Are you thinking about where to go for a trip when you spend your vacation here in Austria? This
Central European country is full of rich history, culture, and beautiful nature, making it perfect for
both summer and winter vacations. We’ve selected a few places that you shouldn’t miss.
1. Vienna (Wien)
When traveling to Austria, you can’t skip the capital and former residence of the Austro-Hungarian
Empire. Vienna stands out with its beautiful architecture, and the city center is listed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. There are plenty of landmarks in the city that are definitely worth seeing.
Thanks to the many significant composers who worked here, Vienna is also known as the City of
Music (the waltz dance was created here too).
While you’re here, visit Hofburg, Schönbrunn, Belvedere Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or attend a
performance at the State Opera for a unique cultural experience. Vienna is also known for its
extensive Christmas markets, attracting people from all over Europe. Don’t forget to sample the local
cuisine, such as Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, Germknödel, Strudel, or Sacher Torte.
2. Prater (Wurstelprater)
Prater is also located in Vienna and is the oldest amusement family park in Austria, and one of the
oldest parks in the world (it was established in the 18th century). It is home to one of the city’s
landmarks – the giant Ferris wheel, Riesenrad. Otherwise, you’ll find similar attractions as in other
amusement parks – go-karts, carousels, shooting ranges, roller coasters, a haunted house, and so on.
It’s a unique place where tradition blends with modern entertainment.
3. Innsbruck
It is the capital of the federal state of Tyrol and is in the foothills of the Austrian Alps, making it an
ideal destination for skiing in Austria. It is also close to the borders of Italy, Germany, and
Liechtenstein, so you can go on trips to these countries from here.
Some of the most famous landmarks in Innsbruck include the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) with the
Court Church (Hofkirche) or the Renaissance Ambras Castle. Other interesting places to visit are the
Bergisel ski jump, the Olympic Village Erlebnisoase Olympisches Dorf (which functions as a wellness
center), and the alpine zoo with animals typical of this region.
You can also visit the historic (but reconstructed and functional) City Steam Baths.
4. Lakes of Carinthia (Kärntner Seen)
Carinthia is a great place for hiking and cycling excursions, and it is home to well-known Austrian
lakesthat are so crystal clear and beautifully colored that they appear almost unreal. Particularly
stunning is Klopeiner See, which is the warmest lake in all of Europe. The largest lake in Carinthia is
Wörther See. If you long for relaxation in nature, you will be absolutely captivated by this place.
5. Wolfgangsee
We’ll linger a bit more with Austrian lakes. If you’re drawn to unspoiled nature and tranquility, visit
Wolfgangsee, located in the salt chamber region in Salzburg. It’s one of the most beautiful lakes in
Austria where you can swim, take leisurely walks, or cycle around during the summer. You can also
take a ride on a historic steam railway for a charming view above the lake.
Right next to Wolfgangsee, you’ll find other beautiful lakes, such as Irrsee, Mondsee, Fuschlsee, and
Chiemsee, offering plenty of options for hiking and cycling. Additionally, just a few kilometers away,
you’ll arrive in the spa town of Bad Ischl.
6. Thermal Baths Bad Gastein
When it comes to those spas in Austria, specifically in Salzburg, you can visit the thermal spa Bad
Gastein at an incredible altitude of 1,100 meters. Just imagine, relaxing in warm mineral water
welling up from the depths of the earth while enjoying the breathtaking mountain views. It is
beautiful.
There are numerous thermal spas in Austria, such as:
- Bad Kleinkirchheim
- Warmbad-Villach
- Bad Erlach
- Laa an der Thaya
- or Vienna’s Therme Wien
7. Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave
From the warmth, let’s move straight into the cold. Eisriesenwelt is, in fact, the largest ice cave in the
world. Located in the Tennengebirge mountain range, it stretches an incredible 42 kilometers. The entrance to the cave is situated at an altitude of 1,641 meters, and ice covers the cave walls entirely even roughly a kilometer from it. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Disney’s Frozen fairytale.
8. Wachau Valley
It’s a vast valley in Lower Austria, with the Danube River at its core. This valley is renowned for its
stunning landscape, picturesque towns, and vineyards, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage
site. You can cruise along the river, go on excursions with breathtaking views, or visit Dürnstein
Castle, where the English King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.
9. Eisenstadt
Austria hides many landmarks that we haven’t even mentioned yet. To conclude, we’ll return from
nature to cities, specifically to Eisenstadt. It is the capital of the federal state of Burgenland but has
only 14,000 inhabitants. It is situated near the Hungarian border, making it an excellent base for
excursions to Hungary as well.
Eisenstadt is primarily an important place for all classical music enthusiasts. Joseph Haydn lived and
worked here at the Esterházy court, and you can visit their palace.
Each of these places has its unique charm, offering you amazing experiences. Choose according to
your preferences and interests and enjoy your vacation in Austria!
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