Top 10 Travel Destinations in Austria
From gilded palaces and pounding music to mountain scenery and rural tranquility, Austria's charm is universally appealing.
The country’s most visited destinations skew toward historical sights and cultural highlights—including the opulent Schonbrunn & Belvedere palaces, Salzburg's Mozart birthplace and the baroque stunner of Melk Abbey. But there’s plenty more to see and do.
1. Salzburg
No Austria trip is complete without a stop in Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and setting for The Sound of Music. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Baroque spires and cupolas frame the streets lined with cafes and souvenir shops.
Among the city's top attractions is St. Peter's Church, whose cemetery and catacombs are instantly recognizable as the climactic scene in The Sound of Music. Mozart's home at Getreidegasse 9 is also a must-see, as is the nearby Salzburg Cathedral.
Outside the city, head to the Salzkammergut lake district to tour dazzling mountain views and more Sound of Music sites. If you have extra time, make a day trip to the incredible Dachstein Ice Caves. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that you won't find anywhere else in Europe.
2. Innsbruck
Alpbach sits high up in the Tyrolean Alps amidst blossoming meadows of buttercups, wild roses and rock jasmine in summer and over 145 kilometers of groomed ski runs in winter. It’s a ski resort of exceptional beauty but it also offers plenty for non-skiers to do with its pretty old town, castle and church alongside premium wineries and cafes.
Vienna is Austria's capital and a treasure trove of history, art, and culture. Stroll through the gorgeous imperial palaces like Hofburg and Schonbrunn, explore the MuseumsQuartier and enjoy a coffee and Sachertorte in a traditional Viennese cafe.
Salzkammergut is a UNESCO-listed region of crystalline lakes, stunning mountain scenery, and charming towns and cities. Head to Hallstatt for a picturesque setting that resembles a fairy tale, or hop on the Nordkettenbahn funicular for eye-popping vistas from a lofty height.
3. Bregenz
Nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Constance, Bregenz captivates travelers with its alluring blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and artistic flair. Take in the breathtaking vistas, hear the whispers of history in its historic streets, and be swept away by the melodic symphony of the arts.
Embark on a walking tour of the city’s old town to admire its well-preserved medieval buildings, intricate architecture, and lively squares that come alive with street performers and outdoor cafes. Then, ascend the Martinsturm for stunning panoramic views of the lake and cityscape.
Venture beyond Bregenz to explore Lindau, a charming Bavarian town located on an island in Lake Constance across the border in Germany, or visit iconic Neuschwanstein Castle nearby. Alternatively, drive north to the enchanting city of Linz to immerse yourself in its blend of Austrian and Italian cultures.
4. Zell am See
Sitting right in the center of Central Europe, Austria is home to everything from glitzy cities full of culture to crystalline lakes and epic mountain slopes. You can find the perfect balance of nature and history here, with mighty castles standing tall beside ancient churches.
Salzburg's glitzy Mirabell Palace Gardens are known as a filming location for The Sound of Music, and the city's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around the Baroque burgher houses, and stop by the birthplace of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at Getreidegasse.
Bad Gastein's thermal springs are renowned, and the town is popular among hikers in summer and skiers in winter. Don't miss out on visiting the spectacular Bad Gastein Waterfalls and exploring Kaiservilla, which was once Franz Joseph l's summer residence. Also be sure to stop by St. Hippolyte's Church, a 13th-century church with pretty stained glass windows.
5. Salzkammergut
The Salzkammergut region is a year-round destination for hikers, skiers and more. It's also home to dramatic Alpine mountains like Grossglockner and the 12th-century castle of Altems.
The lakeside town of Wolfgangsee is a highlight, thanks to its beautiful turquoise waters and mountainscape backdrop. The lake is also surrounded by charming medieval architecture. It's a popular spot for Olympic athletes to recharge before big sporting events and is visited by hikers, Instagrammers, and fans of nature and authentic places.
The massive 4-chain Karwendel mountain range is stunning to behold. The landscape features limestone walls that rise over idyllic green pastures and gurgling river valleys, plus mountain huts where you can grab some knodel (dumplings) or Kaiserschmarrn. It's also home to Graz, a historic cultural hub that makes for an intriguing stop on your Austria itinerary. Visiting the Hofburg Palace is a must.
6. Graz
The capital of Styria is a one-of-a-kind destination. Though the city is student-heavy and peaceful these days, it was an important strategic location for many a battle in Austria’s past, which you can see in the Landeszeughaus (Historical Armoury), with its spectacular collection of 17th-century armor that would have armed 32,000 men.
Visit the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, strolling past a mix of medieval facades and visionary modern buildings. Take a trip up Schlossberg hill for a view over the city and climb the clock tower, or hop aboard the funicular.
The Natural History Museum is another must-visit, with a fascinating collection that embraces geology, zoology, and botany. And don’t miss the Andra Art Church, which has red graffitied walls and a traditional altar alongside contemporary art pieces; a good reflection of Graz’s focus on youth and community.
7. Lake Constance
The shores of Lake Constance draw water sports lovers in droves, but there are also old castles and historic medieval villages to explore. A highlight is the Pile Dwelling Museum (Pfahlbaumuseum Unteruhldingen), which allows visitors to walk around re-created dwellings and experience what life was like for the people who lived in this unique area.
Salzkammergut is another enticing destination, with sparkling lakes, snow-capped peaks and charming towns and cities. One of the most picturesque is Hallstatt, a UNESCO-listed village that resembles a fairytale.
Salzburg is a city that many people associate with The Sound of Music, and there are plenty of captivating sights to see in the historic Old Town including the Mirabell Palace Gardens and the house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born. The nearby town of Meersburg is also worth a visit for its medieval architecture, towers and cobblestone streets.
8. Vienna
The capital of Austria is so packed with historic opulence and exquisite architecture that the hardest part is choosing which sights to visit. From imperial palaces to Vienna State Opera and the MuseumsQuartier, there's a wealth of attractions to discover.
Among them, the baroque splendor of Schonbrunn Palace is a must. Strolling through the Innere Stadt (Inner City), you can almost expect composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or psychologist Sigmund Freud to round a corner and greet you with a friendly "guten tag."
Vienna also offers a touch of modern-day opulence. You can experience it at the marble-and-stucco romance of Hotel Imperial in a palace on the Ring, old-school glam at Hotel Sacher and 1930s-style opulence at the gold-kissed Lamee.
9. Salzburgerland
Austria's stunning natural landscapes attract all types of travellers. Whether it's the dramatic gorge accessed via a twirling steel ‘helix’ staircase or the world’s largest accessible ice caves in Dachstein, explorers of all kinds are drawn to these hidden gems.
Known as the birthplace of Mozart, SalzburgerLand offers culture and history with a magnificent Alpine backdrop. Mozart’s home town combines winter sports with distinguished imperial architecture, with the city’s mighty Hohensalzburg fortress dominating the skyline.
In the Gesause National Park, wild rivers cascade over looming mountain rock faces and dense forests. It's a favourite for rafting connoisseurs and hikers – with the highest mountain peak in the area, Hocktor, reaching 2369 metres in height. Photographers and travel bloggers will appreciate this picturesque setting. Guests can also visit the country’s highest waterfall, Krimml Waterfall.
10. Tyrol
If you love to travel and seek out the most enchanting places to see, Austria is where it’s at. From cities steeped in history to villages nestled in breathtaking mountains, you’ll find all the beauty and adventure you desire in this picturesque country.
Lurking behind the Kitzbuhel Alps, Zell am See is a charming alpine town famous for its stunning lake. Visitors come for the scenery, but also for the mild weather and numerous leisure activities like daily yoga and exploring a fascinating stalactite cave.
Salzburg is one of the most well-known destinations in all of Austria thanks to its connection with The Sound of Music. Stroll through the old historic district of Getreidegasse and visit Mozart’s birthplace. For the best experience, travelers should come to Salzburg during March when the tourist peak season has yet to arrive.
