There are few places in Austria that are not worth visiting, whether for their rich history or for their breathtaking scenery, but some stand out above the rest. Many of the best places to visit are well-known tourist attractions that require at least a day to fully explore, such as many of the grand Hapsburg palaces of Vienna and Salzburg or the Benedictine Abbey in Melk.
Similarly, old city neighborhoods with stunning Baroque facades and historic landmarks can keep tourists occupied for days, providing endless photo opportunities as well as shopping and dining.
Austria has several regions outside of the larger cities that are rich in cultural attractions and outdoor activities. Winter visitors can test their skills on the ski trails of Austria’s Alpine slopes, and summer visitors can even find a mountain lake that feels like the Mediterranean. Tourists can enjoy the idyllic pastoral landscape dotted with traditional farmhouses at any time of year.
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1. Vienna
Vienna is a stunning city with grand palaces, historic cathedrals, and over a hundred museums and art galleries. The 5.3-kilometer Ringstrasse, located in the heart of the historic city, was built in the nineteenth century to serve as the city’s cultural hub. Tourists with limited time can take the Vienna Ring Tram, which can be used for self-guided tours or to travel from one museum to another. The route is lined with lovely gardens and parks.
The beautiful city of Vienna is home to grand palaces, historic cathedrals, and over a hundred museums and art galleries. The 5.3-kilometer Ringstrasse, located in the heart of the historic city, was built in the 19th century to serve as the city’s cultural hub. Tourists with limited time can take the Vienna Ring Tram, which can be used for self-guided tours or to travel from one museum to the next. Beautiful gardens and parks dot the route.
Among the fine buildings are a variety of architectural styles, including several Neo-Renaissance-style landmarks such as the Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum), the Museum of Fine Arts, and the State Opera. Several New Gothic buildings (Votive Church, the Museum for Applied Art, and the Vienna Stock Exchange) are also represented, as are Flemish Gothic (City Hall) and New Baroque (Burgtheater).
2. Salzburg
Salzburg is brimming with historic attractions and is one of the best cities in Austria for tourists looking for a comprehensive cultural experience. The Getreidegasse in Salzburg is the heart of the Old City, with fine historic buildings and plenty of shopping. The Getreidegasse, located on the Salzach River’s left bank, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Mozart’s Birthplace, now a museum, is one of the top things to do in Salzburg. This district is ideal for photographers due to its unique through-houses and elaborately decorated Baroque facades.
Schloss Mirabell (Mirabell Palace) is another great photo opportunity. It is home to terraced Baroque gardens that were featured in The Sound of Music. The iconic gazebo scene also included the Schloss Hellbrunn (Hellbrunn Palace).
Another must-see Old Town (Altstadt) attraction is St. Rupert’s Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter, which was built in the late 7th century. St. Peter’s Church, next to the abbey, is best known for the catacombs used in the filming of The Sound of Music.
The 11th-century fortress of Hohensalzburg guards the city of Salzburg from the top of Mönchsberg. The Prince’s Apartments, as well as the Hohensalzburg Castle, can be visited on foot or by funicular.
3. Tirol Province
Tirol Province occupies the majority of Austria’s relatively narrow western end and follows the path of the Inn Valley’s River Inn. The province shares borders with Germany to the north, Italy to the south, and a small portion of Switzerland to the northeast.
Innsbruck, the capital city, is located in this valley at the foot of the Nordkette mountain range and is a hub of historical, natural, and cultural attractions as well as a convenient place to stay while exploring the Tirol region.
Some of Austria’s most popular ski resorts and Alpine wonders, such as the Stubai Glacier, are located in the area surrounding Innsbruck, and visitors can explore tunnels and caves within the ancient ice. Innsbruck’s Patscherkofel ski area, which has twice hosted the Olympic Winter Games, also has a variety of winter sports facilities.
In the summer, visitors can swim in the surrounding lakes’ blue-green glacial waters, with Lake Natters and Lake Lans conveniently close to Innsbruck. Hiking and biking are popular activities on Alpine trails such as the Zirbenweg Trail on Patscherkofel. Climbers can practise safely at a climbing centre in the nearby village of Igls.
4. Graz
Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, has been an important trade city since the 12th century due to its location on the Mur River. Graz’s Old Town contains several beautiful historic buildings and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
The Old Town is famous for its Baroque facades, and one of the best examples is the 17th-century Haus am Luegg, which features intricate decorative stucco work and an arcaded first floor. Other notable structures include the Renaissance-style Landhaus, the Rathaus (Town Hall), and the Franziskanerkirche, which has excellent Late Gothic features. Schlossberg hill, which overlooks the old town, has a funicular that takes visitors to the 16th-century Uhrturm (Clock Tower).
Several museums, including the Mohren Apotheke’s Theriak Museum (Apothecary Museum) and the Stadtmuseum Graz (Graz Municipal Museum), are located in the Old Town district, as is the Robert Stoltz Museum, which is dedicated to this 19th-century composer. The Landeszeughaus (Styrian Armoury) in Graz also houses the world’s largest historical armoury museum, with displays of small arms, edged weapons, and armour made for both humans and their horses.
Old Town Graz
Graz’s Old Town, classified by UNESCO, is brimming with historic buildings and is a delight to stroll through. The Hauptplatz, often known as the Main Square, is a notable location on the Mur’s left bank. A lovely statue of Archduke Johann (1782–1859) may be found here. He made significant contributions to advancing trade and communications and bringing industry to the area. The 1893-built Rathaus and the 17th-century Haus am Luegg, with elegant arched and stucco-decorated facades, are also noteworthy additions.
The Gothic Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche) is located west of the Main Square and is distinguished by its 1643 west tower and Late Gothic nave with ribbed vaulted ceiling.
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