Austria Things To See

Austria is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty, with certain cities and regions boasting a particularly high concentration of attractions. The capital, Vienna, along with Salzburg and the Tyrol region, offer visitors a blend of stunning architecture, vibrant arts scenes, and breathtaking landscapes.

• Vienna – As the capital city, Vienna is famous for its imperial palaces and cultural heritage.
  • Schoenbrunn Palace
  • St. Stephen's Cathedral
  • Belvedere Palace
  • The Vienna State Opera
  • Museum of Fine Arts
• Salzburg – The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is known for its baroque architecture and music festivals.
  • Hohensalzburg Fortress
  • Mirabell Palace and Gardens
  • Getreidegasse
  • Salzburg Cathedral
  • The Sound of Music Tour
• Tyrol – Renowned for its alpine scenery and outdoor activities, Tyrol offers both natural beauty and historic sites.
  • Innsbruck's Golden Roof
  • Nordkette Mountain Range
  • Ambras Castle
  • Stubai Glacier
  • The Swarovski Crystal Worlds
• Lower Austria – This region is known for its picturesque vineyards and charming towns.
  • Melk Abbey
  • Dürnstein
  • Traunkirchen
  • Used Cup Museum in Krems
  • The Wachau Valley
• Burgenland – Famous for its wine production and stunning Lake Neusiedl.
  • Lake Neusiedl
  • Rust's Stork Tower
  • Esterhazy Palace
  • Parndorf Fashion Outlet
  • Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park

Austria boasts an impressive variety of attractions, showcasing its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you're exploring historical sites, immersing yourself in the arts, or basking in nature's beauty, there's something for everyone.

Austria's historical attractions include majestic palaces, ancient castles, and quaint old towns that tell stories of its past.

• Schoenbrunn Palace
• Hohensalzburg Fortress
• Ambras Castle
• Medieval Town of Hallstatt

Home to renowned composers and artists, Austria is filled with cultural hotspots, from theaters to art galleries.

• The Vienna State Opera
• Belvedere Museum
• Salzburg Festival
• Arnold Schönberg Center

With each city having its own unique museums, visitors can delve into art, history, and science.

• Albertina (Vienna)
• The Natural History Museum (Vienna)
• Leonhardi-Museum (Innsbruck)
• Technisches Museum (Vienna)

Austria's stunning landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and valleys, provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

• Austrian Alps
• Lake Constance
• Hohe Tauern National Park
• Danube River

Austria has a strong religious heritage visible through its chapels, churches, and monasteries.

• St. Stephen's Cathedral (Vienna)
• Melk Abbey (Lower Austria)
• The Benedictine Abbey of Kremsmuenster
• Seckau Abbey (Styria)

For families, Austria offers amusement parks and interactive museums that guarantee fun for all ages.

• Schönbrunn Zoo (Vienna)
• Prater Amusement Park (Vienna)
• Family Park (St. Margarethen)
• Haus der Natur (Salzburg)

Fortresses in Austria represent the nation's strategic history and architectural richness. These mighty structures served as defense mechanisms through the centuries and now stand as symbols of Austrian heritage.

• Hohensalzburg Fortress – Salzburg – One of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe, offering stunning views and rich history. (Ticket info: Entry fee around €12)
• Fortress Kufstein – Kufstein – Known as the “Emerald of Tyrol,” features a beautiful castle with a museum and stunning views. (Ticket info: Entry fee around €10)
• Festung Graz – Graz – An extensive fortress complex that offers captivating historical exhibits. (Ticket info: Entry fee around €8)
• Burgruine Aggstein – Wachau Valley – A picturesque castle ruin with a rich history overlooking the Danube River. (Free entry)
• Schallaburg Castle – Lower Austria – A Renaissance castle complete with a vineyard and beautiful gardens. (Ticket info: Entry fee around €12)
• Fortress Rosenberg – Krems – Offers insight into medieval life; a hybrid of role-playing and historical experiences. (Ticket info: Entry fee around €5)
• Castle Grabenstein – Tyrol – This castle, perched atop a hill, offers extensive views and fascinating tours. (Ticket info: Entry fee around €7)
• Castle Landskron – Carinthia – Home to a fascinating birds of prey center and breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. (Ticket info: Entry fee around €10)

Austria takes great pride in its natural parks and protected areas, which safeguard the country's diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes. Exploring these parks allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of nature while promoting conservation efforts.

The largest national park in Austria, it features majestic mountains, deep valleys, and diverse wildlife, including the ibex and golden eagle. Ideal for hiking, the park offers trails for all levels. (Entry fee: Free)

This protected floodplain along the Danube River is home to unique flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy bike trails and scenic walks, particularly beautiful in spring and autumn. (Entry fee: Free)

Known for its dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity, it offers spectacular hikes and the chance to see rare wildlife. (Entry fee: Free)

This park showcases the natural beauty of the Thaya River Valley and is perfect for hiking and bird watching. The changing seasons make it a year-round destination. (Entry fee: Free)

Famous for its limestone mountains and rich medieval history, it's great for hiking, climbing, and nature education. (Entry fee: Free)

A UNESCO biosphere reserve that features lush forests and pristine landscapes, highlighting the importance of natural conservation. (Entry fee: Free)

• Smaller Protected Areas:
  • Nationalpark Summtaler (Styria)
  • Landeswildpark Ernstbrunn (Lower Austria)
  • Naturschutzgebiet Gießhübel (Carinthia)

The rich spiritual and architectural heritage of Austria is manifest in its many religious sites which range from majestic cathedrals to serene monasteries. These monuments reflect both the historical significance and the cultural diversity of the country's religions.

Austria’s monasteries, some dating back centuries, are serene havens that offer insights into the monastic life and stunning architecture.

• Melk Abbey – Melk – A baroque masterpiece overlooking the Danube River; a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Stift Klosterneuburg – Klosterneuburg – A remarkable abbey known for its art collection and beautiful gardens.
• St. Peter's Monastery – Salzburg – Offers lovely views over the city, famous for its unique baroque architecture.
• Stift Göttweig – Krems – A scenic monastery perched on a hill with breathtaking views and rich history.

The diversity in architecture and style portrays Austria's cultural melting pot through its various places of worship.

• St. Stephen’s Cathedral – Vienna – A stunning Gothic cathedral and symbol of Vienna.
• Vienna State Synagogue – Vienna – An important religious site representing the Jewish community.
• Votive Church – Vienna – A neo-Gothic gem with a striking façade; significant for its impressive architecture.
• Peterskirche (St. Peter's Church) – Vienna – A baroque church known for its elaborate interior and vibrant history.

To make the most out of your adventures in Austria, it’s essential to plan ahead to navigate the rich tapestry of attractions efficiently and safely. Here are some essential tips for your visit.

• Check opening hours before visiting, as they can vary by season and holiday.
• Always check ticket prices online for discounts or advance purchase options.
• Dress codes vary; modest attire is appreciated in religious sites.
• Respect photography rules, especially where signs prohibit it.
• Learn a few local customs, such as greeting warmly with a handshake.
• For remote areas, consider guided tours; public transportation may be limited.
• Car rental is convenient for reaching smaller towns and attractions.
• Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's wise to carry some cash for smaller vendors.
• Be aware of your surroundings and follow local safety guidelines.
• Enjoy local cuisines, and don’t hesitate to ask locals for restaurant recommendations!