Breathtaking landscapes of majestic Alps, small towns nestled at the foot of peaks, charming lakes with crystal-clear water, bustling cities full of fascinating monuments – there are lots of amazing places to visit in Austria.
Often associated as a base for winter sports enthusiasts, it has much more to offer outside the winter season!
So, what are the best places to go in Austria? Let me invite you on a journey through this beautiful European country.
Places to go in Austria
Before you read about some of the most stunning places in Austria, take a look at the below guides:
🇦🇹 Saalbach-Hintergleem in summer - the best mountain resort in Austria!
Why the heck there's no Vienna here?
I decided I wouldn't write about Vienna here.
Don't get me wrong - it's a well-maintained city with perfectly organized public transportation. There are loads of awe-inspiring monuments. And I liked it a lot, although not as much as many people who state that they fell in love with Vienna and it's the most beautiful city in the world.
The main drawbacks of visiting Vienna are crowds and very high prices of basically everything. It's definitely not a budget-friendly travel destination. In my opinion, there are more attractive places to go in Austria.
Salzburg
A medium-sized beautiful city with a compact, intimate buildings, pleasant to explore. Located near the border with Germany, Salzburg is known as the "City of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart".
Salzburg is a baroque Austrian city that has been competing with Vienna for years to be the best place to visit in Austria. While the whole world awards Vienna as the best city to live in, native Austrians prefer to go to Salzburg for weekends.
I feel similar - for me Salzburg is one of the best places to go in Austria.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in this city, the most wonderful music festivals in Europe take place here, and the pistachio balls taste the best here!
The most spectacular place in the city is the viewpoint above the Salzach River, which offers a panorama of the Old Town.
The most important Salzburg monuments are:
- the Hohensalzburg Fortress towering over the city, built on the castle hill. You can get there by a funicular.
- the Salzburg Cathedral,
- the monasteries of St. Peter and Nonnberg,
- Getreidegasse street with Mozart's family home,
- Palaces (some not available for visiting inside). One of the most magnificent palaces in Salzburg is the Mirabell Palace. You may attend a Mozart concert there.
The city is definitely worth visiting, I say 3-4 days is enough to explore Salzburg.
For your stay in Salzburg choose Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg Gablerbräu. It's conveniently located in The Salzburg Old Town. Guests are delighted with comfortable rooms, abundant breakfast and views from the windows.
Graz
The second largest city in Austria in terms of size and population, the capital of the federal state of Styria. Over 270 thousand inhabitants; an academic center and a popular tourist destination.
In terms of beauty, Graz does not have such majestic monuments and stunning city center as Vienna and Salzburg, but the Old Town is also a well-maintained place with a pleasant atmosphere. In fact, Graz Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may explore it on a private walking tour.
The symbol of the city is the futuristic Kunsthaus - an art gallery with an unusual structure located in the city center. As for me, I didn't like it very much, I liked the buildings along Herrengasse street much more.
Graz is known for its numerous sacral monuments (including St. Giles' Cathedral), it's also worth climbing or driving up to the Castle Hill with two towers, which are the remains of the former castle complex. There's also the Landeszeughaus, the world's largest historical armory.
I also recommend seeing the impressive buildings of universities and the polytechnic. The University of Graz is Austria's second oldest and second largest university. It's located close to Graz Old Town, about 20-minute walk.
If you'd like to stay in Graz for a few days, choose Hotel Feichtinger. It's convenienetly located just 5-minute walk from the Graz Old Town. Besides the location, guests appreciate spacious rooms, tasty breakfasts and super-friendly staff.
Linz
Linz is located two hours west of Vienna by car. It's the capital of the federal state of Upper Austria and lies on the Danube River.
Traveling to Linz by highway can be compared to jumping in a time tunnel. You land in a city that on one hand inspired the virtuoso Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, and on the other hand cultivates the work of astronomer Johannes Kepler and develops modern technological thought.
In 2014, Linz was awarded the title of "UNESCO City of Media Arts". And thus - alongside Lyon, Sapporo, Tel Aviv and Dakar - it's one of the most future-oriented cities in the world.
The symbol of the cult of development of this Austrian city is the "museum of the future" - the famous Ars Electronica Center, where you can, among other things, take a virtual trip to the Sun or look inside the human body. The futurism of the famous museum is also visible by the architecture of the building itself, located on the very bank of the Danube.
What is worth visiting in this Austrian city? Among others, the Linzer Schloss castle towering over the city, because from the hill on which it is located, you can see the whole city. In addition, the old town with its narrow streets, historical buildings and numerous shops. Linz also has the largest church in Austria - the Mariendom, and the most modern opera house in Europe, which is one of the most popular attractions here. And don't forget to visit the one and only Museum of the History of Dentistry!
Since Linz is located on the Danube Rivier, boat cruises are popular attractions there. You may go on a harbour cruise and enjoy the city views from the boat (the famous Linzer cake included!).
For your stay in Linz choose Leonardo Boutique Hotel Linz. Besides convenient location in the city center, guests appreciate helpful staff and delicious breakfasts.
Zell Am See
A very popular tourist resort located 60 kilometers west of Salzburg. It lies on Lake Zell, surrounded by mountains, thanks to which the town is crowded with tourists at any time of the year.
Zell am See has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, in summer the lake awaits water sports enthusiasts, you can walk on mountain trails all year round, and in winter skiers come here. There are also many kilometers of bike paths around Zell am See. Nearby is an airport known to glider and paragliding enthusiasts.
The buildings of Zell am See are typical of mountain tourist resorts - richly decorated facades of stylish houses and few monuments, such as the Grand Hotel built in 1894 on the shores of the lake, or the church of St. Hippolytus from the 12th century, rebuilt many times over the centuries.
An additional attraction for railway enthusiasts is the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn narrow-gauge railway from Zell am See to Krimml (52 km).
Melk Abbey
The Benedictine Abbey in Melk was founded in the early Middle Ages, on the site of a former fortress. Benedictines have inhabited the complex since 1089. The abbey owes its present appearance to a Baroque reconstruction in the 18th century. Thanks to the reconstruction, it became one of the largest Baroque sacral monuments in Europe.
The Melk Abbey is known for the monastic reform of the 15th century, when the monks returned to the principles of virtue and asceticism, and the rules from Melk were adopted by other Benedictine abbeys.
The interior of the Church of St. Peter and Paul, the monastery library and the representative hall make the greatest impression on visitors. Guided tours of the interiors are available, and photography is prohibited in most places.
An amazing park stretches around the abbey. The variety of flowers, the size, scale and architecture of the Abbey gardens are truly impressive. It's no wonder that it's one of the most important monuments of garden architecture in Austria.
Today, the Benedictines run a public high school in the abbey, where about a thousand students study.
The Melk Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can check the opening hours and ticket prices here.
The town of Melk itself is also worth seeing, with its small, charming center. Located just off the A1 motorway, less than an hour's drive from Vienna. Just right for a stop on the way back from alpine skiing or a day trip from the Austrian capital.
Semmering
Semmering is a small town and climatic health resort located in the Semmering Pass of the Eastern Alps. It's about 100 km southwest of Vienna, making it a popular day-trip destination.
This picturesque town is famous for its railway line, also known as Semmeringbahn. The informal term Semmering refers to the Gloggnitz - Mürzzuschlag section. The line was opened on July 17, 1854, as the first mountain railway line in Europe.
Construction of the Semmeringbahn started 6 years earlier. The line through the Semmering Pass is 41 kilometers long, the train passes through 14 tunnels with a total length of 3090 m, the longest of which is 1434 m long, 14 viaducts, over 100 stone bridges and 11 steel bridges. In 1998, the line was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the first railway line in the world. It was already listed as a historical monument in 1923.
I consider the ride in Semmeringbahn one of the best things to do in Austria!
You may check ticket prices and routes here.
Hallstatt
Hallstatt is a picturesque village in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, nestled between the Hallstätter See (Lake Hallstatt) and the Dachstein mountains. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its charming 16th-century Alpine houses, narrow streets, and stunning natural scenery.
Key attractions in this small town:
- Hallstatt Skywalk on the Salzberg mountain. It offers panoramic views of the village and surrounding landscape. You may go for a sunrise hike up to the Hallstatt Skywalk with a professional photographer (no crowds, great photos the same day).
- Salt Mine: The world's oldest salt mine, accessible by funicular railway.
- Market Square: The heart of the village with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- Hallstatt Museum: Showcases the village's history and archaeological finds.
- Charnel House: A unique ossuary with decorated skulls.
Interestingly, the Chinese love this town. So much that in 2012, China copied the Austrian Hallstatt and built its own Chinese version in Guangdong province.
Hallstatt is charming but there's a significant drawback of visiting it - it's one of the most crowded nature places to go in Austria. If you'd like to visit this popular Austrian town, go there outside the high season.
Admont Abbey Library
In the federal state of Styria, in the Liezen district, surrounded by the Alps, is the town of Admont, and in it one of the biggest attractions of Austria - the library in the Benedictine abbey.
The abbey was founded in 1074, and the library here is the oldest monastic library in the world. The collection has over 70,000 volumes including rare books and incunabula (books printed before 1501). It's housed in a hall 70 meters long, 14 meters wide and 13 meters high. The library hall, designed by Josef Hueber, is a masterpiece of late Baroque style, featuring frescoes by Bartolomeo Altomonte. The domes are richly decorated with frescoes.
I think this library is a must-visit not only for art and history enthusiasts - I'm neither of these two but was stunned by the beauty of the Admont Library.
You can check the opening hours and ticket prices here.
Right next to Admont stretches the scenic Gesäuse National Park in the Ennstal Alps. If you'd like to explore this stunning area consider staying in Admont for a few days.
Eisriesenwelt Cave
Near the town of Werfen, in the Tennengebirge massif in the Salzburg Alps, about 50 km from Salzburg, there is a 42 km long labyrinth of caves filled with ice all year round, which is also the largest natural ice cave in the world, called Eisriesenwelt.
Sightseeing is possible only from the second half of May to almost the end of October, only in groups with a guide.
The entrance to the cave is located at an altitude of 1641 m above sea level, which can be reached on foot or by cable car, after which only a short section of a very picturesque path remains to be covered from the upper station of the cable car.
It's worth having warm clothes with you, because the temperature inside is usually below zero degrees, it's also slippery and narrow there. Portable lanterns, taken at the entrance entering, serve as lighting.
For me exploring the Eisriesenwelt Cave is one of the most exciting things to do in Austria! You may visit the cave on a private tour which also includes visit to the Hohenwerfen Castle.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck is the capital of the Tyrol region, located at the foot of the Nordkette mountain range. The city is known as a city of sports, and it's very likely that you will come across some competition during your stay. Currently, Innsbruck is famous among ski jumping fans, as one of the Four Hills Tournament competitions is held here.
Innsbruck's Old Town (Altstadt) is a charming historic center nestled amidst the Tyrolean Alps. It's one of the best preserved old towns in Austria! What I like about Altstadt is its compact area easily explored on foot, filled with colorful medieval and Baroque buildings, narrow streets, and quaint squares.
The iconic Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) on one of the tenement houses is a must-see, as is the Hofburg Imperial Palace and the Hofkirche (Court Church). Visitors can wander through the bustling Maria-Theresien-Strasse, lined with shops and cafes, or relax by the Inn River.
One of the best things to do in Innsbruck is a ride in a cable car to the Innsbruck's highest viewing point at 2,300m. You may get the roundtrip cable car ticket here.
Places to visit in Austria - Ambras Castle
If you're going to stay in Innsbruck for a few days, visit also:
- St. James' Cathedral
- Ambras Castle (located outside the city center)
- City Tower
- Tyrolean State Theatre
- Triumphal Arch.
There are many kilometers of mountain hiking trails in the Innsbruck area and if you're interested in outdoor adventures in the Austrian Alps, consider staying in Innsbruck.
For your stay choose Hotel Innsbruck. It's located in the Old Town. Guests are delighted with quiet and comfortable rooms, abundant breakfasts and the access to a spa nad swimming pool.
Travelling in Austria
Traveling in Austria offers a variety of options, each with its pros and cons depending on your priorities and budget.
Car travel
Road quality: Austria has well-maintained highways and local roads. Driving conditions are generally excellent.
Speed limits:
- Highways (Autobahn): 130 km/h.
- Rural roads: 100 km/h.
- Cities: 50 km/h (sometimes 30 km/h in residential areas).
Tolls:
- You need a vignette (toll sticker) for highways, available at gas stations and border crossings. Prices depend on the duration (10 days, 2 months, or 1 year).
- Some specific tunnels or mountain roads have additional tolls.
Renting a car:
It's easy to rent from major cities and airports. International driving permits are recommended, but an EU or US license is often accepted.
When we need a car rental we usually use Discover Cars. Car hire process is quick and easy and the cars are clean and well-maintained.
You may check deals on car rental in Austria here:
Bus travel
Intercity Buses:- Providers like FlixBus operate between major cities and tourist areas. They are cheaper than trains but slower.
- Buses are comfortable with Wi-Fi and AC, but availability may be less frequent in rural areas.
Local Buses:
- Each city and town has a public bus system. Coverage is good in cities but less frequent in rural regions.
- Most buses operate between 5 AM to 10 PM, with fewer or no services late at night.
- Tickets can be purchased from machines, online, or via apps.
Timeliness: Austrian buses are generally punctual, but delays can happen during winter or peak tourist seasons.
Cost:- Prices are usually lower than train fares.
- Some regions offer combination tickets for buses and trains.
Rural Travel: In small towns or mountainous areas, buses might only run a few times per day.
You can check the cost of bus tickets and their availability here:
Train travel
ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways):- Main train operator with extensive coverage.
- Fast, reliable, and frequent trains connect cities like Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Graz.
- Railjet: High-speed, connects major cities and neighboring countries.
- InterCity (IC): Slower but serves many medium-sized towns.
- Regional Trains (R): For local trips, especially useful in rural areas.
- Direct trains to the main cities in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, and other neighboring countries.
- Night trains (Nightjet) offer sleeper options to several European cities.
- Available at stations, online, and through mobile apps.
- ÖBB offers various discounts, such as the Vorteilscard, which gives 50% off tickets.
- Advance booking can get cheaper rates, though standard tickets can be expensive for long distances.
Punctuality: Austrian trains are typically very punctual.
Comfort: Trains are modern, with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and food services on long-distance routes.
Scenic Routes: Some routes, like the Brenner Pass or the above mentioned Semmering Railway, are stunning!
Travel Time: Trains are faster than buses or cars, especially for longer distances (e.g., Vienna to Salzburg in ~2.5 hours by Railjet).
You may check the cost of train tickets and their availability here:
Other beautiful places in Europe
Europe is known for its natural wonders, from dramatic mountains to serene lakes, stunning coastlines, and ancient forests. With so many breathtaking options, choosing your ideal destination can be a challenge.
For inspiration and guidance in planning your European adventure, take a look at some of the most beautiful places this continent has to offer:
✅ 14 spa towns in Europe to visit if you need relax and rejuvenation
✅ 13 most beautiful mountain resorts in Europe
✅ Adventure honeymoon - 16 best places in Europe
✅ 9 most beautiful hikes in the Balkans
I wish you a wonderful time exploring tourist attractions in Austria! 🧡
