What to do in Austria?

Austria, this Central European country, is full of villages, monuments, and natural sites to discover during your stay, which will resemble a road trip if you really want to see all the essentials of Austria Start by visiting Vienna, the capital located on the Danube. Then, explore beautiful palaces such as Schönbrunn and Hofburg, and mountain villages in the Tyrol region among others... In this post, I've prepared a list of the 17 best things to do in Austria!

If you're unsure what to do in Vienna, the Austrian capital boasts a significant cultural and historical heritage! This is why visiting Vienna must be on your list of things to do in Austria. Located in the east of the country, you'll be amazed by the city's beauty, especially during the holiday season when the streets are adorned with Christmas markets and lights...

Start by visiting St. Stephen's Cathedral, located in the historic district, and continue with Schönbrunn Palace, which was the summer residence of the Habsburgs. The palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Hoher Markt square is the most iconic square in Vienna and one of the best places for shopping ️ Of course, don't miss wandering through the streets of the capital to admire the historic buildings.

Artistically and intellectually, Austria has a substantial heritage as it is the birthplace of Beethoven, Mozart, and Sigmund Freud, all great music enthusiasts In this sense, visiting the House of Music and MUMOK is a must, two nationally significant institutions.

Finally, enjoy Vienna's parks such as Prater Park and the Danube Island to recharge and escape the urban hustle...

To make the most of everything Vienna has to offer, also check out my article on places to stay in Vienna, and know that there are tourist passes available to save money. They combine activities and transportation (depending on the packages) for a successful stay; I explain it all

Located 2 hours west of Vienna, Linz is the third most populous city in the country and the capital of Upper Austria. Here too, you'll have the chance to discover a charming downtown, with well-preserved historic buildings.

As Linz's landmark, don't miss taking a souvenir photo in front of Linz Cathedral. Built in a neo-Gothic style, it might seem centuries old, but it was constructed just under 100 years ago! Climb to the top of its bell tower for a stunning view of the city ️

Like Vienna, Linz is situated on the Danube River, and if you didn't get a chance to cruise on this river during your visit to the capital, you can catch up here with this cruise in Linz harbor ️ Expect a 45-minute trip for €15 per person. You'll see a surprising blend of modern and ancient architecture as you pass by sites of interest like ARS Electronica, the Lentos Art Museum, or Linz Castle and the Brucknerhaus, one of the city's most renowned concert halls

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the historic center of Salzburg is a must-visit when touring Austria! It is also the birthplace of the famous Mozart. Located near the German border, this Austrian city boasts beautiful baroque architecture alongside medieval buildings for you to admire without moderation

Salzburg is split into two parts by the Salzach River. The left bank houses the Altstadt, which is the old town, while the right bank faces the Neustadt, the new town. It is in the old town that you can visit Mozart's birthplace, now a museum showcasing his musical instruments. Situated on Getreidegasse, the museum even displays the violin Mozart owned before he learned to walk

St. Rupert's Cathedral and St. Peter's Abbey are among the most beautiful churches in Salzburg. Lastly, Hohensalzburg Fortress, regarded as one of the largest castles in Europe, offers breathtaking views from the top of the Festungsberg mountain ️

Salzburg also has salt mines over 500 years old, hence its name, as it means 'salt', which are open for visits

To save you time, here are links to reserve the attractions I've mentioned along with their prices:

Located in the state of Carinthia, Hohe Tauern National Park is the largest and oldest park in Austria, covering an area of 1,850 km². Hence, it is a must-see in Austria to discover the territory's biodiversity.

This nature reserve encompasses the valleys of Isle, Möll, Mur, and Salzach, not to mention its peaks reaching over 3,000 meters such as Grossglockner ️

Even more exceptional, this national park contains over 300 glaciers, including Pasterze! For those interested, many themed hikes are organized by the park's rangers, allowing for the observation of local flora and fauna while touring some of Austria's most beautiful glaciers ️❄️

You will encounter animal species such as chamois, ibexes, marmots, and majestic birds of prey! An extensive network of hiking trails, dotted with shelters, spans an area of 4,300 kilometers! Between thrilling experiences, breathtaking landscapes, connection with nature, and soothing silence, get moving

Access to the park is paid and costs €15 per person. For more information regarding opening hours, I invite you to check the official site

In western Austria, just a few hours from Liechtenstein, you'll find the city of Innsbruck. With its well-preserved medieval center, it is a very popular tourist destination for both locals and foreigners. The city's proximity to ski resorts also plays to its advantage as winter arrives.

To learn more about the city's history and not miss any of its key monuments, I recommend exploring its historic center with this guided tour that I really enjoyed; it costs €19, a reasonable price for Austria, and it only lasts an hour, leaving you time for other visits throughout the day.

To gain a little height over the city, take the cable car that will take you to over 2 km altitude! If you are traveling to Austria in summer, do bring a light jacket; it's much cooler up there

Finally, for those of you planning to visit Austria with family, I recommend taking your kids to Innsbruck Alpin Zoo For €23, you can get a ticket to the wildlife park as well as a round trip ticket with the Hungerburg, the town's funicular

Schloss Ambras is slightly outside of Innsbruck but can be easily reached by public transport; it's only about a 10-minute bus ride from downtown! Once the residence of the Archduke of Austria Ferdinand II, it is a beautiful monument that I recommend visiting if you're looking for things to do in Innsbruck and its surroundings There, you will see a collection with paintings, armor, and ancient objects made of ivory or coral; in short, you shouldn't be bored! If this visit interests you, expect to pay €16 for a full-price admission ticket.

Lake Constance, or Bodensee, is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and ranks among the three largest lakes in the world. Fed by the Rhine, this 63-kilometer-long lake stretches between Switzerland, Germany, and Austria in the Northern Alps, consisting of two connected parts: the Untersee and Obersee.

It is a favored spot for sunny vacation getaways ☀️ Hiking, water sports, cycling, and outdoor activities are among the best things to do at Lake Constance, not to mention the spectacular views it offers! For this, head to Bregenz to take the cable car that will lift you to the top of Pfänder Mountain, at 1,064 meters altitude From up there, you can admire the Alps and the beauty of Lake Constance... Even better, this area is home to an alpine nature reserve providing a walking loop to observe its flora and fauna

Depending on how much time you spend there, feel free to take a trip to the Rheindelta nature reserve located about 5 kilometers south of Bregenz. It's the perfect spot for observing endemic birds, hosting no less than 300 species in their natural habitat

Don't hesitate to check the official website of the Bodensee tourism office!

Located on the west shore of Hallstättersee, Hallstatt is a village renowned for the beauty of its colorful medieval houses and its bell tower by the lake. It offers an enchanting setting straight out of a fairy tale, which is evident as the village is a UNESCO World Heritage site. What makes Hallstatt unique is that the village is only accessible by boat, as it is situated on a small strip of land

Among the things to do in Hallstatt, strolling through the town's alleys is essential. It will be the opportunity to admire beautiful houses with flower-filled balconies and soak in the atmosphere Next, take the funicular to Salzwelten to explore the world's oldest salt mine and enjoy a beautiful view of the lake! Guided tours are available to visit the galleries where the miners worked

To reach Hallstatt if you don't have a vehicle, there are several excursions organized from Vienna and Salzburg ⬇️

One of the main activities that constitutes a significant portion of tourism in Austria is skiing. In fact, Austria is one of the best places in the world to ski and hosts numerous very modern ski resorts that are somewhat more affordable than those in France Another advantage of Austrian resorts is that they feature slopes that are generally easier than those in France, making it ideal for beginners; I myself learned to ski in Austria ⛷️

The most renowned resorts in the country are concentrated in Tyrol, such as Hintertux, Sölden, and Ischgl, for a more upscale stay; you're sure to find one that suits you! If you're also looking to stay in Ischgl, I can help you find where to stay in Ischgl in my dedicated guide

Austrian ski resorts generally open from December to April for the highest peaks and glaciers, but also in June, July, and August, during which you can hike and sometimes even enjoy winter sledding!

Thayatal National Park is a true natural beauty nestled in the Thaya Valley at the Czech Republic border. Although it is the smallest park in Austria, with its 1,330 hectares, it remains incredible for its biodiversity. It is clearly the place to go if you love hiking and are in the area, as several trails allow for exploration of the park, including by bike if you don't like walking

The landscapes of Thayatal National Park are quite diverse, ranging from dry meadows to dense forests, along with a significant canyon shaped by the Thaya River. Of course, it's impossible to list all the plant species available, with no less than 1,000 varieties of endemic plants recorded

If you're looking for what to do in Austria and wish to venture off the beaten path, I invite you to visit the mining town of Eisenerz. Here, you will find a gigantic open-pit iron mine, dug right into Erzberg Mountain! It's a landscape that contrasts starkly with the mountains and vast green fields typically found in Austria; here, you will see raw rock in ochre and pink hues.

It is possible to visit the mine, and several options are available to you; with a combined ticket, you can explore the underground section of the mine and take a ride in the 'biggest taxis in the world'-an old construction vehicle converted into taxis for safely transporting tourists across the mining site. For more information on prices and public opening hours, check the official Eisenerz mine site.

Of course, take some time to explore the town itself; its medieval heart has been well preserved, and you can see the fortified Church of St. Oswald and the charming Leopoldstein Castle dating back to the 17th century, which is a beautiful example of typical Bavarian architecture. And for those of you who enjoy hiking, the alpine lake of Leopoldsteinersee is located 4 km northwest of the town, offering a stunning landscape in a peaceful setting ideal for recharging.

The second-largest city in Austria and the capital of Styria, Graz boasts a significant cultural and intellectual heritage as it is home to three universities and various institutions such as theaters and opera houses. It stands out for the beauty of its medieval historic center, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with homes and historic buildings showcasing Renaissance and baroque architecture

Graz features a lovely gothic cathedral, picturesque typical alleys, and some very beautiful buildings topped with red-tiled roofs. The city also allows you to discover the Uhrturm, a centuries-old clock tower that can be reached by taking a funicular up Schlossberg. Complete your visit with the Kunsthaus Graz, the art museum of Graz, known for its unique avant-garde architecture! The entry ticket price is set at €12 per person ️

What are the most beautiful places to see in Austria? Continue your journey by passing through Melk, located in Lower Austria, known for its Benedictine abbey overlooking the Danube and offering a beautiful view of the surroundings. This monument, built in the 11th century and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most visited religious buildings in the country, representative of Austrian baroque style.

The Melk Abbey was first erected as a castle by the Babenberg family; it was the possession of the Bavarian Count Siz. But over time, Melk somewhat lost favor with the sovereign before becoming a monastery school, which housed monk communities for nearly a millennium. During your visit, you will discover its various rooms, including the library and the Marble Hall with its trompe-l'œil ️

As for the park surrounding Melk Abbey, it houses a remarkable pavilion in baroque style decorated with fascinating frescoes depicting exotic animals in a getaway environment...

If you don't have a vehicle, you can explore Melk Abbey and other treasures of the region from Vienna on a day trip for €129 per person. At this price, in addition to Melk, you will have the chance to discover Wachau and various villages in the Danube valley.

Not far from Innsbruck, about 20 kilometers away in Wattens, lies one of the most popular and touristy sites in Tyrol, the Swarovski Crystal Worlds. This underground museum, accessible only by shuttle, features the 18 Chambers of Wonder showcasing the beauty of crystal through dazzling light displays...

To access the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, you have to pass beneath the head of a giant made of greenery, built into the hill housing the underground, a strange head spouting a waterfall. The decor is simply one-of-a-kind! At the end of the tour, a large Swarovski store is available for visitors wishing to purchase jewelry, accessories, and various souvenirs.

The Swarovski Crystal Worlds are among the most favored visits by travelers, so I highly encourage you to book your ticket for the Swarovski museum in advance Tickets start at €24 per person.

If you're staying in Sölden for skiing, you can also visit one of my favorite museums, 007 Elements. You guessed it-this museum is dedicated to James Bond films, featuring various iconic items from the saga, weapons, costumes, cars, etc.

This museum is located at the summit of the ski resort and therefore requires a ticket, at least for pedestrians, to take the cable car and get the chance to visit the museum. There is a very specific reason for this somewhat difficult access location! It was the filming site for one of the iconic scenes from Spectre, the second-to-last installment of the saga with Daniel Craig.

The 007 Elements museum is therefore not open year-round and depends on the opening of the Sölden ski area. The ticket costs €25, and it is possible to reserve on the official site.

If you've decided to take a road trip through Austria, one of the most interesting itineraries is the Grossglockner Road, often compared to the famous Route 66 connecting Chicago to Santa Monica

This iconic road is a must-see as it offers exceptional panoramas, connecting the region of Salzburg to Carinthia through 36 curves extending over approximately 48 kilometers. Due to its popularity and incredible natural attractions, the Grossglockner Road has multiple parking areas, viewpoints, restaurants, information points, restrooms, and hiking trails for a pleasant experience

During your journey, you'll reach the Kaiser-Franz-Josephs Höhe, the highest point of this road through the peaks of Hohe Tauern National Park, providing a stunning panoramic view of the Pasterze Glacier and Grossglockner, at the summit of the country.

Access to the Grossglockner road is subject to a fee, varying depending on the type of vehicle you have. The daily rate for a gasoline or diesel car costs €45, or €30 if you access the site after 6 PM. If you have an electric vehicle, you can benefit from a discount by opting for the eco-ticket priced at €35.50.

To know the exact rates as well as the opening hours of the road, check the official site of the Grossglockner!

When passing through Salzburg, I highly recommend dedicating some time to the Eisriesenwelt Cave located about fifty kilometers from the city. This is the largest accessible ice cave for the general public and one of the beautiful places to visit while traveling in Austria

Although taking photos inside the cave is forbidden, you will be enchanted by the beauty of the ice palaces and its breathtaking halls. There are various unusual ice sculptures, winding corridors with one called the Kingdom of Diamonds, all illuminated by the lights of miners' lamps

To access the Eisriesenwelt cave, head to Werfen and follow the small road leading to the site's parking lot where the Visitors Center is. Then, you will need to board a cable car, one of the steepest in Austria, then climb 134 meters via several stairs to admire the palace...

Tickets are available on the official Eisriesenwelt cave site, but you can also purchase a ticket directly on-site if you're not traveling during the peak season.

Feldkirch is the westernmost city in Austria, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting numerous historic monuments such as Schattenburg Castle, St. Nicholas Cathedral, and the Cat Tower.

Schattenburg Castle dates back to the 14th century and once served as the residence for the Montfort family, the founders of the city. Today, the ground floor has retained its medieval appearance while the first floor houses a museum on heritage. For the visit, expect to pay €8 for adult entry. Opening hours vary by season; for more information, check the official site of Schattenburg Castle.

If you happen to visit Austria in summer, know that Feldkirch hosts the Poolbar music festival every year, taking place over six weeks in July and August

That wraps up this guide on the must-see places to visit in Austria! If you have any suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments, and I'll see you soon for a new topic