What to See in Austria: Cities, Regions, Attractions And Recommended Itineraries

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Austria, a country steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, is a must-visit destination for any traveler. From the grand palaces of Vienna to the picturesque villages of Salzkammergut, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting land.

The Main Cities of Austria

Austria has six capital cities, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Here are some of the main cities you should consider visiting:

Vienna

The capital city of Austria, Vienna is a treasure trove of history, culture, and entertainment. With over 1.9 million inhabitants, it’s one of the largest cities in Austria, but don’t let its size fool you – there’s still plenty to explore.

Must-see attractions include:

The Palace of Schönbrunn, a grand imperial palace that’s been a favorite among European monarchs for centuries.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a stunning Gothic church that dominates the city skyline.
The Hofburg Palace, the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty.

Salzburg

Located in the heart of Austria, Salzburg is a picturesque city that’s steeped in history and culture. With over 150,000 inhabitants, it’s one of the smaller cities in Austria, but don’t let its size fool you – there’s still plenty to explore.

Must-see attractions include:

The Mirabell Palace and Gardens, a beautiful Baroque palace that’s been a favorite among artists for centuries.
The Salzburg Cathedral, a stunning Gothic church that dominates the city skyline.
Mozart’s birthplace, where the famous composer was born in 1756.

Innsbruck

Located in the Tyrolean Alps, Innsbruck is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 310,000 inhabitants, it’s one of the larger cities in Austria, but don’t let its size fool you – there’s still plenty to explore.

Must-see attractions include:

The Golden Roof, a beautiful Gothic building that dates back to the 15th century.
The Nordkette mountains, where you can hike and ski to your heart’s content.
The Swarovski Crystal Worlds, an impressive museum made entirely of crystal glass.

Graz

Located in the southern part of Austria, Graz is a charming city that’s steeped in history and culture. With over 400,000 inhabitants, it’s one of the larger cities in Austria, but don’t let its size fool you – there’s still plenty to explore.

Must-see attractions include:

The Schlossberg, a beautiful hilltop castle that dates back to the 12th century.
The Graz Cathedral, a stunning Gothic church that dominates the city skyline.
The Styrian Art Market, where you can find everything from traditional crafts to modern art.

Linz

Located in the heart of Austria, Linz is a charming city that’s steeped in history and culture. With over 200,000 inhabitants, it’s one of the smaller cities in Austria, but don’t let its size fool you – there’s still plenty to explore.

Must-see attractions include:

The Linz Cathedral, a stunning Gothic church that dominates the city skyline.
The Museum of Modern Art, where you can find everything from traditional art to modern installations.
The Castle of Frederick III, a beautiful medieval castle that dates back to the 12th century.

Villach

Located in the Carinthian Alps, Villach is a charming village that’s steeped in history and culture. With over 60,000 inhabitants, it’s one of the smaller villages in Austria, but don’t let its size fool you – there’s still plenty to explore.

Must-see attractions include:

The Ossiach Lake, where you can hike and bike to your heart’s content.
The Faak Lake, a beautiful lake that’s perfect for swimming and relaxation.
The thermal baths of Villach, where you can relax and rejuvenate in natural hot springs.

Klagenfurt

Located in the Carinthian Alps, Klagenfurt is a charming city that’s steeped in history and culture. With over 100,000 inhabitants, it’s one of the smaller cities in Austria, but don’t let its size fool you – there’s still plenty to explore.

Must-see attractions include:

The Worthersee Lake, where you can hike and bike to your heart’s content.
The Klagenfurt Cathedral, a stunning Gothic church that dominates the city skyline.
The City Park, where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Hallstatt

Located in the Salzkammergut region, Hallstatt is a charming village that’s steeped in history and culture. With over 1000 inhabitants, it’s one of the smallest villages in Austria, but don’t let its size fool you – there’s still plenty to explore.

Must-see attractions include:

The Hallstatt Lake, where you can hike and bike to your heart’s content.
The Salt Mines, a beautiful underground mine that dates back to the 12th century.
The Hallstatt Museum, where you can find everything from traditional crafts to modern art.

Kitzbühel

Located in the Tyrolean Alps, Kitzbühel is a charming village that’s steeped in history and culture. With over 8200 inhabitants, it’s one of the smaller villages in Austria, but don’t let its size fool you – there’s still plenty to explore.

Must-see attractions include:

The Hahnenkamm Race, a famous ski race that takes place every year.
The Kitzbühel Museum, where you can find everything from traditional art to modern installations.
The St. Jacob Church, a beautiful Gothic church that dates back to the 15th century.

Melk

Located in the Austrian countryside, Melk is a charming village that’s steeped in history and culture. With over 5000 inhabitants, it’s one of the smallest villages in Austria, but don’t let its size fool you – there’s still plenty to explore.

Must-see attractions include:

The Benedictine Abbey and Library, a beautiful medieval monastery that dates back to the 12th century.
The Melk Castle, a stunning Gothic castle that dominates the village skyline.
The St. Peter’s Church, a beautiful Romanesque church that dates back to the 10th century.

The Main Tourist Routes in Austria

Austria has several main tourist routes that are perfect for exploring its history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some of the most popular ones:

The Great Alpine Road of Grossglockner: a scenic road that winds its way through the Austrian Alps.
The Danube River: a beautiful river that runs along the border of Austria and Germany.
The Salzkammergut region: a picturesque region that’s steeped in history and culture.

Things to Do in Austria

Austria has plenty of things to do, from outdoor activities like hiking and skiing to cultural attractions like museums and historic sites. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Hiking: Austria is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Europe.
Skiing: Austria is a world-renowned ski destination, with over 1,000 kilometers of pistes.
Visiting castles: Austria has plenty of beautiful castles that are perfect for exploring.

Additional Tips and Recommendations

The best time to visit Austria is in the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October), when the weather is mild and pleasant.
The most popular tourist destinations in Austria include Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, Linz, Villach, Klagenfurt, Hallstatt, Kitzbühel, and Melk.
Some of the must-try Austrian dishes include Wiener Schnitzel, Sacher Torte, Apple Strudel, and Goulash.
The best way to get around Austria is by train or bus, as the country has an efficient public transportation system.

Conclusion

Austria is a country that has something for everyone. From its grand palaces and historic sites to its picturesque villages and natural beauty, there’s no shortage of things to explore. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, Austria is the perfect destination for you. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Austria is a place that will leave you with unforgettable memories.