Calling all travel lovers! If you’re looking for a destination that’s both fascinating and adventurous, look no further than Austria. This fascinating country offers breathtaking landscapes, world-class museums and galleries, mouth-watering cuisine and much more. Whether you’re an avid skier or just want to soak up the rich culture and history of this scenic country, we’ve rounded up the best places to visit in Austria in 2023. Prepare to be mesmerized by the charms of Austria!
About Austria
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of over 8.7 million. It shares borders with the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia and Switzerland. The capital of Austria is Vienna and the official language is German.
Austria is known for its beautiful landscapes and architecture as well as for its rich history and culture.
Some of the best places to visit in Austria include Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz and Linz. Whether you want to explore Austrian castles or hike the Alps, this beautiful country has something for everyone.
Best Places to Visit in Austria 2023
Salzburg
Birthplace of Mozart and filming location for ‘The Sound of Music’, Salzburg is one of Austria’s most popular tourist destinations. The city is located on the banks of the Salzach River in western Austria, near the German border. It is known for its Baroque architecture, picturesque setting and festive atmosphere.
The old town of Salzburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well preserved. The winding streets are full of elegant buildings, quaint cafes and shops selling local produce. Highlights include Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace and Gardens, and Salzburg Cathedral.
Just outside the city center lies the world-famous Salzkammergut region, where visitors can enjoy scenic lakes, mountains and hiking trails. Popular winter activities include biking, canoeing, swimming and skiing.
Hallstatt
The first stop on our list of places to visit in Austria is the charming lakeside town of Hallstatt.
This picturesque town in the Salzkammergut region of Austria is known for its beautiful scenery, quaint shops and traditional Austrian architecture. Visitors to Hallstatt can explore the historic center, hike in the nearby mountains, or take a boat trip on Lake Hallstatt.
Vienna
If you’re looking for a European city that has it all – beautiful architecture, world-class museums, great food and wine, and a festive atmosphere – look no further than Vienna.
Austria’s capital is a true winter wonderland, filled with festive Christmas markets, outdoor ice rinks and twinkling lights. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Vienna while on vacation.
One of Vienna’s most popular attractions is the Christmas market on Rathausplatz. This grand square in front of the Town Hall transforms into a magical scene from a fairy tale, with over 100 stalls selling traditional handcrafted gifts, decorations and delicious food.
Don’t miss the chance to sip a glass of mulled wine (Glühwein) or ride the giant Ferris wheel for stunning views of the city.
Another must-see Christmas market is at Schönbrunn Palace, a former royal summer residence and now one of Vienna’s top tourist attractions. The magnificent Baroque palace courtyard is even more stunning with its twinkling lights and festive stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry to traditional Austrian sweets.
Innsbruck
If you’re looking for a historic mountain town with breathtaking views, look no further than Innsbruck. Nestled in a valley between the Nordkette and Serles mountains, this town in Austria’s Tyrol region is absolutely stunning. Innsbruck is also home to incredible architecture, including the Golden Roof, a building of over 2,000 golden tiles built for Emperor Maximilian I.
Go hiking from the nearby ski resorts or go hiking in the beautiful mountains. When you’re ready to relax, you’ll find plenty of cozy cafes and restaurants serving traditional Austrian cuisine.
Zell am See
If you are looking for a breathtakingly beautiful place in Austria, look no further than Zell am See. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains on Lake Zeller, this charming town is the perfect place to enjoy winter activities.
There are plenty of things to do in Zell am See in the winter, including skiing, snowboarding and ice skating. The city is also full of shops and restaurants, so you can enjoy a shopping cure or enjoy a good meal after a day on the slopes.
If you’re looking for more magic, check out the ice caves nearby. These natural wonders are truly something to behold and well worth the short drive from Zell am See.
Graz & Stiermarken
Stiermarken is a province of Austria with a population of 1.85 million. Graz, the capital, has 280,000 inhabitants. The province covers an area of 12,800 square kilometers.
Styria is bordered by the Austrian state of Carinthia to the northwest, Salzburg to the west, Vienna to the north, Burgenland to the east and Slovenia to the south.
Styria is located in the southeast of Austria and is divided into two parts by the river Mur. The northern part belongs to the Alps, including the cities of Graz and Leoben.
The region is characterized by mountains and valleys, with forests, meadows and lakes. The southern part belongs to the Pannonian Plain, including the town of Spielfeld. The region is flat with fields, vineyards and orchards.
Graz is the capital and largest city of Styria. It is located in the central-northern part of the province, on the banks of the Mur River. Graz has a rich history dating back to Roman times when it was known as Gradec. Today Graz is a vibrant university town with a large student population.
The old town has many well-preserved buildings from different eras, including Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Some of the most famous sites include Hauptplatz (main square), Schlossberg (castle hill),
Kitzbühel and the Tyrol region
Kitzbühel is a beautiful city in the Tyrol region of Austria. It is known for its picturesque setting, with the towering Alps in the background and the beautiful Kitzbuheler Ache river flowing through the city center.
Visitors can enjoy many activities in Kitzbühel, such as hiking, biking, skiing, and snowboarding. There are also many shops and restaurants to explore.
Klagenfurt and Carinthia Region
Klagenfurt is the state capital of Carinthia, and it’s easy to see why this region is so popular with tourists. The town enjoys a beautiful setting on the shores of Lake Wörthersee, surrounded by mountains. From exploring the old town to taking a boat tour of Klagenfurt, there is plenty to do in Klagenfurt.
There are also great day trips from Klagenfurt. One option is to take the Mount Pirn cable car for stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Another is a visit to the picturesque village of Mariazell, famous for its pilgrimage church.
Whether you are looking for culture, history or natural beauty, you can find it in Carinthia. There really is something for everyone in this area.
Neusiedlersee & Burgenland Region
Neusiedlersee is a large lake in the Burgenland region of Austria. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists as it offers various activities such as swimming, fishing, sailing and windsurfing.
The lake is also home to many species of birds and is a great place for birdwatching. In addition to the natural beauty, there are many historical and cultural attractions near the Neusiedlersee.
Bad Ischl & Upper Austria Region
Bad Ischl is a charming town in Upper Austria, Austria. The city is known for its beautiful setting, crossed by the Traun river and the Dachstein mountains in the distance.
Bad Ischl is also home to some of Austria’s most impressive buildings, including the baroque Pfarrkirche church and the Royal Villa, which was once the summer residence of Austrian emperors.
Bad Ischl’s main square, Kaiser Franz Josef Platz, is a great place to start exploring the city. Here you will find the beautiful Pfarrkirche church as well as many cafes and shops. Be sure to try the city’s famous saltwater taffy!
Other famous sights of Bad Ischl are within walking distance of Kaiser Franz Josef Platz. A few minutes from the Villa Royale, this majestic building is worth the detour.
The villa was built in 1854 for Emperor Franz Joseph I and served as a summer residence for many years. Today it houses a museum that tells about the life of the emperor and his family.
Bad Ischl is also home to one of Austria’s most popular spas, the Tauern Spa World. This large complex offers several different swimming pools, saunas and steam rooms, as well as a range of treatments and massages.
There is something truly magical about Austria
From breathtaking mountain scenery to quaint villages and charming towns, this wonderful country has so much to explore. With so many amazing places to visit, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Austria, so you can make the most of your trip. Whether you’re looking for scenic landscapes, fascinating history, or just a place to relax and enjoy the good life, Austria has it all.
Without further ado, here is our selection of places to visit in Austria:
Vienna – Of course, no list of destinations in Austria would be complete without a mention of Vienna, the capital and one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. With its magnificent Imperial Palace, beautiful parks and gardens, world-class museums and galleries, and thriving music and arts scene, Vienna has something for everyone.
Salzburg – Another must-see Austrian destination is Salzburg, best known as the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location of The Sound of Music. Nestled on the banks of the Salzach River, this picturesque town is backed by snow-capped hills and mountains, making it one of the most beautiful places in the world.
