, in Innsbruck - from 17 euros per day.
2. Salzburg
With its towering snow-capped mountains and pretty old buildings, Salzburg is a stunning Austrian city that feels like a postcard. It’s also the perfect place for a skiing or snowsport holiday, and is home to some of the best alpine sports venues in Europe.
In addition to awe-inspiring views from any elevated vantage point, the city is packed with beautiful museums and churches, including St. Hippolyte’s Church. It’s no wonder that it was once a candidate city for the Winter Olympics, and now hosts a local ice hockey league sponsored by Red Bull.
The city’s 1,000 protected buildings include Renaissance and Baroque structures, along with grand Italian flair squares that brim with statues and artwork. It’s easy to see why it’s known as the ‘City of Music,’ with Mozart’s birthplace and apartment a must-see attraction.
Salzburg is a delight to explore on foot or by bike, as most of the city’s landmarks are grouped together in one compact area. For a bird’s eye view of the city, get to the rooftop of the Museum of Modern Art to see a full window on the city skyline and 11th-century Hohensalzburg Castle.
Outside of the historic centre, a river cross to the other side of the city shows off its trendier side. Timeworn alleyways and cosy city corners brim with street art and trendy neighbourhood vibes. Check out Steingasse – the oldest street in the city – where timeworn shop signs and modern artwork merge into an eclectic scene. This is the side of Salzburg that is a must-see for anyone who loves a mix of the traditional with the contemporary. It’s an interesting way for older cities to add a spark that keeps them fresh and relevant to visitors.
3. Lake Zell
When most people think of Austria, the imposing, snow-capped Alps come to mind with all their winter skiing and mountain sports potential. But there’s so much more to this beautiful country than just that, as we found out on a recent summer trip to Zell am See in the Salzberg region with CLC World holidays.
The highlight is the spectacular Lake Zell, guarded by majestic peaks and boasting crystal clear water. At 23 degrees Celsius, it’s the undisputed favourite place for locals and visitors alike to spend relaxing days at the lake. Three lidos invite you to enjoy the fresh, cool waters, and there are plenty of activities to choose from, such as stand-up paddling or windsurfing.
Among the most popular landmarks is the Grand Hotel Zell am See, with its snow-white façade and impressive lake view. You can also save money with the Zell am See/Kaprun Summer Card, which includes admission to a number of attractions and boat trips.
A visit to the Sigmund Thun Gorge is another must-do. The thunderous waterfalls are located in the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park, surrounded by rocky cliffs and pine trees. The best way to experience the gorge is by hiking along the Waterfall Trail, which takes around 1 1/2 hours.
A trip to Zell is not complete without trying out some of the classic Austrian dishes. You can’t go wrong with a Wiener schnitzel (crispy breaded veal), Tiroler Groutl (fried potatoes, bacon and egg) or kaiserschmarrn (pancake with fruit compote). Those wanting to relax can enjoy some top-notch restaurants, including Villa Crazy Daisy, where you can sit outside on the terrace and watch the world go by while enjoying classic live music.
4. Hallstatt
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the picturesque village of Hallstatt is one of Austria's most beautiful places to visit. It sits on a beautiful lake with towering mountains surrounding it. Its quaint streets and brightly colored houses are a feast for the eyes. During the Middle Ages, Hallstatt's salt mines supported its flourishing civilization. The ruins of Celtic, Illyrian and Roman graves are also a testament to its long history. Today, tourists from all over the globe flock to this gorgeous village in the Salzkammergut region to see it for themselves.
Despite being the smallest city in Austria, it has plenty to offer visitors. A stroll down the cobbled streets is a treat, and there are numerous shops and cafes to visit. The Maria Himmelfahrt Church is a highlight, where skulls and bones of the dead are preserved in a chapel and painted in different colors to preserve their identity (the tradition dates back to the 12th century).
It's a popular destination for a day trip from Salzburg, but you can also stay overnight or longer if you want to take advantage of its pristine natural beauty and quaint medieval architecture. The nearby lake has a gondola, and hiking trails crisscross the countryside. The town is also a hub for culture and hosts the Alpbach European Forum, a conference that attracts influential figures from business, politics and the arts.
In summer, the best thing to do in Hallstatt is relax by Lake Hallstatter See and enjoy the serene lakefront promenade. You can rent a paddle or row boat to explore the crystal clear water or even electric boats. The scenery is even more stunning at night, when the lights twinkle on the buildings in the village.
5. Kufstein
The enchanting town of Kufstein is one of the first cities travellers encounter when entering Austria from Germany via the Inn Valley. The city is located at the crossroads of two mountain ranges; the Brandenberg Alps on the west and the Kaiser Mountains on the south-east. Its picturesque location in the middle of the Tyrolean Unterland has earned it the title ‘the gate to the Tyrol’ and is a must-see for travellers exploring the Austrian Alps.
Kufstein is home to an imposing hillside castle that towers over the small town. The castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in the whole country and is an awe-inspiring site that’s well worth a visit. Its history dates back hundreds of years and the castle’s outer walls are dotted with various historic structures including the massive iconic round tower.
Although the castle is a main draw for visitors to the city, there are plenty of other sights to discover too. The historic center of the city is a delight and boasts an array of old streets lined with ornate buildings in a medley of different architectural styles including baroque, gothic, and Renaissance. The city is also home to a number of beautiful churches, museums, and markets that are a delight for the senses.
Kufstein is a great base for hikers and those looking for outdoor adventures. The surrounding mountains are home to a number of fantastic hiking experiences that will energize your body and mind while taking your breath away. The city is also home to a few excellent bars and restaurants that will keep your hunger and thirst satisfied.