Austria

Austria is known for its natural landscape of mountains, valleys, lakes and rivers, and its stunning beauty can be found all around. The country flaunts its heritage in exuberant fashion, with Vienna’s Habsburg palaces and Salzburg’s Baroque splendour.

With vibrant cities such as Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Graz and Innsbruck, historic spa towns famous the world over such as Bad Ischl, and heart-melting Hallstatt, there is something for everyone to explore.

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is home to opera, magnificent architecture and classical music, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Belvedere Palace and Schönbrunn Palace and grounds, used by Habsburg royalty. Vienna is also home to the world-famous Vienna Spanish Riding School, with its incredible white Lipizzaner horses famous for their balletic performances to classical music, as well as the Gothic-style St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its spire and zigzag-patterned roof, and many historic coffee houses.

Salzburg is the home of Mozart and is surrounded by a stunning mountainous landscape. Its sights include the Hohensalzburg Fortress, with amazing views over Salzburg; the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and the Leopoldskron Palace, the striking residence nicknamed ‘The Sound of Music House’ as it features prominently in the film.

Innsbruck is the capital of the Tyrol region, a true Alpine jewel and a world-renowned ski destination. The Old Town takes you back to a time gone by, with Tyrolean houses and the famous Golden Roof or Goldenes Dachl. The 2,657 copper shingles, fire-gilded with gold, were placed on the roof in honour of Emperor Maximilian I’s marriage to Bianca Maria Sforza. A visit to Innsbruck is one not to be missed, with stunning scenery and the chance to try some of the best Tyrolean cuisine on offer.

Linz is a city in Upper Austria that not only preserves its traditions but also enthusiastically promotes its cultural heritage across borders. The city has Baroque buildings such as the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) and the Old Cathedral (Alter Dom), which surround the Hauptplatz, the Old Town’s main square. When in Linz, you must try the Linzer Torte, a traditional local favourite.

Austria’s second-largest city, Graz is one of the best-preserved historic cities in Europe, filled with grand institutions and exciting new attractions, including the Kunsthaus Graz, the Glockenspiel, Eggenberg Palace and the Herz-Jesu-Kirche. A trip to the daily market at Kaiser-Josef-Platz is a must.

The UNESCO World Heritage village of Hallstatt, located on Lake Hallstatt in Austria’s mountainous Salzkammergut region, is one of the most photographed areas of the country. It has the oldest salt mine in the world, as well as 16th-century Alpine houses and alleyways lined with cafés and shops. It is a stunning destination to visit in both summer and winter, with a funicular railway connecting to Salzwelten, an ancient salt mine with a subterranean salt lake, and to the Skywalk Hallstatt viewing platform.

Set against the Katrin Mountain, Bad Ischl is a tourist favourite and is considered a spa town owing to its history of salt mining and its brine pools.

If you’re into pristine pistes, world-class ski schools and optimal snow conditions, there are plenty of ski regions to choose from! Some of the most highly regarded ski areas are Kitzbühel (Tirol), Zell am See-Kaprun (SalzburgerLand), Innsbruck (Tirol) and Sölden/Ötztal (Tirol), to name just a few.

Gastronomical masterpieces can be found throughout the country, including in Styria, Lower Austria and Burgenland, but Graz is known as Austria’s “Culinary Capital”. Graz is surrounded by lush farmland and peaceful wine country, so the freshest ingredients can be found at any number of local farmers’ markets and enjoyed throughout the city. Your foodie adventure throughout Austria would not be complete without trying the classic Wiener Schnitzel, Linzer Torte, Sacher Torte, Marillenknödel (apricot dumplings) and Vorarlberg mountain cheese. Your palate will thank you for any one of these delightful experiences. Guten Appetit!

Austria’s diversity makes this country a must-see on any European itinerary. With its passion for tradition and closeness to nature, Austria will fascinate you with the contrasts it is proud to show off. Float along to Mozart melodies, marvel at the sparkling Alps and immerse yourself in a culture that will make you feel right at home.