Located in the heart of Europe and surrounded by the soaring Alps, Austria is one of the most enchanting countries on the continent. Despite its small size, this place has a lot to offer, from a rich culture and heritage to stunning natural landscapes, mouthwatering food to fascinating art. This is also the reason why tourism in Austria has witnessed a huge boom in recent decades. Currently, this country enthrals a large number of visitors throughout the year. Whether you want to indulge in adventurous activities, enjoy mouthwatering food, or explore some iconic historical monuments, Austria is just the right place to be.
Best Places to Visit in Austria
Being home to countless charming towns and vibrant metropolitan areas, this country leaves you spoilt for choice. Given so many options, it can be really difficult to decide which places you should include in your Austria tour itinerary.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Austria:
- Vienna
- Linz
- Salzburg
- Bregenz
- Innsbruck
- Graz
- Worthersee
- Bad Gastein
- Wachau
- Villach
Vienna
Vienna, the capital city, is also one of the most famous tourist places in Austria. Known for being home to a number of magnificent palaces and museums, this city served as the cultural hub of Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. Even today, you can find several places in the city exhibiting amazing collections of art. Vienna also has the reputation of being the world capital of music. There are a number of places where you can enjoy opera and other live music concerts. Some of them include the State Opera House, the Vienna Opera House, etc.
Other than this, you can also visit places like Schonbrunner Gardens, the Privy Garden, etc. Featuring lush green and well-manicured lawns, these two places are ideal for those serene late-evening or early-morning walks.
Linz
Known for its charming old buildings that are fine examples of Baroque architectural style, Linz is the right place for history enthusiasts. The main highlight of the city is the Old Town Hall, which is among the best tourist attractions in Austria. The construction of this iconic structure started in 1415, and it opened almost a century later.
Another major attraction in the city is the Castle of Linz, which dates back to the 113th century. Nowadays, the castle serves as a museum where you can take a peek into the glorious past of Austria.
Salzburg
Surrounded by lush green meadows, Salzburg is one of the biggest and most beautiful cities in Austria. Located right on the border of Germany, this place offers breathtaking views of the Alps. Blessed by an abundance of natural beauty, Salzburg is the perfect place to plan a nature retreat.
Other than this, this city is also home to a number of historical landmarks. The Hohensalzburg fortress is undoubtedly the most popular of all of them, as it is Europe’s last preserved castle. Another famous historical monument in the city is the Mirabell Palace. Built in 1606, this Baroque-style structure is known for its landscaped gardens and well-maintained plants.
With so much to offer, Salzburg is undoubtedly among the best places for sightseeing in Austria.
Bregenz
Bregenz, a lesser-explored city, is a real hidden gem. Known for its natural landmarks, this city will definitely leave you spellbound by its charm. No matter what time of the year it is, here you will have plenty of options when it comes to outdoor activities. The major highlight is Lake Constance, which is fed by the Rhine River and flows through Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Located on the Eastern edge of this lake, Bregenz offers breathtakingly beautiful views of the Swiss and German Alps.
Other than this, the city is also home to several beautiful old buildings and awe-inspiring museums. Here, you can admire the history and artistic legacy of the country at their best.
Innsbruck
Surrounded by towering mountain peaks, Innsbruck is a beautiful Alpine town. Although this place has a plethora of options for outdoor activities, adventurous winter sports are the major highlight. Here, you can enjoy activities like skiing while admiring the beauty of the majestic Alps. Or, you can also take a cable car to the top of Innsbruck and enjoy some breathtaking Alpine views.
In addition to this, the Imperial Palace is another major attraction that enthrals thousands of visitors to Innsbruck. This historical building was originally built in the 15th century for Archduke Sigmund the Rich. Currently, people can visit this place and take a tour to explore different parts of the palace, including rooms, the gallery, and the chapel.
Graz
Graz is the second-largest city in Austria and is famous as one of Europe’s best-preserved Old Town areas. With several museums and impressive baroque and Renaissance-style buildings, this is among the best places to visit in Austria. The major attraction is a unique forested hill that is located in the centre of the city and offers enticing panoramic views.
Another thing that Graz is famous for is the mouthwatering food you get here. You can not only devour some delicious dishes here but also find some of the essential ingredients of Austrian cuisine. Being one of the most offbeat places to visit in Austria, this city has a lot to make your stay worthwhile.
Worthersee
Worthersee is a beautiful town that offers the perfect amalgamation of nature, culture, and adventure. From pretty churches to stunning natural landmarks, and iconic structures to mysterious caves, this place is known for so many things. During the summer season, you can indulge in several water activities such as canoeing, swimming, boating, etc. In addition to this, the colourful Griffen Stalactite Cave, the ancient Cathedral of Gurk, and Gmund, the birthplace of Porsche, are a few more attractions in the city.
Bad Gastein
Another addition to the list of must-visit places in Austria is the spa town of Bad Gastein. Situated on the High Tauern Mountain, this beautiful hill town is popular for so many things. The first one of them is the hot springs, with magical healing properties that you can take a dip in. Another major highlight is the spectacular Gastein waterfall, which is located in the heart of the town and attracts a large number of visitors every day. Other than this, Bad Gastein is the best place to enjoy some thrilling outdoor activities such as biking, trekking, etc.
Wachau
Located in the southern part of the country, Wachau is famous for its natural splendour. Flanking the beautiful Danube River, this town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural significance. Wachau is also known for being home to a number of monasteries, castles, and fortresses. With all these iconic places, this valley town is a real paradise for architecture and history enthusiasts.
Villach
Located in the Southern part of the country, Villach is a beautiful town, majorly known for its vibrant street markets. Originating as the Roman town of Bilachinium, this place used to be an important trade centre in the Middle Ages. However, it lost its significance for some time when some new trade routes were established. Currently, Villach serves as the commercial centre for the province of Carinthia.
Other than this, it is also home to a number of tourist attractions. Some of the notable ones are the parish church of St. Jakob, the Heiligenkreuzkirche (1726–38), and the Town Hall.
With this comprehensive list of places to visit in Austria, you can definitely make the most of your trip. To plan a fun-filled vacation in the most hassle-free manner, you can book an Austria package with Veena World.
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