12 Amazing Destinations to Explore in Austria

When you think of Austria, you might envision the opulent palaces and charming coffeehouses of Vienna, the stunning white peaks of the Tyrolean Alps, the enchanting Danube river, and the melodic strains of Mozart in Salzburg's baroque concert halls.

If this is your first time visiting, you'll certainly want to experience everything this beautiful country has to offer. However, Austria has much more to reveal than what initially catches your eye.

Whether you're excited to ascend the glacial heights of Hohe Tauern National Park, exploring innovative tech in modern Graz, venturing into the lesser-known regions of Bregenzerwald, or strolling through the vineyard-laden roads of southern Styria, reminiscent of Tuscany, Austria rewards those who stray from the conventional path.

Here’s our perspective on Austria’s top places to visit.

1. Zell am See

Nestled along the shores of a stunning blue lake and surrounded by majestic peaks, Zell am See is truly breathtaking. This vibrant Alpine resort offers spectacular wilderness right at its doorstep, including the glacier-topped Kitzsteinhorn at 3203m (10,509ft), where you can explore glacier trails, relax on a snow beach, spend a night in an igloo, and ski well into the summer months. It’s also an ideal gateway to the stunning landscapes of Hohe Tauern National Park.

In summer, the resort buzzes with activity, attracting visitors to swim, boat, windsurf, and stand-up paddleboard on the lake, cycle around its shores, or paraglide overhead. Hikers will love the adventure too: a cable car whisks you up to Schmittenhöhe, linking you to the 17-km (10.5-mile) Pinzgauer Spaziergang, one of Austria’s most unforgettable hikes, offering breathtaking views of the towering 3798m (12,461ft) Grossglockner. The resort also serves as a fantastic starting point for the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, a thrilling drive showcasing waterfalls, lakes, glaciers, and endless snowy mountains.

Travel tip: Avoid the summer crowds by visiting when the snow starts to melt in late May or during the fall before the winter snow arrives.

Optimize your visit to Austria with our seasonal travel guide

2. Vienna

Few cities transition so seamlessly between history and modernity as Vienna, where Hapsburg emperors held sway for six centuries. The grandeur and opulence can be almost breathtaking as you glide through expansive, lavishly decorated palaces like the Hofburg and Schönbrunn, visit Klimt-filled exhibitions at the Upper Belvedere, stroll along majestic baroque streets, and meander through gardens adorned with follies and Greek deities overlooking the city.

The melodies of Mozart, Beethoven, and the charming Strauss echo in some of the world's most celebrated and luxurious concert venues: the Musikverein and Staatsoper. Even a simple coffee outing can feel regal at places like the chandelier-adorned Café Central, once a favorite haunt of 19th-century luminaries.

Vienna is more than just its iconic sights. Step beyond the renowned landmarks of Innere Stadt and the Gothic marvel of Stephansdom to discover a vibrant, lovable capital with its own unique urban rhythm: in the parks lining the Danube, at the MuseumsQuartier—a cultural hotspot housed in former imperial stables—and at bustling food markets like Naschmarkt, where Vienna embraces global street food and flavors.

Travel tip: As evening falls and the city sparkles, embark on a self-guided tour along the grand Ringstrasse boulevard, which encircles Vienna’s historic 1st district (Innere Stadt) using trams 1 and 2.

3. Linz

While other Austrian cities embrace fairy-tale allure, Linz boldly strides into the 21st century. With its sights set on the future, this tech-savvy innovator boasts a dynamic cultural landscape, making waves in avant-garde art and architecture. A host of galleries and cutting-edge buildings earned it the title of UNESCO City of Media Arts in 2014.

At the top of your must-visit list should be the Ars Electronica Center, focusing on technology, science, and digital media. Here, you can interact with robots, animate digital creations, print in 3D, turn your body into musical instruments, and even embark on a virtual journey to outer space. Across the Danube stands Lentos, a striking glass-and-steel structure housing a vast collection of modern art, including works by Warhol, Schiele, Klimt, and Kokoschka. Both museums dazzle at night with their vibrant illuminations.

Travel tip: Immerse yourself in the future of art and technology—from VR and biotech to robotics and media art—at the five-day Ars Electronica Festival, held in early September.

4. Salzburg

Situated along the rushing turquoise Salzach River, Salzburg appears as if it’s been plucked straight from a film set. Upon arrival, you can’t help but gaze upward in awe at the soaring spires of its magnificent baroque Altstadt, which includes the Residenz palace, once the site of prince-archbishops’ courts, and the stunning copper-domed cathedral; at the historic, hilltop Festung Hohensalzburg, a fortress over 900 years old; at the towering cliffs of Mönchsberg rising 540m (1772ft) above the city; and at the distant, snow-capped peaks of the Alps.

Salzburg has birthed numerous legends, most famously Mozart, who was born in a bright-yellow house on Getreidegasse, now a museum honoring the musical genius. His notable counterpart is Maria from The Sound of Music (1965). Numerous tours and bike rides explore the film's locations, or you can create your own self-guided adventure.

To escape the crowds, take an uplifting hike along the wooded cliffs of Mönchsberg to Augustiner Bräustübl, a 400-year-old brewery founded by monks, featuring Oktoberfest-style vibes, vaulted halls, and a 1000-seat beer garden perfect for enjoying frothy brews beneath the chestnut trees. For fresh Alpine air and trails leading deep into the mountains, take the cable car up to the 1853m (6079ft) Untersberg near the Bavarian border.

Travel tip: Salzburg becomes extremely crowded during peak season. Accommodations are scarce, and prices soar during the festival from mid-July to late August. Spring and autumn offer fewer tourists, while winter, though cold, reveals the beauty of the sparkling Christmas markets.

5. Graz and the Styrian Wine Roads

Perched on a bluff with a castle, Graz boasts an Altstadt rich with Renaissance courtyards and baroque palaces reminiscent of nearby Italy, alongside some strikingly modern galleries. This charming and relaxed city is the perfect launchpad for exploring the often-neglected Styria region in southern Austria.

From this city, you can easily venture onto the Weinstrassen (wine roads) that wind through gently rolling hills, flower-dotted meadows, forests, and lush vineyards covering the southern province. With vineyards ascending steep hillsides, along with the occasional poppy and cypress tree, this area offers Austria’s version of Tuscany—without the crowds—making it ideal for a scenic road trip. As you travel through towns like Leutschach, Ehrenhausen, Gamlitz, and Berghausen, you'll discover welcoming wineries ready for tastings and rustic farmhouses offering a cozy retreat.

Planning tip: During the last weekend of September, the region celebrates its Weinlesefest (wine harvest festival) with plenty of corks popping.

6. Bregenzerwald

While the mountains of Tyrol and Salzburgerland steal the spotlight, there's a hidden gem worth exploring. Vast areas of Austria's far west, known as Vorarlberg, remain wonderfully untouched, featuring narrow, tranquil valleys nestled between towering peaks and lush forests. Here, the Alpine heights of Silvretta-Montafon transition into the rolling hills and verdant dairy landscapes of the Bregenzerwald, which eventually lead down to Bodensee (Lake Constance), where Austria meets Germany and Switzerland.

The Bregenzerwald is a wonderfully tranquil and rural area perfect for escaping for a few days, whether you're hiking, cycling, or cross-country skiing. The roads weave through pastures grazed by cows, flanked by limestone peaks and charming timber chalet-lined villages. A must-visit is Schwarzenberg, where you can explore the Angelika Kauffmann Museum followed by lunch in the cozy, wood-paneled parlor at Gasthof Hirschen.

Planning tip: Having your own vehicle is essential to navigate the region’s KäseStrasse (cheese road), which meanders through lush valleys and mountain meadows, connecting various cheese-makers, farm shops, and the show dairy in Schoppernau.

For more great driving routes, check out our guide to Austria's best road trips

7. Innsbruck

The jagged peaks of the Nordkette Alps rise dramatically above Innsbruck, the captivating capital of Tyrol. Here, the mountains soar above the turquoise waters of the Inn River, seamlessly integrating into every view. If you’re torn between city life and alpine adventures, this is the place where you can enjoy both. A futuristic funicular designed by architect Zaha Hadid whisks you up to the breathtaking heights of 2334m (7657ft) at Hafelekar in just a few minutes.

Innsbruck offers a unique experience where you can spend your morning skiing, hiking, or mountain biking, and then immerse yourself in culture by afternoon. Start with a leisurely stroll through the elegant imperial state apartments of the dome-crowned Hofburg palace. Just nearby, the Goldenes Dachl, a late-Gothic oriel, dazzles with its 2657 fire-gilded copper tiles. But don’t overlook the nearby Swarovski Kristallwelten in Wattens, where you can experience an impressive display of crystal art after a quick bus ride from the city.

For an adrenaline rush, venture to the nearby village of Igls and experience the thrill of the Olympiabobbahn, where you can reach speeds of 110km/h (68mph) while navigating through 10 exhilarating curves.

Planning tip: When you stay two nights or longer, you’ll receive the Innsbruck Welcome Card, which provides perks like free public transport, bike rentals, access to mountain lifts, guided hikes (in summer), and snowshoe tours (in winter).

7. The Wachau

Few places embody the essence of Austria quite like the Wachau, just a short journey west of Vienna. Here, gentle landscapes unfold like a Strauss symphony, with orchards and vineyards cascading down terraced slopes to the winding River Danube. Scenic trails invite exploration through fields and forests, leading to medieval castles perched romantically on hills. This stretch of the Danube Valley, renowned for its vibrant food and wine culture, boasts picturesque paths perfect for walking or cycling, earning it UNESCO World Heritage recognition.

Culturally, the standout attraction is Stift Melk, an impressive baroque abbey with twin spires and an onion dome, featuring a cheerful yellow exterior and an elaborately frescoed monastery church. Don’t miss the enchanting ruins of Dürnstein’s castle, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the late 12th century, or the charming village of Spitz, renowned for the 1000-Eimer-Berg, aptly named for its capacity to produce 1000 buckets of wine each harvest season.

Planning tip: Trains from Vienna to Krems and Melk operate within an hour, making this an excellent day trip from the capital. Rent a bike from nextbike to explore the river and the surrounding wine country along a section of the Danube Cycle Path.

Interested in more day trips from Vienna? Here are some top options

9. Bad Gastein

Nestled in a breathtaking valley of the glacier-clad Hohe Tauern mountains, Bad Gastein is a true charmer. Its belle époque villas, reminiscent of a graceful past, cling to steep, wooded slopes beside a 341m (1119ft) waterfall cascading over cliffs. This enchanting town has captivated many over the centuries—from beauty-seeking Romans to romantic figures like Schubert and Klimt, and even royals like Empress Elisabeth—due to the miraculous healing properties of its radon-rich thermal hot springs.

Today, visitors can enjoy these healing waters at the grotto-filled Felsentherme and the architecturally striking Alpentherme baths. For a more intense experience, venture into the depths of the Gasteiner Heilstollen, a former medieval gold mine converted into a health center, to soak in radon (taster sessions are available), believed to alleviate various ailments from arthritis to fibromyalgia.

Just a glance at the mountains towering over the valley will make you eager to ascend. A gondola whisks you up to 2200m (7218ft) Stubnerkogel, where you can traverse a 140m-long (459ft) suspension bridge for breathtaking views into the snowy Hohe Tauern peaks, or hit the slopes in winter.

Planning tip: If you stay overnight, you'll receive the Gastein Card, granting you free access to local public transport, complimentary guided half-day and full-day hikes, plus significant discounts on mountain lifts, thermal baths, and various activities.

10. Salzkammergut Lakes

If you've ever admired a lake scene from The Sound of Music, it likely took place in the Salzkammergut, a magical region filled with vibrant Alpine lakes, valleys adorned with wildflowers, and peaks reaching nearly 3000m (9845ft). If you can only visit one lake, make it the stunning Hallstatt, with its shimmering green-blue waters framed by the Dachstein Mountains. Its breathtaking beauty even inspired the kingdom of Arendelle in Disney's 2013 film Frozen, and during summer, the village can get quite crowded. A funicular transports you to the UNESCO-listed Salzwelten, the oldest salt mines in the world, reflecting 7000 years of history and the region’s famed 'white gold.'

The region rewards those who take their time: linger longer to enjoy thermal baths in spa town Bad Ischl, swim in the warm waters of crescent-shaped Mondsee, follow the paths of pilgrims to Wolfgangsee, and explore the icy wonders of the Dachstein Caves in Obertraun.

Planning tip: From July to early September, the lakes are perfect for swimming (the water is quite cold at other times), but visiting in the shoulder seasons—spring and autumn—can be equally delightful for escaping the selfie-stick crowds and enjoying the lakes in tranquility.

11. Steyr and Nationalpark Kalkalpen

Want to truly escape the beaten path? Upper Austria is your destination. This region has surprisingly evaded the tourist spotlight, making it perfect for an off-the-grid adventure. With its serene beauty, golden wheat fields transition to patchwork farms and apple orchards, leading up to rolling mountains near the Czech border. It’s a pleasure to discover on foot or by bike, with trails hugging riverbanks and rustic farms offering homemade Most (cider) amid gentle autumn mists.

The most beautiful town is undoubtedly Steyr, which composer Franz Schubert deemed 'inconceivably lovely' and drew inspiration from for his lively 'Trout Quintet.' Nestled at the junction of the fast-flowing Enns and Steyr rivers, this charming town with cobblestone streets and pastel-colored baroque buildings serves as an excellent gateway to explore the surrounding region.

Planning tip: For hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing, the limestone peaks, gorges, and high moors of Nationalpark Kalkalpen are just a short distance away.

12. St Anton am Arlberg

It all began at St Anton am Arlberg... Here, where Austria’s first ski club was established in 1901 and downhill skiing was born, the Alps soar into thrilling heights. Dominated by the formidable Valluga mountain (2809m/9216ft), this resort challenges even the most seasoned skiers with some of the country’s steepest on- and off-piste skiing. The ultimate test is the Run of Fame, one of the longest ski circuits in the Alps, spanning 85km (53 miles) and encompassing 18km (11 vertical miles) of exhilarating terrain. With 305km (190 miles) of slopes, skiing here is legendary, complemented by a vibrant après-ski scene where revelers enjoy life to the fullest.

While winter attracts most visitors, summer brings its own excitement with hiking trails connecting breathtaking peaks, and adventure outfitters H2O offering thrilling experiences like white water rafting on the swift Inn River, canyoning through nearby gorges, tubing, and mountain biking. For those seeking tranquility, mountain yoga is also trending here, featuring a peak-gazing, mood-boosting, body-stretching festival in early September.

Planning tip: From mid-June to early October, every visitor receives the convenient St Anton Summer Card, which offers perks such as free public transport, entry to local museums, guided hikes, yoga sessions, and access to swimming pools.