Wonders of Austria | The Most Amazing Places in Austria

Austria is a country where imperial cities, snow-covered Alps, turquoise lakes, medieval villages and spectacular mountain landscapes come together in one unforgettable destination.

From the elegant streets of Vienna and the Baroque beauty of Salzburg to the dramatic peaks surrounding Innsbruck, the fairytale landscapes of Hallstatt and the breathtaking Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria offers an extraordinary variety of places to explore.

The country is beautiful in every season. Summer brings hiking, mountain lakes and scenic road trips, while winter transforms the Alps into a world-class destination for skiing and snow-covered landscapes. Spring and autumn are particularly appealing for city breaks, cultural trips and exploring Austria’s vineyards and countryside.

In this guide, we explore some of the most amazing places in Austria — from famous landmarks to spectacular natural wonders.

1. Vienna

Austria’s capital is the perfect place to begin exploring the country.

Vienna combines imperial architecture, grand palaces, museums, classical music, elegant cafés and lively modern neighbourhoods.

The historic centre is filled with landmarks, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Imperial Palace and the magnificent Ringstrasse.

One of Vienna’s greatest attractions is Schönbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence surrounded by extensive gardens.

Vienna’s historic centre and Schönbrunn Palace are both UNESCO World Heritage properties.

Don’t miss:

• Schönbrunn Palace
• Hofburg Palace
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Belvedere Palace
• MuseumsQuartier
• Vienna State Opera
• Naschmarkt
• Prater

Vienna is also one of Europe’s great destinations for classical music, art and traditional coffeehouse culture.

2. Salzburg

Few Austrian cities are as atmospheric as Salzburg.

Located beside the Salzach River and surrounded by mountains, Salzburg is famous as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and for its spectacular Baroque architecture.

The historic centre includes Salzburg Cathedral, Getreidegasse, Mirabell Palace and the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress.

The city is also closely associated with The Sound of Music, attracting visitors from around the world who want to discover its famous filming locations.

Salzburg’s historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

Don’t miss:

• Hohensalzburg Fortress
• Salzburg Cathedral
• Mirabell Gardens
• Getreidegasse
• Mozart’s Birthplace
• St. Peter’s Abbey
• Mönchsberg
• Hellbrunn Palace

3. Hallstatt

Few places in Austria are as instantly recognizable as Hallstatt.

The small village sits between the steep Dachstein mountains and the deep blue waters of Lake Hallstatt.

Traditional houses rise along the lakeshore, creating one of the most photographed landscapes in the country.

But Hallstatt is much more than a pretty postcard.

The surrounding region has an extraordinary history connected with salt mining, with evidence of salt production dating back thousands of years.

The Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

Don’t miss:

• Hallstatt Market Square
• Lake Hallstatt
• Historic Old Town
• Hallstatt Skywalk
• Salt mines
• Dachstein region
• Gosausee

Travel tip: Hallstatt can become extremely busy during peak periods. Arriving early or staying overnight can provide a much quieter experience.

4. Innsbruck

Surrounded by the spectacular Tyrolean Alps, Innsbruck combines the atmosphere of a historic European city with the scenery of a mountain resort.

The city is particularly famous for its Golden Roof, colourful Old Town and impressive mountain backdrop.

From the city centre, you can reach high Alpine landscapes remarkably quickly.

Innsbruck has also hosted the Winter Olympics, reinforcing its reputation as one of Austria’s major winter-sports destinations.

Don’t miss:

• Golden Roof
• Innsbruck Old Town
• Imperial Palace
• Nordkette
• Bergisel Ski Jump
• Hofkirche
• Ambras Castle

The official Austrian tourism portal describes Innsbruck as an Alpine city particularly known for its historic centre and winter-sports opportunities.

5. Grossglockner High Alpine Road

For an unforgettable road trip through the Austrian Alps, drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.

The spectacular mountain road climbs through the Hohe Tauern region and offers dramatic views of glaciers, valleys and high Alpine peaks.

The route leads toward Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain.

This is one of the country’s great scenic drives and an excellent experience for photographers, hikers and road-trip travellers.

Austria’s official tourism organization describes the Grossglockner High Alpine Road as one of Europe’s most impressive high-mountain roads.

Highlights include:

• Grossglockner
• Pasterze Glacier
• Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe
• Alpine viewpoints
• Mountain hiking trails
• Hohe Tauern National Park

6. Zell am See-Kaprun

Imagine a crystal-clear Alpine lake surrounded by dramatic mountains and glaciers.

That’s Zell am See-Kaprun.

The region offers a rare combination of lake and mountain experiences.

In summer, Lake Zell is ideal for swimming, boating and outdoor activities, while the surrounding mountains provide hiking and cycling opportunities.

In winter, the region becomes a major snow and ski destination, including the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.

Austria’s official tourism site highlights Zell am See-Kaprun for both its lake and its glacier skiing.

Don’t miss:

• Lake Zell
• Kitzsteinhorn
• Schmittenhöhe
• Kaprun
• Alpine hiking
• Scenic mountain lifts

7. The Wachau Valley

For a completely different side of Austria, follow the Danube through the Wachau Valley.

Located between Melk and Krems, the Wachau is a cultural landscape of vineyards, medieval villages, castles, monasteries and dramatic river scenery.

The landscape is particularly beautiful in spring, summer and autumn, when the vineyards add colour to the hillsides.

The Wachau Cultural Landscape has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

Don’t miss:

• Dürnstein
• Melk Abbey
• Krems
• Aggstein Castle
• Danube river cruises
• Wachau vineyards

A cycling trip along the Danube is one of the best ways to experience the region.

8. Graz

Austria isn’t only about Alpine scenery.

The city of Graz, in the province of Styria, offers a fascinating combination of historic architecture, contemporary design, food and student culture.

The historic centre features narrow streets, courtyards, Baroque buildings and the famous Schlossberg hill.

Graz’s historic centre and Schloss Eggenberg are part of a UNESCO World Heritage property.

Don’t miss:

• Schlossberg
• Graz Old Town
• Uhrturm
• Kunsthaus Graz
• Murinsel
• Schloss Eggenberg
• Farmers’ markets

Graz is also an excellent destination for food lovers, particularly those interested in Styrian cuisine and pumpkin-seed oil.

9. Wolfgangsee

The Salzkammergut is home to more than 70 lakes, and Wolfgangsee is one of its most beautiful.

Surrounded by mountains and traditional villages, the lake is perfect for swimming, boating, hiking and scenic train journeys.

The village of St. Wolfgang sits directly on the lakeshore and is known for its historic pilgrimage church.

For spectacular views, take the Schafberg Railway, a historic cog railway climbing into the mountains.

The Austrian tourism portal notes that the railway reaches around 1,783 metres and offers views across the surrounding lake region.

10. Krimml Waterfalls

Deep in the Hohe Tauern region you’ll find the spectacular Krimml Waterfalls.

The water drops through a series of stages, creating one of Austria’s most impressive natural spectacles.

A hiking path leads toward viewpoints where you can experience the power of the falls from different angles.

The official Austrian tourism organization identifies Krimml Waterfalls among the country’s notable places by the water and describes them as the highest waterfalls in Austria and among Europe’s major waterfalls.

Best for:

• Hiking
• Photography
• Nature
• Families
• Alpine road trips

11. Eisriesenwelt in Werfen

For an extraordinary underground experience, travel to Werfen and explore the Eisriesenwelt.

This enormous ice cave system extends deep into the mountain and contains spectacular ice formations.

Only part of the cave system is open to visitors, but the accessible section provides an unforgettable experience.

Austria’s official tourism portal describes Eisriesenwelt as one of the world’s largest ice caves.

The nearby Hohenwerfen Castle adds another reason to visit the region.

12. Kitzbühel

For a combination of Alpine scenery, traditional architecture and sophisticated resort atmosphere, head to Kitzbühel.

The historic town is famous internationally for skiing and winter sports, but it is also beautiful during the warmer months.

In summer, the surrounding mountains become a playground for hiking, cycling and outdoor adventures.

Don’t miss:

• Kitzbühel Old Town
• Hahnenkamm
• Alpine hiking
• Mountain restaurants
• Traditional Tyrolean architecture

Austria’s tourism organization highlights Kitzbühel for its combination of sporting tradition and Alpine charm.

13. Bad Ischl

Located in the Salzkammergut, Bad Ischl is a historic spa town surrounded by mountains and lakes.

It became closely associated with the Habsburg imperial family and was one of Emperor Franz Joseph I’s favourite summer destinations.

Today, visitors can explore its historic centre, parks and imperial heritage while using the town as a base for exploring the surrounding Salzkammergut.

Don’t miss:

• Kaiservilla
• Imperial Park
• Historic centre
• Salzkammergut excursions
• Nearby lakes

14. Wörthersee

For a warmer, more relaxed side of Austria, visit Wörthersee in Carinthia.

The turquoise lake is surrounded by forests, hills and elegant lakeside towns.

During summer, Wörthersee becomes one of Austria’s most popular destinations for swimming, boating, cycling and relaxing by the water.

Nearby Klagenfurt makes a convenient base for exploring the region.

Austria’s official tourism information highlights Carinthian lakes such as Wörthersee for their warm summer conditions and water activities.

15. Bregenz & Lake Constance

At the western edge of Austria, Bregenz sits beside Lake Constance, known locally as Bodensee.

The city offers a combination of lake scenery, mountain views, art and culture.

One of its most famous events is the Bregenz Festival, known for spectacular opera productions staged on a floating platform on the lake.

The nearby Pfänder mountain provides panoramic views across Lake Constance and the surrounding Alpine landscape.

Don’t miss:

• Lake Constance
• Bregenz Festival
• Pfänder
• Bregenz waterfront
• Old Town

16. The Hohe Tauern National Park

If you want to experience Austria’s high mountains at their wildest, explore Hohe Tauern National Park.

It is one of the country’s great natural landscapes, with glaciers, waterfalls, valleys, alpine meadows and some of the highest mountains in Austria.

The park is also home to Grossglockner.

Austria currently has six national parks, including Hohe Tauern, according to the country’s official tourism information.

Best experiences:

• Hiking
• Alpine wildlife
• Mountain photography
• Glacier viewpoints
• Scenic drives
• Multi-day trekking

17. Semmering Railway

For something completely different, travel along the historic Semmering Railway.

Opened in the 19th century, the railway crosses a spectacular mountain landscape using tunnels, viaducts and engineering structures.

It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents an important milestone in railway engineering.

The journey is especially attractive for travellers interested in history, architecture and scenic train travel.

18. Neusiedler See

Near Austria’s eastern border lies Neusiedler See, a shallow steppe lake surrounded by reeds, vineyards and open landscapes.

The lake is quite different from the deep Alpine lakes of western Austria.

It is especially popular for cycling, birdwatching, sailing and exploring the villages and vineyards of Burgenland.

The region is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape.

19. Vienna Woods

Just outside Vienna lies the Vienna Woods, a large forested area that provides an easy escape from the city.

The region is ideal for hiking, cycling, wine tasting and visiting small villages.

It is a particularly good choice if you want to combine a city break in Vienna with some time in nature without travelling far.

20. Dürnstein

The small town of Dürnstein is one of the most picturesque stops in the Wachau.

Its blue-and-white Baroque church tower rises above the historic streets, while vineyards cover the hills around the town.

Above Dürnstein are the ruins of a medieval castle traditionally associated with Richard the Lionheart.

A walk through the town followed by a vineyard visit or Danube cruise makes for an excellent day in Lower Austria.

Austria’s Most Amazing Places at a Glance

Destination	Region	Best For
Vienna	Vienna	History & culture
Salzburg	Salzburg	Architecture & Mozart
Hallstatt	Upper Austria	Lakes & villages
Innsbruck	Tyrol	Alps & city life
Grossglockner	Carinthia/Salzburg/Tyrol area	Mountain scenery
Zell am See-Kaprun	Salzburg	Lake & mountains
Wachau	Lower Austria	Vineyards & Danube
Graz	Styria	Culture & food
Wolfgangsee	Salzkammergut	Alpine lake
Krimml	Salzburg	Waterfalls
Werfen	Salzburg	Ice caves & mountains
Kitzbühel	Tyrol	Alpine resort
Bad Ischl	Upper Austria	Spa & imperial history
Wörthersee	Carinthia	Summer lakes
Bregenz	Vorarlberg	Lake Constance
Hohe Tauern	Alps	Hiking & wilderness
Semmering	Lower Austria	Scenic railway
Neusiedler See	Burgenland	Nature & cycling
Vienna Woods	Lower Austria	Hiking & wine
Dürnstein	Wachau	Historic village

Austria’s Most Beautiful Alpine Landscapes

The Alps cover a large part of Austria and are central to the country’s identity.

Among the most spectacular areas are:

• Grossglockner
• Hohe Tauern
• Innsbruck and Nordkette
• Kitzbühel
• Zell am See-Kaprun
• Ötztal Alps
• Stubai Valley
• Karwendel
• Gastein Valley
• Alpbachtal

Austria’s official tourism organization specifically highlights the country’s Alpine landscapes as a combination of high peaks, alpine meadows, forests and valleys, with activities ranging from hiking and cycling in summer to skiing and cross-country skiing in winter.

Austria’s Most Beautiful Lakes

Austria has an incredible variety of lakes.

Some of the best known include:

Lake Hallstatt

Famous for the spectacular combination of mountains, water and historic villages.

Wolfgangsee

One of the classic Salzkammergut lakes.

Lake Zell

An Alpine lake surrounded by mountains and glaciers.

Wörthersee

A popular summer destination with relatively warm water and a Mediterranean atmosphere.

Weissensee

A beautiful high-altitude lake in Carinthia.

Neusiedler See

A completely different landscape of reeds, wetlands and open plains.

Austria’s Most Beautiful Cities

For culture and history, these cities should be on your itinerary:

Vienna – imperial architecture, museums and music.

Salzburg – Mozart, Baroque architecture and Alpine scenery.

Innsbruck – mountains and historic city centre.

Graz – UNESCO heritage, contemporary culture and food.

Linz – modern culture and the Danube.

Bregenz – Lake Constance, mountains and festivals.

Each city offers a different perspective on Austria. The country’s official tourism organization identifies Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz and Linz among the major cities worth visiting.

Best Time to Visit Austria

Spring – March to May

Spring is ideal for city breaks, museums, gardens and countryside trips.

Temperatures become increasingly pleasant, while the mountains begin transitioning from winter to summer.

Summer – June to August

This is the best season for:

• Hiking
• Mountain lakes
• Cycling
• Road trips
• Alpine villages
• Outdoor activities

It is also peak season in many destinations.

Autumn – September to November

Autumn is particularly beautiful in the vineyards of the Wachau and Styria.

It is also a great season for city breaks and scenic drives.

Winter – December to February

Austria becomes a winter wonderland.

The Alps attract skiers and snowboarders, while cities such as Vienna and Salzburg are famous for Christmas markets, concerts and festive traditions.

A Perfect 10-Day Austria Itinerary

If you’re visiting Austria for the first time, this route combines major cities, Alpine scenery and lakes.

Days 1–3: Vienna

Explore Schönbrunn, the Hofburg, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the historic centre.

Day 4: Wachau Valley

Travel along the Danube and visit Dürnstein and Melk.

Days 5–6: Salzburg

Explore the Old Town, Mirabell Gardens, Mozart attractions and Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Day 7: Hallstatt & Salzkammergut

Explore Hallstatt and the surrounding lake region.

Days 8–9: Innsbruck

Discover the Old Town and take a mountain excursion into the Tyrolean Alps.

Day 10: Zell am See

Finish the trip surrounded by mountains and Lake Zell.

For a slower trip, extend this itinerary to two weeks and add Grossglockner, Graz, Wörthersee or the Hohe Tauern region.

Austria Road Trip

Austria is particularly well suited to road trips.

A scenic route could connect:

Vienna → Wachau → Salzburg → Hallstatt → Zell am See → Grossglockner → Innsbruck → Kitzbühel

This route combines imperial cities, UNESCO landscapes, lakes, Alpine villages and spectacular mountain roads.

Allow additional time for scenic stops. In Austria, the journey between destinations can be just as memorable as the destination itself.

Austrian Food You Should Try

No trip to Austria is complete without trying the country’s traditional cuisine.

Wiener Schnitzel

The classic Austrian breaded cutlet.

Apfelstrudel

A warm apple pastry traditionally served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.

Sachertorte

Vienna’s famous chocolate cake.

Kaiserschmarrn

A fluffy shredded pancake often served with fruit compote.

Tiroler Gröstl

A hearty Tyrolean dish of potatoes, meat and onions.

Kasnocken

Cheese dumplings popular in Alpine regions.

Austrian Wine

Try Grüner Veltliner from Lower Austria or wines from the Wachau and Burgenland regions.

How Many Days Do You Need in Austria?

5 Days

Focus on Vienna and Salzburg.

7 Days

Combine Vienna, Salzburg and one Alpine region.

10 Days

Add Hallstatt, Wachau and Innsbruck.

14 Days

Ideal for combining cities, lakes, mountains and a road trip.

3 Weeks

Enough time to explore several regions at a much slower pace.

Austria Travel Tips

Book popular destinations ahead. Hallstatt, Salzburg and major Alpine resorts can become very busy during peak seasons.

Don’t focus only on Vienna. Austria’s greatest attraction is its variety.

Use trains whenever possible. Major cities and many tourist destinations are well connected by rail.

Rent a car for remote Alpine areas. A car can make scenic road trips much easier.

Check mountain conditions. Weather can change quickly in the Alps.

Travel outside peak season. Spring and autumn can offer a quieter experience.

Try regional food. Austrian cuisine changes noticeably from one region to another.

Combine culture and nature. A few days in Vienna or Salzburg followed by time in the mountains creates a much more complete Austrian vacation.

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