Austria is rich in attractions. The country at the foot of the Alps is primarily associated with Vienna and its excellent ski infrastructure. Find out more about the top tourist attractions in Austria, the most interesting things to do and travel restrictions in Austria

The most beautiful mountains, fascinating lakes, numerous cultural attractions, lively cities, exquisite entertainment and friendly people - all this awaits tourists in Austria. The country, which ranks 10th in the world in terms of popularity among international travelers, attracts about 26 million visitors every year. Most often, citizens of Germany go to Austria, and you can also often meet Dutchmen and Americans on the streets of Vienna.

Austria will surprise you at any time of the year. We have prepared for you a selection of the most famous tourist attractions and interesting entertainment in the country. Now is the best time to start planning your next trip!

Is it safe to travel to Tenerife? Read here what the forest fires mean for your trip and whether you should cancel your trip.

Top 8 Austria tourist attractions

● Vienna is a city with a rich history

Vienna is a city full of culture and grandeur, home to palaces, museums and opera. To experience the magic of the city, take a walk along the city's Ringstrasse boulevard, along which the Hofburg Imperial Palace and numerous beautiful parks are located. Also among the architectural gems of Vienna are the Schonbrunn and Belvedere palaces and the exquisite St. Stephen's Cathedral. Undoubtedly, Vienna is one of the best cities in Austria. Don't forget to drink the famous Viennese coffee in one of the many cozy cafes.

Things to do: attend a Mozart concert, taste the best wine, ride the Hop On Hop Off bus, treat yourself to culinary masterpieces.

Ideal length of vacation: 3 nights/4 days.

Best time to visit: April-May, September-October.

● Innsbruck is a postcard-perfect city

The ideal alpine town, which is surrounded by high mountains, offers the tourist many options for an interesting vacation. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the old town and admire the glittering Goldenes Dachl, which is adorned with more than 2,500 glittering tiles. Take a look at the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, one of the best regional heritage museums in Europe. To see all the beauty of the local nature, go on a hike through the magnificent mountain ranges or go up on the exciting funicular. Do not forget about the night life of the city.

Innsbruck is perfect at any time of the year. However, it is most charming in winter, because the world-famous ski resort is located here.

Things to do: Walk the streets of the city, go skiing, go up the cable car and take some photos.

Ideal length of vacation: 7 nights/6 days.

Best time to visit: December-April.

● An unforgettable summer in Werthersee

The best place for an unforgettable summer trip to Austria is the small Werthersee lake. In the summer months, you can swim, go boating and canoeing here. Also head to the colorful Griffen Stalactite Cave to explore a bit. Admire the ancient 12th-century Hurk Cathedral and visit Gmund, the birthplace of Porsche.

Things to do: Visit Lake Werthersee and Casino Velden.

Ideal length of vacation: 3 nights/4 days.

Best time to visit: April, November-December.

● The Vienna Woods is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

The abundance of flora and fauna and the proximity to the city make the Vienna Woods one of the best places in Austria. This biosphere reserve is protected by UNESCO. 150 species of birds, 2000 animals and various plants live here. The best thing is that it can be reached from Vienna by public transport.

Things to do: Enjoy nature in the nature reserve.

Ideal length of stay: 1 day.

Best time to visit: April-May, September-October.

● Lake Constance is the third largest lake in Europe

The unearthly beauty of Lake Constance will amaze you, because it is one of the best places in Austria. The lake is located in three countries; Austria, Germany and Switzerland. It is not only the third largest lake in Europe, but also one of the most picturesque places on the continent. You can enjoy a day picnic, relax and soak in the wonderful scenery around. You can also take a boat ride on the lake.

Things to do: In winter, this place is famous for its thermal baths.

Ideal length of stay: 1 day.

Best time to visit: All year round.

● High Tauern National Park is the oldest park in Austria

The High Tauren National Park is one of Austria's top tourist attractions, as it is the oldest in the country. It is here that the highest mountains, glaciers and forests are located. Unique species of animals also live in the Vysoky Tauern park. You can explore the park on your own or join a tour led by a park ranger.

Things to do: The best place for hiking and mountaineering.

Ideal length of stay: 2 nights/3 days.

Best time to visit: Summer season i.e. June-August.

● Vienna State Opera - an encounter with world culture

The Vienna State Opera is one of the best places in Austria for art and culture lovers. First, the opera building itself will attract your attention. Certainly, the concert will not leave anyone indifferent.

Things to do: Visit the opera or take a tour of the building.

Ideal length of stay: 3-4 hours.

Best time to visit: April to May, September to October.

● Eisriesenvelt cave is a unique attraction in Austria

There are many places to visit in Austria during your vacation. One of them is the Eisriesenvelt cave - it is one of the most unique and mysterious monuments of the country. You will have to walk down some steps to reach the cave. The cave is surrounded by ice everywhere and will give you exciting impressions.

Things to do: Explore Eisriesenveldt.

Ideal length of stay: 3-4 hours.

Best time to visit: September to October, April to May.

What to do in Austria? 5 most interesting entertainments

● Follow in Mozart's footsteps in Salzburg

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, and his family home, built in the 12th century, is now a museum that tells the story of the composer's childhood and growing love of music. You can also see the master's first violin here.

It is worth starting the walking tour from the palace-residence, where Mozart first performed as part of the court orchestra when he was only 14 years old. Also add the Salzburg Cathedral, where Mozart was baptized, to the route. Today, amazing historical organs are preserved here. Then head to Cafe Tomaselli (one of the composer's favorite haunts) and stop by St. Peter's Abbey and the cemetery where Mozart performed the C Minor Mass.

● Climb Grossglockner

The pyramid-shaped Grossglockner mountain at about 3,800 meters is Austria's highest mountain and home to a large glacier. To make the ascent to Grossglockner as easy as possible, choose the right route and time of year. Climb in the summer if you are not an experienced extreme climber. Also use the services of a guide.

Be sure to spend the night at the Stüdl-Hütte refuge (at an altitude of 2,801 meters) to rest and enjoy the spectacular views.

● Relax and rejuvenate at Bad Gastein's thermal springs

The thermal springs in the spa town of Bad Gastein, in northwestern Austria, are very popular with travelers. They were discovered in the 7th century. At first, the Romans rested here, later - aristocrats and royalty. The springs of Bad Gastein were one of the most favorite places of Empress Elizabeth, it was here that she recovered her strength.

Today, in the resort of Bad Gastein, the traveler can enjoy outdoor pools and baths that have different temperatures, but are equally rich in minerals. Breathtaking views of the snowy peaks of the Alps add a special atmosphere.

The second healing place is Heilstollen, a system of caves in the mountains, where a mixture of warm, humid, radon-saturated air cures respiratory diseases.

● Attend a show at a Spanish riding school

The Spanish Riding School, which breeds and trains Lipizzaner horses, is technically part of the Hofburg Palace, but is a stunning building in its own right. It is also the oldest classical riding school in the world (it has been around for over 450 years) and the only place in Europe where you can watch horse shows that look almost exactly as they were presented in the 18th century.

The show will allow you to see the famous Lipizzaner perform caprioles, quadrille and other amazing moves for 70 minutes. The performance is set to classical Viennese music, which will add new impressions. It is also possible to order a tour of the beautiful building in the Baroque style.

● Go down the mountain on the longest toboggan run in the world

In the Wildkogel Arena (province of Salzburg), at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level, there is the longest toboggan run in the world, which is 14 kilometers long. It takes 30 to 50 minutes to drive it completely. The advantage is that the road is illuminated until 22:00, so you can enjoy the journey under the stars.

Another exciting toboggan run worth checking out is the Glampweg Toboggan Run in Tyrol. It starts with an ascent up the mountain on the Golzentippbahn cable car, the duration of the descent from the mountain is 6.5 kilometers.

Austria travel restrictions

All travel restrictions in Austria due to the Covid-19 epidemic were lifted in July 2023. From now on, tourists do not need to provide proof of vaccination, a certificate of recovery or a coronavirus test when crossing the Austrian border. Also, you will not face any restrictions during your stay in Austria, because the mask regime in shops, public transport, hotels and other places has been canceled.

The country that gave the world Mozart, Sigmund Freud and waltz composer Johann Strauss is also home to some of the world's most stunning architectural structures. And although many people associate Austria with a winter vacation, there is also something to see here in the summer. When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy, which will protect you from unforeseen expenses and be a guarantee of a relaxing vacation.

---

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Austria;

Legal advice on business, tourism, medicine, immigration, education in Austria;

Travel and health insurance for foreigners in Austria;

Insurance for foreign students in Austria.

---

More articles on the topic: 

Austrian tax system: a simple guide for expats.