Austria Travel Guide

Vienna: Vienna is a fabulous city that is home to world class museums, the Opera, cafes, pastries, and the famous Sacher Torte. Tour the city’s iconic palaces, including the Schӧnbrunn Palace and Hofburg Palace where some of Europe’s most influential people lived centuries ago. And, admire some of the world’s most outstanding works of art at the dazzling Kunsthistorisches Museum and at Vienna’s renowned galleries.

Salzburg: Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, Salzburg is a compact city that is easy to explore in just one day. It’s the perfect blend of history and culture, being home to Mozart, an ancient fortress, and several Sound of Music sites. With one day in Salzburg, explore the old town, enjoy the view from Hohensalzburg, and visit Mozart’s birthplace. And, if you are looking to experience Austria’s natural scenery, the area around Salzburg is home to some of Austria’s most scenic hikes.

Innsbruck: Innsbruck is a colorful, picturesque city nestled in the Austrian Alps. Its biggest draw is its location. Innsbruck sits in a valley and is surrounded by enormous, snow-capped mountains. This is a city with endless views…ride cable cars to the mountain peaks, visit a ski jump, or climb the Town Tower for unbeatable views. With its close proximity to Italy and Germany, Innsbruck makes a great stop on a road trip or railway trip through Europe.

Hallstatt: Hallstatt is a picture-perfect town in Austria. This was once a quiet place, off of the radar of many European visitors. However, in recent years, Hallstatt has become one of the most popular places to visit in Austria. Spending one day in Hallstatt can be a wonderful experience, just be prepared for large crowds. Nearby Hallstatt travelers can take a cable car to Dachstein Krippenstein at the top of the Alps for beautiful views over the Austrian village and stunning valley.

Wachau Valley: Home to green rolling fields, artisanal vineyards, and the idyllic Danube river is Austria’s beautiful Wachau Valley. This destination is only an hour outside of Vienna, and it is a place for nature-lovers to hike, cycle, have a glass of wine, and tour Baroque towns. Within Wachau Valley lies the medieval villages Krem, Melk, and Durnstein; each claiming churches, abbeys, and castle ruins to see, and cozy restaurants to enjoy.

Zell am See Lake: The region around Zell am See is a stretch of paradise just a short train ride away from Salzburg. The lake’s aquamarine surface is surrounded by the soaring Alps, panoramic trails, and quaint towns. Mountain peaks Schmittenhöhe and Gipfelwelt offer spectacular views over the region, and the lake offers both water sports and ideal spots to relax amongst Austria’s natural beauty.

Hohe Tauern National Park: As Austria’s largest and oldest national park, Hohe Tauern is situated amidst Eastern Tirol, Salzburg, and Carithian states. With its prime location, the national park is a wonderland of Austria’s alpine beauty, mountain views, and diverse wildlife. Outdoor adventurers will want to traverse the national park’s mountainous terrain, see Krimml Waterfalls - the largest falls in Europe, and get up close to the region’s many glaciers. 

Drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road: Within the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park and beneath Austria’s largest mountain peak, lies the country’s most magnificent scenic drive. Panoramic views of lush alpine meadows, large glaciers, waterfalls, and stunning mountain views will amaze any who set foot on this road. Along the way lie hikes, museums, and expositions to experience, giving travelers a full appreciation of the beauty of the eastern Austrian Alps.

Explore the Carinthia region: Austria’s southern region, Carinthia, offers a harmonious blend of inspiring views, alpine adventures, and tranquil lakes. Within Carinthia travelers can hike Grossglockner - Austria’s highest peak, relax on the shores of Worthersee Lake, visit the medieval Hochosterwitz Castle, and wander cities Klagenfurt and Villach. This region’s beauty, long history, and cultural heritage makes for a spectacular Austria destination that visitors will long to return to. 

Hike and Ski in Tyrol and Vorarlberg: Austria’s westernmost provinces of Tyrol and Vorarlberg are a frontier for hiking, skiing, and all things adventure. Travelers can traverse Tyrol’s and Vorarlberg’s large expanse of alpine meadows, jagged peaks, glassy lakes, and awe-inspiring vistas on a series of hikes and treks. Famed resort towns offer nature exploration tours and some of the world’s best winter skiing.

Graz: As Austria’s second largest city, Graz is often overshadowed by touristy Vienna. Yet Graz remains a top Austrian destination with classical European architecture, open Baroque squares, modern art centers, and some of Austria’s best restaurants. 

Linz: Linz is a city for those passionate about the arts. Though the city doesn’t meet Vienna’s architectural beauty, Linz is a unique place that seamlessly mixes the traditional and modern. Linz’s old town is delightful with colorful buildings and traditional cobbled streets. Meanwhile, bold glass structures contain the city’s core art centers. Street art overtakes industrial centers, and the gothic New Cathedral rises above the city.

Tour Eisriesenwelt, the World’s Largest Ice Cave: The Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave is a mystifying natural wonder with 26 miles of frigid walls, stalactites, ice sculptures, and frozen waterfalls. Guided tours lead groups through the cave by light of petroleum lamps and phosphor luminaires while providing a detailed history of the cave and explanation of its formation.