Top 10 Experiences to Enjoy in Beautiful Austria

When asked about Austria’s must-see attractions, most people will rave about Vienna and its opulent palaces, charming coffee houses, concert venues, and galleries, along with the exhilarating trails and slopes of the Alps that stretch across much of the nation.

While these are indeed remarkable, this compact alpine wonderland has hidden gems to discover: from enchanting waterfalls and ice caves to breathtaking mountain drives and the serene allure of the Danube, lined with abbeys, vineyards, and crumbling castles that beckon around every romantic curve.

We’ve explored the nation to find the experiences you absolutely cannot miss—here are our top 10 favorites in Austria.

1. Experience the thrill of driving along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Dive into the breathtaking Austrian Alps with the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, a route poised for UNESCO World Heritage recognition. Stretching from Bruck in Salzburgerland to Heiligenblut in Carinthia, this 48 km (30 mi) drive features a thrilling average gradient of 9%, offering an exhilarating series of hairpin turns and awe-inspiring views that will leave you breathless.

As you navigate the twists and turns, take a moment to soak in the stunning sights of cascading waterfalls and shimmering lakes. At the highest point, Edelweiss Spitze (2571m/8435ft), you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks soaring over 3000m (9842ft). This all leads to Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, where you can gaze upon the majestic Grossglockner (3798m/12460ft), Austria’s tallest mountain, along with the Pasterze Glacier.

Tip for your journey: Start early to avoid the midday crowds, as the road can become heavily congested by noon, particularly during July and August. Also, keep an eye on the weather forecast; driving isn’t enjoyable in snow or storms.

2. Indulge in the grandeur of Vienna's palaces

Over their remarkable 640-year rule, the Habsburgs amassed a stunning collection of palaces, engaging top architects of their time to bring their lavish visions to life. These palatial spaces were filled with treasures, exquisite porcelain, spirited horses, and flattering self-portraits. If exploring grand residences excites you, Vienna has plenty to offer.

At the top of your list should be the expansive Hofburg, the Imperial Palace of Vienna, where you could easily spend an entire day admiring imperial jewels in the treasury, enjoying angelic choir performances in the chapel (held every Sunday and on religious holidays from September to June), wandering through the chandelier-lit apartments of Empress Elisabeth, and watching the elegant Lipizzaner stallions perform at the Spanish Riding School.

The Hofburg is matched in splendor by the 1441-room Schloss Schönbrunn, a UNESCO World Heritage site that serves as a remarkable summer palace, and the extravagantly baroque Schloss Belvedere, where you can view Klimt’s iconic Kiss, all set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens.

Tip for planning: Expect large crowds during the busy summer months and on weekends. To save time and avoid long lines, consider pre-booking tickets with designated time slots online.

3. Marvel at the splendor of Krimml Falls

As the snow melts, countless waterfalls cascade down the steep cliffs of the Austrian Alps, but none can compare to the thunderous spectacle of the 380m-high (1247ft) Krimmler Wasserfälle, located in the remote Pinzgau Valley of Salzburgerland. Often graced by rainbows, Europe’s tallest waterfall plunges over lush slopes and boulders with a roaring might.

Standing before these falls, you’ll feel like a mere speck in the grand scheme of nature, which is oddly comforting. The best views are from select vantage points, particularly along the Wasserfallweg (Waterfall Trail), which winds its way through the woods to breathtaking lookout spots. Allow about two hours for the round trip.

Tip for planning: Want to extend your hike? Continue up to the Krimmler Achental, a stunning Alpine valley where you can enjoy lunch at the charming mountain hut, Hölzlahneralm. This trek is approximately a four-hour round trip from the waterfall trailhead.

4. Enter a mystical realm in Eisriesenwelt

Exploring the icy realm of Eisriesenwelt, the largest accessible ice cave in the world, feels like stepping into a magical world reminiscent of Narnia. Beneath the limestone towers of the Tennengebirge range in Salzburgerland lies a stunning labyrinth of sparkling ice corridors, cathedral-high vaults, and ancient lakes, sculpted over millennia. The centerpiece is the ethereal blue Eispalast (ice palace), where frost crystals shimmer under the glow of magnesium flares.

To experience this wonder, grab a carbide lamp and join one of the regular guided tours that venture deep into the mountain, typically available from May to October. The charming town of Werfen, crowned with a fortress, serves as the gateway to the ice caves, with minibuses connecting to cable cars that whisk you to the entrance. Don’t forget to wear thermal layers, as it can be frigid even in summer.

Tip for planning: Werfen is just a 40-minute train ride from Salzburg, making it an easy day trip, but take your time! Consider staying overnight to explore the impressive clifftop medieval castle and meander through the flower-strewn meadows on the 1.4km (0.9-mile) Sound of Music Trail, recognizable from the film’s picnic scene.

5. Discover the charming village of Hallstatt

Nestled beneath towering, rugged peaks, Hallstatt is a breathtaking gem, boasting a picturesque collection of chalets that gaze into a mirror-like lake. This stunning village is among the most beautiful in the Salzkammergut region. The excitement builds as you arrive, with boats gliding across the lake from the train station to the village, perched elegantly on a slender stretch of land between mountain and shore.

While the lake is captivating, don’t stop there. A funicular will whisk you up to Salzwelten, where you can plunge into the depths of the world’s oldest salt mine on exhilarating miners’ slides and explore 7000 years of fascinating history. While you’re up high, dare to walk out onto the Skywalk platform, extending over the lake and mountains, offering views that will take your breath away.

Planning tip: Hallstatt’s beauty attracts many visitors, especially in summer, so choose your timing wisely for a more tranquil experience. Spring and autumn are particularly splendid times to visit.

6. Thrilling outdoor adventures await in Tyrol

Though thrilling outdoor activities abound throughout the Austrian Alps, Tyrol stands out year-round—whether you're into glacier skiing or hiking from one Alpine hut to another. Innsbruck serves as an excellent launching point for adventures, with the jagged Nordkette range soaring above the city and funiculars whisking you to the slopes in minutes.

In summer, dive into the foamy turquoise rivers, like the Inn and Sanna, for a heart-pounding whitewater rafting experience. Or catch the thermals while paragliding over the stunning Alps in the Zillertal. This region offers endless hiking options, from leisurely walks with glacier views to challenging multi-day treks that venture off the beaten path. Cable cars help mountain bikers access high-altitude downhill routes, with Ischgl’s Silvretta Bike Academy being a particular highlight.

As winter blankets the region in snow, the focus shifts to skiing. St Anton am Arlberg is a dream destination for many, offering challenging slopes, fantastic off-piste runs, and a vibrant après-ski scene. Mayrhofen excites with freestyle boarding and daring black runs like the Harakiri, while the upscale Kitzbühel combines leisurely runs with a snowpark experience.

Planning tip: Tyrol is vast, so choose a valley as your base and explore from there. While outdoor adventures peak in winter and summer, spring and autumn provide a more tranquil experience ideal for hiking and biking at lower elevations.

7. Get into the groove in Salzburg

Perched atop a hill, Salzburg is graced with a fortress, a baroque Old Town adorned with domes, and dramatic cliffs that descend to the river like a theatrical curtain, all set against a stunning Alpine backdrop. This picturesque city feels perfectly arranged—and that's no accident.

Music flows through the veins of Salzburg, whether you're captivated by singing nuns on their way to mass (think The Sound of Music, filmed here in the 1960s) or enthralled by the concertos of Mozart, the city's own musical genius born in 1756. The highlight is the summer Salzburg Festival, which began in 1920 and has evolved into a monumental celebration of classical music, showcasing an impressive array of opera, concerts, and drama across grand venues and plazas throughout the city.

There are countless ways to immerse yourself in the musical spirit of Salzburg, from belting out The Sound of Music classics on Fräulein Maria's Bicycle Tours as you explore filming locations to enjoying intimate chamber music performances in the elegant marble hall of Schloss Mirabell.

Planning tip: The beautifully landscaped gardens of Schloss Mirabell host free promenade concerts on Sunday mornings and enchanting illuminated fountain concerts on Wednesday evenings from May to August.

8. Discover the Danube Valley on two wheels

While you can hike, drive, take a boat, or hop on a train, nothing beats exploring the Danube Valley with your rear in the saddle. The Danube Cycle Path stretches an impressive 236 miles (380 km) from Passau to Bratislava, making it a perfect route for cycling enthusiasts. This trail reveals the river’s picturesque landscapes, dotted with majestic baroque abbeys and castles perched on rocky heights, lush woodlands leading to deep valleys, and vineyards cascading down to charming villages, each offering some of the finest food and wine in the region.

The crown jewel is The Wachau, a breathtaking stretch of the river recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take your time here to marvel at treasures like the flamboyantly baroque Stift Melk, a monumental abbey complex, and the romantic remnants of Dürnstein’s medieval castle, Kuenringerburg, where Richard the Lionheart was famously held captive.

Planning tip: If you're short on time, consider biking a particularly scenic segment of the cycle path through The Wachau. In a day, you can cycle 22 miles (35 km) from the baroque abbey of Melk to Krems. Bikes are available for rent at nextbike.

9. Ascend to new heights in Hohe Tauern National Park

You won’t find a higher spot in Austria than Hohe Tauern National Park. This expansive natural haven, one of Europe’s largest reserves, sprawls over an impressive 1,856 sq km (716 sq mi) across three states: Tyrol, Carinthia, and Salzburgerland.

No amount of description can truly capture the splendor of shimmering glaciers, perpetually snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and thundering waterfalls. Dominated by the majestic Grossglockner, these breathtaking landscapes must be experienced up close: whether you hike and climb in the summer or embark on ski tours through the vast snowy backcountry in winter. For more thrilling adventures, consider activities offered by Bergführer Kals, which include Alpine climbs, ski tours, and ice climbing. For additional information, visit the park visitor center in Mittersill.

Planning tip: Enhance your park experience by joining a guided ranger hike from July to September. These hikes range from herb discovery trails to glacier explorations and evening stargazing adventures.

10. Discover the coffeehouse culture in Vienna

A relaxing afternoon in one of Vienna’s coffeehouses is your gateway to the city’s essence. No place embodies the nostalgic comfort of Gemütlichkeit better than the Kaffeehaus. They come in various styles, from gritty, poster-laden spots to elegant, faded palaces adorned with vaulted marble ceilings, gleaming silverware, and live piano music. Entering one transports you back to the 19th century, where renowned artists, poets, philosophers, and painters gathered to play chess, discuss ideas, and enjoy coffee and cake (with figures like Trotsky, Freud, and Klimt among them).

Austria’s love affair with coffee began when the Turks abandoned sacks of coffee beans (originally thought to be camel feed) at the city gates during their retreat after the Battle of Vienna in 1683. The Viennese quickly adapted, roasting the beans and blending them with milk, cream, and sugar, creating a unique coffee culture with terms like Verlängerter (Americano), Melange (cappuccino), and Brauner (espresso).

Planning tip: For the best chocolate cake, head to chandelier-lit Café Sacher; Café Central offers a luxurious experience, while Café Sperl has a charmingly bohemian vibe. You’re sure to find your personal favorite.