Places to Visit in Austria
Welcome to our list of the best places to visit in Austria. From the city sights of Vienna to the Salzkammergut lakes, there's so many beautiful places to see!
So it's now time for you to think about where you want to explore first... if not all of it!
Here are some of our top travel destinations to visit in Austria:
Map of Places
Top Travel Destinations in Austria
Vienna
Vienna is the capital city of Austria. Situated on the Danube river, it is a romantic city filled with imperial squares and palaces. As well as a never-ending selection of museums and galleries.
As the home to some of the world's musical masters, from Mozart to Beethoven, it is easily seen as a cultural hub of history, art, and music. Be sure to book to see a concert or opera whilst in Vienna!
Note: If you're a coffee lover then head here to enjoy the array of Viennese coffee house culture.
Vienna is ideal for a weekend city break in Europe, as it's only a 2-hour 15-minute flight from London. Spend 2 or 3 days here to immerse yourself in this city, or tie-in a flying 24-hour visit here when visiting the nearby Salzkammergut region!
Salzburg
Near the German-Austrian border, you will find the pretty city of Salzburg. As well as being the birthplace of Mozart, this enchanting place is full of sight-seeing attractions and mountain views.
Salzburg is split by the Salzach River, with the "new" town situated on the right side of the river and the old town on the left. The old town (Altstadt) is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sits in the shadow of the medieval fortress of Hohensalzburg.
If you're a fan of the film 'The Sound of Music' then you'll love it here! As well as it being filmed in and around the city, the real Trapp family actually once lived in Salzburg. Spend an afternoon discovering the original shooting locations, or embark on a Sound of Music Tour.
Read my full guide to Salzburg here, for my top travel tips and one-day itinerary on how best explore this city:
Innsbruck
Want a taste of the Austrian alps? YES - head to the small city of Innsbruck, located in the Tyrol province of Western Austria.
Due to its mountainous surroundings, Innsbruck is internationally renowned for winter sports and has hosted two Winter Olympics and two Paralympics. In winter the city is picturesque with snow-capped peaks and buzzing ski resorts. But it's not just an ideal spot for skiers and snow fanatics alike...
This alpine-urban hub makes a great European city break destination, at just a 2-hour flight from London.
Head to Innsbruck in summer for a weekend away to enjoy the spectacular mountain views, excellent hiking trails, and cycle routes.
Salzburg City from Festung Hohen
Views from Schafberg Mountain, Salzkammergut
Hallstatt, Austria
Salzkammergut
Salzkammergut is a region in northern Austria, home to over 60 vivid blue lakes and never-ending mountain ranges - not surprising why it's referred to as the Austrian lake district.
Popular spots include Mondsee and Wolfgangsee, as well as the picture-perfect village of Hallstatt in the south of the region. It's perfect for a summer break to take advantage of the outdoor activities on offer; from hiking and cycling to golfing and water sports!
Salzkammergut is also scattered with thermal baths and spas - why not take a few days out to relax and be pampered.
Check out my guide to Salzkammergut here, which includes my top places to visit and things to do in the region.
Hallstatt
Hallstatt is a small traditional village, nestled in the heart of Austria's Salzkammergut region.
Surrounded by mountains, it's not hard to see why this lakeside village is such a popular tourist spot. Hallstatt is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, as it is home to some of the world's oldest salt mines.
Stroll along the shoreline and visit the historical market place, where you can see traditional chalet-style houses on the mountainside.
Read more about visiting Hallstatt here:
Graz
Graz is the second-largest city in Austria, after the capital Vienna, and is located in the southern region of Styria.
This historical European city is full of cultural attractions, including the old town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Graz is also full of impressive architecture and eye-catching buildings. And not surprisingly in 2003 Graz was named European Capital of Culture and in 2009 the 'City of Design'.
The city is close to the mountains, so is perfect to combine with a rural getaway.
Sadly there are no direct flights from London to Graz. So involves a connecting flight with a total journey time of 3-hours 35-minutes (minimum).
Dachstein Mountain, Austria
Traditional alpine chalets in Hallstatt
Lakes of Salzkammergut, Austria
Visiting Austria - Overview
If you're a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, then head to Austria to explore the beautiful alpine hills and mountains!
- Spend either a long holiday here in the Salzkammergut region, or visit one of Austria's beautiful cities for a short break away - More on the best places to visit in Austria.
- Visit Austria either in Spring or Autumn, to avoid the high season of summer and the crowds of holiday-makers - More on weather in Austria and when it's best to visit.
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Remember to try some of Austria's traditional cuisine - from the Wiener Schnitzel to Apple Strudel and coffee!
- If you're driving in Austria, then don't forget your Vignette toll sticker to go on the inside of your windscreen - More about traveling to and getting around Austria.
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