Discover Austria: Top Attractions and Activities

Austria beckons travelers with its year-round appeal, offering Europe's finest skiing and picturesque cities like Vienna and Salzburg. With the Eastern Alps covering 60 percent of the country and the iconic River Danube meandering through, Austria is a tapestry of natural and cultural wonders.

Here's a guide to Austria's must-see attractions:

1. The Vienna Hofburg: Austria's Imperial Palace

The Hofburg Palace in Vienna, once the Habsburgs' royal residence, is now the President's office. It showcases architectural styles from Gothic to Classicism and features the Imperial Silver Collection, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Apartments.

Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Vienna

2. Salzburg Altstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Salzburg's Old Town is renowned for its well-preserved medieval and Baroque buildings, including St. Peter's Abbey and the birthplace of Mozart. The Hohensalzburg castle overlooks the city, accessible by funicular.

3. The Spanish Riding School, Vienna

Home to the Lipizzaner horses, the Spanish Riding School in Vienna offers a glimpse into the traditional equestrian art of the aristocracy.

Address: Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Vienna

4. Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna

Schönbrunn Palace, with its Baroque architecture, lavish interiors, and extensive gardens, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a former summer residence of Empress Maria Theresa.

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna

5. Innsbruck's Hofburg and Hofkirche

Innsbruck's Hofburg and Hofkirche reflect the city's imperial past, with the Hofkirche housing the ornate Tomb of Emperor Maximilian I.

Address: Rennweg 1/3, 6020 Innsbruck

6. Melk Benedictine Abbey

Overlooking the Danube, Melk Abbey is a monastic treasure with a stunning church, imperial corridor, and historical collections.

Address: Abt-Berthold-Dietmayr-Straße 1, 3390 Melk

7. Hallstatt and the Dachstein Salzkammergut

Hallstatt is a charming lakeside town, gateway to the Dachstein Salzkammergut region, with its ice caves and the breathtaking 5 Fingers viewing platform.

8. Skiing at Kitzbühel and Kitzbüheler Horn

Kitzbühel is a premier ski destination with diverse slopes and a picturesque town. The Kitzbüheler Horn offers stunning panoramic views.

9. Belvedere Palace, Vienna

The Belvedere Palace in Vienna is a Baroque masterpiece with two sections, the Upper and Lower Palaces, both boasting impressive art collections and architecture.

Address: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna

10. Medieval Burg Hochosterwitz

Burg Hochosterwitz, a striking medieval castle, stands tall with its 14 gates leading to a courtyard and chapel adorned with historical art.

Address: Hochosterwitz 1, 9314 Launsdorf

11. The Grossglockner Road to Franz-Josefs-Höhe

The Grossglockner Road offers a scenic drive through the Alps, leading to Franz-Josefs-Höhe with its stunning views of Austria's highest peak, the Grossglockner.

12. St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna

St. Stephen's Cathedral, a Gothic icon in Vienna, features a climbable South Tower, catacombs, and a treasury of religious artifacts.

Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna

13. Klosterneuburg Abbey and the Verdun Altar

Klosterneuburg Abbey is home to the Verdun Altar, a masterpiece of medieval enamel work depicting biblical scenes.

14. Maria Saal Cathedral

Maria Saal Cathedral, a significant pilgrimage site in Carinthia, stands on a hill with a history dating back to 750 AD.

15. Krimmler Ache: Austria's Tallest Waterfalls

The Krimmler Ache waterfalls are a natural spectacle near the village of Krimml, offering hiking trails and alpine views.

16. Eisriesenwelt: The World of the Ice Giants

Eisriesenwelt, the largest ice cave system in the world, presents a frozen wonderland of ice formations and caverns.

17. The Styrian Armoury (Landeszeughaus)

The Styrian Armoury in Graz displays a vast collection of 17th-century arms and armor, enough to equip an army of 32,000 men.

18. Old Town Innsbruck & the Golden Roof

Innsbruck's Golden Roof, adorned with 2,657 gilded copper tiles, is a historic symbol set against a backdrop of charming streets and alpine scenery.

Address: Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, 6020 Innsbruck

Whether you're drawn to Austria's snowy peaks or its historic urban centers, this country offers a rich tapestry of attractions for every traveler.