The Best Places to Visit in Austria

Situated in the heart of Europe, Austria has seen many a traveller lured by the country’s stunning architecture, breathtaking nature (especially during ski season) and unique food and wine scene. Welcome to our Austria travel guide.

Vienna

Dripping with history, the capital city of Vienna is part of most Austrian itineraries. Get your bearings by walking Vienna’s Ringstrasse. A sophisticated marvel of modern civic planning, design and architecture, the Ringstrasse is unmatched in beauty and drama.

With a small tributary running through the city centre, the Danube River is a popular place to hang out in Vienna, especially during the summer months where there are a number of beach bars to enjoy.

Salzburg

Then there is Salzburg. This medieval Austrian city is dripping in Baroque architecture. It was the birthplace of Mozart and setting for The Sound Of Music. Walk around and take in the scenery of the historic Old Town, or if you want something a little more challenging walks up the hills Mönchsberg or Kapuzinerberg and enjoy the views over the city.

There are also some outstanding local beers and breweries to be enjoyed in Salzburg. It’s also home to an array of experiences you’ll only find in Salzburg, and is a great place to experience an ice hockey match or a traditional thermal spa.

Hallstatt

The fairytale town of Hallstatt, nestled quietly in the Austrian Alps about one hour south of Salzburg, has often been considered Europe’s most adorable town.

A day spent wandering around the World Heritage-listed town and market square, indulging in the astounding beauty of the architecture and the cute cafés dotted along the cobblestoned lanes will leave you slack-jawed.

Feldkirchen in Kärnten

If you’re travelling between Liechtenstein, Austria and/or Switzerland, Feldkirchen in Kärnten is worth a stop. This charming medieval town is home to an ancient 13th-century castle that sits atop a hill and houses a local history museum and a restaurant with views over the town.

Voralberg

If you want to get off the beaten track (and you’re a design buff) Voralberg should certainly be one of your stops. This lesser-known region celebrates craftsmanship in all forms.

Innsbruck

Austria is also paradise for snow bunnies. In fact, St Anton is considered the best ski resort in the world. The town of Innsbruck is a great place to base yourself if you are this way inclined.

During the cooler months, the area is a haven for skiing enthusiasts and famous for its delightful wintertime atmosphere. Being just minutes away from the mountains means there’s a bounty of sports and activities readily available, such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowshoeing and tobogganing. Innsbruck also has a beautifully conserved Old Town and offers stunning alpine scenery.

Graz

Another great place to visit is Graz. It has a mix of old buildings and innovative architecture and is considered Austria’s culinary capital. Gourmet delicacies and wine are produced in this region and are featured in many top-quality restaurants in the city.