Austria, a country of majestic mountains, baroque architecture, and a rich cultural heritage, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and history. From vibrant cities like Vienna to peaceful alpine villages like Hallstatt, Austria is a must-visit destination for travelers. Below are the 20 best places to visit in Austria, offering something for every kind of explorer.

1. Vienna

Vienna, Austria’s capital, is a cultural hub with its imperial palaces, art galleries, and grand architecture. Must-see landmarks include Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, and the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Music enthusiasts can enjoy concerts at the Vienna State Opera or visit the Mozarthaus museum. The city’s coffee house culture is world-renowned, offering a quintessential Viennese experience. Stroll along the Ringstrasse for impressive historical buildings or visit the Belvedere Museum to admire masterpieces, including Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss.” Vienna is a perfect blend of rich history, culture, and culinary delights, making it a top travel destination.

2. Salzburg

Salzburg is a picturesque city famous for its baroque architecture and as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is a maze of narrow streets filled with historic buildings, churches, and charming squares. Visitors can explore Hohensalzburg Fortress, perched high above the city, or visit the beautiful Mirabell Palace and its gardens, a filming location for “The Sound of Music.” Don’t miss the Salzburg Cathedral and Mozart’s residence. Whether it’s for its music heritage, stunning views, or charming streets, Salzburg promises a memorable experience for every traveler.

3. Hallstatt

Nestled between the Dachstein Alps and Lake Hallstatt, the village of Hallstatt is one of Austria’s most photogenic spots. Known for its stunning lake views and centuries-old salt mines, Hallstatt exudes a peaceful, fairy-tale charm. The Hallstatt Salt Mine, one of the oldest in the world, offers guided tours for history enthusiasts. Explore the Bone House (Beinhaus), with its unique collection of painted skulls, or take a boat ride across the lake for breathtaking scenery. A perfect escape for nature lovers and photographers, Hallstatt is a must-visit village with unparalleled beauty.

4. Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a city framed by the stunning Alps, making it a top destination for both winter sports and cultural exploration. Known for hosting the Winter Olympics, Innsbruck offers world-class skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Nordkette and Patscherkofel. Beyond sports, explore the Hofburg Palace, Ambras Castle, and the iconic Golden Roof in the historic city center. Visitors can also take a cable car ride to the top of the mountains for panoramic views. Innsbruck is a dynamic destination that offers outdoor adventure paired with rich cultural experiences year-round.

5. Graz

Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, is a vibrant destination combining historical architecture with modern innovation. Its well-preserved Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, where visitors can admire the baroque Eggenberg Palace and the Glockenspiel. Graz is also known for its contemporary art scene, with the futuristic Kunsthaus Graz standing as a symbol of the city’s modern spirit. Climb the Schlossberg Hill for a panoramic view of the city and visit the Clock Tower. Graz offers a unique blend of history, art, and lively cafes, making it an exciting destination for all visitors.

6. Zell am See

Zell am See is a picturesque alpine town situated by Lake Zell, offering year-round outdoor activities. In winter, the town becomes a skiing and snowboarding haven, with nearby slopes like Schmittenhöhe. During summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, boating, and cycling around the lake. The charming old town of Zell am See, with its cafes and shops, adds to its appeal. For stunning views, take a cable car ride to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier. Whether you’re there for the winter sports or the scenic lake, Zell am See is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.

7. Wachau Valley

The Wachau Valley, nestled along the Danube River, is one of Austria’s most scenic regions, famous for its rolling vineyards, medieval castles, and charming villages. It is especially known for producing world-class white wines like Grüner Veltliner. Explore the historic town of Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned, or visit the impressive Melk Abbey, perched high above the river. The valley is a perfect destination for cycling, hiking, or river cruises. For a relaxing yet enriching experience, the Wachau Valley’s beauty and history make it a top Austrian attraction.

8. Linz

Located along the Danube River, Linz is Austria’s third-largest city and a hub for technology, art, and history. Its Old Town features beautiful baroque architecture, including Linz Castle and St. Martin’s Church, the oldest church in Austria. The futuristic Ars Electronica Center showcases the city’s innovation in digital arts and technology. Visitors can also take a stroll along the Main Square (Hauptplatz) or visit the Lentos Art Museum for contemporary art exhibitions. Linz’s mix of history and modern culture makes it a city full of surprises and an exciting destination for travelers.

9. Klagenfurt

Klagenfurt, located on the shores of Lake Wörthersee, is a beautiful town known for its Mediterranean flair and crystal-clear waters. The city’s Old Town is full of Renaissance-style buildings, charming cafes, and shops, while the nearby Minimundus park offers miniature models of world landmarks. Klagenfurt is also a gateway to the stunning Wörthersee, where visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, or hiking in the surrounding mountains. In summer, Klagenfurt transforms into a lively resort destination, offering relaxation by the lake with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

10. St. Anton am Arlberg

Known as one of the top skiing destinations in the world, St. Anton am Arlberg is a winter sports haven in the Tyrolean Alps. It offers some of the best slopes for skiing and snowboarding, attracting thrill-seekers and winter sports enthusiasts. In summer, the town transforms into a hiking and mountain biking destination, offering trails with breathtaking alpine views. Visitors can explore traditional Austrian huts for a taste of Tyrolean culture. St. Anton’s lively après-ski scene, paired with its outdoor activities, makes it a year-round destination for adventurers.

11. Bad Gastein

Nestled in the Hohe Tauern National Park, Bad Gastein is a charming spa town known for its healing thermal waters and breathtaking alpine views. Famous for its Belle Époque buildings, the town combines history with nature. Visitors can enjoy the stunning Bad Gastein Waterfall or relax in one of the many thermal baths. In winter, it’s a top destination for skiing and snowboarding, while summer offers excellent opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. The town’s fresh mountain air and restorative spa treatments make it an ideal wellness retreat in Austria.

12. Bregenz

Situated on the shores of Lake Constance, Bregenz is known for its beautiful lakeside scenery and rich cultural offerings. The highlight is the Bregenz Festival, held every summer, featuring open-air opera performances on a floating stage. The Pfänder Mountain offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Alps, and visitors can reach the summit via cable car. Bregenz’s historic Old Town boasts impressive architecture, including St. Martin’s Tower and the Kunsthaus Bregenz gallery. Whether you’re there for culture or nature, Bregenz is a picturesque lakeside city worth exploring.

13. Krems an der Donau

Located in the Wachau Valley, Krems an der Donau is a historic town known for its wine culture and medieval charm. The town’s well-preserved Old Town is full of narrow streets, baroque churches, and colorful buildings. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tastings of the region’s famous white wines, particularly Grüner Veltliner, in the surrounding vineyards. The town is also home to the Kunsthalle Krems, an impressive contemporary art museum. With its proximity to the Danube River and stunning views of the Wachau’s rolling hills, Krems is a delightful stop for wine and culture lovers.

14. Seefeld

A renowned winter and summer resort town, Seefeld is located on a plateau in the Tyrolean Alps. Known for hosting the Winter Olympics twice, it offers some of the best cross-country skiing and downhill slopes in Austria. In the warmer months, Seefeld becomes a paradise for hiking, golfing, and cycling enthusiasts. The town is also famous for its wellness retreats, with a variety of spas offering relaxing treatments after a day in the mountains. Seefeld’s stunning alpine scenery, paired with its wide range of outdoor activities, makes it a top destination for nature lovers.

15. Eisenstadt

As the capital of Burgenland, Eisenstadt is a small city with a rich musical history, being closely associated with the composer Joseph Haydn. Visitors can explore the grand Esterházy Palace, a baroque masterpiece and former residence of the Esterházy family. The palace houses a museum dedicated to Haydn, who served as the family’s court composer. Other notable sites include Haydn Church and the Bergkirche, which contains Haydn’s tomb. With its beautiful palaces, gardens, and musical heritage, Eisenstadt offers a quiet yet culturally enriching experience for those interested in Austrian history and classical music.

16. Schladming

Nestled in the Ennstal Valley, Schladming is a top destination for skiing and outdoor adventure. Known for hosting major skiing events, the town offers a wide range of winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing on the Planai Mountain. In summer, the region transforms into a hiking and mountain biking paradise, with stunning trails that offer views of the Dachstein Glacier. Schladming also boasts a lively après-ski scene, with numerous bars and restaurants offering local Austrian cuisine. Whether it’s winter sports or summer hikes, Schladming is a year-round outdoor adventure hub.

17. Lienz

Surrounded by the dramatic Lienz Dolomites, the town of Lienz offers a mix of outdoor adventure and alpine charm. With its mild climate, Lienz is known for being one of Austria’s sunniest towns, perfect for exploring the nearby mountains. In winter, the Zettersfeld and Hochstein ski resorts offer excellent skiing conditions. In summer, visitors can hike, cycle, or explore the beautiful alpine meadows. The town itself is picturesque, with medieval buildings, such as the Bruck Castle, and lively markets. Lienz’s blend of outdoor activities and historic charm makes it a hidden gem in Austria.

18. Alpbach

Voted as Austria’s most beautiful village, Alpbach is a picturesque alpine destination known for its traditional wooden architecture and breathtaking mountain views. Located in the Kitzbühel Alps, the village offers skiing in the winter and scenic hiking trails in the summer. Alpbach is also famous for hosting the European Forum Alpbach, an annual conference bringing together thought leaders from around the world. The village’s charming chalets, flower-filled balconies, and stunning landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for a peaceful getaway, while its cultural significance makes it a destination for intellectuals and nature lovers alike.

19. Vorarlberg

The westernmost region of Austria, Vorarlberg is known for its stunning alpine scenery and traditional Austrian villages. Popular among skiers and hikers, Vorarlberg is home to ski resorts like Lech-Zürs and St. Anton, which attract winter sports enthusiasts from around the world. The region also boasts charming towns like Bregenz and Dornbirn, where visitors can experience local culture and cuisine. In summer, Vorarlberg offers beautiful hiking trails with panoramic views of the Alps. The combination of outdoor adventure and traditional charm makes Vorarlberg a top destination for nature lovers.

20. Rattenberg

Austria’s smallest town, Rattenberg, is a medieval gem located on the banks of the Inn River. Famous for its glassmaking tradition, the town’s narrow streets are lined with shops offering exquisite hand-blown glassware. The Augustinian Museum showcases the town’s history, while the Rattenberg Castle Ruins offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Rattenberg is a delightful stop for visitors seeking a slower pace and a glimpse into Austria’s artisanal heritage. With its charming medieval architecture and traditional craftsmanship, Rattenberg is a unique destination that combines history with artistic tradition.

Contact Europe-Travel-Bureau

Austria’s 20 Best Places to Visit in Austria diverse destinations make it a perfect travel destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and cultural enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant cities, skiing in the Alps, or cruising through the scenic Wachau Valley, Austria guarantees an unforgettable travel experience filled with beauty, adventure, and charm.