25 Best Places to Visit in Austria 2023: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Last Updated on May 15, 2023 by gregor

As a travel blogger living in Austria, I have had the privilege of exploring some of the most beautiful towns, villages, and cities in the country. From the snow-capped peaks of the Austrian Alps to the charming towns and villages nestled in the countryside, Austria is a destination that has something for everyone. In this blog post, I will share with you the best places to visit in Austria, including the most picturesque small towns and villages, the most beautiful cities, and the top attractions in each location.

25 Best Places to Visit in Austria in 2023 – Top Attractions in Austria

Austria is a beautiful country located in Central Europe that is filled with breathtaking natural scenery, charming cities, and rich history. As a travel blogger living in Austria, I have had the opportunity to explore many of its best places to visit. In this blog post, I will be sharing with you the Top 25 best places to visit in Austria that you should not miss during your trip.

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Vienna, the Capital city of Austria

Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Austria. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Vienna is a city that offers something for everyone. Some of the must-visit attractions in Vienna include the Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and the Vienna State Opera.

VISITING VIENNA – Read my full Vienna Travel Guides with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Vienna:

Wachau Valley – Wachau Danube Valley

The Wachau Valley Danube Valley is a stunning region located in Lower Austria that is renowned for its picturesque vineyards, charming villages, and rich history. A visit to this region is not complete without taking a leisurely boat ride on the Danube River, exploring the charming towns of Krems and Dürnstein, and sampling the delicious local wines.

Read my full Wachau Valley Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Wachau Valley:

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Salzburg City

Salzburg is a beautiful city located in the northern part of Austria that is known for its stunning baroque architecture, charming old town, and its association with the famous composer Mozart. The city is also home to several must-visit attractions such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg Cathedral, and the Mirabell Palace and Gardens.

Read my full Salzburg Travel Guides with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Salzburg:

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Salzkammergut Wolfgangsee / Bad Ischl

Salzkammergut Wolfgangsee and Bad Ischl are two stunning destinations located in the heart of the Salzkammergut region. These two destinations are known for their picturesque landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages. A visit to Salzkammergut Wolfgangsee and Bad Ischl is not complete without exploring the stunning Hallstatt, one of the most photographed villages in Austria.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a small picturesque village situated in the heart of the Salzkammergut region of Austria. It is one of the oldest and most charming villages in Austria, known for its rich history, traditional architecture, and breathtaking scenery. Hallstatt is also famous for its salt mines, which have been in operation since prehistoric times. Visitors can take a guided tour of the salt mines and learn about the history of salt mining in the region.

Apart from the salt mines, Hallstatt has a lot of other attractions to offer to its visitors. The village is surrounded by beautiful mountains and crystal-clear lakes, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. The Hallstätter See, which is the main lake in the region, offers numerous water sports activities, including swimming, fishing, and boating.

Hallstatt’s old town is another attraction worth visiting. The town’s narrow streets are lined with beautiful baroque buildings, quaint cafes, and souvenir shops. Visitors can also take a cable car ride up to Salzberg Mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Read my full Hallstatt Travel Guides with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Hallstatt:

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Zell am See

Zell am See is a beautiful town situated in the Austrian state of Salzburg. It is located on the shore of Lake Zell and is surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Austrian Alps. Zell am See is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful scenery, winter sports, and vibrant nightlife.

During the winter months, Zell am See is a popular ski resort, with over 138 km of slopes and 50 ski lifts. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and other winter sports activities. In the summer, the town is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and water sports.

Zell am See’s old town is another attraction worth visiting. The town’s narrow streets are lined with beautiful buildings and traditional Austrian shops and restaurants. Visitors can also take a boat ride on Lake Zell and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road and Valley

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road and Valley is a scenic route that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Austria. The route takes you through the Hohe Tauern National Park, which is home to the highest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner. The route also takes you through several charming villages, including Heiligenblut and Fusch.

Hohe Tauern National Park

The Hohe Tauern National Park is a stunning natural park located in the Austrian Alps that is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and rich wildlife. The park is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Grossglockner Mountain, the Krimml Waterfalls, and the Zell am See-Kaprun ski resort.

Maria Alm

Maria Alm is a beautiful village situated in the Austrian state of Salzburg. It is located in the heart of the Austrian Alps and is known for its beautiful scenery, traditional architecture, and outdoor activities. Maria Alm is a popular destination for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking, with over 150 km of ski slopes and 340 km of hiking trails.

The village’s old town is another attraction worth visiting. The town’s narrow streets are lined with beautiful baroque buildings and traditional Austrian shops and restaurants. Visitors can also take

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a beautiful city situated in the heart of the Austrian Alps. It is the capital city of the Austrian state of Tyrol and is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning scenery. Innsbruck is also a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, with over 200 km of ski slopes and 55 cable cars.

Innsbruck’s old town is a must-visit attraction for all visitors. The town’s narrow streets are lined with beautiful medieval buildings, charming cafes, and souvenir shops. Visitors can also take a stroll through the city’s beautiful parks and gardens, including the famous Hofgarten, which is located in the heart of the city.

Innsbruck is also home to several famous attractions, including the Golden Roof, the Hofburg Imperial Palace, and the Bergisel Ski Jump. The Golden Roof is a famous landmark of the city and is covered with 2,657 gilded copper tiles. The Hofburg Imperial Palace is a beautiful palace complex that was the seat of the Habsburgs in the 15th century. The Bergisel Ski Jump is a famous ski jumping facility that offers stunning views of the city.

Read my full Innsbruck Travel Guides with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Innsbruck:

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Zillertal Alps

The Zillertal Alps is a stunning mountain range located in the western part of Austria that is known for its breathtaking natural scenery and world-class skiing. The mountain range is home to several ski resorts, including Mayrhofen, Zell am Ziller, and Fügen, which offer a range of ski runs suitable for all skill levels.AlpbachAlpbach is a charming village located in the Tyrol region that is known for its stunning scenery, charming architecture, and rich history. The village is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Alpbach Church, the Museum of Tyrolean Farmhouses, and the Reither See, a beautiful lake located just outside the village.

Tyrol

Tyrol is a stunning region located in western Austria that is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, world-class skiing, and rich cultural heritage. The region is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, the Innsbruck Christmas Market, and the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, one of the largest ski resorts in Austria.

Read my full Tyrol Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Tyrol:

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Bregenz

Bregenz is a stunning city located on the shores of Lake Constance that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Bregenz Festival, the Kunsthaus Bregenz, and the Pfänderbahn cable car, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Constance.

Arlberg / Lech and St. Anton am Arlberg

Arlberg is a stunning region located in western Austria that is known for its world-class skiing, breathtaking natural scenery, and charming villages. The region is home to several ski resorts, including Lech and St. Anton am Arlberg, which offer a range of ski runs suitable for all skill levels.

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Lienz  / Ost Tirol

Lienz is a beautiful town located in southern Austria and is known for its beautiful buildings and scenic location. The town has a rich history and is home to several museums and historical sites.

Visitors can take a stroll through the old town and admire the beautiful Gothic and Baroque buildings. They can also visit the Schloss Bruck Castle and the Lienz Museum of Local History. In the winter, the town offers skiing and snowboarding in the nearby ski resorts.

Carinthia

Carinthia is a stunning region located in southern Austria that is known for its crystal-clear lakes, breathtaking natural scenery, and charming villages. The region is home to several must-visit attractions, including Lake Wörthersee, the Nockberge Biosphere Park, and the Bad Kleinkirchheim ski resort.

Read my full Carinthia Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Carinthia:

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Wörthersee

Lake Wörthersee is a stunning lake located in Carinthia that is known for its crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. The lake is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, with several water sports activities available, including swimming, boating, and windsurfing.

Read my full Wörthersee Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do at Lake Wörthersee:

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Bad Gastein

Bad Gastein is a stunning spa town located in the heart of the Austrian Alps that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-class skiing. The town is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Gastein Waterfall, the Felsentherme spa, and the Ski amadé ski resort.

Read my full Bad Gastein Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Bad Gastein:

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Krimml Waterfalls

The Krimml Waterfalls is a stunning natural attraction located in the Hohe Tauern National Park that is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich wildlife. The waterfall is the highest in Austria, with a total height of 380 meters, and is a popular destination for nature lovers and

Graz

Graz is a stunning city located in the southeastern part of Austria that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Schlossberg, the Graz Clock Tower, and the Kunsthaus Graz, a contemporary art museum.

Read my full Graz Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Graz:

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Linz

Linz is a vibrant city located in the northern part of Austria that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Ars Electronica Center, the Lentos Kunstmuseum, and the Pöstlingbergbahn, a historic mountain railway.

Read my full Linz Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Linz:

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Burgenland

Burgenland is a stunning region located in eastern Austria that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-class wine. The region is home to several must-visit attractions, including Lake Neusiedl, the Esterházy Palace, and the Eisenstadt Cathedral.

Read my full Burgenland Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Burgenland:

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Eisenstadt

Eisenstadt is a charming town located in Burgenland that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The town is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Esterházy Palace, the Haydn House, and the Bergkirche, a beautiful baroque church.

Neusiedlersee

Lake Neusiedl is a stunning lake located in Burgenland that is known for its crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and vibrant wildlife. The lake is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, with several water sports activities available, including swimming, boating, and windsurfing.

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Lower Austria

Lower Austria is a stunning region located in the northeastern part of Austria that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-class wine. The region is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Melk Abbey, the Krems-Stein historic town center, and the Wachau Valley, a beautiful river valley known for its stunning vineyards and picturesque villages.

Read my full Lower Austria Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Lower AUstria:

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Melk Abbey

Melk Abbey is a stunning Benedictine abbey located in Lower Austria that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The abbey is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Marble Hall, the Library, and the Church, all of which are known for their breathtaking beauty.

Krems-Stein historic town center

The Krems-Stein historic town center is a charming area located in Lower Austria that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The area is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Göttweig Abbey, the Danube University Krems, and the Wachau Valley.

Wachau Valley

The Wachau Valley is a stunning river valley located in Lower Austria that is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, picturesque villages, and world-class wine. The valley is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Dürnstein Castle, the Melk Abbey, and the Wine Museum.

Read my full Wachau Valley Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Wachau Valley:DAY TRIP FROM VIENNA TO WACHAU VALLEY, AUSTRIA

Conclusion

Austria is a beautiful country that is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you are looking for world-class skiing, crystal-clear lakes, charming villages, or stunning vineyards, Austria has something to offer everyone.

In this blog post, we have highlighted some of the best places to visit in Austria, including Vienna, Wachau Valley, Danube Valley, Salzburg City, Salzkammergut Wolfgangsee/Bad Ischl, Hallstatt, Zell am See, Grossglockner High Alpine Road and Valley, Hohe Tauern National Park, Innsbruck, Zillertal Alps, Alpbach, Tyrol, Bregenz, Arlberg/Lech and St. Anton am Arlberg, Carinthia, Wörthersee, Bad Gastein, Zell am See, Krimml Waterfalls, Graz, Linz, Burgenland, Eisenstadt, Neusiedlersee, and Lower Austria.

Each of these destinations has its own unique charm and attractions that make them worth visiting. From the grandeur of Vienna to the natural wonders of the Hohe Tauern National Park, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Austria.

So, whether you are planning a ski trip or a summer vacation, make sure to add Austria to your travel itinerary. You won’t be disappointed!

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