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• 34 Best Places To Visit In Austria In 2024 That Look Straight Out Of A Picture Book

23 Mar 2023

Tucked in between the soaring Alps, Austria is an enchanting country with dream-like landscapes, picture-perfect meadows and grasslands, stunning baroque architecture and music flowing through its veins.

From pretty villages to magnificent cities, from the best operas to the most lavish desserts Austria has the perfect ingredients to intoxicate your senses. Let us guide you through the picturesque landscapes and stunning cities to find out the best places to visit in Austria , including the usual suspects like Vienna and Salzburg and some hidden unexplored Austria tourist places like Bregenz and Wachau. Be sure that you will have a wonderful time relishing the culture and exploring the Alpine landscapes. Make sure you include all these places to your itinerary and indulge in the experiences they offer for a vacation you will remember forever. 

34 Top Places To Visit In Austria In 2024

And now for an unforgettable experience on your next vacation, make sure you include some of these places to visit in Austria in your itinerary, if not all. And don’t worry. You’ll find plenty of accommodation as well as transport options near all these charming Austria tourist places to make your vacation an enjoyable one!

• Vienna – Walk Down The Glorious Past
• Salzburg – A Date With Mozart
• Innsbruck – The Picture-Postcard Town
• Salzkammergut – Relax And Rejuvenate
• Graz – Immerse In History, Culture, And Food
• Worthersee – A Summer To Remember
• Bad Gastein – A Refreshing Treat For Body And Soul
• Bregenz – Tranquil Days By The Lake
• Wachau – Best Wines And A Dose Of History
• Zell Am See – Pristine Alpine Wonders
• Hoher Dachstein – The Three-State Mountain
• Krimml Waterfalls – Austria’s Famous Paradise
• Vorarlberg – Land Of Mountains
• Tyrol – Heaven In The Alps
• Carinthia – Lakes And Forests
• Styria – Witness The Wildlife
• Burgenland – Taste The Fine Wines
• Hallstatt – Scenic Lake Views
• Mostviertel – Old World Charm
• Alpbach – Skiing And Sledding
• Eisenstadt – Postcard Perfect Sceneries
• Grossglockner High Alpine Road – Best Road Trip Ever
• Lake Constance – Third Largest Lake In Europe
• National Park Donau Auen – Into The Wild
• National Park Gesause – A Rock Climber’s Paradise
• National Park Hohe Tauern – The Land Of Austria’s Superlatives
• Seewinkel National Park – For Birdwatching
• St Anton am Arlberg – Best Ski Village
• Vienna Woods – UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• Krems – Explore Nature And History
• Linz – Creative Capital
• Schonbrunn Palace – Heritage Of Austria
• Vienna State Opera – Rendezvous With The Culture
• Eisriesenwelt Cave – A Unique Attraction

1. Vienna – Walk Down The Glorious Past

The city of grand palaces and museums, the home of Opera and Beethoven, Vienna is a city steeped in culture and grandeur. A walk down the city’s beautiful Ringstrasse Boulevard, lined with royal buildings like the Hofburg Imperial Palace and many beautiful parks, is a great way to let the magic of Vienna grow on you. Vienna is one of the best cities in Austria. You can also enjoy lovely coffee at the cafes in Vienna for a chilled-out evening.

The opulent Schonbrunn & Belvedere Palaces and the ornate St Stephen’s Cathedral are architectural marvels and a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts. Don’t forget to sip the famous Viennese coffee at one of many cozy coffee houses and gaze in wonder at the world-famous Vienna Opera House before you bid adieu to one of the best places to visit in Vienna, Austria.

Ideal for: History, Architecture, Culture Places To Visit in Vienna: Hofburg Imperial Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace Places To Stay  : Hotel Ambassador, Vienna Marriott Hotel Best Restaurants : Ariston Hellenic Restaurant, Restaurant Rote Bar Best Time To Visit: April-May, September-October How To Reach: You can arrive in Vienna via flights from New Delhi and other major international cities.

Must Read: Lakes In Austria

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2. Salzburg – A Date With Mozart

One of the must-see places in Austria is Salzburg that brings to mind a charming city surrounded by rolling green meadows, majestic historical buildings and Mozart. The birthplace of the genius composer and the place where the iconic movie Sound of music was shot, Salzburg tops the list of top places to visit in Austria.

The old town Aldsten with its stunning baroque buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the imposing Hohensalzburg fortress boasts of being Europe’s last preserved castle. The grand extravaganza of culture, music and the arts, the Salzburger Festspiele during summers is an experience to remember. So if you are seeking best places to visit in Austria in summer, add Salzburg to your itinerary.

Ideal for: Architecture, Nature, Photography, Music Places To Visit: Hellbrunn Palace, Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, Salzburg Castles Places To Stay : Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt, Sheraton Grand Salzburg, and Salzburg villas Best Restaurants : Indian Restaurant Taj Mahal, Das Restaurant Wasserfall Best Time To Visit: September-October How To Reach: There are a few direct trains between Salzburg and Vienna making rail journey one of the best ways to reach.

3. Innsbruck – The Picture-Postcard Town

The idyllic alpine town surrounded by high mountains has plenty of options that make your stay worthwhile. You could enjoy a leisurely walk through the old town and marvel at the glittering Goldenes Dachl adorned with more than 2500 shiny tiles or get a peek into the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, one of the finest museum for regional heritage in Europe.

A destination for all seasons and one of the most magical places to visit in Austria in winter, Innsbruck has world renowned ski resorts which can be enjoyed in the winter months. Adventure enthusiasts can go hiking up the gorgeous meadows, bungee jumping at Europa Bridge, take the thrilling funicular ride up the Nordkette mountain range, and even check out the Innsbruck nightlife .

Ideal for: Adventure, Architecture, Culture Places To Visit in Innsbruck: Goldenes Dachl, Hofburg, Triumphal Arch Places To Stay : Hotel Grauer Bär, Hotel Central Best Restaurants : Himal Nepali Kitchen Restaurant, Restaurant Lichtblick Best Time To Visit: December-April How To Reach: The best way to reach Innsbruck from Vienna is via train that takes about 4-5 hours.

Suggested Read: Churches In Austria

4. Salzkammergut – Relax And Rejuvenate

This picturesque resort area near Salzburg offers the quintessential Austrian experience, with shimmering blue lakes (76 lakes in all!), stunning alpine ranges, charming villages, and luxurious spa towns. Situated by the Lake Hallstatt and included on UNESCO’s world heritage sites list is the fairy tale village Hallstatt which happens to be amongst the most beautiful places to visit in Austria.

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to go in Austria, Halstatt’s stunning pastel-colored houses, underground salt lake Salzwelten and Ice Cave on Dachstein Mountain will take your breath away. The spa town of Bad Ischl and the romantic St Wolfgang are other tourist favorites.

Ideal for: Nature, Culture, Spas, Adventure Places To Visit: Mirabell Palace, Fortress Hohenzsalzburg Places To Stay : Mühlradl Apartments, Hotel Gasthof Weißer Bär Best Restaurants : Restaurant Hubertuskeller, Ledererhaus Best Time To Visit: September-October How To Reach: There is a guided bus tour that will take you to the most interesting points in Salzkammergut.

5. Graz – Immerse In History, Culture, And Food

W ith six universities and one of Europe’s best preserved old town areas, there are so many places to visit in Graz, Austria. It is the second largest and cheapest city in Austria. Graz has so much to satiate the soul of a traveller. Throw in the numerous museums, impressive baroque & renaissance-style buildings and a unique forested hill in the centre of the city offering panoramic views and you have the recipe for a perfect vacation.

Graz will also entice you with its many culinary delights. Cooking enthusiasts can carry home some pumpkin seed oil to pep up their dishes back home. Counted amongst the most offbeat places to visit in Austria, Graz is a must-visit!

Ideal for: History, Food, Education Places To Visit: Eggenberg Palace, Kunsthaus, Altstadt von Graz Places To Stay : NH Graz City, Hotel Weitzer Graz Best Restaurants : Caylend Restaurant, Vina Best Time To Visit: April-September How To Reach: There are direct trains from Vienna to Graz. It takes about 2 hours to get here by train.

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6. Worthersee – A Summer To Remember

Canoeing, spelunking, pretty churches and the hometown of Porsche are reason enough to spend a few days at Austria’s favoured summer destination. The beautiful Worthersee Lake offers ample opportunities for swimming, boating and canoeing in the summer months.

You can head to the colourful Griffen Stalactite cave for some thrill and exploration. Admiring the 12th century ancient Cathedral of Gurk and a visit to Gmund the birthplace of Porsche complete your list of must-do experiences in one of the best places to go in Austria.

Ideal for: Adventure, Nature Places To Visit: Wörthersee Lake, Casino Velden Places To Stay : Seepark Hotel – Congress & Spa, Hotel Sandwirth Best Restaurants : Restaurant Maria Loretto, Seerestaurant Rosé Best Time To Visit: April, November-December How To Reach: The train journey from Vienna to Worthersee takes about 5 hours.

7. Bad Gastein – A Refreshing Treat For Body And Soul

Head to the spa town of Bad Gastein to take a dip in the healing hot spring waters and breathe in the pure mountain air. Perched on the High Tauern Mountain, this splendid hill town also attracts skiing enthusiasts during the winter, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Austria.

Famous for its Belle Epoque-style hotels and villas, Bad Gastein has some thrilling hiking trails around and ample outdoor opportunities like biking and hiking. The spectacular Gastein waterfall in the heart of the town is an impressive site. Open studios, creative workshops, jazz shows, culinary delights and a buzzing nightlife are more reasons to book your holiday right away!

Ideal for: Relaxation, History, Skiing Places To Visit: Molltaler Gletscher, Stubnerkogel Places To Stay : Johannesbad Hotel Palace, Johannesbad Hotel St. Georg Best Restaurants : Gasteiner Wirtshaus, Ginger n’Gin Best Time To Visit: December-March How To Reach: There are direct trains from Salzburg to Bad Gastein that run every three hours in a day.

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8. Bregenz – Tranquil Days By The Lake

Located on the Eastern edge of Lake Constance, Bregenz offers sweeping views of the Swiss and German Alps. it is one of the best places to visit in Austria. Stroll around the beautiful promenade by the lake or take a cable car up the Pfander Mountain for breathtaking vistas of Lake Constance.

The mountain top is also a great place to relish a lunch with spectacular views or meander along a hiking trail. Get bowled over by the opera and orchestras at the annual Bregenz festival(July-August) performed at the floating lakeside platform. The architecture, history and art legacy of the city can be admired in museums and beautiful buildings across the town.

Ideal for: Nature, Culture Places To Visit: Kunsthaus Bregenz, Pfänder Mountain Places To Stay : Hotel Weißes Kreuz, Hotel Schwärzler Best Restaurants : Wirtshaus am See, Gasthaus Kornmesser Best Time To Visit: July-August How To Reach: There are about 20 trains a day between Innsbruck and Bregenz. The train journey takes 2 hours and 37 minutes.

9. Wachau – Best Wines And A Dose Of History

Flanking the beautiful Danube River, this rich valley is one of the best South Austria tourist attractions. A UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural significance and unmatched natural splendour, Wachau Valley is popular among wine connoisseurs for some of the best white wines in the world.

Studded with some magnificent monasteries (like the baroque Melk monastery) castles and fortresses Wachau Valley offers lots of history and architectural delights too, this spot deserves to be one on the list of the most famous places to visit in Austria.

Ideal for: Wines, Architecture, History Places To Visit: Aggstein Castle Places To Stay : Hotel Klinglhuber, Gartenhotel & Weingut Pfeffel Dürnstein Best Restaurants : Hotel Restaurant Donauwirt, Restaurant Heinzle Best Time To Visit: March-June How To Reach: Take a train from Vienna to Melk and then a bus from here to Wachau.

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10. Zell Am See – Pristine Alpine Wonders

International-level ski slopes, the pristine blue waters of Zell Am See Lake and the picturesque Salzburg mountains make Zell Am See one of the most beautiful places in Austria for natural beauty and relaxation. Add this place to your itinerary if you are visiting Austria in March .

Cycling along the dreamy lake or swimming in the impossibly blue water of the lake are some of the most invigorating experiences in this enchanting alpine town. You can soak in the scenic beauty while sipping coffee at one of the many cafes in the city centre or walk the elevated walkway at St Hippolyte’s Church for some of the best views.

Ideal for: Nature Places To Visit: Lake Zell Places To Stay : Superior Hotel Tirolerhof, Hotel Latini Best Restaurants : Seewirt Das Restaurant, The Burger Factory Best Time To Visit: June-August How To Reach: The train from Salzburg is the best way to reach Zell Am See and takes not more than two hours.

11. Hoher Dachstein – The Three-State Mountain

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Located at the border of Upper Austria, Styria, and Salzburg, Hoher Dachstein is the second highest mountain in the Northern Alps. The top of the mountain offers gorgeous views that are to die for. The suspension bridge, skywalk, rock climbing, and the ice palace are a few things to see in Austria.

Ideal for: Adventure and Nature Places To Visit: Dachstein Hängebrücke, Alpine Club Austria Places To Stay : Falkensteiner Hotel Schladming, Dormio Resort Obertraun Best Restaurants : Restaurant Bergstation, Dachstein Ruhe Best Time To Visit: June-August

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12. Krimml Waterfalls – Austria’s Famous Paradise

Famous for being the highest waterfall in Austria, Krimml Waterfalls is a great place to visit and witness with your loved ones. To reach this fall, you’d have to hike a 4 km trail that would take you through multiple observation platforms and around 1.5 hours to reach the highest tier of the waterfall. The place is home to numerous Austria’s best places to visit.

Ideal for: Nature and Adventure Places To Visit: Krimml Waterfalls, Water Worlds Krimml museum Places To Stay : Villa Deningfeld, Chalet Eva Best Restaurants : Pizzeria Cascata, Reinis Pizzeria Best Time To Visit: Early mornings How To Reach: It’s best to reach falls from Innsbruck since Zilertall where the falls are located, is only 50 km from Innsbruck.

13. Vorarlberg – Land Of Mountains

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Located in Western Austria, Vorarlberg is a state that shares its borders with Germany. This region is characterized by mountainous terrain. It is known for its gorgeous alpine landscapes and adventure ski resorts that make it one of the most famous places to go in Austria. Vorarlberg houses Central Europe’s third-largest lake called Lake Constance, on which the capital of this state – Bregenz sits. Stop by at one of Austria’s best places to visit to be breath-taken by the sight of the magnificent mountains.

The mountain landscape of Vorarlberg makes it a hotspot for hiking and trekking activities. Hiking through the forested trail routes will give you a feeling of coming close to nature. And if not trekking, you can enjoy a cable car ride to witness the splendid views of the valleys. Vorarlberg has some really interesting museums in Austria that attract a lot of tourists.

Ideal for: Austria sightseeing , hiking Places To Visit: Lake Constance, Vorarlberg Museum, Pfänder Mountain, Pfänderbahn, Rolls-Royce Museum, Rappenloch Gorge, Bürserschlucht Gorge Places To Stay : Landhaus Am Walde, Hotel Sonnenburg Best Restaurants : Restaurant Guth, Mangold Best Time To Visit: All round the year How To Reach: Board a train from Innsbruck heading to Bludenz and get down at Vorarlberg.

Suggested Read: Hostels In Austria

14. Tyrol – Heaven In The Alps

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Tyrol is a wonderful state located in Western Austria. Resting in the Alps, this place is a popular ski resort destination. There are also many historic sites including Ambras Castle, Ehrenberg Castle and Kufstein Fortress. You will also find some of the most exciting museums in Tyrol. Other than this, Tyrol is the hub of many famous winter festivals in Europe that you must attend. Count it in your list of the best places to visit in Austria in Sepember.

The popular city of Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol. This place features ancient gothic churches and traditional baroque-style buildings and palaces. Tyrol is one of the best places to visit in Austria for anyone who is looking forward to exploring a place with natural beauty and historical relevance.

Ideal for: Historical places, sightseeing Places To Visit: Zugspitze, Hofburg, Bergiselschanze, Triumphal Arch, AREA 47, Zillertal Arena, Alpenzoo, Goldenes Dachl Places To Stay : Grandhotel Lienz, Hotel Trofana Royal Best Restaurants : Restaurant Kupfer Stub’n, Waldgasthaus Triendlsäge Best Time To Visit: April-May, September-October How To Reach: Innsbruck is the nearest to Tyrol from where you can arrange your transport.

15. Carinthia – Lakes And Forests

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Carinthia is a region in Austria that surrounds the highest mountain in the country, Grossglockner. Located in the Southern part of Austria, it falls in the Eastern Alps and is one of the most surreal places to visit in Austria. With so many mountains in its pocket, this region has incomparable natural beauty and charm.

Find yourself surrounded by serene lakes and alpine forests, amidst which sit the beautiful medieval structure, the Hochosterwitz Castle. Klagenfurt, the capital of Carinthia is an important wine-producing region. The many Renaissance buildings located in the region make it one of Austria best places to visit for history buffs.

Ideal for: Sightseeing, wine-tasting Places To Visit: Minimundus, Weissensee, Casino Velden, Affenberg Landskron, Church of Maria Saal, Klagenfurt Cathedral, Dragon Fountain Places To Stay : Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden, Das Ronacher Therme & Spa Resort Best Restaurants : Restaurant Ofenloch, Kutsche Landhaus Restaurant Best Time To Visit: June-August How To Reach: There are direct trains between Graz and Neuhaus in Carinthia.

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16. Styria – Witness The Wildlife

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Wondering what to see in Austria in 7 days? Styria can be one of the options. It is a Southern state in Austria, popular for its wines and castles. This is a picturesque highly forested mountain region in Austria that has a very dramatic landscape. There are endless snow-capped mountains in the region that characterize the landscape of this place.

The Gesäuse National Park and the Herberstein Zoo are home to some of the indigenous and rare wildlife species in the region. The Baroque structure buildings in the region are also a highlight of Styria and are even more awesome during summer in Austria .

Ideal for: Sightseeing, wildlife Places To Visit: Kunsthaus Graz, Hauser Kaibling, Altstadt von Graz, Hochwurzen, Treppe ins Nichts, Gesäuse National Park, Styrassic Park Places To Stay : Schloss Pichlarn, Naturchalet Höflehner Best Restaurants : Pizzeria Roberts, K.U.K. Wirtshaus Best Time To Visit: June-August, September and October How To Reach: There are direct trains between Graz and Vienna. Graz is the capital of Styria.

17. Burgenland – Taste The Fine Wines

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Falling in Eastern Austria, Burgenland is one of the major wine-producing regions in the country. A highlight of this region is its lavish castles and other building structures from the 18th century. Go on a Vineyard tour or visit the village museum or explore Seewinkel National Park. Add this to your itinerary’s section of Austria best places to visit.

Ideal for: Sightseeing, wildlife, wine-tasting Places To Visit: Familypark Neusiedlersee, Dorfmuseum Monchhof, Schloss Esterhazy, Sonnentherme Lutzmannsburg Places To Stay : Falkensteiner Balance Resort Stegersbach, Country Lake Villa Best Restaurants : Heuriger – Restaurant Gruber – Hofleitner Best Time To Visit: All round the year How To Reach: There are direct buses between Vienna and Burgenland with decent frequency.

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18. Hallstatt – Scenic Lake Views

This is one of the most beautiful Austria tourist attractions as well as one of the most scenic places to visit in all of Europe. It’s essentially a small yet scenic town that sits near the Hallstatt lake overlooking its serene and clear blue waters. When you’re here, scenic beauty isn’t the only thing you’ll get. You can also indulge in some adventurous things to do in Hallstatt like rock climbing, hiking, boating, and see the charming attractions around the town like the Beinhaus (bone house) as well as the ice caves and salt caves.

Ideal for: History, architecture, adventure seekers Places To Visit: Hoher Dachstein, Salzkammergut, Salt Mine Hallstatt, Treppe ins Nichts Places To Stay : Heritage Hotel Hallstatt, Hallstatt Hideaway, Seehotel Grüner Baum Best Restaurants : Bräugasthof, Rudolfsturm, Seecafé Frundsberg Best Time To Visit: March-May, October-November How To Reach: Take a train from Salzburg to Attnang-Puchheim and then transfer to a local train heading towards Hallstatt.

19. Mostviertel – Old World Charm

Mostviertel is located in the lower regions of Austria and is among the most captivating cities to visit in Austria. It has everything to make your holiday a scenic and beautiful affair with rolling meadows, snow-laced rugged peaks, and Europe’s largest stretches of pear orchards. It’s mix of diverse landscapes is mind-blowing and it’s this chocolate box scenery that makes it an unmissable part of any Austria tour. So, if you wish to visit the Austria mountains as well as museums and monuments at the same time, then this is the place to be.

Ideal for: Skiing enthusiasts, history lovers Places To Visit: Donauradweg, Hagenbachklamm, Tulln Places To Stay : Hotel Kartause Gaming, Zur Linde Best Restaurants : Souvlaki Bar, Kastner Restaurant & Weinbar, Gasthaus zur Palme Best Time To Visit: May-October How To Reach: There are direct buses running between the two places.

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20. Alpbach – Skiing And Sledding

Alpbach has been voted one of the most beautiful places to visit in Austria in winter and there’s no doubt as to why. This is among the most scenic European villages tucked in the midst of majestic snow-capped Austrian Alps and offers the best places to go in Austria for skiing and sledging. Other than skiing, this town is also known for its unwavering Alpine tradition that can be experienced in its many picturesque wooden farmhouses, scenic cattle fields, and the skilled craftsmanship of the locals.

Ideal for: History, architecture, adventure seekers Places To Visit: Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, Church Alpbachtal, Alpbacher Talstation Wiedersbergerhornbahn, Lauserland Places To Stay : Bikepension Gästehaus Larch Alpbach, Alphof Hotel Alpbach Best Restaurants : Zirmalm, Gasthaus Jakober, Jausenstation Zottahof Best Time To Visit: August-September, February How To Reach: It is only 50 km from Innsbruck. You could arrange private or public transport from Innsbruck.

21. Eisenstadt – Postcard Perfect Sceneries

The capital of Burgenland, Eisenstadt is one of the most beautiful places to go in Austria since it is known for its rich history. The city was once home to the renowned 18th-century composer Joseph Haydn. Its baroque castles, manicured gardens, and historical museums make it a tourist-worthy destination in Austria. The cobbled streets, charming cafes and downtown areas will make an interesting feed for Instagram

Ideal For: History, Quaint cafes Places To Visit: Esterhazy Castle, Bergkirche, Schlosspark Eisenstadt, Franziskaner Kirche Places To Stay: Hotel Vicedom, Parkhotel Eisenstadt, Hotel Burgenland Eisenstadt Best Restaurants: Restaurant Villa-Antica, Haydnbrau, Ethno Best Time To Visit: September-November How To Reach: The best way to reach Eisenstadt from Vienna is by train or bus. It’s only 62 km from Vienna.

Suggested Read: Austria In December

22. Grossglockner High Alpine Road – Best Road Trip Ever

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If you are fond of road trips, then put Grossglockner High Alpine Road on your bucket list. It is one of the must visit places in Austria for nature and adventure lovers. The hairpin road passes through lush alpine meadows, snowfields, and daunting cliffs. The road is literally your gateway to escape into nature. You will find a number of vantage points along the road to admire the raw and breathtaking beauty of Austria.

Ideal For: Road trip, Nature lovers Places To Visit: Grossglockner National Park Places To Stay: Hotel Kasiervilla, Berghotel Hois, Hotel Romerhof Best Restaurants: Rossbach Alm – die Apres Skibar, Hotel-Restaurant Senger, Cafe Bar Laterndl Best Time To Visit: Closed between November-May How To Reach: You could take a train from Vienna to Grossglockner and then rent a car or an automobile to enjoy a road trip.

23. Lake Constance – Third Largest Lake In Europe

One of the best places in Austria, the ethereal beauty of Lake Constance will blow your mind away. The lake straddles in three countries; Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Not only is it the third largest lake in Europe but also one of the most picturesque sites on the continent. One can enjoy a day picnic relaxing and soaking in the beautiful views around. In winter, this place becomes famous for thermal baths. You could also go boating in the lake. So, if you want to explore major tourist places to visit in Austria in June, this Lake Constance should definitely come to your mind.

Ideal For: Picnic, Boating Places To Visit: Mainau, Konstanz Minster, Lindau Places To Stay: Hotel Maier, Seehaus Wellenhof, Hotel Seehof Best Restaurants: Papageno, Meera, Heinzler am See, Biohotel Mohren Best Time To Visit: All months except August How To Reach: You could take a direct flight from Vienna to Fredreichshafen to get to the lake.

Suggested Read: Villas In Austria

24. National Park Danube-Auen – Into The Wild

Recognized in 1996, National Park Danube-Auen is home to a variety of species of animals and plants. The park is sprawling across an area of 93 square kilometres where you can enjoy activities like bird watching, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking. The serene lake in the heart of the national park looks inviting and appealing to the eyes. This comes under the top 10 places to visit in Austria. Explore the scenic landscapes and lush greenery in this beautiful national park.

Ideal For: Birdwatching, Wildlife Photography Places To Visit: Josefstag, Napoleons Hauptquartier Lobau Places To Stay: Hotel Marc Aurel, Hotel Altes Kloster, Airport Hotel Deininger Best Restaurants: Gasthaus Binder, Haslauerhof, Jamie’s Deli Best Time To Visit:  Throughout the year How To Reach: The park can be reached from Vienna by local buses.

25. Gesause National Park – A Rock Climber’s Paradise

Are you a rock climber? If yes, then you would like to visit the Gesause National Park which is home to six mountains higher than 2000 m. it becomes a paradise for skiers in winter offering skiing slopes. As far as hiking is concerned, you will find more than 100 km of hiking trails in the park. The stunning scenery is bewildering to the senses. Enjoy rafting in the mighty Enns River that flows through the park. It is indeed one of the best places to visit in Austria in September.

Ideal For: Hiking, skiing, rock climbing Places to Visit : NA Places To Stay: Gesause-Lodge, Landgasthof Buchner, JUFA Hotel Schloss Rothelstein/Admont Best Restaurants: Genuss Region Gesause Edelwild Best Time To Visit: June to September How To Reach: The park offers soft mobility options. Check the official website for additional information.

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26. National Park Hohe Tauern – The Land Of Austria’s Superlatives

National Park Hohe Tauren is one Austria’s tourist attractions since it is the oldest and largest national park in Austria. A land of Australia’s superlatives, find the country’s largest mountains, glaciers, and forests in this national park. Spot beautiful and unique animal species. You could either explore the park on your own or join a tour guided by the park ranger.

Ideal For: Hiking, Mountaineering Places to Visit : NA Places To Stay: Heimat – Das Natur Resort, Gradonna Mountain Resort Chalets & Hotel, Natur Und Wanderhotel Outside Best Restaurants: Glocknerhaus, Edelweiss Hutte, Restaurant Kirchenwirt Best Time To Visit: Summer season i.e. June-August How To Reach: The best way to reach is by driving down here from Salzburg.

27. Seewinkel National Park – For Birdwatching

Discover the best of Austria and its nature at Seewinkel National Park. located between the Alps and Little Hungarian Plain, Seewinkel consists of a diversity of animal and plants species and landscapes. There are 340 types of bird species that you can spot on your birdwatching tour. It is one of the top places to visit in Austria with family.

Ideal For: Birdwatching, nature walk Places to Visit : NA Places To Stay: Hotel Weingut Rosenhof, Weingut Sekt & Wein – Walter Klein, Bliem’s Wohnreich Best Restaurants: Radlerkeller, Presshaus Ilmitz, Fasslkeller Fam Kroiss Best Time To Visit: Summer season i.e. June-July How To Reach: The best way is to drive here from Vienna. You could either rent a car or taxi. There are bus stops in Weiden/See and Podersdorf/See if you wish to take public transport.

Suggested Read: Austria’s Most Beautiful Spots

28. St Anton am Arlberg – Best Ski Village

If you are wondering where to go in Austria, then consider putting St Anton am Arlberg on your itinerary. The Austrian village is famous for having one of the best ski resorts in Austria where you can enjoy skiing on the fresh slopes. There are about 100 chairlifts at the resort along with a luxurious spa, indoor rock-climbing centre, and plenty of restaurants. The place boasts of amazing nightlife.

Ideal For: Skiing, nightlife Places To Visit: Valluga, Galzig, Sonnenkopf Places To Stay: Sporthotel St. Anton, Skihotel Galzig, Hotel Garni Ernst Falch Best Restaurants: Endlich, Galzig Bistrobar, The Museum Restaurant Best Time To Visit: December-March How To Reach: Request an airport transfer from Innsbruck or Zurich airport via car, bus or shuttle to your resort in the village. It’s only 75 minute-drive from Innsbruck Airport and two-hours away from Zurich Airport.

29. Vienna Woods – UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Image Credit: Wildfaces by Pixabay

What makes Vienna Woods one of the best places in Austria is its abundance of flora-fauna and proximity to the city. When locals want to get away from it all, they drive to Vienna Woods to spend some time in the lap of nature. It is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with home to 150 species of birds, 2000 animals, and various plants. The best part is that it is accessible from Vienna via public transport.

Ideal For: Nature getaway Places to Visit : NA Places To Stay: Ferienwohnung Vonwald, Hotel Ekazent Schönbrunn, Eventhotel Pyramide Best Restaurants: NA Best Time To Visit: April-May, September-October How To Reach: Vienna Woods is large consisting of multiple areas under its belt. You could take a train or bus to these respective point. Get on the bus 566 from Vienna central station to get to Laxenburg Castle Gardens.

Suggested Read: Best Honeymoon Destinations In Europe In Winter

30. Krems – Explore Nature And History

One of the top places to see in Austria is Krems, one of the oldest cities dating back to 995 AD. You can explore a millennium of history in the form of old churches, monasteries, streets and squares. Another great thing to admire in Krems is the fortification structures and burgher houses. A stroll through the streets is going to be such a refreshing experience for you, eating at one of the finest Austrian restaurants , and cafes, and exploring attractions.

Ideal for : Sightseeing, exploring historical sites Places To Visit : Kunsthalle Krems, State Gallery of Lower Austria, Göttweig Abbey, Karikaturmuseum Krems, Steiner Tor Places To Stay : Orange Wings Hotel Krems, Gasthof Klinglhuber Best Restaurants : Gasthaus Jell, Schwarze Kuchl, 2Stein Best Time To Visit : All year round How To Reach : The average journey time to travel between Vienna and Krems an der Donau is 1 hour and 10 minutes, via train. There are approximately 50 trains that run on a daily basis, so the travelling part is easy here.

31. Linz – Creative Capital

Linz is the international creative capital of culture arts and one of the best places in Austria . A contemporary city located on the banks of river Danube. A nice walk along the river with a range of cultural attractions and events will keep you entertained and energized in this beautiful city in Austria. With a great number of stunning architecture and historical buildings, Linz has over the time, been ignored and is usually not the first place that comes to mind when visiting Austria. It’s a modern city which is also the third largest in Vienna and housing some of the best hotels in Austria .

Ideal for : Sightseeing, exploring the culture Places To Visit : Linz’s main square, Schlossmuseum Linz, Pöstlingbergbahn, Ars Electronica Center, The New Cathedral, Grottenbahn Places To Stay : Jugendgästehaus Linz, Courtyard by Marriott Linz, Harry’s Home Linz Best Restaurants : Gościnna Chata, Verdi-Restaurant-Einkehr, Restaurant Rauner Best Time To Visit : May to September How To Reach : Plenty of trains from the capital city, Vienna, ply on a regular basis to Linz. In case you are looking for more exploration, then a ferry ride is also feasible when visiting the city of Linz.

Suggested Read: Austria In May

32. Schonbrunn Palace – Heritage Of Austria

Thinking where to go in Austria? Well, if you are into palaces and all, then this is for you. It is one of the most royal places to visit in Vienna. The palace is a UNESCO World heritage site, so it should be on your bucket list. As you walk into the palace, you will feel the vibes of its royalty. The palace also offers heartwarming attractions like Privy Garden which is full of lush greenery.

Ideal for: History, Architecture Places to Visit: Schonbrunn Palace Places to Stay: Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn Wien, Aparthotel Adagio Vienna City Best Restaurants: Der Gockel, Kutscher G’woelb, Joseph II. – Das Schloss-Restaurant Schonbrunn Best Time To Visit: April to May, September to October How To Reach: There are many trams and buses that go till Schonbrun palace.

33. Vienna State Opera – Rendezvous With The Culture

Vienna state opera is one of the top places in Austria for the culture vultures. If you are interested in art and culture, then this will definitely fascinate you. Firstly, the very structure of the museum will grab your attention. You can take a tour of the museum and learn about the culture of the city in detail here.

Ideal for: Culture, Architecture Places To Visit: Vienna State Opera Places to Stay: The Amauris Vienna – Relais & Châteaux, Mar Suite Apartments – Center Best Restaurants: You Vienna, Bristol Lounge, Bristol Bar, Hard Rock Cafe – Vienna Best Time To Visit: April to May, September to October How To Reach: There are many trams till Vienna State Opera

Suggested Read: Austria In November

34. Eisriesenwelt Cave – A Unique Attraction

There are many places in Austria to visit while you are holidaying there. One of them is Eisriesenwelt Cave. It is one of the most outlandish and mysterious attractions in the country. You will have to go several steps down in order to reach the cave. The cave is surrounded by ice all over and will give you a thrilling experience like never before. If you wish to explore unique places to visit in Austria, don’t forget to visit Eisriesenwelt Cave.

Ideal for: Adventure, Nature Places To Visit: Eisriesenwelt Cave Places to Stay: Berghotel Garni Burgblick, Hotel Adler Best Restaurants: Restaurant Obauer, Berggasthof Zaismann, Gasthaus zum Eisenwerk Best Time To Visit: September to October, April to May How To Reach: There are many buses to go to the cave

Further Read: Salzburg Hotels

Though we’ve included the best places to visit in Austria, there is so much more to experience in this beautiful country and in Europe too! To help you plan your perfect vacation, we would recommend you plan a trip to Austria with TravelTriangle and enjoy a customized holiday just like you have always desired or dreamt of. Happy traveling!

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here . Cover Image Source: Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Austria

Which are some of the safest places to visit in Austria for families with kids?

Austria encompasses a multitude of awe-inspiring places which one can visit with family. Some of the most picturesque and safe places to visit in Austria for families with little ones are: 1. Graz 2. Bregenz 3. Vienna 4. Innsbruck 5. Klagenfurt

Which are some of the must-visit places in Austria for couples?

Austria is home to majestic landmarks, fascinating cities, and charming towns. Amid the plethora of captivating places to visit in Austria, some of the must-visit attractions for couples are: 1. Vienna 2. Salzburg 3. Bad Gastein 4. Feldkirch 5. Hallstatt 6. Innsbruck

Which are the best places to visit in Austria?

There are various places in Austria that you must visit for a memorable vacation in this European country: 1. Innsbruck 2. Salzkammergut 3. Salzburg 4. Vienna 5. Zell am See

Which is the most beautiful city in Austria?

You won’t find one but many towns in the country of Austria that are a true beauty like: 1. Hallstatt Village 2. Innsbruck 3. Bad Gastein 4. Alpbach 5. Durnstein

What is the best way to travel around in Austria?

For a hassle-free travel experience, you should travel around Austria in a train. The Austrian Federal Railways operate the trains in this country.

What is a typical Austrian breakfast?

A typical Austrian breakfast is high in nutrients and the most popular Austrian food includes cooked eggs, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, smoked bacon, sausages, beans, and hash browns.

Which is the best time to visit Austria?

April, May, September & October are the best months to visit Austria.

What should I buy in Austria?

Some of the best souvenirs to get back from Austria are the Mozart Balls and Austrian Beer Glasses.

Is Vienna easy to walk around?

Yes, if you like walking, then you can cover a major part of Vienna on foot. So, do not forget to pack a pair of comfortable shoes.

When does it snow in Austria?

One can expect snow in Vienna from late December till March.

What is Austria famous for?

Austria is known for castles, palaces, historical buildings and unique structures that speak of its glorious history.

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20+ Austria Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: July 6, 2023

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Despite its relatively small size, Austria is a country packed to the brim with sights – from majestic mountains and opulent palaces to elegant cities and more stunning cakes than you could ever eat in one lifetime.

… it’s also full of potential culture shocks and silly travel mistakes.

I used to live just across the border in Munich, so over the years I’ve gotten to know Austria fairly well… the hard way! Namely by bumbling around, committing the faux pas and embarrassing myself in the name of research.

But luckily, you’re here just in time to prepare for Austria the easy way – by reading my full list of Austria travel tips, collected over years of first hand experience (and many a starry-eyed day trip from Munich to Salzburg ).

So, from avoiding saucy schnitzels to preparing for naked saunas, here are a few weirdly specific must-knows before you visit Austria. I hope you find it helpful!

Save this list of Austria Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Remember: Austria ≠ Australia

We’ll start with a silly Austria tip, and one that I (frankly) cannot believe needs saying.

But from US presidents to famous news outlets , it’s a gaffe that pops up time and time again, so, just to make sure we’re all on the same page… Austria is a country in Central Europe, and completely different to Australia, the Southern Hemisphere country famed for its kangaroos and koalas.

Walk around Austria for even a few minutes and you’ll come across silly souvenirs mocking this confusion, and probably a tour guide or two telling a joke about it.

So, again, before you start planning that Austria trip, make sure it’s mountains, schnitzel and Sound of Music you’re looking for, not the Outback, Didgeridoos, and giant spiders that hide in your shoes.

2. Never mistake Austrians for Germans

Just as Austria and Australia are (shockingly) not the same country, the same goes for Austria and its neighbour, Germany.

A very important Austrian etiquette tip I must shout from the rooftops is simply this: Austrians don’t take kindly to being mistaken for German.

So, remember to never say that Germany and Austria are the same, or make jokes about Germans and Austrians being the same. At best, they’ll laugh it off, at worst, you’ll cause legitimate offense.

Sure the two countries share a language and there are (admittedly) similarities, but Austrians are really proud of their country and don’t love it when people just dismiss them as the exact same as Germany, so keep that in mind.

As a Canadian who’s frequently mistaken for American, I totally get it.

3. Be sure to add Austria’s nature spots to your itinerary

Now in terms of where to go in Austria, I find that overseas visitors often gravitate towards the country’s most famous cities, Vienna and Salzburg.

But there is SO much more to explore beyond that, especially Austria’s natural marvels, which many overseas visitors miss. In fact, it’s often Austria that Europeans choose for their nature-forward holidays (whether it be for skiing or hiking), so don’t miss out!

Filled with soaring mountains, glimmering lakes, and charming swathes of countryside, Austria is (in many ways) a more budget-friendly version of Switzerland, so I highly recommend extending your time and expanding your itinerary to include at least a day trip or two to take in some of these incredible natural landscapes.

There’s the valleys and waterfalls of Salzburgerland, the alpine majesty of Tyrol’s nature parks, the beautiful lakes of Carinthia, along with more under-the-radar picks like the Bregenzerwald in Vorarlberg (which offers amazing mountains and cute alpine towns).

All that to say – there’s plenty of amazing nature to be enjoyed in Austria, so don’t just limit yourself to cities.

4. Seek out new destinations by reading Austrian websites

On that note, if you are open to visiting more offbeat places during your Austria trip, one thing I can highly recommend is doing your research on local Austrian websites.

In my opinion, there’s quite a big difference between the Austrian destinations that international tourists visit and the destinations that domestic tourists visit.

Both are great, but if you want to explore beyond the most famous sights, then reading Austrian blogs to see where locals vacation is a good starting point.

NOTE: This is also a great way to discover more offbeat things to do in individual cities as well. For instance, if I wanted to find more alternative things to do in Graz , I might browse local blogs/event websites to find pop-up events or unique festivals.

5. Don’t miss Austria’s Christmas markets

I know that neighbouring Germany is probably the best known country in the world for Christmas markets, but Austria has a fair few incredible gems too, often with far thinner international crowds.

So, if you’re looking for a magical winter destination in Europe, consider pencilling in some Austrian Christmas Markets between mid November to Christmas.

6. Learn the basics in German

In terms of which language to panic-learn before your trip, German is the official language of Austria, so that’s what everyone will speak.

In larger cities, it won’t be tough to get by with English, but it may be more difficult in the countryside.

In any case, it’s good to at least know the basics, like…

• Hello – Hallo (Ha-low!) or Grüß Gott (Grewss-got!)
• Thank you – Danke (Dahn-keh)

NOTE: The German spoken in Austria can sound very different depending on where you are because there’s a lot of different regional dialects, so don’t be surprised if you have trouble understanding locals (or vice versa). It’s all part of the fun!

7. Only rent a car if you plan to do nature trips

If your trip mainly consists of city to city travel, then I’d advise relying on public transport to save yourself the headache of driving.

Public transport is amazing in Austria, so you’ll have no trouble getting around, both from place to place and also within cities themselves.

But, if you plan to do a lot of more offbeat nature spots to see mountains, lakes and national parks, then having a car would be ideal. Be sure to check out my considerations before renting a car in Europe if that’s the case.

Of course, a more convenient alternative would be to book day tours to nature spots from the city you’re staying in – that way you can simply drool in the back seat while you see all the landscapes, without the stress of navigating.

8. Get a vignette if you’re driving

If you do plan to rent a car however, one important Austria must-know is you’ll need a vignette.

This is a sticker that you must buy for your car in order to use the country’s motorways. Failure to procure one means an aggressive fine in the mail weeks after the fact. (Ask me how I know that).

IMPORTANT: Make sure this sticker is purchased and adhered to the car before you enter the country because there are automatic scanners that look for them at the border… so you may get fined even if you buy one upon entry. (Again, ask me how I know that)

9. Understand that public transport is on an honour system

Unlike other countries which have fare gates and other measures in place to ensure you pay, public transport in Austria works on a very trusting honour system where you are responsible for buying your own ticket, and only need to show it if you are asked to (via random controls).

So, make sure you always buy the right ticket and validate it properly in case you get checked!

10. Learn the tricks to saving money on Austrian trains

Train travel is one of my personal favourite ways of getting around Austria. If you are new to train travel in Europe, then be sure to read my step by step guide to get acquainted, and scope out my favourite scenic train rides while you’re at it.

After you’ve decided that you do want to glide elegantly across the country by rail, then there are a few different ways to save money on tickets:

• Einfach-Raus-Ticket: A group ticket that gives you unlimited travel for a day on all local/regional trains across Austria. The more people you have, the cheaper it works out to be per person. Great for group day trips!
• Regional Tickets/Offers: Special passes that give you unlimited travel for a day on local/regional trains for a particular region/area. Great for day trips in a smaller area!
• Eurail: A rail pass that covers train travel across most European countries. Great only in certain instances, i.e. when you are visiting many countries and want flexibility/spontaneity. I explain more in my full Eurail review.

11. Sorry – Austrians do not know the Sound of Music

I hate to be the bearer of bad news.

And trust me – as someone who grew up watching the Sound of Music religiously every Christmas, this fact is definitely not one of my favourite things, but here goes…

Austrians do not really care about the Sound of Music. It’s not a classic film for them, they have no nostalgia tied to it, and (frankly) many of them don’t even like it.

So, when you head to Salzburg for your big Sound of Music pilgrimage, just know that your enthusiasm is probably best shared among your fellow tourists, rather than among locals.

12. Remember “W” is pronounced like V

In terms of language, a good thing to remember is that the letter W in German is pronounced like a V so if you’re saying any words or names, say it with a “Vuh” sound.

In Austria, the most prominent example would be the German name of Vienna which is spelled Wien, but pronounced “Veen”.

You’ll catch this pronunciation trap in the city’s most popular dish too -Wiener Schnitzel. So remember: if you do decide to indulge in this fried slab of goodness during your trip, order it as a “Veen-uh” schnitzel and not “Weeeeee-ner” schnitzel.

13. Avoid catching locals in photos/videos without their consent

Upon arrival in Austria, your first instinct may be to whip out your phone and capture as many of those beautiful sights as possible, to the chagrin of your 52 Instagram followers.

But just a quick note before you do that – Austrians can be very private people who don’t like having their photograph taken without consent.

So, a very important Austrian etiquette tip is to be mindful of others’ privacy and try not to blatantly take photos that might accidentally catch someone’s face head on. 

14. Don’t be alarmed if you catch people staring at you

While taking photos of others’ faces is considered very rude, one thing that isn’t is… staring.

To the shock of many first time visitors, Austrians don’t mind staring. So you could very well be sitting on the bus, minding your own business, only to feel the stony stare of a stranger who is (rather shamelessly) staring at you while you just try to peacefully exist.

Can it be jarring? Of course! But don’t worry – it’s just a cultural difference where they don’t consider staring to be a rude practice. Think of it as just them perceiving you (or if it helps your confidence, pretend it’s because you’re wowing them with your stunning face).

15. Learn how to tip in Austria

In terms of tips, tipping culture in Austria is definitely not as aggressive as in North America.

For good service you’ll tend to tip 5-10%, usually rounding up to a number that makes sense so if your meal was 45 euro, you might hand them 50. 

What’s worth noting though is that tipping works a little differently here.

For instance, you wouldn’t just leave money on the table after the meal. Instead, you have to tell them how much you intend to pay in total (including tip) as you hand over your cash or card.

So let’s imagine that (including tip), you want to pay 40 euro. In this instance, you would say “40” as you hand over your cash or your card, and then they’ll give you the appropriate change.

If you want them to just keep the change, then you hand your cash over and say “Stimmt So!”, and they’ll know to just keep the whole thing.

16. Be prepared for a different style of customer service

Now in terms of culture, it is often said that Austrians can seem cold and direct. I personally haven’t had this experience as much, but maybe I’ve just been lucky. (And tend to surround myself with the drunk ones ).

Anyways, what I will concede though is that Austrian customer service is very different from typical North American customer service.

In contrast to typical North American service which involves being bright, cheery, friendly and hands on, Austrian customer service is usually a lot less animated, and to someone who’s not used to it, it may even seem like you’re being ignored on purpose.

The way I’ve had this explained to me though is that Austrians just really value their privacy, hence why they take such a hands-off approach.

At a restaurant for example, the server will come, take your order and then leave you alone, hence why you need to flag them down if you want anything, because they consider constant check-ins a rude interruption.

So, don’t take ‘colder’ customer service personally – it’s just another one of those cultural differences.

17. Prepare for nude saunas and public nudity areas

Another fun cultural difference? The Austrian approach to nudity!

Namely, that they’re very into it.

If you go to a sauna in Austria for instance, it’s very much expected that you go naked (for sanitary reasons), and there’s often designated nude (FKK) zones at lakes and swimming areas as well.

Add on the fairly common occurrence of both men and women alike sunbathing topless, and you have a sure recipe for culture shock. So, if you’re from a part of the world where this kinda bare-it-all attitude isn’t common, just remember it’s normal here, so adapt accordingly.

18. Eat as much dessert as humanly possible

An easier thing to adapt to perhaps is the absolutely WONDER that is Austria’s sweet scene.

Truly, Austrians are masters of dessert.

While North Americans will have no doubt heard of strudel or the famous Sacher Torte, there are SO MANY more options than those. My personal favourite is the Esterházytorte which is originally Hungarian but is commonly found in Vienna these days too, or the almighty Kaiserschmarrn, shredded pancakes served with jam or apple sauce.

With hundreds of options and special regional desserts all over, I’d recommend you simply go to a coffee house or bakery and let your senses guide you.

19. Try regional specialties wherever you are

While overseas visitors often think of Austrian food as simply schnitzel and not much else, the truth is there’s a lot of culinary variety across the country, so choose your eats accordingly.

For instance, Styria is known for its crispy fried chicken (Backhendl) and delicious pumpkin seed oil. Some alpine regions are also known for their hearty eats like Käsespätzle, bouncy little dumplings slathered with cheese and onions.

Other regions do a lot of fish dishes, others work miracles with potatoes – all to say be sure to try the local specialties wherever you are.

20. Don’t miss out on Austrian wine

Despite its proximity to Germany, Austria is definitely more of a wine country than a beer country, so take advantage of all the crisp and delicious wines that they have to offer.

Or better yet – book yourself a trip to a wine region to enjoy it close to the source! South Styria is one of my favourite areas of Austria.

21. Try Almdudler

And if you’re looking for a soft drink to try in Austria, make sure you grab yourself a refreshing Almdudler.

Besides being fun to say, it’s a remarkably tasty soda made with alpine herbs, and is often considered the national drink of Austria.

22. Don’t order schnitzel with sauce

A proper Austrian schnitzel requires little more than a quick squeeze of lemon juice. Anything more is often considered akin to sacrilege, so keep that in mind before your slather your schnitzel in mushroom sauce (which I fear to admit was actually a common thing I did in Germany).

And for my fellow Sound of Music fans, no, sadly ‘schnitzel with noodles’ is not a thing. Why is it in the song then? I imagine it’s likely because few things rhyme with “potato salad”.

23. Bring cash 

While many more places accept card payments these days in Austria, paying with cash is often still the norm, especially for smaller purchases, so having cash is always a good idea, preferably in smaller denominations like 50 euro bills or smaller.

24. Prepare to pay for public bathrooms

Another important Austria travel tip is to bring coins with you wherever you go.

That’s because public bathrooms usually charge a small fee of 50 cents or a euro, so make sure you have some coins with you in case of an emergency.

25. Do not jaywalk

In Austria, the only crime worse than saucing up your schnitzel is crossing the street when you’re not supposed to.

No – really – jaywalking is not only illegal in Austria, it’s actually enforced (albeit kind of randomly), so err on the side of caution and avoid it if possible.

26. Remember that most shops are closed on Sundays

Last but not least, a very important Austria travel tip if your visit coincides with a Sunday is that Sundays are considered a day of rest in Austria so shops (including grocery stores) are closed.

That said, be sure to stock up on any shopping before Sunday, although in a pinch, bakeries, restaurants, gas stations and shops in transit hubs will usually still be open.

I hope this list of Austria travel tips was helpful!

If you’re here after all those Austrian travel tips, congrats – I’m beyond proud of you! Hopefully by now, you’ll feel much more prepared for your big Austria trip, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

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50 things you need to know before traveling to Austria

Austria is one of our favorite destinations in Europe . It has beautiful natural landscapes, historic cities, impressive architecture, and fabulous landmarks, and it is one of the best places in the world to explore classical culture and art. Naturally, it is a very popular country among travelers.

In this guide, we will help you plan a fabulous trip to Austria by providing travel tips that allow you to travel easily, and stress-free while making the most of what the country has to offer. And believe us, it has more than enough.

So, and to make this information easy to understand, we created the 50 things you need to know before traveling to Austria while peeking at the best destinations and monuments, how to interact with locals, the best ways to travel, expected costs, ways to save, and much more…

Page Contents

About Austria and the Austrians

#1 With only 83,872 km2, Austria is a relatively small country. Located in the center of Europe, it is landlocked and borders Germany and Czechia to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Italy and Slovenia to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west.

#2 Austria is extremely mountainous, especially in the western regions. Marked by the Alps, more than 65% of the country is at an altitude above 500 meters; the highest point is the Grossglockner, with 3,797 meters of altitude.

#3 Austria is one of the world’s richest and most developed countries, and this is visible everywhere. Not because of the luxury and ostentation but for the organization, cleanliness, and quality of life that is always present.

With a Gross Domestic Product per capita PPP (purchasing power parity) of 60,418 international dollars, Austria is the 14th richest country in the world. In terms of human development, Austria ranked 18th in 2018.

How are Austrians like

#4 Despite its small size, Austria has almost 8.9 million inhabitants, of which 1.8 million (2.8 if we include the metropolitan area) live in Vienna, the capital and largest city. All other Austrian cities are much smaller, the main ones being: Salzburg, Linz, Graz, and Innsbruck.

#5 German is the official language, and virtually everyone in Austria speaks German, however, there are some regional languages ​​, such as Croatian, Hungarian, and Slovenian, close to the respective borders. The German dialect of Austria is very similar to the Bavarian.

If you speak some German, even just a few words, it will be greatly appreciated. It also helps a lot when you need to follow basic directions and road signs.

#6 But even if you don’t speak any German, a large part of Austria’s population speaks English. In big cities and tourist areas, then, you won’t have any problems. In some more hidden areas that receive few foreigners, you may have a few more problems, but nothing that can’t be solved.

#7 Be that as it may, we always suggest that you learn some expressions in German, as in almost all other countries, locals like tourists to make an effort to communicate in their language.

• Hello – Hallo;
• Good morning/afternoon/evening – guten morgan if it’s morning; guten tag from noon to dusk (but can be used all day); guten abend (after dark)
• Please – Bitte;
• Thank you – Danke;
• Goodbye – Auf Wiedersehen or Tschüss;

#8 Our experience dealing with the Austrians has always been pretty positive. Despite having a reputation for being cold or distant, they are always very helpful and friendly.

They are not Latinos, but they are very attentive, and if they see us having difficulties doing something, they take the initiative to ask if we need help. In this sense, the Austrians are similar to the Germans in Bavaria.

#9 This brings us to one thing that Austrians really don’t like. Never call an Austrian a German, or confuse Austria with Germany. Although to an outsider, there are many similarities (and especially with Bavaria), confusing or mixing Austria with Germany is a serious faux pas .

In short, they speak German, but they are not German 🙂

#10 One ​​of the things everyone remembers when talking about Austria is the Habsburgs, the former Austrian royal family. For hundreds of years, the Habsburgs were one of the most influential families in all of Europe, making Austria and, subsequently, the Austro-Hungarian Empire one of the main European powers.

The Habsburgs were also well-known patrons of art and science, and this made Austria and particularly Vienna, one of the main European cities, even rivaling Paris at times.

#11 The Austro-Hungarian Empire was really a huge country that dominated almost all of east-central Europe. This domain ended with the first world war, but many of Austria’s main tourist attractions and monuments were created during this time.

Austria-Hungary included (partially or fully) territories of present-day Austria, Hungary , the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Romania , Slovenia, Croatia , and Serbia.

See here for this and other things Austria is so famous for

Weather in Austria

#12 In general, the climate in Austria is continental, with cold and relatively dry winters and hot and rainy summers. In alpine areas, precipitation is higher, and temperatures are lower.

Winters are quite cold throughout Austria, even in Vienna and the Danube Valley, where the average temperature is around 0 degrees. In the valleys, the temperatures are even lower, and in the mountains, much lower.

During the summer, temperatures are pleasant in the valleys and Vienna, but at night it gets quite cold. In Vienna, the average highs reach 25/26º Celsius. Some summer storms with rain and thunderstorms are usual.

When to travel to Austria?

#13 Austria is a tourist destination all year round, offering interesting winter and summer activities. The high season is undoubtedly summer, especially in Vienna and Salzburg. So, the best time to travel to Austria depends greatly on your purpose.

If you want to go skiing, then it will have to be in winter, preferably at the end, with February, March, and April probably the best months. Otherwise, generally, the best time of year to travel in Austria is in May/June and then in September and early October. Afterward, it can start to be very cold.

In July/August, the temperatures are higher, but it is more likely to get rain, especially for crowds in more touristy places.

Is it safe to travel in Austria?

#14 Austria is a very safe country, where you will hardly find crime, let alone violent crime. However, as in all countries, it is necessary to pay attention when on public transport and near major tourist attractions, as scams and pickpockets are always possible.

We never felt the least bit in danger in Austria and always felt quite safe, even walking at night. Our experience in Austria has been nothing but positive regarding safety.

In the Alps, it is necessary to pay special attention to rapid changes in weather, avalanches and not get lost on mountain trails.

Travel in Austria

Tourists in austria.

#15 Austria is a very popular destination, receiving millions of tourists every year. With about 32 million international arrivals, it was the 7th most visited country in 2019, generating almost 23 billion dollars. By comparison, Portugal received almost 25 million tourists.

Most tourists in Austria are European, namely from Germany and the Netherlands . The main tourist regions in Austria are Tyrol, Vienna, and Salzburg. As we said initially, it is a popular destination throughout the year, with peaks in winter (February) and summer (August).

UNESCO Heritage in Austria

#16 Austria has 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some shared with other European countries. Of these ten places, nine are cultural heritage, and only one is natural heritage. You can check the full list here.

In addition to these sites, Austria also has several traditions and cultures that have been considered an intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO, such as the Spanish riding school, the Viennese coffee culture, and the Schemenlaufen, also known as the Carnival of Imst.

Where to go in Austria

#17 At first glance, we might think that the most popular tourist destination in Austria would be Vienna, but the truth is that the region that receives the most tourists is Tyrol. The Tyrol area is popular both in winter and summer, as it is of extraordinary natural beauty. In conjunction with northern Georgia is the most beautiful mountainous region we have ever visited.

If in winter, tourists seek out ski resorts and après-ski activities. Austria has some of the best winter destinations in the world with Kitzbühel Ski Resort at the top of the list.

In summer, there are many incredible walking and cycling trails in the moutains.

#18 Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and one of the largest cities in the Alps and, therefore, the gateway to the entire region and the Alps. However, Innsbruck is more than just a gateway.

Located by the Inn River, it is surrounded by mountains over 2000 meters high, and it is a hub for skiing and other mountain activities such as mountain biking and trails. But the city of Innsbruck itself has many tourist attractions, such as:

• Goldenes Dachl – the golden roof
• Imperial Hofburg Palace – official residence of the imperial family in Innsbruck and one of the most culturally important buildings in Austria
• Schloss Ambras – an impressive palace
• Hofkirche – one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Austria and with the impressive tomb of Maximilian I inside

#19 Vienna is one of the most fascinating European capitals. In terms of architectural wealth, it’s really our favorite. The amount of impressive buildings is incredible, and sometimes it even becomes exhausting because, at every turn, you discover a new museum, a new baroque church, and another historic building or monument.

In our opinion, you should take at least three days to visit Vienna because it really is a city that impresses and concentrates a good part of the most famous Austrian Landmarks.

#20 But in addition to all the monuments, Vienna also has some unique or almost unique characteristics, which end up turning into unforgettable activities for visitors.

Vienna is the capital of classical music, so visiting the Vienna State Opera or the classical music concert is an experience not to be missed, even if you are not a big music fan. Going to the Spanish Riding School and seeing the famous Lipizzans horses is also an amazing experience. In addition to the beautiful building itself, attending a training session or a show is something unique.

#21 Salzburg is another of the best-known and most popular destinations in Austria. The historic center of Salzburg is considered one of the best-preserved among German cities and has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1997.

There are several imposing monuments in Salzburg, such as the Hohensalzburg fortress, the Mirabell palace, the Getreidegasse, and its typical signs, the Hellbrunn castle, among others.

#22 However, Salzburg (and consequently Austria) is very well known for something completely different, the film and “ the sound of music .”

This famous film was shot in Salzburg and the mountains around it and is one of the reasons why they are so popular and so well known. So if you’re in Salzburg and feel like you’ve been there, that’s probably why.

#23 Hallstatt is a small village on the shore of Hallstatt Lake. It is one of those one-street villages, but it is one of the most popular destinations in Austria as it is incredibly picturesque, nestled between the mountains and the lake.

Near Hallstatt, we have several other tourist attractions, such as the five fingers viewpoint, the Mammoth Cave, Dachstein ice caves, and salt caves.

Hallstatt is so tiny and popular that sometimes the large crowds crammed into such a small space make a visit during the high season unpleasant. So if you can, go in mid or low-season.

#24 Graz is the second-largest city in Austria, but don’t think it’s a big city or receives the same tourists as Vienna or Salzburg. It has only about 300 000 inhabitants. It is a historic city with Roman and Slovenian roots and was declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1999.

The city’s main attraction is its over 1000 historic buildings, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. It is a picturesque city and well worth visiting for anyone who likes history and architecture.

#25 Despite all the destinations and activities mentioned above, the great landmarks impress us most in Austria. Most of these are from the imperial period, but there are also some natural and from other periods. The best known is the aforementioned Schonbrunn Palace on the outskirts of Vienna, but there are dozens or hundreds of monuments worth visiting in Austria.

In collaboration with some bloggers, we made an article exclusively about the most famous Austrian landmarks . When planning your itinerary, don’t forget to try to include as many monuments as possible on this list. It is well worth it.

What to eat in Austria?

#26 Despite being a rather small country, Austria has an incredible variety of traditional dishes that have been influenced by a wide variety of Central European cuisines. This diversity comes mainly from the time of imperial Austria when they, directly and indirectly, dominated a large part of central Europe.

Thus, some of Austria’s most popular dishes are shared with its neighbors, while others were heavily influenced by each of the lands of the former Austro-Hungarian empire and sometimes even further afield.

#27 In this article, we will not differentiate between Austrian and Viennese cuisine, however, they are considered two different cuisines. Viennese cuisine shares many characteristics with Austrian cuisine, but it developed separately and with some peculiarities of its own.

Viennese pastries and Schnitzel are some of the most popular dishes in Viennese cuisine, but in this article, we are not going to differentiate their origin but talk a little about the foods not to be missed in Austria.

Typical dishes to eat in Austria

#28 The Viennese schnitzel is Austria’s national dish, and eating it in Vienna is one of the experiences not to be missed. Its origin is unknown, but it is understood that it was not invented in Austria. However, it has become the most popular dish in the country.

A Schnitzel is a dish made with a slice of meat, breaded and fried. The meat is normally pounded to make it thin and tender. The Viennese schnitzel uses veal ribs, which should be very tender and extend throughout the dish. The outer, breaded part should be crispy.

#29 Another extremely popular dish in Austria is Tafelspitz. So popular that it is also sometimes considered the national dish. It is well-known for being one of the emperor’s favorite dishes, but it is a very simple dish.

Tafelspitz consists of beef cut into slices and cooked in a spice and vegetable broth. It is served with chopped apples and horseradish or sour cream with chives. It is a dish with a lot of substance and of humble origins, but it has become one of the mainstays of Austrian food.

#30 In terms of sweets, apfelstrudel is probably the most popular dessert in Austria and other countries in the Austro-Hungarian empire. Essentially, it consists of an oblong pastry with an apple filling. The filling is made with gratin apple, sugar, cinnamon, and bread crumbs (sometimes, it also includes raisins and walnuts). The dough is similar to filo dough in that it is thin, elastic, unfermented, and layered.

This is a very old recipe, there is even a recipe from the 17th century in Vienna’s town hall. Today you can find apfelstrudel in practically every Austrian café and bakery.

#31 The Sacher torte is completely different in content and origin. Franz Sacher invented it in 1832 in Vienna and consists of a dense chocolate cake with two layers of apricot jam between the chocolate icing and the cake. Traditionally it is served with unsweetened whipped cream.

Sacher torte is a Hotel Sacher secret, and the original pie can only be purchased at Hotel Sacher, Cafés Sacher, or online.

#32 The Viennese Café or Eispänner is also very popular. It is a drink served in a tall glass and consists of a double espresso with a good amount of whipped cream on top, which is then covered with powdered sugar and cocoa powder. This is perhaps the most iconic drink of the famous coffee houses in Vienna .

#33 Typical Vienna cafes are really the best places to try Eispänner. First of all, the most typical are beautiful places, very traditional, but full of style. Second, because the drink is excellent. For those who like coffee, it’s an experience not to be missed.

Finally, and perhaps even more important because they have an excellent atmosphere and a very unique culture, where in addition to consuming the products, you should also enjoy the time you spend there, which is why it is also an experience in itself.

It is not by chance that UNESCO declared this culture of the experience of going to these cafes an intangible heritage of humanity. It is often said these cafes in Vienna are the places where “time and space are consumed, but only the coffee appears on the bill”.

We explore this culture a little more in point 16 of this article about Austria

Money and costs of traveling to Austria

Currency, withdrawals, and payments.

# 34 Austria is a founding member of the Eurozone , so if you come from another Euro country, you won’t have to worry about currency exchanges and exchange rates. You also don’t have to worry about currency exchange costs. You can withdraw money or make payments without any foreign currency charges.

#35 However, despite not having exchange commissions to pay, it doesn’t mean that you don’t pay commissions at ATMs, as there may be ATMs that charge per withdrawal. To avoid this cost, you can simply make payments directly with a debit/credit card.

So, our suggestion to save on commissions and similar is to use a Eurozone (if possible) card to make all possible payments. If you need to withdraw money, withdraw as much as possible and pay attention to the information on the screen as it is mandatory by law to come there with cost information.

Costs of traveling in Austria

#36 One of the things you need to know before traveling to Austria is that it is a very expensive country to travel to, almost on the level of Israel , the Netherlands, and the Nordics. It is, therefore, much more expensive than Portugal or Spain , and it doesn’t even compare to most Eastern European countries. Since the average cost of living is also one of the most expensive in Europe, almost all day-to-day expenses are a little more expensive than elsewhere.

It is difficult to predict how much you will spend per day, as it depends a lot on what type of traveler you are. In our experience, almost always as backpackers, we have spent around 60 Euros per person per day. However, it is quite easy to reach 150 or 200 Euros a day without splurging too much because, in high season, the prices increase greatly in the most popular places.

#37 As with most places, accommodation is one of the biggest slices of travel costs. A bed in a cheap hostel in Vienna or Salzburg will cost at very least 20 Euros a day in Austria. While a room for two in a cheap hotel will cost 50-100 Euros, an average hotel can cost between 100 and 200 Euros, and a luxury hotel hardly ever costs below 200 Euros a day. These prices may be even higher at the peak of the high season.

In Austria, we suggest you use booking.com to book accommodation as it has an immense variety of hotels, guest houses, hostels, and even local accommodations, at the best prices.

#38 One of our favorite ways to save a few bucks is to eat only one restaurant meal per day, opting for another fast-food (not necessarily pizza or hamburger), street food, or supermarket for the other meal. It’s a kind of 3 in 1, you save money, you waste less time, and you can go to the supermarkets to see what the locals usually buy.

#39 As we said before, one of Austria’s biggest attractions is the museums and famous historical monuments . However, practically all these places have paid admission, and the tickets tend not to be cheap at all, so they accumulate, and at the end of the week, they weigh on the budget.

Obviously, we are not suggesting that you do not visit them, if you are going to a destination, it is also to see the attractions, but you should bear this in mind when you are planning the trip so as not to be surprised. The main cities, namely Vienna and Salzburg, have city cards where you can save some money (and time too) if you are thinking of visiting a lot of monuments. In this sense, the Vienna one allowed us to save at least 50 Euros per person.

How to travel in Austria

Public transport.

#40 Due to its central location, Austria has many transport links throughout Europe, both by land and air. It is very easy to catch trains and buses to Vienna or Salzburg.

There are many air routes from all over Europe to the main Austrian cities, including low-cost flights. To search for the best option, we usually use the site rome2rio because, in addition to providing us with options with different means of transportation, it also gives us an estimate of time and price.

#41 If you can’t find any cheap flights to Vienna, we suggest you also look for Bratislava, Slovakia. The Slovak capital is located on the border with Austria, about 20km from Vienna.

#42 The best way to travel to Austria will completely depend on the type of trip you are doing. In the center of some cities, it is a bad idea to drive. For example, driving to Salzburg was a mistake we won’t make twice, and even in Vienna, we simply parked the car and never picked it up again until we left the city.

But driving through the Alps is amazing! The freedom to go wherever we want, stop wherever we want, drive on those mountain roads, and go to small lakes and natural monuments is spectacular.

#43 The public transport network in Austria is of excellent quality. Only Vienna has a metro, but the other cities have well-developed urban transport.

If you’re thinking of traveling only in urban areas, you don’t need a car as in general urban transport works quite well in practically all cities and is relatively cheap (or at least much cheaper than any other option).

Public transport is very punctual, and buying tickets in advance, in machines or kiosks, is usually necessary. As in Switzerland, train trips through the Alps are very popular because they are beautiful, but sometimes a little expensive. Buses are much cheaper, but the journey is not as exciting.

Rent a car and drive in Austria

#44 When planning your trip, ask yourself if you really need to rent a car and check if there are good alternatives. If you are planning a more urban trip, it is likely that a car is not necessary and can even become a source of costs and problems.

If you decide to travel by car, note that costs can quickly add up. If you don’t have your own car you have to:

• Rent a car – count on 200 Euros per week, at least.
• Mandatory Insurance – Nothing you can do to avoid it;
• Paying for fuel – which is very expensive in Austria;
• Pay tolls – To use motorways in Austria you have to buy a vignette at the border or at the post office. The vignette allows us to drive on any motorway during its validity period. The 10-day ticket costs around 10 Euros, which turns out to be much cheaper than in most other European countries.
• Parking – in addition to being very difficult to park in large cities and historical centers, it is quite expensive. Don’t overlook this cost.

#45 In general, driving rules in Austria are similar to those in Western Europe, so driving is not a big problem. You drive on the right, and your. The right priority rule also exists in Austria. At roundabouts, priority is given to whoever is on the roundabout, but this is practically always indicated.

Speed ​​limits are a little more permissive than in some countries, with 130 km/h on highways, 100 km/h outside towns, and 50 km/h in urban areas, but all this is very well signposted.

Regarding driving itself, we would say that if you are used to driving at home, you can drive in Austria. Austrians are orderly people to drive, although there are also some people with less patience, especially in big cities.

Other tips for travelers to Austria

Internet in austria.

#46 All the accommodations you book should have free WIFI access, so this shouldn’t be a big concern, but we always advise you to check the comments about the signal quality.

If you want to use mobile data, you can use the data card of any European country and pay the same amount you pay in the country of origin. So, if you have data in Portugal, you have data in Austria and the rest of the EU.

Cleaning / Pollution in Austria

#47 Generally speaking, Austria is one of the cleanest countries we’ve ever traveled to. It’s not Luxembourg , but it’s close by. There are, of course, exceptions in some areas in the larger cities, but they are smaller and less severe than in most other countries.

On the other hand, in rural areas and parks, everything is exceptionally clean. Nothing to point out here. On the contrary, it is often an example to follow.

Electricity

#48 Power outlets in Austria are of type C and F, with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50 Hz, similar to the rest of Europe. Thus, those traveling from Europe do not need any adapters. If you come from countries with other outlets, we suggest this power adapter.

Documentation for traveling to Austria

#49 As Austria is part of the Schengen area, EU citizens do not need any special documents to travel to Austria. All you need is a valid identification document, which can be a citizen’s card or passport, and a driving license if you want to drive.

Otherwise, click here for more information on how to enter Austria and the Schengen Zone and which nationalities need a Visa.

Austria Travel Guide

#50 If you want to buy an Austria travel guide with this and all the information you need to travel, we suggest the Lonely Planet guide You can buy it by clicking here , or on the image below.

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No country waltzes so effortlessly between urban and outdoors as Austria. One day you're cresting alpine summits, the next you're swanning around imperial Vienna.

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Eisriesenwelt

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MuseumsQuartier

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Austria and beyond

Austria Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips

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An Austrian Road Trip from Vienna

Embarking on a scenic Austria road trip is the ultimate way to discover Europe’s most picturesque cities and towns. As you travel through Austria, you will encounter the majestic Austrian Alps, culturally rich cities, unforgettable outdoor experiences, and breathtaking lake and mountain views. 

This Austria itinerary takes you through some of Europe’s most stunning natural scenery, charming historic towns, and bustling modern cities. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities within alpine mountain ranges and national parks, cultural experiences at UNESCO World Heritage sites, and culinary delights.

In this Austria road trip planner, we share travel tips, the best route between towns and cities, things to do and see along the way, and hotel recommendations to help you plan your perfect road trip through Austria.

Where is Austria?

Austria is a small landlocked mountainous country located in east central Europe, most famous for gemutlichkeit which describes the Austrian’s characteristic way of enjoying life, its castles and palaces, and the Grossglockner peak, Austria’s highest mountain at 3,798 meters above sea level.

The Republic of Austria is a federation of nine states, one of which is the capital Vienna, the most populous city and state. Austria is bordered by  Germany  to the northwest, the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, Slovenia and  Italy  to the south, and  Switzerland  and Liechtenstein to the west, all of which lend a cosmopolitan culture and outlook to the country.

Is this your first time visiting Austria? Get all the information you need in our Austria Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Getting to Austria

Whether you’re taking a road trip to Austria in a car, motorcycle, or campervan, self-driving is absolutely the best way to explore this spectacular European country.

You can stop whenever you want, try new activities, visit places you see along the route, and have the freedom to change plans at the last minute.

Fly into Vienna International Airport to start your roadtrip in Austria. With direct flights from America, Europe, and the UK, we recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Are you planning to rent a car in Austria? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best car rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a roadtrip in Austria.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in Austria. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Best Time for an Austrian Road Trip

March to may.

Spring is a fantastic time to visit Austria, with temperatures warming up across the country. Blooming wildflowers, vibrant greenery in the mountains, and cows heading out to pasture mean spring is a fantastic time to experience Austria by car. You’ll find the roads and cities less crowded, and most attractions will be open.

June to August

In summer, Austria enjoys beautiful weather and the prospect of outdoor adventures and extreme activities. This is when locals and visitors alike head to the mountains and lakes, meaning heavier crowds and more traffic.

September to November

Autumn is a fantastic time for an Austria trip . The grapes and crops are being harvested, food festivals celebrate the bounty of the land, and you might enjoy an Indian summer, with the fall colors of the vines aflame.

December to February

The winter months in Austria can be very cold, but most people come to Austria during the months of December to March for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. It’s not the best time for a road trip, as the spectacular mountain passes will be closed and roads can be challenging to drive.

RELATED POST: Driving in the Alps: Top Tips & Best Routes

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Austria. We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Austria Road Trip Map & Route

We recommend starting your two week Austrian road trip in Vienna and concluding the itinerary in Innsbruck. Our two week Austria road trip itinerary travels from the east to the west of Austria and is roughly 615km from start to finish.

As you leave Vienna, beautiful and quaint Austrian towns and villages will greet you as you travel south toward the foodie city of Graz, the next major stop on your Austrian itinerary. From here, its north to Hallstatt, a small, alpine village situated on the western shores of Hallstätter See, also known as Hallstatt Lake, that offers iconic views and outdoor experiences. 

Next up is Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend leaving enough time in your itinerary to explore the Baroque architecture of the city and visit the Salzburg Fortress for stunning panoramic views. From Salzburg, head to Zell am See, a charming mountain town surrounded by the unforgettable mountain peaks of the Alps. 

Your journey will continue on to Mayrhofen, a popular skiing destination known for its vibrant nightlife, unrivaled winter sports, and stunning alpine scenery. 

Finally, finish your Austria road trip in Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region. The city is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and is home to several impressive landmarks. Innsbruck is the perfect place to end your road trip and reflect on the stunning beauty of Austria.

• Get the Travel Guides
• Lonely Planet Austria
• Fodor’s Vienna and the Best of Austria
• DK Eyewitness Austria

Austria Road Trip Itinerary

Vienna – Graz – Hallstatt – Salzburg – Zell am See – Mayrhofen – Innsbruck

• Distance 615km
• Duration 10-14 days
• Drive Time 9 hours

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Vienna 

Allow at least 3 days in Vienna ( Wien in German, the official language of Austria) to discover the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. If you’re hiring a car, you should arrange to pick it up after you’ve explored Vienna – you definitely don’t need a vehicle in this city!

There are countless things to see and do in romantic Vienna, from visiting the Schönbrunn Palace, a formal imperial residence and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral that represents one of Vienna’s most recognizable landmarks. You must take the 343 steps to the top of the cathedral for breathtaking (literally!) views over Vienna from the south tower.

Other tourist attractions include the Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace , home to Klimt’s Kiss , the fabulous Naschmarkt food market , and the Vienna State Opera, one of the world’s most famous opera houses offering daily performances of classical operas and ballets. The Vienna hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour is a great way to see key attractions in the city.

Travel Tip: Vienna is famous for its coffee culture. Traditional coffeehouses are recognized for their interior and atmosphere. Coffees and pastries are served on small, marble-topped tables with Thonet chairs tucked into alcoves. Try the historic Café Central and we promise an authentic experience of Vienna’s coffee culture.

RELATED POST: Best Cities in Austria for an Amazing Visit!

• Where to Stay in Vienna

Upmarket: Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Jaz in the City Vienna – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: H+ Hotel Wien – Booking.com | Agoda

Wachau Valley Side Trip

Roughly an hour northwest of Vienna is the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to rolling hills of grapes vines and apricot trees. A day tour from Vienna to the Wachau Valley is the ideal way to experience this world-renowned area.

If you don’t want to drive, this highly rated Wachau day trip from Vienna takes you on a bus and boat tour of the Wachau and Danube valleys, to the Benedictine Abbey of Melk and the old city of Krems in the heart of the Wachau wine-growing region. Your guide will share Austria’s imperial history as you cruise the famous Blue Danube on its route past picturesque villages and steep vineyards.

The drive from Vienna to Graz mostly takes the E59, S6, and S35 highways, and will take a couple of hours. It’s worth taking the slight detour to Semmering, famous for the UNESCO Semmering Railway, and Bruck an der Mur, one of the oldest cities in Austria.

Graz doesn’t make it onto a lot of Austrian road trip itineraries because its understated charm and lack of bright lights reputation mean people don’t make the effort to drive south.

But we love Graz for its fantastic foodie scene, strong architecture (no surprise that Graz is a UNESCO City of Design), and off-the-beaten-path vibe.

In Austria’s heartland of Styria, known as the “belly of Austria”, Graz’s food offer is legendary – think fried chicken, smoky bacon jam called verhackert , cold cuts, locally made beer and wine, and of course, chocolate.

Alongside the cuisine, this Habsburg city delivers palaces and castles, a UNESCO old town, and colorful squares like Hauptplatz in abundance. Don’t miss Schlossberg and its medieval clock tower called Uhrturm, and the man-made island of Murinsel in the Mur river, constructed to mark Graz being the European Capital of Culture in 2003.

• Where to Stay in Graz

Upmarket: Kai 36 – Hotel zwischen Fels und Fluss – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Aiola Living Graz – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Zur Steirerstub’n – Booking.com | Agoda

South Styrian Wine Road Side Trip

The South Styrian Wine Road is a round trip route that runs for 44km between Ehrenhausen, a 45 minute drive from Graz via Leutschach. The route follows mile after mile of vineyards, picturesque villages, wine taverns called buschenschank , and family-owned hotels and inns, and is well worth a few days of your time if you’re a wine lover.

South Styria is predominantly a white-wine-growing region, with the dry Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc being the most famous Styrian wines. Visiting a winery, and tasting their wines in situ as you learn about how they’re made is a fantastic experience, and not to be missed in this beautiful part of Austria.

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to Austria.

Hallstatt 

The drive from Graz to Hallstatt will be the longest stint of your Austria road trip! At 176 kilometers, with a drive time of around two and a half hours, this part of your road trip passes through the picturesque landscape of Styria and the foothills of the Alps.

Hallstatt, a small picturesque town located in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty, which allowed it to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

We loved the Hallstatt World Heritage Skywalk, which reaches 1,148 feet and extends over the edge of a mountain, providing unforgettable views of the Hallstätter See. The Salzbergbahn funicular will carry you from the valley station of Salzwelten Hallstatt to the Skywalk.

If you’re up for an adventure, we think one of the best ways of experiencing the Skywalk is at sunrise when the light is perfect and there are way fewer people around! We highly recommend a dawn hike up Salzberg mountain to enjoy the incredible views from the Skywalk, with a pro photographer by your side.

Hallstatt is also known for its production of salt which dates back to prehistoric times. The Hallstatt Salt Mine is the world’s oldest salt mine and has been in operation since 4000 BC, and a guided tour through the underground tunnels to learn about the history of salt mining in the region is a must.

No trip to Hallstatt is complete without a stroll along the waterfront, to take in the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy fresh fish from the lake itself at restaurants like Schirmbar Hallstatt situated along the water.

Travel Tip: From Hallstatt, we suggest taking a day trip to the Dachstein Ice Cave . You can take a cable car to the giant ice cave to enjoy a guided tour. Remember to wear warm clothing as the caves rarely reach above 4 degrees!

• Where to Stay in Hallstatt

Upmarket: Seehotel Grüner Baum – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Fenix Hall Boutique Hotel Hallstatt – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Pension Leprich Bad Goisern – Booking.com | Agoda

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Salzburg  

The next stop on your Austria itinerary is Salzburg. Driving from Hallstatt to Salzburg will take just over an hour as you cover 75 kilometers of the beautiful Austrian countryside.

This section of your drive will take you through the Salzkammergut region of Austria, which is dotted with lakes and mountains. Along the way, there are several towns and villages worth stopping at, including St. Wolfgang im Salzkammergut, a picturesque town located on the shores of Wolfgangsee. As well as swimming in the lake, you can enjoy the historic St. Wolfgang Church and the famous Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl am Wolfgangsee – in English, the White Horse Inn!

Salzburg, a city that borders Germany, is the birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is well-known for its Baroque architecture, music culture, and stunning landscapes. 

While in Salzburg, we highly recommend taking the funicular up to the historic Hohensalzburg Fortress to enjoy panoramic views over the city. Additionally, experiencing a Mozart concert at Mirabell Palace is a must, even if you don’t consider yourself a classical music fan.

Salzburg Cathedral, featuring a magnificent organ, Mozart’s Birthplace, and Getreidegasse are also popular tourist spots. 

During your stay in Salzburg, why not enjoy a food tour to enjoy traditional Austrian dishes like schnitzel and strudel as you explore the old town with a licensed Salzburg guide to show you the way?

Travel Tip:   Want to practice your do-ray-me-fa-so-la-ti-do lyrics? One of the best things to do in Salzburg is the original Sound of Music tour . You get to visit the filming locations of the classic musical while learning about the history and culture of Salzburg. Book well in advance though, this one sells out quickly!

• Where to Stay in Salzburg

Upmarket: Hotel Sacher Salzburg – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Altstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Urban Stay Salzburg City – Booking.com | Agoda

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Zell am see .

The drive from Salzburg to Zell am See is a scenic 80 kilometers, passing through the Salzach Valley and the foothills of the Alps. Along the way, there are several towns and villages worth stopping at, including the incredible Hohenwerfen, a medieval fortress located in the Salzach Valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and the picturesque village of Werfenweng.

Werfenweng is a charming alpine village known for its stunning natural beauty. If you stop here make sure to enjoy the local cultural attractions like the historic St. Sebastian Church.

Zell am See is a picturesque town located in the Austrian Alps making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With numerous ski resorts in the area, it is the perfect place to try your hand at skiing or snowboarding, if you road trip Austria in winter.

Following a trip down the slopes, we recommend warming up by trying local cuisine like goulash and dumplings. If a summer visit is more your thing, you can still experience the stunning alpine landscape by hiking or biking along one of the many trails located in this region. 

A stroll through the old town, to experience the historic architecture of Zell am See, is a must. End a relaxing day with a boat ride on Lake Zell where you can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains.  

The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier (where you can still ski in summer) and Schmittenhöhe Mountain are both accessible by cable car from Zell am See. Taking a trip up to this glacier or mountain peak will allow you to enjoy the breathtaking views of the alpine peaks that Austria is famous for.

• Where to Stay in Zell am See

Upmarket: Grand Hotel Zell am See – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Romantikhotel Zell am See – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Gästehaus Karl Haffner – Booking.com | Agoda

Grossglockner High Alpine Road Side Trip

During the months of May to early October, the Grossgockner pass will be open. As one of the best driving roads in Europe , we highly recommend you take a short detour south to drive this legendary road.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is actually route 107 which connects Bruck with Heiligenblut via the Fuscher Törl at 2,428m and the Hochtor Pass at 2,504m. The high road is 47.8km long and has 36 turns which snake between glorious alpine pastures, rocky terrain, and wildflower meadows.

Allow a couple of hours to drive this spectacular road, and then pick up the 108 north at Lienz to return to your original route. This fabulous alpine trip will add two to three hours to your day’s driving, but we promise it’s worth it!

Travel Tip: The road is not open 24/7 even in summer. From early May to May 31st, the road opens between 6am to 8pm daily. From 1st June to 31st August, its open from 5.30am to 9pm, and from 1st September its 6am to 7.30pm. There is also a toll charge of €40 per car.

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or check out our Europe road trip ideas .

Mayrhofen 

The drive from Zell am See to Mayrhofen takes you through the Austrian Alps from the Salzburg region into Austria’s historic Tyrol region. You’ll pass through several picturesque towns and villages, including Kitzbühel and Wörgl. Along the way, there are also several opportunities to stop and take in the views, including at the Gerlos Pass in the Hohe Tauern National Park.

The Hohe Tauern National Park is the largest mountain range in the Austrian Alps, offering stunning natural beauty and a range of outdoor activities. With towering peaks, glaciers, and picturesque valleys, the Hohe Tauern is a must-visit destination on your Austria itinerary.  

Mayrhofen is a beautiful alpine village located in the Zillertal Valley of Austria. Here, you can ski on the Hintertux Glacier, visit the Zillertal Alps Nature Park, or take a scenic cable car ride up to the Ahorn Plateau. The Ahornbahn cable car , which takes you to the top of Ahorn Mountain, reveals unparalleled views of the Zillertal Alps. 

Additionally, the nearby Penkenbahn cable car , which takes you to the top of Penken Mountain, offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. In the winter, Penken mountain is the perfect spot for skiing and snowboarding while, in the summer, tourists can enjoy hiking and biking.

If cable cars aren’t your thing, the Zillertal steam train is another way to enjoy scenic views of the Zillertal Valley. Taking one and a half hours, the 119-year-old Zillertalbahn railway is an unmissable experience through the river Ziller valley.

Travel Tip: 12km north of Mayrhofen is Zillertal, a small town that comes alive in the fall every year when the September Almabtrieb  ( cattle drive) takes place. Almabtrieb is the homecoming of the cows, festooned with flowers and head-dress, from the high pastures where the herds have spent the summer.

It is a much-loved tradition and an important part of the Alpine farming calendar, and well worth planning a visit around.

• Where to Stay in Mayrhofen

Upmarket: DasPosthotel Zell am Zimmer – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Der Siegeler B&B – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: das Cityhouse – Booking.com | Agoda

The drive time from Mayrhofen to Innsbruck is approximately one hour and covers 70 kilometers. We recommend visiting both Fügen and Jenbach along this driving route. Both of these charming towns are known for their stunning mountain scenery and historic architecture. 

Innsbruck is the capital city of the Tyrol region in western Austria and is known for its alpine scenery, rich history, and culture. A stroll through Innsbruck’s historic old town to admire the architecture and enjoy the cafes is the perfect way to start your time in the city. 

While visiting Innsbruck, you will be able to visit a range of historic landmarks. These include the Golden Roof, a balcony with a roof covered in over 2,500 gilded copper tiles; Hofburg, a historic palace complex that once housed the Habsburgs; the iconic Bergisel ski jump, and the Imperial Palace, built in the 15th century. 

From Innsbruck in summer , you can take the Nordkette cable car up to the top of the Nordkette mountain range and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding alpine landscape. At the summit, you can enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at the Seegrube restaurant . 

Finish off your Austrian road trip by delving into Austrian culture. The Tyrolean Folk Art Museum is an educational experience exploring the history and culture of the Tyrol region and its traditional art and crafts.

Tyrol also has a unique cuisine and experiencing dishes like Tiroler gröstl , a delicious bacon, onion, potato, and egg fry-up, and kaiserschmarrn , a sweet pancake served with apple sauce, is something you should definitely do in Innsbruck.

Travel Tip: From Innsbruck, continue your trip further west to Hoch-Imst and enjoy a unique experience aboard the Alpine Coaster , a summer toboggan run that travels 3,535m along the steepest tracks in the Alps!

To return to Vienna from Innsbruck will add six hours of driving time to your itinerary if you take the ‘quick’ rote back on the E45 and E60 autobahns. Alternatively, fly out of Innsbruck Airport to London Gatwick, Frankfurt Airport, or Amsterdam Airport Schipol, for an easy connection to pretty much anywhere in the world.

• Where to Stay in Innsbruck

Upmarket: Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Grauer Bär – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Meininger Hotel Innsbruck Zentrum – Booking.com | Agoda

Austria Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in Austria.

• Search for affordable flights to Austria with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Austria with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Austria with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable car rentals in Austria with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Tips for Driving in Austria

The roads in Austria are well maintained and the drivers are courteous and measured. However, the Austrian roads are some of the narrowest in Europe and navigating this winding drive may be challenging for nervous drivers.

Whether you’re traveling in your own vehicle or flying in and renting a car, you need to follow these rules when you drive and travel in Austria;

• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Austria.
• You may need a visa to enter Austria, you can find out more on the Federal Ministry Republic of Austria European and International Affairs website .
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle when you road trip in Austria.
• Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an IDP, you can check here .
• Motorists are also required by law to carry the following items when driving in Austria: reflective jackets for driver and passengers; a warning triangle and a first aid box.
• All vehicles must pay a toll called a mautvignette to use the autobahns in Austria. Vehicles are required to display a toll sticker in the windscreen, which is available from border points and fuel stations, or you can buy a digital vignette online here . Rental cars will have the vignette already included and on display in the vehicle.
• If you’re planning a winter road trip to Austria between November 15 and March 15, carrying snow chains in your vehicle is mandatory. Check with your car rental company if these are provided.
• In Austria, motorists drive on the right and overtake on the left. As a general rule, priority must be given to vehicles coming from the right unless indicated
• Radar detectors that interfere with police equipment are prohibited in Austria, although sat nav systems that indicate where fixed speed cameras are located are permitted.
• Dashboard cameras are prohibited in Austria.
• You may only use a mobile phone whilst driving with a hands-free device.

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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The 18 Best Things to Do in Austria

• March 1, 2023
• Last updated: March 17, 2023
• Austria , Destinations , Europe , Things to do

Home » Travel Blog » The 18 Best Things to Do in Austria

Looking for the best things to do in Austria? Austria sightseeing and travel is one of the most rewarding and exciting holiday ideas no matter what time of year you go. From some of the best family ski holidays and sports in the winter to awe inspiring architecture throughout the country to spectacular natural resources and many family-friendly sites to visit, it is a country that has something for everyone throughout the year.

You will find some of the most amazing Austria attractions and fascinating places where you can enjoy nature at it’s finest near enough to each other that you could potentially be in the midst of large crowds and then relax in solitude all in the same day.

It is a country that combines the old world with the new world in a way that seems so natural that you will thoroughly enjoy every minute of your stay. One of the most famous residents was probably Mozart, who was born in Salzburg where they have a festival every year in his honor. Below is listed some of the greatest ideas of what to do in Austria that will make you want to return many times.

Best Things to Do in Austria

Visit vienna.

It is one of the most famous cities of the world, and is so full of the best things to do in Austria. Perhaps no where else you can find such a rich combination of architectural styles coexisting in such a natural blend. You will find ancient Baroque and Gothic buildings next to some of the most modern building designs.

Mixed in amongst these are some very colorful graffiti displays from some very talented and creative youth.  Wandering down Vienna’s Danube Canal is a must for Austria sightseeing. You will see many examples of the world-famous architecture, and can stop at one of the many cafes and shops. It is a wonderful way to wile away the afternoon. There are several museums in the city, including the Albertina. It houses the world’s largest collection of graphic art that is amazing to see.

Wiener Prater, also known as “Wurstelprater, is the world’s oldest amusement park, and is one of the most popular Austria tourist attractions, especially for those people with families. You could spend several days in Vienna and not be able to visit all of the Austria things to do that are offered here. It is one place you will want to come back and visit again.

Join one of the local tours in Vienna:

• Vienna: 2 Hour Hidden Gems and Legends Guided Walking Tour
• Vienna: Educational Walk Exploring Homelessness
• Vienna: 4-Hour Markets, Cafes & Food Tastings With a Local
• Vienna: Wachau Valley Full–Day Small Group E-Bike Tour
• Vienna: Empress Sisi Walking Tour & Imperial Apartments
• Vienna: Wine Tasting Tour

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral, located in Vienna, is one of the most famous Austria attractions you will want to see while in the city. Built in the Gothic architectural style over 700 years ago, this amazing cathedral has stood guard and served its people well. Probably the most famous of these people is Mozart, who was married here in 1782.

The splendid Giant Gate and the Towers of the Heathens are part of the original building, and can be dated back to the 13 th century. There are some amazing altar pieces in the cathedral that show the stoning of its namesake, St Stephen, who was the first martyr of the Christians. The tower has 343 steps that will take you to the top where you will be rewarded with an amazing view of the city.

Go deep into the depths of the cathedral and you will be in the catacombs and a mausoleum of the bishops and other important individuals. Guided tours will show you through the entire cathedral and tell you of the amazing history not only of the building, but the culture of those times.

You will also see some magnificent one of a kind works of art that will leave you speechless.  For one of the most awe inspiring sights, this is definitely where to go in Austria while visiting Vienna.

Visit St. Stephen Cathedral with a local guide: 

• Vienna: Hidden Gems near St. Stephen’s & Old University
• Vienna 3-Hour Walking Tour: City of Many Pasts
• Vienna Old Town and St. Stephen’s Cathedral Walking Tour
• Vienna Old Town: Half-Day Walking Tour
• Vienna Combo Package: Morning Walk & Afternoon Bike Tour

Check out The Looshaus

The Looshaus in Vienna (also known as the Goldman & Salatsch Building) is considered to be one of the most important Austria attractions because it marks the beginning of a new era in the local architectural designs. One of the major changes was doing away with the ornamental facades and leaving them plain.

Because of this, people began calling the Looshaus the “house without eyebrows”. People even protested and attacked the house so much that they had to compromise with flower boxes in the windows of the upper floor residential areas. The shape of these boxes are reminiscent of the archduke’s hat, which helped satisfy some of the historical vetting.

The main level is beautiful, with and amazing marble-lined facade and Tuscan columns outside that were meant to be similar to the entryway of St. Michael’s Church. Back when it was built, it was such a controversy that Emperor Franz Joseph called it the “ugly house” and avoided even seeing it at all cost. Today it is an amazing and historical building and one of the better things to do in Austria.

Check more activities and tours to do in Austria:

• Innsbruck Swarovski Crystal Worlds Ticket and Transfer
• Vienna Mozart Concert at the Golden Hall
• Vienna: Strudel Show with Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace
• Wattens: Swarovski Crystal Worlds Entrance Ticket
• Neustift im Stubaital: Tandem Paragliding

Visit The Hofburg Palace

Hofburg Vienna is another of the fantastic Austria things to do while you are in the city. This Imperial home and household was the main hub for Sisi during the Habsburg empire for many centuries. Today it houses three spectacular museums where you can learn all of the culture and traditions that made up daily life during those times. First, the Imperial Apartments displays all of the housing and furnishings as they were in those days.

Then there is the Silver Collection, which has all of the utilitarian items that were used on a daily basis.  Finally there is the Sisi Museum, that pulls together every aspect of life during that era.   The three combined provide such a detailed and rich historical account that you can feel yourself being a part of regular life then.  It is definitely one of the best things to do in Austria.

Want to travel the world, stay at the beautiful places and take care of people pets while their owners are away? Become a house sitter! Check out our Ultimate Guide to House Sitting

Learn about art at Albertina

Albertina is a magnificent palace in Vienna, and is what to do in Austria for anyone loving the Neoclassical architectural style. Built in 1744, this palace has housed the finest art collection in the world since 1805. The palace derived its name from Duke Albert of Saxe-Teschen who amassed the collection during his lifetime of 1738-1822.  This has now become the famous, and largest in the world, Albertina Graphic Art Collection.

Throughout the years the palace had been damaged or partially destroyed during wars and other events, but has been restored almost fully to its original state. This included the Danubius Fountain, which is again in working order.  Four state-of-the-art exhibition rooms have been added as well as a magnificent 64-meter titanium wing-shaped roof at the entrance. This is now one of the most famous Austria tourist attractions you will not want to miss.

Have fun skiing in Kitzbuehel

It is a city that is one of the most popular Austria tourist attractions no matter what time of year it is. During the winter, it is a world-famous destination for anyone loving skiing or any other winter sport you enjoy. It was named the “best ski resort in the world” in 2013, 2014 and 2015 by Skiresort.de, the world’s largest test portal for ski resorts.

The worlds most famous ski race “Hahnenkammrennen” is held here every year and is one of the best Austria attractions any Alpine skiing lover should attend at least once in your life.

For snow lovers, there are almost 100 miles of ski slopes, 60 lifts, 54 cable cars and lifts to take you to the top, and the best park for snowboarders to be found anywhere. No matter what your favorite winter sport is, you will find possibly the best accommodations you will find to make it the most memorable event of a lifetime.

The city is also famous for its hospitality, including excellent hotels and a nightlife that makes the whole trip complete. There are many shops, restaurants, bars and clubs, and even a casino, that you will never lack for something to see or do. With many places to rent equipment or take lessons, this is where to go in Austria for everyone, from novice to expert, individuals to families and anyone else wanting that perfect winter vacation.

Join some of the outdoors activities in Austria:

• Salzburg: Private Eagle’s Nest Tour
• Top of Innsbruck: Roundtrip Cable Car Ticket
• From Salzburg: Berchtesgaden and Königssee
• Austrian Lakes and Salzburg Private Tour from Vienna
• From Salzburg: Full-Day Super Saver Bavarian Mountains Tour

The Donau-Auen National Park

It is considered by most as one of the best Austria things to do. Located near Vienna, this is one of last major wetlands in all of Central Europe. The plant and wildlife that thrive here are so amazing to view, whether you hike or ride your bicycle. An even more relaxing of the things to do in Austria is to float the Danube River through the park.

There are many guides walking tours as well as well marked trails for hiking where you could see many endangered species of both flora and fauna. There are also other guides that will take you down the river, the lifeline of the entire park. For the ideal way to get away from the crowds and enjoy the magnificent nature of the country, this is where to go in Austria.

Want more European travel ideas? Check out the 14 best beaches in Malta you must visit !

Spend a weekend in the city of innsbruck.

The one of the top choices for what to do in Austria. There is such a wide variety of things to see and do throughout the year that it has become a favorite holiday destination for millions of people. The historic Old Town section will take you back to the Middle Ages, as it was built over 800 years ago, during the time of Emperor Maximilian I, and has retained many of the original structures.

Alpine skiing at its best is close at hand, which is also a magnificent place to hike and enjoy the beauty of nature during the summer months. The city is alive with many cultural and sports events, and the cuisine here is second to none!  Modern architectural structures are famous here, in such contrast to the historical significance of other sections of the city. Olympic sports venues, such as the Bergisel Ski Jump, also welcome thousands of fans every year.

Small villages are in the immediate area where you can make day trips to visit quieter places that will show you a more relaxed and calmer side of the country. Soak in the culture while you meander through mountaineering villages or sample some local wines and foods.  Austria sightseeing would not be complete without visiting Innsbruck and the surrounding area.

Join one of the local tours in Innsbruck:

• Innsbruck Food Tour
• Innsbruck: City Tower Entrance Ticket
• Innsbruck: Tickets for Schloss Ambras
• Tyrolean Evenings Family Gundolf in Innsbruck

Get a view from the Golden Roof

The one of the most popular Austria tourist attractions, located in Innsbruck’s Old Town. Built around 1500, this covers the magnificent alcove balcony where Emperor Maximilian I would sit to watch over the town, and enjoy events such as the many jousting tournaments and public burnings. The roof is covered with the original 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles, which give it the beautiful color that gives rise to it name.

He had it added on to the Neuhof building, and it has fantastic decorations, including a scroll that is embedded on the relief, which hasn’t been fully translated even yet. Looking out over the relatively unchanged Old Town from here, one can see the entire town and get a true sense of what it was like living in the Middle Ages. With the majestic peaks of the Nordkette mountain range as a beautiful backdrop, this is one of those Austria attractions that you must see!

There is a wonderful Golden Roof Museum here that is amazing as well. It give a real first-hand experience of how it was built and how the town was in its original times. It shows everything from the colorful aristocrats live down to the beggars and regular citizens. There are interactive exhibits and others that show the celebrations as well as the bloody and violent aspects of life in the Middle Ages.

Currently there is an annual sports event called the “International Golden Roof Challenge” where athletes from all over the world come to compete.  No matter what time of the year you visit, this is certainly one of the best things to do in Austria.

See the Imperial Palace

It is also located in Innsbruck’s historic Old Town, and is another one of the amazing Austria tourist attractions to see while here. Also built during Emperor Maximilian I’s reign around 1500, it is a wonderful display of the architectural skills of the Middle Ages, without the use of our “modern” equipment.

The palace had a major renovation 250 years after it was built by Maria Theresa, who wanted to make it more “modern”, and it had other such remodeling done over the years, but there are some fantastic paintings and displays that show the original building, and much of the structure has been restored and depicts how it was used.

You will see the “Gothic Cellar” (reception room), the “Silver Chamber” (treasury) and so much more. The square in front of the Palace was where competitions were held that the Emperor watched from the Golden Roof. Today it is not only one of the favorite Austria attractions, but is often used for high-profile events.

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Check out the art collections at the Ambras Castle

It is in Innsbruck is also one of the most popular places to see during any Austria sightseeing tour. It was built for Archduke Ferdinand II who loved the arts and sciences. He even had a museum built in the lower castle to exhibit all of the art collections he had.

That has been renovated over the years, and today still displays artwork that he would have enjoyed. There are also displays of his collection of armor from famous heroes as well as other collections he amassed during his lifetime.

The upper castle was originally the living quarters, but the top three stories now holds the Habsburg Portrait Gallery. Here you will find over 200 portraits from some of the most famous artists. The portraits are of the many rulers of the country, from Albert III (1349-1395) to Emperor Francis I (1768-1835).

On the ground floor of the upper room there is St George’s altar, which belonged to Emperor Maximilian I, as well as a tremendous collection of late medieval sculptures. This is certainly one of those place for what to do in Austria that you will never forget.

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Visit Stubai Glacier in winter

For the absolute best winter vacation, the Stubai Glacier is where to go in Austria. There are extreme downhill ski runs, ultimate snowboarding opportunities, and amazing cross-country ski trails that will challenge even the best. At elevations from 5,741 to 10,500 ft. above sea level, you are guaranteed to have many days of snow throughout the year. While on the glacier, one of the most popular things to do in Austria is the Ice Cave Tyrol.

This cave will take you deep into the eternal ice where you can truly experience the many aspects of a glacier. Tours can teach the entire family about moraines, abrasions, glacier milk, different ice layers, alternating sequences, inclusion, glacier protection and a lot more. It is an amazing adventure all through the year. There is even a throne carved out of the ice that you can sit on for that perfect picture of being the snow king or queen. It is one of the Austria attractions that is a real hidden gem!

Schaufeljoch Chapel

It is also located on the Stubai Glacier and is one of the most inspiring Austria things to do. This chapel is conveniently located in the ski resort, and was built right on the snow and ice at the top of the ridge. The view over the Stubai Alps and the glacier from both sides of the ridge are breath-taking!

Take a break from skiing, or hike up to it during the summer, and you will be treated to an amazing sight. Spending time in meditation and prayer here at what seems to be the top of the world, is sure to fill you with such a peace as you’ve never felt elsewhere. It is what to do in Austria that will change you forever and make you want to return.

Silvretta Classic Rally Montafon

The Silvretta Classic Rally Montafon, held each year in the beautiful valley of Montafon, is one of the more popular things to do in Austria for locals and tourists alike. It is considered a “rolling automobile museum” where both new and vintage automobiles are put on display.

It is a competition that is not as much about speed but about maximum precision as they race through the winding, hilly roads of the idyllic Montafon and Vorarlberg.Old classics such as the Bentley or Duesenberg, mostly from the 1920’s compete with the newer ones.

There are such rarities as the luxury cabriolets of the 1930’s, sports cars from all periods, and even classic every day cars many will remember having as kids. There is now the Silvretta E-Car Rally run in conjunction with the Classic Rally for the latest cars that run on alternative fuel, even ones in prototype or have not been marketed yet, so you could see some cars of the future right along with cars from the past.

Seeing all of these automobiles in all of their glory while racing through the beautiful Alps is an Austria sightseeing extravaganza for anyone that loves cars.

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Montafon Local Museum

While in Montafon you will want to spend time visiting some of the many Austria tourist attractions that are here, which must include the four museums. These are an amazing way to learn the history and culture of the region. The Montafon Local Museum is the oldest museum in the Alpine region, with the building being originally built during late medieval times.

This amazing museum focuses on the local customs, traditions and general life of the valley and the people that have made it great.  You will find an old schoolroom, many workshops of days gone by, a cheese-making facility, and rooms of a typical home from 1793. To learn more of, and feel a part of, the local culture, this museum is where to go in Austria. Another Austria attractions for those loving museums is the Matins House in Bartholomäberg.

This Baroque building was originally constructed in 1657, and today displays many of the masterpieces of furnishings from that era.  It is an ever-changing display of the magnificence, and visitors are even encouraged to participate in the design  of the exhibitions themselves. It is such a unique concept for a museum, and will not disappoint viewers.  The Montafon Mining Museum is another popular Austria tourist attraction.

Mining has been a big part of the history of Montafon over the centuries, and this museum does a wonderful job of using photos, documents and traditional tools to show visitors how the industry has evolved.  The focal point is a mine shaft, complete with the ore train and a miner, where you can get a true sense of how it feels to work underground. There are special exhibitions that change often, so you are sure to see something new every time to visit.

The Montafon Tourism Museum is the fourth of the famous museums in the Montafon valley, and as the name implies, it focuses on the local Austria things to do and see in the valley. It displays some of the impressive architecture that has existed over the centuries, and people that have made it great. It brings to life the beauty of the area and much of the Alpine history. Visiting any or all of these wonderful museums is certainly what to do in Austria while in the Montafon valley.

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Explore Wine Regions

No list of what to do in Austria would be complete without visiting the many wine regions and getting a taste of what the country has to offer. No matter what part of the country you are in, you will find award-winning wines and many that are specialties of that particular area.

None of them are to be missed, and you will find yourself wanting to ship many of them home. In southern Austria, Sauvignon Blanc is the signature grape, which they have developed into some of the most elegant wines you will find.

The aromatic Sauvignon Blanc and the Gelber Muskateller varieties are some of the best you will find. This region has often been compared to Tuscan in Italy. In the western portion of the country, the pride of the region is the spicy Schilcher Rosé. Southeast you will find the region called The Vulkanland because of the remains from volcanic activity.

This type of soil lends wonderfully to some great aromatic varieties such as the very popular Traminer. You can sample these and many local specialties in some very modern and fashionable tasting rooms as well as traditional and less formal sites.

Many places also have wonderful hiking trails that will take you around the beautiful vineyards and the surrounding countryside. Fine restaurants and taverns that are extremely inviting and friendly offer the finest cuisine to pair with your new favorite wine.

Many small winemakers and local farmers also run some of the best inns and bed and breakfast establishments that are simply divine places to stay. if you are a connoisseur of wines in any fashion, touring the wine regions is certainly one of the best things to do in Austria.

Go for a hike at the National Park Hohe Tauern

It is the largest national park in all of Central Europe, and is one of the most popular of the Austria tourist attractions. Here you will discover some of the most magnificent sights Mother Nature has provided including the majestic Grossglockner and Grossvenediger massifs, the ancient woodland of the Rauris Forest and the thunderous Krimml waterfalls.

It will take you through a vast range of climate zones as it covers altitudes from 4,700 to almost 12,470 feet above sea level!  The Grossglockner is one of the tallest of all the Alp’s mountains. Over thirty different hiking trails are in the park, with a wide range of difficulty so everyone can enjoy a day of seeing some of the best scenery in the world and catch a glimpse of many varieties of wildlife and plants anywhere.

There is a National Park Center in Mittersill where you can enjoy some wonderful state-of-the-art educational and entertaining things. There is the Eagle’s Flight Panorama, which is a 3-D computer animation that will give you a bird’s eye view of the mountains.

Also here is the Avalanche-Waterfall Dome, and the World of Glaciers. This park is certainly one of the most amazing Austria attractions and for any nature lover it is one of the things to do in Austria that you will never forget.

Pay a visit to Burgenland

Burgenland is another must-see on anyone’s list of what to do in Austria. While the country is famous for it’s rugged Alps, Burgenland is situated in on the spectacular Pannonian plain. It is another of the wine regions that has its own special flavors, from spicy red’s to sweet whites, and experiences that will leave you thrilled. You will come across the huge Lake Neusiedl where you can spend an entire day enjoying the wonderful water or visiting some of the lakeside wineries.

Neusiedler See National Park, or Seewinkel as it is also called, is another beautiful area in Burgenland that you will not want to miss. It straddles the border between Austria and Hungary and is a bonanza for any nature lovers. It is the only steppe national park in Central Europe and is a spectacular place to hike or bike.

Familypark Neusiedlersee is the countries biggest theme park, and is another of the most popular Austria attractions for everyone, especially those with families.

All throughout Burgenland there is so much to see and do.  Many music festivals are held in the area throughout the year, and there are countless opportunities for biking, horseback riding, bird watching, sailing, and hiking for the outdoor enthusiasts.

Explore the many fantastic places to try the local cuisine and check out the nightlife after a day of shopping and sightseeing. The list of what to do in Austria is endless, and no matter what type of activities you most enjoy, or what time of year you visit, you will not be disappointed, and will probably want to make it an annual visit.

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Justin Carmack

• Published: March 1, 2023

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5 thoughts on “the 18 best things to do in austria”.

The culture that Austria has is amazing, but I love the mountains even more. Can’t wait to visit this summer!

Sounds like a great plan, James, have fun! ps: if you aren’t on a tight schedule, make a trip to the Slovakian mountains too. They’re pretty cool too 🙂

Pictures are amazing! Love Mountains. Thanks for sharing such a great list about what to do in Austria. It helps a lot when I will visit at Austria. I am traveler just love to travel at Austria after reading your post.

Kindly note that the Hohensalzburg fortress is actually – the name gives it away – in Salzburg, not Vienna as stated in the article. Best regards from Vienna, Alice

Hi Alice, great point! Thanks for that. Didn’t notice it when publishing as it’s a guest post of our contributor. I’ve corrected it, should be OK now 🙂 Thanks again and happy travels!

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Austria Travel Guide

This Austria Travel Guide aims to provide you with simple and stress-free travel planning information and inspiration for planning a trip to Austria.

On this regularly updated page you will find links to useful posts on The Trusted Traveller, budget information, details on types of accommodation available, information on getting around the country and more useful links to resources around the web.

Quick Facts

Capital: Vienna

Language: German

Currency: € Euros which is made up of 100 cents. Coins come in 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2 denominations and notes in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500 denominations.

Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz. European plugs with two round pins are standard.

Travel Tips

Austria is a small landlocked country right in the heart of Europe bordered by Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland.

The landscape is mountainous with the Alps running right through the country and peaks rising up to over 3,500 metres. Almost half of Austria is forested while the other half is mainly lush green grassland.

Austria has a moderate continental climate which brings warm summer days with cool night and cold sunny winters with lots of snow during the ski season of December to March.

Best Time to Visit

Austria is a year-round destination and you should plan your visit based on the types of activities you wish to enjoy.

June to September (summer) sees lots of sunshine and low rainfall making it the perfect time for hiking in the mountains and exploring the bigger cities.

From November to March (winter) it is cold with plenty of snow, perfect for those wanting to take part in winter sports such as skiing. It is also a nice time of year to visit some of the smaller villages on the edge of the Alps because of the festive spirit and spectacular scenery.

It is always recommend to have a mixture of cash and bank/credit card with you when you travel anywhere in the world and this is no exception in Austria.

In Austria ATM’s are called Bankomats and are found in all major towns and cities across the country. As well, credit cards are widely accepted although some establishments such as small hotels and shops may only accept cash.

Getting There

Getting to Austria from surrounding European countries is simple, quick and cheap by bus or train. You can find out more about rail travel in Europe, including purchasing tickets, on the Rail Europe website; and about bus travel on the Eurolines website.

Austria is also well-connected by air with flights arriving in Vienna, Innsbruck and Salzburg from all across Europe and the UK and parts of the US, Middle East and Asia.  A flight from London will take around two hours and a flight from New York about nine hours.

I use and recommend Expedia for researching and booking flights all around the world.

It is also possibly to arrive by boat along the Danube River from Germany , Hungary and Slovakia .

Getting Around

Austria is a relatively small country so getting around it is pretty simple and cheap.

Europe’s excellent network of trains means that getting around Austria and in fact to/from other European countries is the most timely and cost-effective way to travel. All the major cities are connected to one another and you will find that most regional areas are well-connected to at least one of two of those major cities.

Because of Austria’s proximity to the Alps, some of the world’s most scenic train journeys can be taken through the country too making it more than just a means to get from point a to point b.

There are two classes on the trains, 1st and 2nd class, with the only real difference being slightly more leg space and room to move about in 1st class.

Most trains you can just show up at the train station and buy your ticket on the day while a few (mostly high-speed intercity trains) may need a seat reservation to be made in advance. This can be done either at any train station in the country or online through a ticketing agent in your home country. Here are a few that I recommend depending on where you are from:

• Rail Europe  for residents in USA, Canada & Mexico.
• Rail Europe  for residents in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe and other select parts of the world.

Eurolines operates services bus services around the country and they are a cheaper alternative to train travel but will take longer to get from a to b.

Because Austria is a small country, it is relatively easy to navigate if driving yourself.

You’ll be able to collect a hire car from all major airports and cities with most allowing you to pick up in one location and drop off in another, which makes sense if you’re road tripping around the country.

The road in Austria are well maintained and easy to navigate because they are well signposted. During the winter months remember that weather conditions can change rapidly especially on roads going through the mountains. Be sure to obey all signs and drive with care in slippery conditions.

Where to Stay

Austria caters for everyone when it comes to accommodation. Here is a list of the types of accommodation you’ll find:

• Camping/Cabins –  With Austria being a very outdoorsy country you’ll find lots of camp grounds that offer tent sites and basic cabins as low costs. And as with a lot of other European cities, you’ll also find large camp sites on the outskirts of big cities like Vienna that you can stay at cheaply and commute each day into the city for sightseeing.
• Hostels –  You’ll find hostels in abundance in the Austria’s bigger cities and one or two in most other regional areas as well. The level of cleanliness in Austria and similar parts of Europe is well above average so you will likely find your room and shared bathroom to be super clean.

• B&B’s/Pensions –  Small family run style accommodation like B&B’s or pensions can be found all over the country in big cities, small towns and popular rural locations. Accommodation is simple yet comfortable and the experience usually comes with friendly hosts and a home cooked breakfast each morning.

Get up to $45.00 AUD credit when you join Airbnb using this link .

• Hotels/Apartments –  You will find both chain hotel/apartments brands and independent hotel/apartments to be in abundance in cities across the country. The good thing about this type of accommodation is in most cases you know what you are going to get, a clean, comfortable and modern room with a decent array of facilities in the room and on the property. Apartments are great for longer stays as they allow you a bit more space and the option to self cater.

I use and recommend Booking.com for researching and booking hostel, motel, hotel, apartment and resort accommodation around the world.

• Luxury Hotels & Resorts –  Austria has its fair share of 5 star properties, some of which have been named in top lists of accommodation around the world. These will offer you brilliant service and a top location, sometime with incredible views of the surrounding area.

Austria has a variety of eating options that will suit all budgets and tastes. While you will find the majority of its restaurants and cafes serve local and European dishes, the country is expanding and becoming more multicultural with its cuisine offerings.

• Supermarkets/Markets   –  Save money and shop in supermarkets and local markets for snacks, picnic lunches and even ingredients to make a whole meal in your self catering accommodation.
• Fast Food / Take-away   –  Chain fast food stores are in all major centres of the country and along highways as well. If you’re looking for a cheap and tasty fast food meal, look to where the locals are, usually getting snacks and light meals from food trucks and stands on the side of the street. A popular street food snack is a sausage or hot dog and you’ll find stands selling them everywhere.
• Cafes –  Austrian’s love cafes and some of the world’s most well know can be found in the country. Coffee, delicious sweets and tasty Austrian sandwiches will be on offer for sit down or takeaway.
• Restaurants –  Portion sizes tend to be on the larger side in Austria so eating out in restaurants can be really good value. Consider sharing a meal with a travel companion if you’re not too hungry to save money or sticking to one course.
• Fine Dining –  Austria has it’s fair share of the worlds best restaurants so if it is fine dining experiences you are after then you won’t be disappointed.

Useful Austria Posts

Suggested itineraries.

Exploring Austria by Car: A 5 Day Itinerary

First Timers One Month Europe Itinerary

Things to Do

Things to Do in Salzburg

Other Austria Travel Planning Resources

Here is a constantly growing collection of resources from around the web to help you plan you dream trip to Austria.

• The official Austria Tourism website is a great place to start planning your trip.
• The authority in all things travel, Lonely Planet has an extensive section all about Austria. Or why not buy the Austria Lonely Planet Guidebook in hard copy or as an eBook.
• Carly is an Aussie expat living in Vienna who writes all about life in Vienna, her travel across Austria and the rest of Europe on her blog Austrian Adaptation .
• Becki from Borders of Adventure spent most of 2017 discovering the best of Austria. You can read all about her adventures on her blog.
• Travel Tyrol is a blog by Linda who loves living in Austria and wants to share it with the world.

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Glorious Alpine scenery, monumental Habsburg architecture, and the world’s favourite musical – Austria’s tourist industry certainly plays up to the clichés. However, it’s not all bewigged Mozart ensembles and schnitzel; modern Austria boasts some of Europe’s most varied museums and contemporary architecture not to mention attractive and sophisticated cities whose bars, cafés and clubs combine contemporary cool with elegant tradition.

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Castles across Austria and Czechia

Austria and Czechia are home to some of the world's most beautiful architecture and culture gems, such as Schloss Schönbrunn in Vienna, Prague castle, the fortress above Salzburg and many more. Finish your tour with a visit to Schloss Neuschwanstein before flying out of Munich.

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• Population 8.47 million
• Language German
• Currency Euro (€)
• Capital Vienna
• International phone code t 43
• Time zone GMT +1hr

Long the powerhouse of the Habsburg Empire, Austria underwent decades of change and uncertainty in the early twentieth century. Shorn of her empire and racked by economic difficulties, the state fell prey to the promises of Nazi Germany. Only with the end of the Cold War did Austria return to the heart of Europe, joining the EU in 1995.

Politics aside, Austria is primarily known for two contrasting attractions – the fading imperial glories of the capital, and the stunning beauty of its Alpine hinterland. Vienna is the gateway to much of central Europe and a good place to soak up the culture of Mitteleuropa .

Less renowned provincial capitals such as Graz and Linz are surprising pockets of culture, innovation and vitality. Salzburg , between Innsbruck and Vienna, represents urban Austria at its most picturesque, an intoxicating Baroque city within easy striking distance of the mountains and lakes of the Salzkammergut , while the most dramatic of Austria’s Alpine scenery is west of here, in and around Tyrol , whose capital, Innsbruck , provides the best base for exploration.

If you are looking for great travel experiences in Austria while avoiding the crowd, check out our tips here.

Without a visit to Vienna you’ll return home with only half the picture. Built on a grand scale as seat of the Habsburg Empire, it’s a place that positively drips with imperial nostalgia.The pickings are rich, with the old palaces of the Hofburg and Schönbrunn high on the list, as are the cultural offerings from the gargantuan art collections of the Kunsthistorisches Museum to the new cultural complex of the MuseumsQuartier.

Equally compelling, nowadays, are the ghosts of Vienna’s golden age at the end of the nineteenth century, when the likes of Freud, Klimt, Schiele and Schönberg frequented the city’s cafés.The city boasts some wonderful Jugendstil and early modernist buildings and a bevy of traditional fin-de-siècle cafés patrolled by waiters in tuxedos. Last, but by no means least,Vienna is by far the best place in the country for night- life, and that means everything from top-class opera to techno.

Salzburg is no less intoxicating. Its Altstadt contains the country’s most concentrated ensemble of Baroque architecture, and the Hohensalzburg fortress is arguably the country’s most impressive medieval castle. A substantial musical pedigree is ensured by the city’s status as the birthplace of Mozart and venue of the Salzburg Festival, one of the world’s most renowned celebrations of classical music and theatre.

Of Austria’s other regional capitals, Innsbruck combines both a buzzing 9 nightlife and close proximity to some of the Tyrol’s highest peaks to make it one of Austria’s most popular destinations. Its attractive and largely medieval city centre focuses on the Hofkirche, site of the memorial to sixteenth-century Habsburg strongman Emperor Maximilian I.

In the Styrian capital, Graz, the main attractions are the Altstadt, the fine-art collections of the Landesmuseum Joanneum and the Baroque Eggenberg Palace. Austria’s second largest city is also a good base from which to venture out into the vineyards and pumpkin fields of the rural southeast.

Top image: Hallstatt village © Rastislav Sedlak SK/Shutterstock

Travel advice for Austria

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Austria

• How to get to Austria
• Culture and Etiquette in Austria
• Eating and drinking in Austria
• Getting around Austria: Transportation Tips
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Austria
• Travel Tips Austria for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Austria

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updated 09.07.2021

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Austria Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Austria is a stunning country bursting with history and culture. From Vienna’s imperial architecture to sprawling vineyards to snowy alpine peaks to world-class opera and ballet, Austria has something for everyone and every budget.

Whether you’re backpacking around the country or just traveling here on a short trip, Austria has a lot to offer.

Vienna is the gateway to much of Central Europe; Graz and Linz boast historic old towns and funky cafes; and Salzburg is a picturesque Baroque city close to mountains and lakes. The country is also home to the dramatic “Sound of Music” alpine scenery where you can hike in the summer, ski in the winter, and sing as you run through the rolling hills.

I am forever blown away by the sheer beauty of this country. It is one of the most spectacular in Europe (especially if you like hiking and skiing).

This travel guide to Austria has all my tips and tricks so you can plan the ultimate adventure without breaking the bank!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Austria

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Top 5 things to see and do in austria.

1. Visit Vienna

For centuries, Vienna was the stomping ground for the Habsburg rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today, you can admire ornate architecture by day and hang in summer pop up bars and clubs on the Danube at night. Be sure to check out the Belvedere Palace, The Hofburg (a palace complex with museums), and Schonbrunn Palace (the summer home with a huge garden that is my favorite). Some other incredible things to do include a trip to the Vienna Naschmarkt (with more than 120 food stalls and market vendors) or an afternoon at MuseumsQuartier, a massive arts and culture district. If you go during the holiday season, Vienna’s Christmas markets are legendary, including Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz (the square in front of the town hall), one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world. This imperial city has a lot to do!

2. Check out Salzburg

The birthplace of Mozart, this city has a lot of attractions relating to the city’s most famous son. Visit the house where he was born and have coffee at Café Tomaselli where Mozart used to frequent. The city was also the shooting location for “The Sound of Music” and you can take a self-guided walking tour retracing the Von Trapp’s steps. There’s also an 11th century fortress (Hohensalzburg Castle), a Renaissance palace (Schloss Hellbrunn), scenic hikes, cobblestone streets, cool cafes, beautiful churches, views of the Alps, and a ton of Baroque charm. I really liked it and found it to be like a Vienna without the crowds (I mean it’s still crowded but not as crowded).

3. Ski in Arlberg

St. Anton is a particularly lovely town in summer but it swarms with visitors during ski season. With 87 lifts and cable cars, more than 300 kilometers (186 miles) of slopes and 200 kilometers (124 miles) of open terrain, it’s Austria’s largest inter-connected ski area and is known as a go-to destination for serious skiers because of its challenging slopes and numerous off-piste opportunities. Day passes start at 75 EUR per person (not including rentals).

4. Go on a wine tour

Austria’s vibrant wine scene has earned a worldwide reputation for quality and innovation. The country’s wine regions are beautiful and easy to visit. Burgenland and Lower Austria, for example, are within a one-hour drive from Vienna. You’ll be able to sample reds, whites, and Sekt, Austria’s sparkling wine. Expect a full-day winery bike tour of the stunning Wachau Valley to include 2-3 wine tastings and to cost 100 EUR. I always include a wine tour when I run tours to Vienna and it’s the number one thing people remember about the trip.

5. Cycle the Danube

This is one of the most famous cycle routes in Europe, stretching from Passau, Germany into Austria. Since it’s also one of the most traveled, there’s no lack of tour operators offering holiday packages. Depending on where you begin and end, the entire journey can take 4-6 days. Expect to pay 400-500 EUR for a self-guided multi-day tour of the journey, which usually includes accommodation, a set of cycling maps, and daily luggage transfer. Guided tours start at about 1,000 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Austria

1. visit vienna’s museum of art history.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is the largest art museum in the country, with works from ancient Egypt and Greece through to the 18th century. There are over 700,000 items in the collections so it’s worth taking the time to explore (especially if you’re a history buff like me). Opened in 1891, the primary collection originally belonged to the Hapsburgs, which includes tons of portraits, classical paintings from masters like Gustav Klimt, and armor. Admission is 21 EUR.

2. Hit the slopes

Austria’s mountainous countryside offers up plenty of opportunities for skiing in the winter (I mean, it is the Alps after all!). Ski and snowboard rentals start at around 50 EUR. Lift passes vary between 40-70 EUR per day and the more popular and larger resorts tend to be on the upper end of that scale (but you get more ski runs for that). Niederau, Lech, and Obergurgl are good places for beginners.

3. See St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Stephansdom is a 12th-century Romanesque and Gothic cathedral in Vienna, noted for its colorful roof. The cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt over the years, with the current version largely initiated by Duke Rudolf IV (1339–1365). Its most recent reconstruction took place just after World War II. You can take a tour of the cathedral and climb the north and south towers (which offer excellent views of the city). Under the cathedral are catacombs holding the remains of over 10,000 people, including important nobility and victims of the plague. All-inclusive admission with tour is 25 EUR; admission to the cathedral only is 7 EUR. Self-guided audio tours are 5 EUR. Catacombs tours are 7 EUR and going up the towers costs 6.50 EUR for the South Tower and 7 EUR for the North Tower.

4. Walk the Ring Road (Ringstrasse)

This historic loop stretches just over 5 kilometers (3 miles) around Vienna and is brimming with beautiful architecture. It’s here where you can find the Parliament building, City Hall, both the Museum of Art History and the National History Museum, as well as the State Opera. Strolling the tree-lined boulevards is a relaxing (and free) way to spend some time soaking up the city and admiring its history and imperial design.

5. Visit Schloss Hellbrunn

This Baroque palace was built in the 17th century in Salzburg as a retreat for the one percent, and is considered one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings north of the Alps. The palace is noted for its trick water fountains that are hidden in benches, tables, and around the grounds. These “secret” fountains spray visitors when they don’t expect it. It’s funny to see — as long as you aren’t the one getting sprayed! The gardens here are partially landscaped and make for a great place to relax. It’s even fun to visit even in the winter months when the courtyard is transformed into a Christmas market. The palace and trick fountains are closed for winter refurbishments until late March 2024, but the park is still open. Admission is 15 EUR.

6. Visit the National History Museum

Home to a detailed anthropology exhibit, as well as a planetarium and prehistoric exhibit, the National History Museum is worth the time to explore if you’re a museum buff. Their collection boasts over 100,000 items, including a huge collection of meteorites. It’s also home to the 25,000-year-old Venus of Willendorf statue, which was discovered in Austria. There’s also a planetarium that offers shows in German and English (the live shows are only available in German). Admission is 18 EUR.

7. Get outside in Innsbruck

One of the most beautiful towns in the entire country, Innsbruck is in the Alps and filled with cobblestone streets, a historic center that dates back more than 500 years, and lots of great restaurants. It serves as a launching pad into the nearby Nordkette mountains where you can hike and camp. Don’t miss the Golden Roof, an impressive alcove balcony with 2,657 copper tiles covering its roof (it’s the best museum in the city!). There’s a lot of great hiking in the area, cool bars, and one of the best food tours I’ve ever taken (Innsbruck Food Tour). It’s an awesome city for outdoor activities any time of the year. Since it’s a big student town, it’s also one of the more affordable destinations in the country. I could have easily spent double the amount of time here.

8. Relax in Hallstatt

Hallstatt makes a great day trip from Salzburg (it’s just one hour away). The tiny, picturesque town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you can see in a single day. Spend an hour walking around the central square, home to a 19th-century church and fairytale alpine architecture. For impressive views, visit the skywalk above town — don’t look down if you’re afraid of heights. It’s a one-hour hike to the top or a 5-minute funicular ride on the Salzbergbahn Hallstatt, which re-opens in early February 2024 (22 EUR). There’s also a swan-filled lake, a waterfall, a bone house with more than 6,000 decorated skulls, and nearby mountains that provide ample hiking opportunities. You can take a tour of the nearby salt mines (the world’s oldest) or take a scenic boat ride on the lake. Hallstatt also serves as a gateway to the Salzkammergut region, where you can find even more lakes, forested mountains, and historic villages.

9. See a classical performance

Austria has contributed its fair share of composers to the world, so it’s no surprise that you can find plenty of opportunities to indulge in the classics here. Just going to one of the many theaters and concert halls in Vienna is an experience in and of itself as the buildings are so historic and beautifully decorated. If you’ve ever considered taking in an opera, symphony, or ballet (the Vienna State Ballet is one of the best in the world), this is the place to do it. Prices vary depending on the performance but expect to pay at least 40 EUR for standard tickets. Alternatively, show up a few hours before the opera for standing room only tickets that start at 4 EUR.

10. Go hiking

Hiking trails in Austria are well-marked, and there are even mountain huts along many trails to provide shelter. With almost 30% of the country’s natural landscape marked as protected, it’s easy to see why hiking is such a foundational part of the culture here. Pack a lunch, hit the trails, and enjoy all that the country has to offer! The Pinzgauer Spaziergang route in Zell am See is one of the best hikes you can do, covering 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) from Saalbach to Schmittenhöhe’s peak. If you’re looking for a more serious trek, try the 280-kilometer (175-mile) Eagle Walk from St. Johann to St. Anton am Arlberg. There are also several smaller hikes that offer flat paths around lakes and forests.

11. Visit Graz’s Old Town

This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts over 1,000 buildings, many of which date back to the Middle Ages. It’s a picturesque area worth exploring, especially if you love history and architecture. There are street cafes, art galleries, and lots of shopping opportunities here as well. Climb the 260 steps to the top of Schlossberg (the fortress on the hill) for sweeping views. If you want a guided tour of the area, they start at around 20 EUR. While Graz is the second-largest city in Austria, it sees far fewer tourists than Vienna.

12. Visit Mozart’s Geburtshaus

Located in Salzburg, the townhouse where Mozart was born in 1756 (he was the family’s seventh child) and spent his childhood years is now a museum. The living area of this once middle-class residence has been restored to be a snapshot of the musician’s 18th-century life with original furniture. Noteworthy pieces include several portraits of Mozart, hand-written letters on display as well as his violin and clavichord (which he used to compose The Magic Flute). There are also rotating exhibits that change annually. The tour is about an hour and admission is 13.50 EUR.

13. Visit the Belvedere

This is one of my favorite places in Vienna. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belvedere is composed of two palaces and is split into the permanent collection at the Upper Belvedere, special exhibitions at the Lower Belvedere, and contemporary art at the Belvedere 21. It’s home to an incredible art collection spanning more than 800 years with works by Renoir, Monet, and Van Gogh and a large portrait collection (which is my favorite). There is also a rotating exhibit hall with renowned Austrian and international art. The free grounds feature beautiful fountains, gravel walkways, ponds, statues, plants, and flowers and are perfect for a stroll on a nice day. Admission starts at 16 EUR. You’ll save a few euros if you buy online ahead of time.

14. Wander Hohensalzburg Castle

Standing high over the city of Salzburg, this magnificent castle dominates the city. The fortress has been in use since the 11th century, though it’s undergone several expansions and renovations. There’s a nice hike up to the castle (it takes about 30 minutes), or you can take the funicular. At the castle, there are ancient ruins, a cool historical tour, and panoramic views of the city to enjoy. The fortress also has a collection of museums, including the Marionette Museum and the Museum of the Rainer Regiment (which highlights the former Salzburg house military regiment). Admission is 14 EUR and includes the funicular.

15. Explore the Sigmund Freud Museum

Sigmund Freud, the famous founder of psychoanalysis, lived in this apartment-turned-museum from 1891-1938. The museum was opened in 1971 with the help of Anna Freud (his youngest daughter) and is home to the original furniture, Freud’s private collection of antiques, and the first editions of his works. There are also films from his private life. It’s small and only takes about an hour to visit. Admission is 15 EUR.

Austria Travel Costs

For anyone traveling with a tent, camping is available around the country. There are a few hundred campgrounds scattered around, costing around 5 EUR per night in the low season and around 22 EUR in peak season (July-August). These plots usually do not include electricity.

Two-star budget hotels range from 60-80 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like TV and Wi-Fi.

Airbnb is another budget option, with private accommodation starting at 50 EUR per night. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 65 EUR per night (though prices average around 100 EUR).

Food – Austrian cuisine is a meat-oriented one, with soups, stews, and pastries rounding things out. Popular dishes include rindsuppe (beef soup), smoked meat with sauerkraut, wiener schnitzel, strudel, and tafelspitz (beef boiled in broth). Breakfast usually is centered on bread or rolls with cheese and cold meats. For a wider choice of vegetarian options, look for affordable restaurants near the many universities.

A typical inexpensive restaurant meal of traditional cuisine like schnitzel costs around 15 EUR. Expect to pay at least 30 EUR for a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant. Dessert (such as pie or baked goods) is usually around 4-8 EUR.

If you’re on a budget, stick to eating at the local markets where you can find a great selection of traditional Austrian food (like schnitzel, goulash, sausages, and potatoes) as well as Asian, Greek, and Middle Eastern dishes for around 10-14 EUR.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 9 EUR for a combo meal. A large pizza should cost less than 20 EUR while Chinese food is 10-15 EUR for a main dish.

A beer at the bar costs around 4.25 EUR while a latte/cappuccino/tea costs 3-4 EUR. Wine is around 5 EUR and bottled water is 2.20 EUR. Soft drinks cost around 2.75 EUR.

If you are planning to cook your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 40-60 EUR for basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat.

Backpacking Austria Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 65 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all of your meals, visit a few museums, take a free walking tour, limit your drinking, and take public transportation to get around. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 EUR to your budget per day.

On a mid-range budget of about 160 EUR, you can stay in an Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out for some meals, have a few drinks at the bar, see more museums and palaces, day trip to Bratislava, and take the occasional taxi to get around.

On a “luxury” budget of 330 EUR per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink out at the bar as much as you’d like, visit more palaces or go to the opera, rent a car or take taxis to get around, and do some private guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Austria Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Expenses in Austria can add up quickly with all its pricey accommodations, high-end restaurants, and costly outdoor activities and tours. However, there’s plenty of free activities and delicious cheap eats to help keep your costs down. Here are some tips on how to save you money when you visit:

• Take a free walking tour – Vienna offers a handful of free walking tours which are great ways to get familiar with the city and the culture. Good Tours , Anna Loves Vienna , Vienna Greeters , and The Original Free Vienna Walking Tour are all great options — just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Visit museums for free – Many museums in Vienna are free to visit the first Sunday of every month. That list includes the Wien Museum, Museum of Military History, the Uhrenmuseum (clock museum), and the Roman Museum
• Ride the Flixbus – Flixbus is a budget-friendly way to explore the country. They have Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, and decent enough sites for overnight and long-haul bus journeys.
• Cook your own meals – Many hostels here don’t include kitchen facilities, so if you want to save money make sure you book accommodation that does. Buying your own groceries may not be as glamorous as going out to eat, but it definitely saves you money!
• Stay with a local – Staying with a local via Couchsurfing (or similar sharing economy sites) is a great way to not only save money but you get to meet a knowledgeable local who can help you better understand the country and its people.
• Skip the City Airport Train in Vienna – Unless you are in a rush to get downtown, skip the City Airport Train. It’s 11 EUR compared to the regular train that is only around 4.30 EUR. The time difference is negligible, and that extra 6.70 EUR is better spent on a cold beer!
• Walk everywhere – All of the major cities in Austria are quite walkable. Skip public transportation to save a few euros.
• Enjoy the free spaces – There are plenty of free parks as well as many free hiking trails around the country. Save your budget and enjoy the outdoors!
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is clean and safe so bring a reusable bottle to save money and reduce your single-use plastic usage. LifeStraw is my go-to brand since they have built-in filters to always ensure your water is clean.

Where to Stay in Austria

Austria has plenty of hostels that are fun, clean, and affordable. Here are some of my favorite places to stay:

• Wombats City Hostel (Vienna)
• The MEININGER Hotel (Vienna)
• Der Salzburger Hof and Hotel-Annex (Salzburg)
• Hostel Marmota (Innsbruck)
• The A&O Graz Hauptbahnhof (Graz)
• Jugendgaestehaus Linz (Linz)

How to Get Around Austria

Public transportation – Public transportation is clean, safe, and reliable across Austria, with lots of options within larger cities. Expect to pay around 2.40 – 2.60 EUR for a one-way adult ticket on Vienna’s trams, underground subway, and buses. The underground (U-Bahn) runs from about 5:00 AM to midnight and is open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday. Several bus lines run from 12:30 AM. to 5 AM. Always validate your ticket at the machine before boarding. In Graz, a one-hour tram pass is 3 EUR, and tram and bus prices in Salzburg start at 2.30 EUR. Most cities offer day passes, such as Vienna’s 24-hour pass for 8 EUR (there’s also a 48-hour pass for 14.10 EUR and 72-hour pass for 17.10 EUR).

Train – Trains are the best way to get around Austria. They’re fast and affordable, with tickets from Vienna to Graz (2.5 hours) costing as little as 25 EUR and Vienna to Salzburg (3 hours) costing around 40 EUR — those prices require advance booking. Tickets to nearby cities outside of Austria are quite affordable, too. For example, Vienna to Prague (4 hours) starts at about 40 EUR while Vienna to Budapest (2 hours) costs about 30 EUR. Consider Nightjet, Austria’s overnight train. Destinations include Salzburg, Vienna, Innsbruck, Bregenz, and Arlberg. Additionally, you can take it to more than a dozen countries. Prices start at around 40 EUR to Berlin, or about 60 EUR to Paris for carriage seats. Expect to pay more than 100 EUR for a sleeper cabin.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

Bus – Flixbus has routes from Vienna to Graz and Vienna to Bratislava. It’s the cheapest way to get around. The ride from Vienna to Graz offers tickets for as low as 10 EUR (the train costs 40 EUR) while the journey to Bratislava is just 5 EUR.

Flying – Flying around the country is possible, but it’s not going to save you any time once you factor in getting to/from the airport. Flights are usually double or triple the price of the train at best, so I’d avoid flying when you visit. The country is small and the trains are fast.

Ridesharing – Use the ride-sharing app BlaBlaCar for both medium and long distances. You can usually find rides for popular routes if you look a couple of days in advance. All you do is pay a small fee (essentially chipping in for gas) and you’re on your way. It usually isn’t much cheaper than the bus, but it’s faster and more interesting!

Car rental – Car rentals cost 20-40 EUR per day. Make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you rent as it is required. To find the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Austria

There’s no wrong time to visit Austria. The summer months (June-August) offer the best weather, with daily highs around 30°C (86°F). Go in summer for activities like music festivals, “beach” events on the Danube, and plenty to see in the palace gardens across the country. Summer is peak season for tourism so expect crowds in Vienna and Salzburg.

Winter is from December to March. It gets cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -15 °C (5°F). That said, November and December are considered to be the most magical months in Vienna and Salzburg because of their famous Christmas markets and snow-covered alpine villages. It’s also the best time for skiing or snowboarding in the Alps. There are also plenty of holiday concerts and classical music events in Vienna in December.

Personally, I think the best time to visit Austria is shoulder season in the spring and fall (April-June and September-October). It’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds. This time of year is especially good for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. In spring, the hillsides are blooming, and October and early November offer amazingly vibrant fall foliage.

How to Stay Safe in Austria

Austria is a very safe country. Violent crime here is rare, and it’s generally safe to walk or take public transportation at night. The only real issue you need to be on the lookout for is petty theft and pickpocketing, which can occur in high-traffic areas in Vienna and Salzburg. As a general rule, don’t wear flashy jewelry or wave around valuables, and always keep your wallet secure when out and about. If you’ve rented a car, don’t leave valuables or suitcases inside where they are visible.

Scams here are rare, but you can read about common travel scams to avoid.

Always check the weather before going off hiking and make sure you have everything you need (water, raincoat, food, etc.). Be mindful that you might not have cell coverage in remote areas, especially in the mountains.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). In Vienna and Salzburg, several hostels offer female-only rooms. If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Austria Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Austria Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

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Austria Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, austria - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Austria.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Austria.

If you decide to travel to Austria:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Austria.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Austria travel advice

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Take normal security precautions in Austria

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Heightened threat of terrorism

Following recent terrorist attacks in Europe and the Middle East, the Austrian Interior Ministry raised the national terrorism threat level to 4, “high”, on a 5-step scale. Due to the raised threat level, the police and military will increase their presence in public places and outside public buildings, including Jewish institutions.

If you are in Austria:

• be aware of your surroundings
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• expect heightened security measures and an increased police and military presence

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. On November 2, 2020, a terrorist attack was carried out in Vienna and caused several casualties. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

Petty crime (such as pickpocketing and bag snatching) can occur, particularly in tourist areas. Be particularly careful at night.

Thieves are active in crowded public areas such as:

• pedestrian shopping areas
• restaurants and cafés
• hotel lobbies
• train stations
• public transportation
• tourist attractions

Thieves often target international night trains travelling to and from Austria.

Ensure your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

ATM fraud occurs, particularly in Vienna. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Mountain activities

If you intend to do mountaineering or skiing:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes, particularly in early or late winter

Road safety

Road conditions are generally good.

Mountain roads are often narrow and covered with snow and ice during winter. Roads may close due to avalanches. Carry tire chains in the car if you intend to use mountain roads.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Austrian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

• Schengen area

Austria is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days Business visa: not required for stays up 90 days Work visa: required Student visa: required

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Healthcare is excellent. Service is available throughout the country.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Austria are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Austria to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Austria authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Identification checks

You must carry identification, such as your passport, at all times. Keep a photocopy or digital copy of your passport in a secure location in case of loss or seizure.

It is illegal to cover your face in public places in Austria. Failure to comply can lead to heavy fines.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect a jail sentence and a heavy fine.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Austria legally recognizes dual citizenship in certain cases.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Austria, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you’re there. You may also be subject to different  entry/exit requirements .

Canadians with dual citizenship or who are eligible for Austrian citizenship may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Austrian law.

• More about dual Austrian citizenship  - Austrian government portal
• General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Austria.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Austria, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Austrian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Austria to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

You should carry an international driving permit or a German translation of your driver’s licence. If you are in Austria for more than 12 months, you must obtain an Austrian licence.

You must be 18 years old to drive in Austria.

Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent. If convicted, you can expect heavy fines, and local authorities can confiscate your driver’s licence on the spot

The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited, unless it is fitted with a hands-free device.

You cannot turn right on a red light. A blinking green light is equivalent to an amber light in Canada: it doesn’t mean that you have the right-of-way to advance.

Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to April 15.

All vehicles must have the following in case of a breakdown:

• a first-aid kit
• a warning triangle
• high visibility vests (to be carried in the passenger compartment, not the trunk) for the driver and any passenger who leaves the vehicle

Highway travel requires that you purchase an autobahn vignette (similar to a toll) sticker. You must affix the sticker to the car’s windshield. You can purchase a vignette at all major border crossings, major gas stations and small tabak (tobacco) shops located throughout Austria. Failure to comply can result in heavy fines that you must pay on the spot.

• More about the International Driving Permit
• Driving in Austria - European Commission

The currency of Austria is the euro (EUR).

Credit cards are widely accepted at main hotels, shops and restaurants. Smaller establishments may only accept cash.

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

There is a risk of avalanches, especially following heavy snowfalls, and some have resulted in deaths.

Be particularly careful in the alpine areas of Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol and Vorarlberg.

Always carefully follow the advice of local authorities.

Avalanche forecasting and warnings - European Avalanche Warning Services (EAWS)

Seasonal risks

Heavy rains may occur in the spring and summer, sometimes resulting in flooding and mudslides.

In winter, heavy snowfalls may occur in towns and ski resorts. They may also make roads made impassable.

Local services

Dial 112 for general emergency assistance, or:

• 144 for ambulance
• 133 for police
• 122 for firefighters

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Vienna and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.