20 Stunning Locations To Discover In Austria

2. Hallstatt

Now well-known with Instagrammers, this small scenic city overlooking the serene waters of Hallstatt Lake is one among my favorite locations in Europe. I additionally assume it appears spectacular in each summer season and winter. 

The city is crammed with chocolate field fairly Sixteenth-century Alpine homes, and its winding cobbled alleyways are house to quaint cafes and unbiased outlets. Some intriguing locations make this space notably attention-grabbing and give you the prospect to bask in mountaineering, mountaineering, and boating.

I like to recommend visiting The Beinhaus (bone home), which shows stacks of human stays taken there because of the scarcity of grave areas. Though it sounds morbid, the expertise may be very completely different; there’s something extraordinary and humbling about visiting the Beinhaus.

For my part, the ice and salt caves, with their spectacular subterranean salt lake, are additionally value visiting and actually spectacular (the funicular railway connects Hallstatt to Salzwelten).

My highlights…

• Taking a stroll alongside the lakefront, crammed with such picturesque surroundings, it seemed prefer it was straight out of a storybook.
• Exploring the extraordinary ice caves and seeing frozen waterfalls and unbelievable ice formations.
• Take a look at the salt mine, thought-about the oldest on this planet. Youngsters will even adore it there as they’ve an exciting miners’ slide!
• Hiring a standard wood salt boat and exploring the lake!
• Going to 5 Fingers Viewpoint, which provides one of the vital spectacular views within the Alps!
• Seeing the colourful half-timbered homes within the central Market Sq. and having dinner at a phenomenal open-air restaurant terrace across the lake.

3. Salzburg 

I fully fell for Salzburg’s charms; that is additionally the place for music followers! It additionally celebrates its accolade as Mozart’s birthplace by permitting guests into the house the place Mozart was born and operating exhibitions there.

Salzburg could also be house to Mozart and all issues extravagant. Nonetheless, for an astounding 70% of abroad guests, The Sound of Music stays the first motive for journey to the town, with tour corporations all around the city providing their model of the Sound of Music tour. I extremely advocate occurring one; they’re a variety of enjoyable! 

Additionally brimming with distinctive galleries and museums, a wealthy array of eating places, and a various collection of procuring alternatives, from farmer’s markets to upmarket shops, I defy you to not fall in love with this totally charming metropolis, similar to I did!

My favorite highlights…

• Happening a Sound of Music Tour, which was hours of kitsch enjoyable!
• Wandering across the lovely Previous City, one of many best-preserved metropolis centres north of the Alps, was brimming with beautiful baroque structure.
• Listening to well-known Mozart items carried out contained in the historic fortress citadel on the spectacular Mirabell Palace and Gardens. 
• Wandering down Getreidgasse, an enthralling Medieval procuring road crammed with attention-grabbing unbiased outlets.
• Going for a Mozart Dinner Live performance on the Baroque Corridor of St Peter`s Abbey.
• Experiencing Salzburg’s Beer Halls, my favorite was Augustiner Bräustübl Tavern, which had a backyard connected to a monk’s brewery.

4. Innsbruck

I assumed this was a surprising Alpine gem! The snow-topped mountains and tall, vibrant buildings make it a postcard-worthy alpine vacation spot. It has a number of well-managed ski resorts and wonderful winter sports activities services, good for individuals who like to hit the slopes.

I like to recommend visiting Ambras Citadel, the Folks Artwork Museum, and the Court docket Church. Some stylish hip bars are on the centre of a thriving nightlife, so I counsel benefiting from these, too.

Serenity has its place right here, although, as nicely, and I fell in love with the mild tempo of life and the various luxurious thermal spas!

My favourite highlights…

• Hanging out within the attractive Previous City, crammed with boutique outlets, cafes, and eating places. 
• Visiting Tyrol Panorama, which had a museum and unbelievable views of the encircling areas.
• Taking a cable automobile to Nordkette Mountain Vary and seeing beautiful Alpine surroundings. 
• Swimming in Lake Achensee, Tirol’s largest lake.

5. Vorarlberg

The mountainous area of Vorarlberg boasts lovely surroundings and beautiful structure, and I used to be severely wowed by it after I visited! It’s greater than only a new place to discover; it’s a delight to your eyes to witness, and I extremely advocate it to anybody who loves strolling, biking, snowboarding, and pictures!

I personally assume the mountains of Vorarlberg current a singular and creative view for any hiker, explorer, or artist. The landscapes between Lake Constance and the mountains are good for lengthy walks, particularly with the mountains reaching as much as 2,000 metres.

Vorarlberg has a number of pure wonders. One in all my private favourites is the Verwall space in Montafon. Verwall in Vorarlberg is without doubt one of the largest European Safety Areas within the Natura 2000 community.

I really like that the views you’ll be able to get pleasure from as you hike alongside its routes are as lovely and numerous because the mountains! 

My private highlights…

• Climbing the Silvretta-Staumauer – Silvretta Wasserfall loop which was a straightforward hike which took me previous beautiful Alpine surroundings and turquoise blue lakes.
• Eating on roasted dumplings on the Panoramarestaurant Karren, the views of the mountains have been simply unbelievable! 
• Attending the inventive summer season Bregenz Pageant, the large floating stage in the course of Lake Constance, was an unbelievable sight! 

6. Graz

Regardless of being Austria’s second-largest metropolis, I cherished Graz’s relaxed location. Though the city is overflowing with lovely structure, I really like that the town has a youthful vibe.

That is all the way down to its younger, pleasant inhabitants and the handful of spectacular trendy buildings dotted round.

There are numerous nice issues to do in Graz. This metropolis has a vibrant arts centre that enhances its Renaissance courtyards and baroque palaces. Because of the big scholar inhabitants (round 50,000 college students unfold throughout 4 College campuses), the nightlife in Graz is booming! 

My highlights…

• Visiting the Schloss Eggenberg Parkland Palace Gardens, I cherished the attractive peacocks! 
• Exploring the Previous City, I extremely advocate stopping by the upTownArt Store and the placing Island within the Mur which has a spectacular domed glass roof. 
• Happening a enjoyable cell scavenger hunt via the town which was an effective way to discover its sights. 

7. Zell am See

While you go to Zell am See, I can let you know you will notice some unbelievable sights! The primary one prone to seize your consideration is the gorgeous bluer-than-blue lake, Zeller See! 

You may dive into the attractive lake and cycle round its picturesque, plant-filled shores. Climbing and snowboarding within the mountains are additionally out there. When you’ve got or hire a automobile, I like to recommend driving up excessive onto the very scenic and well-known Grossglockner Street.

Over 1,000,000 guests worldwide go to Zell am See yearly for brand new websites and adventures. When the sky’s blue is mirrored in such a transparent lake, it’s a genuinely attractive sight!

My highlights… 

• Eating on tasty semolina dumplings on the stylish Luis Gardens.
• Going snowshoeing within the winter, the snowy landscapes have been so dreamy! 
• Going tobogganing on the three-kilometre-long Maisi Flitzer run which was a terrific family-friendly exercise! 

8. Mostviertel

I personally assume Mostviertel is Decrease Austria’s most fascinating area. It combines rolling inexperienced meadows within the North with snow-laced rugged peaks within the South.

This mix of landscapes contributes to the area’s countless allure. It boasts Europe’s largest steady space of pear orchards.

Its chocolate-box surroundings makes it a marvel for adults and kids alike. The area provides museums, monuments, household actions, and ski alternatives.

My private highlights…

• Staying in a single day on the Resort Gasthof Zur Linde, I cherished the bike rental choices!
• Making an attempt a Lillet Prosecco on the Chameleon Bar.
• Climbing the Mendlingtal Valley, which took me previous beautiful gorges and scenic canyons. 

9. Alpbach

Alpbach has been voted the prettiest village within the nation, and after I visited, I instantly noticed why! The candy village is nestled between a cluster of majestic snow-capped mountains, permitting entry to the right ski slopes whereas sustaining a stable alpine custom.

Alpbach is stuffed with picturesque wood farmhouses, cattle fields, and locals expert in conventional crafts. When you fancy a style of how this nation was and benefit from the expertise of time standing nonetheless, then for my part, Alpbach is the place for you! 

I’d counsel making an attempt Bikepension Gästehaus Larch Alpbach or Alphof Resort Alpbach for locations to remain right here.

My favourite highlights…

• Taking an exhilarating trip on the Alpine curler coaster on a two-seater sledge.
• Taking a trip on the cable automobile to the highest of Wiedersbergerhorn mountain, the panoramic views have been beautiful! 

10. Tirol

I discussed above the historic previous city of Innsbruck inside lovely Tirol. This unbelievable area is value exploring! 

I personally assume it’s a very beautiful spot steeped in folklore, mountains, and ski resorts. It makes a unbelievable vacation spot on this nation, both in summer season or winter—the surroundings is really breathtaking!

Anticipate miles of strolling and mountaineering trails throughout nature, recent air, and clear mountain streams. Historical past lovers also can benefit from the record-breaking suspension footbridge that’s Highline179, and I’d extremely advocate visiting it.

This exceptional construction is 114 meters excessive and 406 meters lengthy; it connects Ehrenberg Citadel to the stays of the Seventeenth-century Roman Fortress Claudia available in the market city of Reutte.

My favourite highlights…

• Visiting the suspended terrace of Café 3440 (pictured above), which sits 3,440 m above sea stage the place I noticed unbelievable uninterrupted panoramic views of the gorgeous Alpine surroundings.
• Happening the Nordkette Cable Automobile, a gondola elevate from Innsbruck to the Nordkette.
• Going mountaineering, mountaineering, biking, and benefiting from the Alpine surroundings!
• Eating on do-it-yourself muffins at afternoon tea on the stylish Das Schindler in Innsbruck.  
• Going to the TOP OF TYROL, a surprising mountaintop viewing platform.

11. Grossglockner Excessive Alpine Street

This well-known winding, precarious, fantastically scenic highway is wow-inducing! It would lead you to the center of the Hohe Tauern Nationwide Park and up the giddy heights of the Grossglockner (Austria’s tallest mountain), passing via the Pasterze glacier.

For my part, it’s a super method to expertise the panorama at its greatest, as you’ll cross via mountain forests, alpine meadows, ice plains, and sheer cliff faces.

You may rent a classic automobile, take a bus, trip a bike, go by bike, or enterprise by foot; both manner, the expertise is jaw-dropping! Villa Orania and Schiefe Alm Resort Unhealthy Gastein are attractive lodging choices within the space.

My private highlights…

• Stopping on the viewpoints and photographing the unbelievable views. 
• Climbing the unbelievable Glockner Path, which took me via the beautiful Hohe Tauern Nationwide Park. 

12. Nationalpark Gesäuse

The most recent of this nation’s lovely Nationwide Parks, Gesäuse, is ready in mountain ridges, deep valleys, and dense forests. I believe it’s the right location for exploring unspoiled nature and is a favorite for rafting connoisseurs and hikers.

Of the six mountain peaks over 2000 meters within the park, Hocktor is the best and hottest amongst visiting hikers – reaching a staggering 2369 meters in top.

I personally assume artists, photographers, and journey bloggers would reap the advantages of visiting such a phenomenal setting—if they will attain the highest! 

My highlights…

• Tenting out in a single day on the tranquil Campingplatz Forstgarten campground.
• Climbing the scenic Copper Path Johnsbach, the Alpine views have been beautiful! 

13. Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Within the district of Zell am See, you’ll find a municipality recognized for its snowboarding, mountain biking, and different tough and difficult out of doors sports activities. It’s positioned within the Saalbach Valley, which has some breathtaking views at any time of day, particularly when you’re coming in from Bründlkopf.

This peaceable location primarily consists of small cities and has a number of transport hyperlinks – together with Zell am See, which is round 20km away.

The city itself is primarily oriented in the direction of tourism, however that doesn’t make it any much less of an ideal place for exploring and having fun with the outside and all it has to supply; I stayed in an eco-hotel right here for just a few days, and I fell in love with the uncrowded, lovely, and tranquil landscapes! 

My private highlights…

• Staying at Gartenhotel Theresia, a comfy, eco-friendly resort with a calming spa and sauna.
• Climbing the Wurzel Path summer season mountaineering path, which took me via lush meadows and Alpine buildings.

14. St. Gilgen

A stroll via the village of St. Gilgen (in Salzburg) is a welcome breath of recent air for any journey. The city takes you by the northern shore of Lake Wolfgangsee and is coupled with magnificence and trendy aptitude.

It’s a village teeming to the highest with traditions, tradition, structure, and distinctive vacationer places. I assumed it was charming, particularly when you’re in search of a spot crammed with Austrian custom!

The legendary Oxen Cross island may be discovered close by, subsequent to Fürberg Cove; each can supply any vacation explorer a sight to behold.

Lastly, I like to recommend taking the Zwölferhorn Mountain cable automobile to the height instantly from the village. It’s a severely beautiful view! 

My favorite highlights…

• Climbing from From Reid to St Gilgen which adopted the gorgeous lake shore.
• Having newbie snowboarding classes (within the winter), sadly, I wasn’t superb! 

15. Hochosterwitz Citadel

Many contemplate it probably the most spectacular medieval citadel within the nation, and with good motive. It stands proudly on high of a 160-meter-high Dolomite rock formation, and I personally assume it appears like one thing out of a fairytale!

Between Easter and the tip of October, guests are allowed inside sure elements of the citadel every year, and I’d extremely advocate visiting when you’re right here throughout these months.

I counsel strolling alongside the 620-metre pathway via 14 intriguing fortified gates earlier than you attain the beautiful façade of the citadel. If you wish to keep close by, strive the Artwork Lodge or Chalet Resort Senger.

My highlights…

• Seeing the unbelievable Renaissance work displayed right here.
• Attending the enjoyable Knight’s Pageant, which was crammed with medieval-style battles and jousting. 

16. Krems an der Donau

Krems an der Donau is a postcard-pretty riverside city in Decrease Austria’s Danube’s Wachau Valley vacationer area. It’s famend for its wine manufacturing and delightful historic centre (which has earned it a UNESCO Heritage Web site standing), and I cherished this place! I assumed it was charming, relaxed, and extremely photogenic! 

Located on the gateway to the World Heritage cultural panorama of the Wachau, it shows one of the vital beautiful stretches of river valley in Europe, so don’t neglect to carry your digicam!

I counsel Wein-Intestine Hutter or Gourmethotel Am Förthof for elegant and distinctive locations to remain.

My private highlights…

• Going wine tasting and sampling the unbelievable rieslings.
• Eating on fantastic, inventive Mediterranean delicacies at Kaiser Von Österreich. I extremely advocate the wild garlic mushrooms.

17. Kitzbuhel

When you’re an avid skier and in search of one of many high ski resorts within the nation then I’d say it’s worthwhile to look no additional than Kitzbuhel! 

Legends, together with three-time Olympic medallist Toni Sailer, have been born on these slopes, so that you’ll be in nice firm! 

However fairly Kitzbuhel started life within the Sixteenth century as a mining city catering to silver and copper mining. Immediately, it nonetheless has an enthralling historic really feel and has preserved a few of its medieval structure.

My highlights…

• Visiting the Krampus Museum which is devoted to the distinctive historic custom. 
• Watching the skilled skiers on the downhill racecourse. 

18. Thayatal Nationwide Park

Thayatal Nationwide Park is positioned near the Czech Republic’s border. This distinctive location is the nation’s smallest nationwide park and one among central Europe’s final pure valleys.

The park itself is technically two parks cut up throughout the border. The panorama consists of a deep canyon with steep slopes and quite a few rock formations. When you’re within the Czech Republic, the Thaya River (or the Dyje River) cuts throughout the canyon, making for actually spectacular views.

I personally assume this deserves a spot on this record for its unbelievable surroundings, quite a few mountaineering trails, well-preserved citadel ruins, and wildlife recognizing, together with the European otter, the black stork, and the Wild Cat.

My highlights…

• Climbing the scenic Hardegg mountaineering path which loop took me to a viewpoint the place I might see the city from above.
• Recognizing wildlife like cute otters and the gorgeous Black Stork.  

19. Dürnstein

I used to be an enormous fan of this virtually impossibly photogenic spot! On the Danube, Durnstein is understood for its lovely buildings and scenic riverside location.

It’s additionally a historic hotspot for anybody wishing to go to the citadel the place the Lionheart, Richard the First of England, was as soon as imprisoned! 

Nonetheless, I like to recommend that you simply plan your journey to this wondrous space in the summertime when it’s busy with guests and vacationers and there’s a actual buzz in regards to the place. Durnstein basically closes up within the winter.

It’s a dream for photographers, with massive, sweeping landscapes, excessive hilltops, and beautiful structure. The citadel ruins sit excessive up on the inexperienced hills towards the blue sky, making for some good photographs.

My private highlights…

• Visiting Domäne Wachau vineyard and tasting the Grüner Veltliner white wine. 
• Visiting the Durnstein Citadel, the views from the highest made the climb to it value it! 

20. Faaker See 

Faaker See is an alpine lake within the state of Carinthia. It’s the state’s fifth-largest and one of the vital lovely, famed for its wonderful, clear azure water.

I fell totally in love with this lovely spot and its tranquil vibe after I visited. I additionally cherished that the lake stretched on for miles! 

Common with locals and vacationers alike, you’ll be able to bathe and go boating right here, however I’d counsel simply kicking again and taking within the lovely surroundings! Get pleasure from! 

My private highlights…

• Going paddleboarding (there are leases within the space).
• Hiring a pedalo and going swimming within the clear blue waters.