With so many places to visit in Austria, planning out a visit can be difficult. To help you out, here’s a list of 8 must-see locations when sightseeing in Austria.
Are you looking for the ultimate vacation to make all your friends jealous? European getaways have long been the pinnacle of traveling. Places like Italy, Spain, and France all make their way onto bucket lists for all types of travelers. If you’re looking for a more unique country to add to your itinerary, Austria is a great option. It’s loaded with fascinating history, stunning views, and amazing culture. Sightseeing in Austria is fantastic as you can see anything from snowy mountain caps to fairytale towns. Plus, you can still travel in luxury! Do you want to know where to go? Keep reading to discover 8 must-see locations in Austria.
1. Vienna
Of course, the capital city of Vienna tops the list of best cities in Austria. If you’re a history buff or cultural connoisseur, you’ll love the countless museums and music venues around the city. Simply walking around and gazing at the historic architecture can be a wonderful way to spend the day. Make sure you check Vienna’s events calendar. There are tons of things going on in Vienna, including over 200 balls that occur every year. So, if you find yourself in Austria at the right time you may get to partake in some real cultural events. Don’t know where to eat? Pop into one of Vienna’s famous coffee houses. Coffee plays an important cultural role in Vienna, and many of the coffee houses are packed with history.
2. Worthersee
After all that history and sightseeing in Vienna, you may be ready to take a break and relax by the water. While Austria may be landlocked, lakes like Worthersee are must-see Austria destinations. Wortheersee is a popular summer destination for locals and tourists alike. You can spend your days relaxing by the lake or partaking in some water sports, like canoeing. If you want to sprinkle a little adventure into the mix, be sure to visit Austria’s most colorful cave, the Griffen Stalactite Cave. There are also museums and cathedrals for those who want to add a little culture and history into their stay. If you love vintage cars, the birthplace of the Porsche is nearby.
3. Innsbruck
Do you look forward to the Winter Olympics? Then, Innsbruck is one of the best places to visit in Austria for you. They’ve hosted the Winter Olympics twice – in 1964 and again in 1976. If you visit during the winter months, you can hit the slopes for some great skiing in the Alps. But Innsbruck has a lot more to do than winter sports. The city also has some beautiful cathedrals and interesting museums, including a Bell Museum which divulges into the 400-year old art of bell making.
4. Salzburg
Are you a huge music fan? While there are many places throughout Austria that are dedicated to music, Salzburg is the best place to put on your itinerary when you visit Austria. This is where the famous composer Wolfgang Mozart was born. Start by visiting Mozart’s childhood home to learn about his life and music. Then, visit Caf? Tomaselli where Mozart often visited himself and the Salzburg Cathedral where he was baptized. But Mozart isn’t the only famous part of this city. You can also visit some places made famous by the Sound of Music, including staying in the Von Trapp family home, which has been turned into a hotel.
5. Werfen
Sightseeing in Austria is great, but if you want to include some breathtaking adventures, Werfen should be on your list. Eisriesenwelt is the world’s largest ice cave. With 26 miles full of natural ice formations, it’s a can’t miss destination when deciding where to go in Austria. When you’re done exploring the cave, check out the Hohenwerfen Castle. This medieval castle is beautiful to tour and will give you the best views overlooking Werfen. The best part is that Werfen can easily be added as a day trip from Salzburg. It’s only a 40-minute drive, and the route is very scenic. Just hire a luxury car and enjoy your ride.
6. Hallstatt
Many towns in Austria are full of history and old buildings, but Hallstatt’s combination of historic buildings and picturesque location makes it look like a town straight out of a fairytale. If your interested in learning about this town’s history, the Hallstatt Museum is a must-see attraction. The town experiences all four seasons, so depending on when you visit Austria, you can partake in various winter sports or water activities.
7. Grossglockner
If you’re an avid hiker or mountain climber, then Grossglockner is one of the best places to visit in Austria. It’s the highest peak in the entire country and will give you the most breathtaking view. At 12,461 feet tall, many people think this would be a long and difficult climb. While you should have some mountain climbing experience to ensure a safe trip, climbing Grossglockner isn’t as difficult as it seems. The journey up the mountain takes one to two days and has been graded a PD+, meaning that it’s not difficult. If you find yourself with a couple of extra days, you should definitely check out Grossglockner.
8. Admont
Admont is a smaller town that many people overlook when they visit Austria. While there may not be tons of “must-sees” in this town, it’s worth a visit for what it does offer: the chance to experience local culture. When you get away from the huge touristy locations, you’ll get the opportunity to see what life is really like for Austrians. The food will seem more authentic and the atmosphere will be more relaxed and less crowded. But there is one must-see in Admont – the Admont Abbey Library. This is the largest monastic library in the world, and its floor to ceiling books, gold accents, and detailed frescos, makes it a can’t miss attraction if you’re in Admont.
The Best Sightseeing in Austria
If you’re planning a European vacation this year, you should consider adding Austria to your list. This lesser-visited country has more to offer than what meets the eye. Sightseeing in Austria is wonderful, with everything from Mozart’s childhood home to the world’s largest ice cave. Did you find this post helpful? Check out our blog for more great travel articles like this.
