Greatest Locations To Go to in Austria

From the peaks of the Austrian Alps to the elegant streets of Vienna, Austria is an unimaginable vacation spot to find in Central Europe, and this information to the most effective locations to go to in Austria is right here to indicate you why.

Why Go to Austria

A landlocked nation with many hidden gems for the curious traveler, Austria has one thing for everybody, from historical past buffs to nature lovers. Among the greatest locations to go to in Austria are steeped in historical past and tradition whereas others are famend for his or her unfathomable pure magnificence.

The Habsburg Empire dominated present-day Austria from the late thirteenth century via the early twentieth century, with holdings that encompassed not simply Austria, but additionally a lot of present-day Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Romania, and extra.

The Habsburg Empire dominated from Vienna, leading to a grand imperial metropolis that’s nonetheless among the many most stunning on this planet. Vienna is named an incredible metropolis of the humanities, and it’s the cultural powerhouse of Central Europe.

Apart from Vienna, one other nice vacation spot in Austria is Salzburg, which is situated within the western a part of the nation. This charming historic metropolis is known for being the birthplace of Mozart. Additional west is Innsbruck, a well-liked vacation spot for winter sports activities within the coronary heart of the Alps.

In case you’re searching for out of doors adventures in Austria, you’ll haven’t any scarcity of actions to select from. You possibly can get pleasure from snowboarding and snowboarding within the winter, or climbing, mountain biking, and mountaineering within the hotter summer season months.

Austria can also be identified for its scrumptious delicacies. Hearty dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, stuffed dumplings, and pretzels are all basic mainstays in Austrian delicacies.

You can also’t go to Austria with out attempting a few of the nation’s well-known desserts like Sachertorte, a wealthy chocolate sponge cake, and Apfelstrudel, a candy apple strudel. Each are among the many greatest desserts to attempt in Vienna or elsewhere in Austria.

Attributable to its central location, you can even simply mix a visit to Austria with visits to close by international locations together with Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.

However for now, let’s deal with the most effective locations to go to in Austria.

7 Greatest Locations To Go to in Austria

1. Vienna

On the banks of the Danube River, Austria’s capital metropolis Vienna is a must-visit vacation spot on any Austrian itinerary. This metropolis of over two million folks is a vibrant cultural hotspot with lots to supply.

Vienna repeatedly ranks as probably the most livable cities on this planet, due to its security and stability, wonderful infrastructure and transportation, low crime charge, environmental sustainability, tradition, and extra.

Identified for its stunning palaces, world-class museums, espresso home tradition, and festive Christmas markets, Vienna will not be solely an incredible metropolis to stay in, although. It’s additionally top-of-the-line locations to go to in Austria.

High Points of interest in Vienna

Vienna is dwelling to a number of imperial palaces, together with Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace. Grand Hofburg Palace within the historic middle of town was the principal palace of the Habsburg dynasty, whereas the idyllic Schönbrunn Palace on the outskirts of Vienna was the longtime summer season residence for Habsburg rulers. 

The palaces are open to vacationers at the moment, and it’s price visiting each of them when you’re eager about studying extra concerning the historical past of the Habsburg Empire in Austria.

Belvedere Palace is one other must-visit attraction in Vienna. This historic Baroque palace has been remodeled right into a world-class artwork museum, that includes iconic works from Austrian artists like Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.

There are much more nice museums to find in Vienna within the MuseumsQuartier, an space encompassing dozens of cultural establishments, similar to the celebrated Kunsthistorisches Museum that narrates the historical past of artwork via invaluable artistic endeavors.

It’s best to undoubtedly spend a while strolling across the Innere Stadt of Vienna, the oldest and most historic a part of town, with a number of pedestrianized streets lined with outlets, galleries, and eating places.

Probably the most spectacular buildings within the Innere Stadt is St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a medieval church with an ornate glazed tile roof.

Different high issues to do in Vienna embody catching a efficiency on the Vienna State Opera, attempting Sachertorte on the historic Café Sacher the place it originated, or taking a spin on the world’s oldest Ferris wheel within the Prater, a big public park in Vienna.

2. Salzburg

One more of the most effective locations to go to in Austria is Salzburg. Baroque magnificence meets alpine surroundings on this smaller historic metropolis alongside the Salzach River that’s usually thought of probably the most stunning place in Austria.

Positioned slightly below two and a half hours from Vienna by practice, Salzburg is a good place to go to in Austria. Identified for being the birthplace of Mozart, this musical metropolis was additionally a filming location for The Sound of Music.

High Points of interest in Salzburg

Salzburg’s Altstadt, or Previous City, is dwelling to a number of of town’s hottest sights. One in all these is Hohensalzburg Fortress, a hilltop fortress relationship again to medieval instances.

Touring the fortress is a superb option to be taught extra about Salzburg’s historical past, and you can even get pleasure from sweeping views over town and its environment.

In your approach again down from the fortress on the hill, make sure to cease on the Salzburg Cathedral, a formidable Baroque church housing many treasures.

You can even go to Mozart’s birthplace at No. 9 Getreidegasse. This historic townhouse is the place the well-known composer was born in 1756, and the place he lived as a younger boy. It has now been changed into a museum concerning the life and work of the good composer.

Close by throughout the river, you can even tour the Tanzmeisterhaus, a residence the place the Mozart household lived afterward.

Mirabell Palace and its gardens are one other main attraction in Salzburg. You would possibly acknowledge the gardens as a filming location from The Sound of Music. A well-liked exercise right here is having fun with a classical music live performance within the historic rooms of the palace.

In case you’re visiting Salzburg in the summertime months, don’t miss the Salzburg Competition, a celebration of music honoring the best composers of the final centuries.

3. Hallstatt

Usually described as a fairytale village, Hallstatt is a vacation spot that appears prefer it was lifted straight from a postcard. This charming lakeside village is situated in a mountainous area within the state of Higher Austria, about one hour and fifteen minutes from Salzburg by automotive.

This picturesque village within the coronary heart of Austria was named a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1997 on account of its excellent pure magnificence and cultural heritage.

Though it’s a well-liked day journey vacation spot from Salzburg, spending an evening or two in Hallstatt will can help you actually discover the encompassing space and revel in a good looking getaway in nature.

High Points of interest in Hallstatt

Being such a small village, you’ll be able to discover the whole lot of Hallstatt on foot in an hour or two. The city is made up of quaint pedestrian streets lined with colourful gingerbread-like homes alongside the shores of picturesque Lake Hallstatt.

That is the right place to decelerate and revel in a meal at one of many conventional eating places on the town, a few of which supply idyllic waterfront views.

A well-liked attraction for many who aren’t afraid of heights is the Hallstatt Skywalk, a wide ranging remark deck providing 360-degree views of the lake and the encompassing mountains, perched about 1,150 ft above the city.

You will get to the Hallstatt Skywalk both by climbing for roughly one hour or by taking the funicular, which gives scenic views and is an attraction in itself.

One other fascinating place to go to close by is the Hallstatt Salzwelten, an outdated salt mine. You can even get right here by climbing or driving the funicular. This salt mine is the oldest on this planet, with a legacy relationship again greater than 7,000 years. Taking a tour of the salt mine presents a novel perception into the salt mining historical past of Hallstatt.

4. Innsbruck

Transferring additional west, Innsbruck is an Austrian metropolis within the mountainous Tyrol area. This famend winter wonderland within the coronary heart of the Alps is lower than two hours by practice from Salzburg. The capital of Tyrol, Innsbruck was a two-time host of the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976.

The town blends basic imperial structure with fashionable design. It’s identified for winter sports activities like snowboarding and snowboarding, however it’s additionally a improbable vacation spot for the summer season season. In the course of the hotter months, you’ll be able to get pleasure from climbing, biking, and mountaineering within the Alps.

High Points of interest in Innsbruck

We’ve already lined that Innsbruck is a good base for out of doors adventures any time of the 12 months, and no matter climate circumstances. However what else is there to do within the metropolis past out of doors actions?

The Schloss Ambras is a Renaissance palace in Innsbruck that now homes a museum with a set of artwork and artifacts. Hofburg Innsbruck is a Sixteenth-century imperial Habsburg palace that can also be price a go to.

You possibly can simply spend a number of hours wandering the historic streets of Innsbruck’s Previous City, which is stuffed with distinctive outlets and eating places serving Tyrolean delicacies.

If you wish to get a birds-eye view of town and the encompassing mountains, take a experience on the scenic Nordketten Cable Automotive. Simply exterior town, you’ll be able to go to Swarovski Crystal Worlds, an attraction highlighting the fantastic thing about Swarovski glass, which comes from this a part of Austria.

For extra adrenaline-pumping actions, you’ll be able to attempt paragliding, skydiving, ziplining, and alpine coasters in and round Innsbruck.

5. Graz

If in case you have extra time to spend on this stunning nation, Graz is one other metropolis that’s price including to your itinerary. Though it’s the second largest metropolis in Austria after Vienna, Graz stays one thing of an underrated gem relating to tourism.

Positioned within the southern area of Styria, Graz is 2 and a half hours by practice from Vienna. The historic middle and well-preserved Previous City of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Website, whereas the remainder of town is infused with a contemporary, artistic power.

High Points of interest in Graz

One of many icons of Graz is the Schlossberg, a hilltop park that’s dwelling to a historic fortress. The views from the highest of the Schlossberg are beautiful, and you’ll attain it by funicular, elevator, or on foot – however be ready to climb 260 stairs!

Down under, the engaging Previous City of Graz is price exploring. The cobblestone streets and historic buildings supply a distinction to the trendy structure throughout the river.

One other notable place to go to in Graz is the Kunsthaus Graz, a up to date artwork museum with a placing design. Close by, the Murinsel Graz is a novel metal island of types in the course of the river, functioning as a bridge, but additionally providing a café and cultural area for performances.

On the outskirts of town, top-of-the-line issues to see is Schloss Eggenberg, a good looking Baroque palace that’s thought of to be an important imperial palace within the Styria area.

6. Kufstein

Transferring again to the Tyrol area of Austria, Kufstein is among the greatest locations to go to in Austria if you wish to get pleasure from breathtaking pure magnificence, historical past, and tradition.

This city is situated between Salzburg and Innsbruck, proper alongside the border with Germany. Though you’ll be able to go to Kufstein on a day journey from both of those cities, it’s additionally the best place to decelerate for an in a single day or weekend journey.

High Points of interest in Kufstein

The spotlight of Kufstein is Kufstein Fortress, a historic hilltop fortification relationship again to the thirteenth century. The views from the fortress are spectacular, and you’ll attain it by a steep hike or a extra stress-free funicular experience.

Again down within the city middle, you’ll be able to discover the centuries-old cobblestone streets of Kufstein, which date again to medieval instances. There are many charming conventional eating places within the Previous City the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from hearty Tyrolean delicacies.

For extra scenic views, you’ll be able to head to the Kaiserlift Kufstein, a vacationer cable automotive that takes you excessive up into the mountains. 

For hikers, the Kaisertal is a picturesque valley close to Kufstein providing many strolling trails. Throughout the Kaisertal, probably the most fashionable hikes results in Tischofer Cave, a big cave wanting over the forest that was used as a weapons cache through the Napoleonic Wars.

7. Wachau Valley

The Wachau Valley is a picture-perfect area alongside the Danube River identified for its rolling hills, vineyards, fruit orchards, quaint villages, and historic monasteries.

Whether or not you’re eager about wine tasting, exploring beautiful monasteries, or cruising down the Danube River, the Wachau Valley is the right vacation spot for leisurely exploration.

You possibly can entry this area within the state of Decrease Austria on a day journey from Vienna when you’re brief on time, however you can even simply spend a number of days discovering this charming valley.

Among the high cities within the Wachau Valley that you simply shouldn’t skip embody Melk, Durnstein, and Krems, that are all situated inside a 25-mile stretch alongside the Danube River.

Melk

Melk is among the most stunning cities within the Wachau Valley. Positioned alongside the Danube River, this pretty city is most well-known for Melk Abbey.

Though the monastery is the primary attract Melk, the city itself is a beautiful place to wander, with colourful homes, eating places, and outlets.

High Points of interest in Melk

Melk Abbey is a Benedictine monastery perched on a rocky outcrop above the city, overlooking the Danube River. Though the monastery dates again to the eleventh century, the present Baroque construction was constructed within the early 18th century.

This magnificent monastery is among the best examples of Baroque structure in Europe, and guests can tour the opulent interiors, together with the abbey church and a shocking library with greater than 100,00 books.

Durnstein

Durnstein is one other picturesque riverfront city within the Wachau Valley. It’s well-known for its vineyards, which produce grapes of the Riesling selection.

The city can also be identified for its connection to Richard the Lionheart. The well-known English king was imprisoned in Durnstein Citadel in 1192 after being captured in close by Vienna.

High Points of interest in Durnstein

As we speak, one of many high sights in Durnstein is Durnstein Abbey, which dates again to the 14th century. Though not as grand as Melk Abbey, this monastery continues to be price a go to on account of its placing pale blue church.

You can even go to the ruins of Durnstein Citadel, excessive up on a hill above the city, the place Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned centuries in the past and held for ransom.

After touring the monastery and the fortress ruins, you’ll be able to calm down at one of many native wineries in Durnstein, the place you’ll be able to pattern the white wines the city is understood for.

Krems

One other vacation spot within the Wachau Valley that you simply shouldn’t miss is Krems. This bigger city is only a fifteen-minute drive from Durnstein, so you’ll be able to simply go to each on the identical day.

Like many different close by cities within the Wachau Valley, Krems can also be dwelling to a historic monastery, in addition to a number of vineyards and wineries.

High Points of interest in Krems

The most important attraction in Krems is the sprawling Gottweig Abbey, a Benedictine monastery constructed on a hilltop surrounded by forests and vineyards. The monastery dates again almost 1,000 years, however the present construction was constructed within the Baroque fashion within the early 18th century.

On a tour of Gottweig Abbey, you’ll be able to marvel on the magnificent interiors of the monastery and take within the spectacular views of the encompassing countryside.

Within the city of Krems, there are many eating places and cafés the place you’ll be able to seize a chew to eat, or you’ll be able to try artwork museums just like the Kunsthalle Krems and the Karikaturmuseum.

Discover Austria With JayWay Journey

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