Top 10 Places You Need To Explore in Austria

Austria, a country with breath taking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, as well as fairy tale like cities is a dream destination for travelers. Austria is a country of charming Alpine villages, vibrant arts scene of Vienna, stunning palaces, and many other things for which you can explore. This European gem is filled with historical wonders, as well as natural beauty seeking to be discovered.

The first step towards an unforgettable adventure for Indian travelers planning a trip is to get an Austria visa. However, whichever brings you to Austria for visiting be it leisure, business, or cultural exploration, it possesses a perfect combination of scenic beauty, history, and adventure. The following are the top 10 places you must visit in Austria.

Here are the Top 10 Places You Need To Explore in Austria

1. Vienna – The Imperial Capital

The majestic capital, the city of Vienna, Austria, is a city which blends history and a modern charm. There is room for all kinds of imperial palaces, grand architecture and a thriving arts scene. Visit the stunning Schönbrunn Palace, marvel at St. Stephen’s Cathedral’s intricate details, best Theatre at the Vienna State Opera or stroll through Vienna. Belvedere and Albertina museums are renowned with art lovers, or café culture people can enjoy a classic Viennese coffee in historic coffee houses.

2. Salzburg – Mozart’s Birthplace

The Alp vibes and the bracing Alpine backdrop give it an air of enchantment and living picture postcard vibes. This city is a musical and cultural heritage town, the birthplace of Mozart. Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is charming to wander their streets through in their historic charm or visit the iconic Hohensalzburg fortress right on top of the city. With its magical charm, the picturesque Mirabell Gardens and filming locations from The Sound of Music, it is a must visit destination in Austria.

3. Hallstatt – A Fairytale Village

Austria’s most picturesque village is Hallstatt, which has mesmerizing views over the lake and a peaceful atmosphere. With its charming wooden houses and rich history, this is a great Alpine gem for nature lover and photographers. The ancient salt mines are open to visitors as are the breathtaking scenery from the Hallstatt Skywalk and the serene lakefront. Hallstatt is a place that those who wander in have to remind themselves is real, and alive, enchanting with its dreamlike setting.

4. Innsbruck – The Heart of the Alps

Innsbruck is an adventure lover’s paradise surrounded by towering mountains. It is a top skiing destination in winter with summer sporting scenic hiking and outdoor adventures. The famous Golden Roof, the regal Hofburg Palace, or Ambras Castle can be admired by history enthusiasts. The Alps views from this ride on the Nordkette cable car are spectacular and it’s a marvellously outdoor/exciting, somewhat mixed with cultural highlights, spot.

5. Zell am See – A Paradise for Nature Lovers

Zell am See is a stunning lakeside ribbon cut through to lush green meadows and its towering mountains. The outdoor adventures in this stunning destination include boating, hiking and skiing and more. It has this lake, Lake Zell with its own picturesque setting for relaxation, and glaciers nearby for year round skiing. Zell am See’s natural beauty and adventurous experiences are a must visit in Austria, no matter when you go.

6. Graz – Austria’s Hidden Gem

Graz is Austria’s second largest city and a vibrant mix of history and modernity. It has a stunning Old Town, which is a UNESCO listed area, filled with beautiful Renaissance courtyards along with charming streets. No wonder the futuristic Kunsthaus Graz, usually referred to as the 'Friendly Alien,' is such an uncommon match to historic landmarks like the Clock Tower on Schlossberg Hill. It likes to be overlooked, but Graz is an exciting Austrian city with its vibrant food scene, bustling markets, and cultural attractions.

7. Wachau Valley – The Wine Country

Wachau Valley, rolling vineyards, medieval towns, Danube River views, this place is a visual wonderland. Tossing a bottle, invading a monastery, or simply enjoying Austria best vintages with the wings of dunestricken vikings in the world is sure to delight wine lovers who may visit charming villages like Dürnstein or Melk. A trip to the impressive Melk Abbey, high above the river, provides a bit of history to the journey. A picture perfect escape into Austria’s countryside, Wachau Valley is whether you take a river cruise or a road trip.

8. Grossglockner High Alpine Road – A Scenic Adventure

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of Austria’s most spectacular drives and passes through the breathtaking Hohe Tauern National Park. Scenic route along glaciers, alpine meadows and dramatic mountain peaks with some of the best panoramic in the country. On the way, you can stop at different viewpoints, hike around, and see Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner. Nature and adventure lovers will take the experience as unforgettable.

9. Klagenfurt – The Lakeside Beauty

The city of Klagenfurt is located along the beautiful Wörthersee Lake and is a city that combines relaxation and sightseeing perfectly. It is a laid back but enriching travel town with its charming old town, colorful streets and cultural landmarks. Minimundus is a miniature world for visitors to explore, the sandy beaches of the lake to relax by or scenic boat ride. Klagenfurt is a peaceful retreat in Austria and offers good hiking and cycling opportunities in the surrounding countryside.

10. Bad Gastein – Austria’s Wellness Retreat

Bad Gastein is famous for its healing thermal waters as well as its stunning waterfalls the perfect place for ultimate wellness destination as Austria. It is an alpine town surrounded with scenic valleys and provides bath and spa experiences in the best of world class wellness resorts. It becomes a top ski resort in winter and hiking trails with panoramic mountain views during summer. Bad Gastein offers perfect balance between relaxation and adventure in a beautiful natural setting.

Conclusion

Austria is a country that combines an unforgettable history, culture and natural beauty. The story of every corner of this country is waiting from the imperial streets of Vienna, to the fairytale landscape of Hallstatt. No matter you are an adventure seeker, a history freak or a nature adapter, Austria is always for you.

If you are planning to visit, do not forget to apply for your Austria visa for Indian residents before going so that you can have a smooth and hassle free trip. Being traveler’s paradise, there are so many stunning destinations where travel is the next word. Get ready to have the magic of Austria packed and traveling.