Glorious Alpine scenery, monumental Habsburg architecture, and the world’s favourite musical – Austria’s tourist industry certainly plays up to the clichés. However, it’s not all bewigged Mozart ensembles and schnitzel; modern Austria boasts some of Europe’s most varied museums and contemporary architecture not to mention attractive and sophisticated cities whose bars, cafés and clubs combine contemporary cool with elegant tradition.
Long the powerhouse of the Habsburg Empire, Austria underwent decades of change and uncertainty in the early twentieth century.
Shorn of her empire and racked by economic difficulties, the state fell prey to the promises of Nazi Germany. Only with the end of the Cold War did Austria return to the heart of Europe, joining the EU in 1995.
Politics aside, Austria is primarily known for two contrasting attractions – the fading imperial glories of the capital, and the stunning beauty of its Alpine hinterland. Vienna is the gateway to much of central Europe and a good place to soak up the culture of Mitteleuropa. Less renowned provincial capitals such as Graz and Linz are surprising pockets of culture, innovation and vitality.Salzburg, between Innsbruck and Vienna, represents urban Austria at its most picturesque, an intoxicating Baroque city within easy striking distance of the mountains and lakes of theSalzkammergut, while the most dramatic of Austria’s Alpine scenery is west of here, in and around Tyrol, whose capital, Innsbruck, provides the best base for exploration.
Places To Visit in Austria
1. Vienna
Elegant waltzes and Johann Strauss immediately come to mind when one thinks of Vienna, the capital of Austria and its largest city; the city still holds more than 200 balls each year. But the city also is known for other classical composers such as Mozart, Brahms, Beethoven and Schubert. Travelers can take a break from music by visiting the Hofburg, which houses the Hapsburg rulers’ imperial jewelry, and the Kunsthistorisches, a museum that has an outstanding collection of paintings by old masters. Vienna is also famous for its cafes where travelers can rest their weary feet while deciding which museum or park to visit next.
2. Salzburg
Situated near Germany's southern border with Austria, the city of Salzburg, like its capital counterpart, is famous for its long-standing musical traditions, including being the birthplace of Wolfgang Mozart. Beyond the many examples of historic architecture and artistic attractions found in the city, Salzburg is surrounded by the breathtakingly epic Alps mountain range, affording visitors and residents alike the ability to explore the experiential contrast of rich history and stunning natural beauty simultaneously.
3. Kitzbuheler Horn
At 1,998 meters, the Kitzbüheler Horn in the Tyrol region is one of the most picturesque of Austria's many summits. Accessible by cableway via the Pletzeralm or by climbing from the village of Kitzbühel, the summit affords glorious views: to the south from the Radstädter Tauern to the Ötztal Alps; to the north, the nearby Kaisergebirge; to the west, the Lechtal Alps; and to the east, the Hochkönig. To the south of the Kitzbüheler Horn rises the 1,772-meter-high Hornköpfli, also reached by cableway. In addition to the great views, on the summit, you'll find the Gipfelhaus, a unique mountaintop home; a chapel; a restaurant; and an Alpine garden. During the ski season, the mountains in the immediate vicinity of Kitzbühel bustle with skiers from all over the world.
4. Alpbach
At 1,998 meters, the Kitzbüheler Horn in the Tyrol region is one of the most picturesque of Austria's many summits. Accessible by cableway via the Pletzeralm or by climbing from the village of Kitzbühel, the summit affords glorious views: to the south from the Radstädter Tauern to the Ötztal Alps; to the north, the nearby Kaisergebirge; to the west, the Lechtal Alps; and to the east, the Hochkönig. To the south of the Kitzbüheler Horn rises the 1,772-meter-high Hornköpfli, also reached by cableway. In addition to the great views, on the summit, you'll find the Gipfelhaus, a unique mountaintop home; a chapel; a restaurant; and an Alpine garden. During the ski season, the mountains in the immediate vicinity of Kitzbühel bustle with skiers from all over the world.
5. Innsbruck
Nestled in a tiny valley and surrounded by towering mountains on every side, Innsbruck is a quintessential Austrian mountain town. The area has a long history of hosting winter sports competitions and is renowned for its ski resorts, which draw throngs of visitors during the colder months. There's plenty to do during the summer as well; visitors can hike through stunning alpine meadows or take the cable car up the Nordkette mountain range. It's worth spending some time in the town itself as well; the late-medieval old town boasts beautiful architecture as well as plenty of coffee shops and restaurants.
6. Zell Am See
Zell am See, located in the state of Salzburg, is another well known tourist destination, famous for its mountains and lakes. Once governed by French troops back in the early 19th century, Zell am See has hosted several international skiing competitions. Off the ski slopes, one of its most famous attractions is the Romanesque St. Hippolyte’s Church, with an elevated walkway that dates back to the early 16th century. Zell am See is also a good starting point for the Grossglockner Alpine Road, a panoramic road famous for its high alpine scenery.
7. Dachstein Salzkammergut and The Giant Ice Cave
Hallstatt, undoubtedly one of the most picturesque small towns in Austria, is a good place from which to explore the spectacular Dachstein Salzkammergut region, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll be rewarded with a chance to explore the Dachstein Caves, one of Europe's most impressive cavern networks, which are, in places, up to 1,174 meters deep. Highlights include the Giant Ice Cave with its sub-zero summer temperatures and huge caverns with magnificent frozen waterfalls, and the Mammoth Cave with its huge pipe-shaped galleries formed by an ancient underground river. Above ground, visitors can tackle the superb 5 Fingers viewing platform, an incredible metal structure hanging over a 400-meter sheer drop with excellent views of the surrounding Alps.
8. Imst
Nestled in the very heart of the western Tyrol on the central valley of the River Inn, pretty little Imst clings to the base of the Austrian Alps and the downhill pistes of the Hoch-Imst ski area. The town itself is a charming affair of tight-knit roadways watched over by the occasional Germanic church spire or snow-dusted onion dome, while the bucolic surroundings consist of rolling farm fields, soaring limestone summits, sweeping spruce and fir forests, the occasional timber barn and countless winding hiking and mountain biking trails to boot!
9. Bregenz
Located on the shores of Lake Constance, Bregenz offers incredible views of Germany, Switzerland, and the Alps. A promenade runs along the waterfront, making an excellent place for a stroll, and the city itself is full of admirable art and architecture. Visitors often take a cable car to the top of Mt. Pfander, where they can take advantage of the many hiking trails or enjoy a meal with a view at the mountaintop restaurant. The city also hosts the famous Bregenz Festival during the months of July and August, which is well worth attending for the opera, the orchestra, and other cultural events.
10. Wachau
With the Danube River running through it, the Wachau Valley is a popular tourist destination in southern Austria. The town of Dunstein is well known as the place where Duke Leopold V held the British king, Richard the Lion-Hearted, prisoner for several years in the late 12th century while the town of Melk is renowned for its beautiful Benedictine abbey. Wachau is also known for its wines, as well as fruits such as apricots. The valley has more than 500 historic monuments, so tourists are going to have to make some tough choices.
Interesting Facts About Austria
- 1. The name Austria derives from a Germanic word ‘austro’, meaning ‘east’
- 2. The Austrian flag is one of the oldest national flags in the world
- 3. The sewing machine was invented by Josef Madersperger, an Austrian
- 4. Approximately one quarter of the population of Austria lives in Vienna
- 5. Vienna has the oldest zoo in the world, founded in 1752
- 6. Austria is known for its mountain railways and trains such as the Giselabahn
- 7. Ferdinand Porsche, who is the founder of the German sports car company ‘Porsche’, was fromAustria
- 8. Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Hollywood actor, grew up in Austria
- 9. 62% of Austria is covered by the Austrian Alps
- 10. The first postcards used were in Austria.
Do you know any more interesting facts about Austria? Or have any stories of your trips to Austria? Please share them in the comments section below.
Austria is a country rich with history, beautiful places, traditions and activities that are distinct to the area. Along with neighboring Switzerland, it is the winter sports capital of Europe. However, Austria is just as popular for summer tourists who visit its historic cities and villages and hike in the magnificent scenery of the Alps. In order to help guide you in building a trip itinerary, we provide you some of the top tourist attractions in Austria that are sure to make your trip extra special.
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