Home to nearly nine million inhabitants, Austria exists as a landlocked country in central Europe: bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west. Austria is known as a country of architectural wonders, complete with magnificent castles, picturesque palaces, and incredibly unique buildings. Of the most famous structures in the country are its castles, with notable examples that you may have heard of being Burg Hohenwerfen, Castle Liechtenstein, Schloß Artstetten, and Festung Hohensalzburg. Austria is home to some fantastic landscapes, including a large section of Lake Constance, or Bodensee, which is actually the largest lake in Europe, some of the very highest mountain ranges of the Alpes, large plains, and the large steppe lake named Lake Neusiedler See. There is just so much natural beauty to admire! With a multitude of famous architectural structures, a myriad of natural landscapes, millions of multicultural people, and so much to see and do! So, if you’re looking to start planning your Austria itinerary, you’re in the right place! Listed below are this author’s top nine things to do in the fabulous country of Austria. What are you waiting for? Have a read and start getting excited!
Explore the Capital City of Vienna
Oh, Vienna! I’m sure you have all heard of this wonderful city. Not only the capital of Austria and arguably the most well-known, but Vienna is also home to one-quarter of the entire population of the country making it by far the most populous city! Vienna boasts an abundance of fascinating museums, interesting event venues, and awe-inspiring architecture. With so much to see and do, it is unsurprising that Vienna receives nearly four million tourists every year. So, you best plan a trip to see what all the fuss is about! The city is multicultural, inspiring, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and full to the very brim with a complex and fascinating history. Explore the picturesque streets, venture through the multitude of tourist attractions, and discover the true beauty of Austria’s capital. Oh, and make sure to stop by one, or many, of Austria’s restaurants and cafes that on their own count hundreds of years of history! The people of Austria are welcoming and friendly, eager to show guests the beauty of their city. So, if you’re unsure where to go next, don’t be afraid to ask a passerby.
Location: Vienna, Austria
Climb Mount Grossglockner
I’m sure you have all heard of the magnificent Alpine Range. Well, Mount Grossglockner is the highest point of the range, reigning twelve thousand, four hundred and sixty-one feet above the ground. Not only the highest point of the Alpine Range, but Mount Grossglockner is also the highest point in the entire country! Mount Grossglockner is not only spectacularly beautiful but very unique in shape. The peak is pyramid-shaped and interestingly made up of two pinnacles. Despite its mighty stature, Mount Grossglockner is not such a difficult climb. The route is graded ‘PD+’, translated to ‘not difficult’. Despite this, it is recommended to have had some climbing experience prior to attempting. The climb is incredibly satisfying and the views from the top of the mountain are unmatched. Make sure to wrap up warm and wear appropriate shoes and get ready for the journey of a lifetime!
Location: Großglockner Str., 9844, Austria
Visit Salzburg
A visit to Salzburg will surely ring some bells! This wonderful, picturesque city was not only the birthplace of composer and musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart but further the main filming location for the iconic film ‘The Sound of Music’. So, you can probably imagine just how beautiful this location is! In fact, the city itself is embedded in the fantastic Austrian Alpine surroundings. Not only this, but Salzburg boasts a rich abundance of historic architecture and famous monuments, fabulous natural landscapes, and a multitude of exciting cultural events for you to attend and take part in! The city is a vibrant, cultural hub with so much to discover and learn.
Location: Salzburg, Austria
Go Hiking in Eisreisenwelt
Here is a wonderfully unique experience! Eisreisenwelt exists as one of the most important and in fact the very largest, ice caves in the entire world, extending an incredible forty-two metres long. The cave is incredibly beautiful, a true sight to behold. Photos do not do the location justice! Stand in awe, admiring the array of ice, reflecting stunning colours and light across the magnificent cave. Eisreisenwelt is very popular amongst tourists and is considered a must-stop destination whilst exploring Austria. The venue provides guided tours wherein you can learn about the history of the wonderful cave and its foundation. Eisreisenwelt is also very easily accessible, allowing anyone and everyone to admire and explore its beauty. Plus, the commute from Salzburg to Eisreisenwelt itself is incredibly scenic and beautiful.
Location: Eishöhlenstraße 30, 5450 Werfen, Austria
Visit Innsbruck
Sitting comfortably in the picturesque Inn Valley lies the capital of Tirol: Innsbruck. Innsbruck is breathtakingly beautiful! Surrounded by high mountains, this historic town boasts a multitude of fantastic natural landscapes. Innsbruck’s fabulous surrounding mountains make the town a very popular winter sports spot and has even hosted a number of Winter Olympics games. So, bear in mind that the town is often a little more crowded during the winter months! Innsbruck is full to the brim with historic architecture and monuments, as the town has consistently been in the middle of the most turbulent historic years. There is so much to learn and discover, with an impressive number of museums, an incredibly vibrant urban life, world-quality resorts, and a vast amount of unspoiled, authentic nature. If you love the outdoors and value historic authenticity, a trip to the town of Innsbruck is definitely on the cards!
Location: Innsbruck, Austria
Snowboard in Mayrhofen
Known for its awe-inspiring mountains and popularity amongst winter sports enthusiasts, one of the most popular activities to take part in, in Austria is snowboarding. Mayrhofen is a brilliant location to do so, with wonderfully picturesque scenery and many opportunities to try your hand at snowboarding or perfect your skills. Not only this, the area is home to many events that attract individuals from all over the world. For instance, week-long festivals featuring musicians, artists, and sportspeople often take place on the mountainside, providing an atmosphere comparable to that of Ibiza in the summertime! Why not check the showtimes for ‘Ride and Seek’, wherein you can witness professional athletes demonstrating dangerous stunts on the snow for you to marvel at? With so much to see and do, a trip to Mayrhofen, especially during festival season (April time), won’t be something you’ll regret.
Location: Mayrhofen, Austria
The Admont Abbey Library
The Admont Abbey Library exists inside a Benedictine monastery, sitting comfortably on the Enns River. It is an architectural wonder, a true sight to behold! Not only is the building itself magnificent, but it is surrounded by fantastic landscapes. The library itself was built in the eighteenth century and is currently the largest monastic library in the entire world. It is stunningly beautiful! With ceilings and cupolas decorated with frescoes, and light-reflecting gold filling the interior. The result is truly awe-inspiring; an overwhelming and breathtaking location. Though the entire monastery is worth a visit, it is this author’s opinion that the Admont Abbey Library is one of the most stunning sites and is truly the star of the show!
Location: Kirchplatz 1, 8911 Admont, Austria
Go Skiing in Arlberg
Austria is renowned for its multitude of ski resorts, sitting comfortably across its impressive mountain range. Arlberg is oftentimes referred to as the cradle of skiing in the Alps. This is because Hannes Schneider opened a ski school located here, dedicated to revolutionizing skiing techniques. Why not book a class here and perfect your skiing skills during your Austrian adventure? The Arlberg ski resort comprises five villages, each accessible via a cable car that was built in St. Anton. Arlberg ski resort is loved by boat professionals and beginners, with it being one of the oldest ski clubs in the entire world. In fact, previous and current members include both Olympic and world champion skiers! So, big boots, or skis, to fill! Complete with wonderful trails, rentable gear, and fantastic service, I am sure that Arlberg Ski Resort and Club will be the perfect fit for you!
Location: 6763 St Anton am Arlberg, Austria
Admire Schlegeis Lake
Some more of Austria’s wonderful natural beauty! Schlegeis Lake is one of five breathtaking lakes located in the Zillertal Valley in Tyrol. Schlegeis Lake in particular is surrounded by mountains, boasting a staggeringly beautiful landscape. The location is fantastic for both climbing and hiking, as you can admire the fantastic surroundings as you go. Why not take part in the ‘Power Plant Tour’ that introduces the lake dam and allows you to learn more about the history of the artificial lake? Also, Schlegeis Alpine Road stretches just over thirteen kilometres long and begins at one kilometre above sea level! Truly impressive! The location is beautiful, the opportunities for outside activity are endless, and the whole valley feels like a tucked-away haven. Make sure a trip to Schlegis Lake in the Zillertal Valley is on your to-do list whilst visiting Austria!
Location: 6295 Finkenberg, Austria
