Austria was once a major European power, and today’s Austria is as prosperous as it was when it was largely a member of the Habsburg Empire. Since ancient times, Vienna has been a shining example of cultural excellence in areas such as classical music, architecture, art and pastry.
Mozart was born in Salzburg, a city full of magnificent architecture. Although its rich history and beautiful architecture are certainly among the reasons why Austria deserves its reputation as a top tourist destination, the landlocked country has a lot to offer. A tourist places in Austria is sure to please anyone, whether city dwellers or nature lovers. From towns steeped in centuries of history to quaint towns nestled among majestic mountains, this nation is full of great places to explore.
01 Tourist Places In Austria Hallstatt
This picturesque town offers a stunning view of the calm waters of Lake Hallstatt, making it a must-visit in summer or winter. The fact that you can go climbing, hiking and boating is not the only thing that makes this region so interesting. There are also some fascinating places to visit which add to the overall appeal of the area. As well as being worth visiting, the Ice Caves and Salt Caves, each containing an incredible underground salt lake, are extremely fascinating.
02 Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Few destinations for a once-in-a-lifetime road adventure can compare to Austria’s Grossglockner High Alpine Driving. Traversing a spectacular Alpine divide, the scenic route runs from Birk in the Salzach Valley to Austria’s highest peak, Grossglockner. The track is a 48km driving paradise that blends well with the stunning backdrop. Alpine meadows, alpine forests, stunning national parks and snow-capped glaciers are some of the places you can expect to see during your trip. Needless to say, photographers will have a great time capturing stunning scenes.
The spectacular 30-mile Grossglockner Highway drive is undoubtedly one of the most scenic road trips in Austria. The route starts in Birk and leads to Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak at 3,798 meters (12,461 ft). The route crosses the Hochter Pass and crosses the Alpine Divide at 2,600 meters (8,200 ft) above sea level, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The Grossglockner Highway is an exciting experience for drivers and passengers due to its numerous sharp curves. However, it is also a favorite destination for hikers due to the thousands of trails and paths that wind around the mountain.
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03 Vienna
The Austrian capital has maintained its reputation as a cultural center, largely due to its magnificent baroque architecture. In addition to being one of Austria’s most popular tourist destinations, the city’s culinary scene is unparalleled. It has a high quality of life and is therefore a popular choice for anyone looking to move abroad. The beautiful Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, Rathaus and Belvedere Palace are just a few of the many luxurious places open to visitors.
04 Visit Places In Austria Zell Am See
Zell is See, a small town in the Kitzbühel Alps, is home to a beautiful blue lake of the same name and is a popular tourist destination in Austria. The area’s beautiful hillsides and quaint cabins certainly play a role in its popularity. In summer, the small town fills with visitors who come to relax, swim in the lake, and hit the nearby trails. Those with access to a vehicle can also hike the Grossglockner Alpine Road and enjoy the stunning views.
05 Tourist Destinations In Austria Salzburg
Mozart was born in Salzburg, the fourth largest city in Austria, located in the central region of the country. You can easily see the great composer inspired by the beauty of this ancient city. The city is spectacular, with a pristine alpine backdrop stretching along the Salzch River.
The historic Hohensalzburg Fortress, situated atop the Festungsberg hill, gives the city an air of incomparable grandeur. Getting there requires a 20-minute walk or a one-minute funicular ride. Lovers of sound music can also visit the Monastery of San Pedro. Salzburg is home to the original von Trapp family mansion, now a prestigious hotel. Meanwhile, the composer’s birthplace is open to music lovers who want to examine the preserved instruments and copies of the composer’s compositions.
06 Tourist Areas In Austria Salzkammergut
Attractive villages, crystal-clear lakes, mountains and cities, there is always light in the Salzkammergut. The beautiful setting evokes something of a fairy tale and is colorful. To experience unparalleled panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside, you can board the funicular in Hallstatt and ride through the mountain valleys to the Hallstatt Skywalk observation deck.
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07 Tourist Locations In Austria Graz
Graz, Austria, is the country’s second largest city and is known for its red roofs and hilltop castle Schlossberg. Additionally, the modern Kunsthaus Graz, affectionately known as the “Friendly Stranger”, is an obvious feature of the city. This one-of-a-kind art gallery symbolizes the way this UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic district blends past and present, like a blue balloon floating between the baroque rooftops of the historic district. Graz has been nicknamed the “City of Design” for its thriving art scene.
08 Tourist Towns In Austria Innsbruck
Innsbruck is one of the most charming cities in Austria due to its location on the banks of the Inn River and in the shadow of mountains that rise to more than 2,000 meters high. The country’s fifth largest city is also known as the capital of the Alps, which attracts many tourists who come to the area to hike or ski. Every year, millions of people come to ski or snowboard in the snow and enjoy the stunning views. The city hosted the Winter Olympics twice in 1964 and 1976 and is known for its state-of-the-art winter sports facilities.
09 Tourist Places In Austria Bad Gastein
If you value relaxation and pampering, then a visit to the Bad Gestein thermal springs should be at the top of your itinerary. Every year, hundreds of visitors flock to this attractive spa town in Austria’s High Tauern Alps to enjoy the many resorts and spas. Hikers and skiers flock to the town year-round due to its proximity to the surrounding forests and steep mountain slopes. For maximum pleasure, you can book a stay at the legendary Grand Hotel de l’Europe. This 11-story hotel has been a local fixture for nearly a century. Nearby, the distinctive Bad Gastein waterfall runs through the city center, making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Austria.
10 Durnstein
Dürnstein, a small town in the Wachau Valley wine region on the banks of the Danube, is one of the most beautiful places in Austria. Several vineyards along the river produce the famous Riesling and Gurner Veltliner grapes, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. The remains of Dürnstein Castle are steeped in history and are located on the rocky slopes overlooking the town. In 1193, during the Third Crusade, Duke Leopold V imprisoned Richard I of England here. From the city center, it will take about 20 minutes to walk to the palace.
While researching where we would go while in Austria, I came across the Austrian fairy town of Dürnstein. This stunning town along the Danube is a popular day trip from Vienna, although history (and wine) lovers are guaranteed to fall in love with Dürnstein. I will discuss the history of Dürnstein, why to visit Dürnstein, what to know about climbing Burgruine Dürnstein, and what to do in Dürnstein if you have an afternoon (or a day).
Why go to DÜRNSTEIN?
Beautiful colorful building in Dürnstein, Austria. The historic center of Dürnstein is worth enjoying on a day trip! #travel #austria #Dürnstein #europe
Dürnstein is a beautiful Austrian town just over an hour from Vienna by car and the same amount by boat. This beautiful city sits alongside the preserved Wachau landscape, which is part of the Danube Valley. Many people visit Dürnstein on a day trip from Vienna, however if you’re interested in culture as well as wine, the Wachau region has a lot to offer.
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If you love history as well as castles, you’ll love the public ruins above Dürnstein where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned by the Austrian king. The ruins, a steep walk from the city, are free to access and provide a great vantage point for viewing the many vineyards as well as the charming city below.
Dürnstein is full of colorful houses, cozy wineries and historical monuments, including the famous Blue Tower which is part of the magnificent Stift Dürnstein. Whether you only have a day outside of Vienna or want to visit other cities in Austria, I recommend taking at least a few hours (or a whole day) to enjoy this beautiful city.
What to know about visiting DÜRNSTEIN without a tour
Dürnstein was very easy to visit without a tour if you just planned to relax, hike and drink. It is easiest to get there by car, however you can visit Dürnstein without a car. It is possible to take the train, but a more scenic way is to take a river cruise down the Danube. More realistically, I’d recommend bringing your own luggage with you to spend the night in this lovely town if you’re planning to eventually make it to Salzburg to minimize transportation.
The beautiful blue tower of Dürnstein, Austria. This iconic view of Dürnstein is one reason to visit this legendary Austrian town, just a day trip from Vienna in the heart of the Wachau region. #travel #vienna #austria #europe Parking in Dürnstein was quite difficult and we struggled to find legal spaces. We finally found one on the outskirts of town, but if you’re driving, you can spend at least twenty minutes looking for legal parking…We visited the Danube Valley without a tour, however if you want to sample some of the wonderful wines from the area and don’t want to worry about a designated driver, I would book a tour to cover transportation.
Recommend if you only do a day trip from Vienna Austria’s majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, rivers and valleys are among the most beautiful places in the world. Austria has everything you need to tantalize your senses, from charming villages to dazzling cities, from the best opera in the world to the most exquisite desserts. Let us show you the most beautiful parts of Austria, from the well-known Vienna and Salzburg to the lesser-known Bregenz and Wachau. You are sure to have a wonderful day appreciating the local culture and exploring the stunning alpine landscape. For a trip you won’t soon forget, don’t miss any of these stops on your agenda and make the most of the opportunities they provide.