20 Best & Fun Things To Do In Austria: A Guide

Austria is one of Europe’s smaller nations, but it has some of the most breathtaking scenery and attractions on the entire globe.

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Austria enchants visitors with its stunning architecture, world-class music, and warm hospitality.

Discover the imperial charm of Vienna, the country’s capital, as you stroll through opulent palaces, indulge in delicious Viennese coffee, and immerse yourself in the city’s classical music scene. Explore the enchanting streets of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, where baroque architecture and picturesque gardens create a storybook setting.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Austria’s majestic Alps offer unparalleled opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking in the summer months. The country’s picturesque lakes, such as Wolfgangsee and Hallstatt, invite you to relax and enjoy the tranquil scenery.

Embrace the rich cultural traditions of Austria by attending lively festivals, experiencing local cuisine, and exploring the historical treasures that dot the landscape.

From its vibrant cities to its idyllic countryside, Austria beckons with a wealth of experiences that promise to create lasting memories.

In this article are a list of interesting and exciting places to visit and things to do in Austria.

Fun Things To Do In Austria

Explore and enjoy the list.

1. Medieval Town of Salzburg

The Austrian Alps contain the magnificent medieval ancient town of Salzburg.

It is one of our favorite spots in the world to visit and is most well-known for being Mozart’s birthplace. 

Beautiful Baroque architecture, gorgeous views, and a thriving cultural scene can all be found in this lovely city.

The Salzburg Cathedral, the Mirabell Gardens, and the Hohensalzburg Castle are a few of the most popular attractions in Salzburg.

Due to its unique history and culture, Salzburg is a remarkable place. 

The town has some of the most exquisite buildings in all of Europe, and the picturesque cobblestone alleys give the area a historic air.

In addition, Salzburg has a thriving cultural scene with a wide variety of museums, music venues, and theaters.

2. Bad Gastein

Austria’s Bad Gastein is a well-known and charming spa town. 

The village is famed for its clean mountain air, thermal hot springs, and the roar of the Gasteiner waterfall and is situated in the Tauer mountains.

The town’s historical structures and villas, which are regarded as one of the top spa destinations ever, exemplify the Belle Epoque architecture of the city.

While visiting Bad Gastein, make sure to take a dip in the area’s hot springs, which are rich in minerals and even radon.

Additionally, hiking, biking, and skiing are all easily accessible from Bad Gastein in both the summer and the winter.

3. Hallstatt

Hallstatt, an Alpine village nestled on a gorgeous lake beneath snow-capped mountains, is one of Europe’s most endearing cities. 

It’s one of Austria’s most beautiful locations and is well worth a visit while you’re on vacation there.

The community is far older than it looks to be; ever since prehistoric times, residents have made a living from the salt mines that are located beneath the town.

The mines now retain the UNESCO World Heritage designation and are popular tourist destinations. 

They are open for tours, where guests can discover their unique histories and breathtaking subterranean vistas.

Read also: 32 Best & Fun Things To Do In Palmdale

4. Semmering Railway In Southern Austria

The historic Semmering Railway, which was manually constructed between 1848 and 1854, is one of Austria’s most impressive works of modern engineering.

Train enthusiasts must visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site since it still has a large number of the original 19th Century engines and carriages operating on the lines.

The route is presently used by both freight and passengers, giving tourists a tranquil way to experience the stunning southern Austrian countryside.

It’s also one of the most well-known mountain trains in Europe, and from it, you can see some breathtaking views.

5. The Historic Winter Sports City Of Innsbruck

A pleasant medium-sized city, Innsbruck has a population of about 130,000. It is centered in Austria and encircled by the Alps and the River Inn.

The Golden Roof, a roofed balcony with golden-colored tiles that was built in the city hall in the 15th Century as a royal viewing box, is one example of the exquisite architecture in the city center.

Innsbruck is one of the top tourist destinations in Austria by far since it offers a wide variety of local and international cuisine alternatives, as well as shopping and dining possibilities.

In Austria, the Nordkette mountain range is a well-liked vacation spot. It is close to Innsbruck and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

6. Experience Nature at Krimml Waterfalls

The Hohe Tauern National Park in Austria is home to a group of waterfalls known as the Krimml Waterfalls. 

They are some of the tallest waterfalls in Europe, rising a remarkable 380 meters in total. 

The 4-kilometer-long falls can be observed from a variety of vantage points along the walk.

The Krimml Waterfalls are a well-liked tourist destination and provide visitors a lovely and tranquil backdrop to appreciate nature.

Visitors can take the train from Innsbruck to Zell am See and then change to the train for Krimml to reach the Krimml Waterfalls in Austria. It takes roughly 2.5 hours to travel.

7. Lake Constance

A sizable lake in Central Europe that borders Switzerland, Austria, and Germany is called the Bodensee, also referred to as Lake Constance.

The lake can be up to 17 kilometers broad and 73 kilometers long. Its maximum depth is 253 meters, and its entire surface area is 539 square kilometers.

Popular activities include boating, swimming, windsurfing, and fishing on the Bodensee. 

It is worthwhile to visit several charming lakeside towns and villages. Konstanz, Lindau, and Friedrichshafen are a few of the lake’s most well-known cities.

The Bodensee is close to several excellent lodging options. One of the most well-known accommodations is the Schlosshotel, which is situated in the center of the city and has a river view.

8. Krems

Krems and the Danube are popular tourist destinations due to their picturesque location along the River huh. The UN has designated it as a world heritage site and among its well-known wines.

Some of Europe’s most beautiful river valleys can be found in the Wachau, an Austrian cultural landscape that is listed as a World Heritage site.

Through the vineyards, woodlands, and meadows are numerous hiking and biking trails. The area is well-known for its skiing, swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

The hotel has been around since the 16th century. Although it has undergone numerous renovations and updates throughout the years, it has kept its classic beauty and charm.

The Schlosshotel has a restaurant, a bar, a health spa, a fitness center, and a pool.

The Gasthaus Zur Schonen Aussicht in Krems is another well-liked lodging option. It is a tiny, family-run hotel with a traditional Austrian restaurant and breathtaking views of the river and the hills in the area.

Although there are numerous locations to stay in Krems, Austria, the Schlosshotel Seewirt is one of the most well-liked. It looks out over the river and is situated in the center of the city.

9. Tour The Hohe Tauern National Park

The Hohe Tauern National Park is one of Austria’s most stunning and varied parks. 

The golden eagle and the chamois are just two of the numerous animal and plant species that call the park home.

The park features a variety of breathtaking vistas, such as the Pasterze glacier and Krimml Falls.

For hikers and environment enthusiasts, this famous Austrian National Park is a wonderful location to discover and take in the splendor of the Austrian Alps.

The Hohe Tauern National Park is close to a lot of fantastic lodging options.

Read also: 32 Best & Fun Things To Do In Kentucky

10. Have Fun Activities – Vorarlberg Mountains

Any hiker can enjoy an incredible view from the Vorarlberg Mountains.

Long hikes are perfect in the area between Lake Constance and the mountains, especially in a region with mountains that rise more than 2000 meters. 

There are several scenic areas in Värlberg. One of our favorites is the Verwall from Montafon.

The Central Eastern Alps contain the Verwall mountain range. It is situated in Austria’s Bundesland of Vorarlberg. 

The mountain range has an area of roughly 190 km2 and tops out at 2,865 meters on Piz Buin.

For hikers, climbers, and skiers, the Silvretta Group, which is located in Vorarlberg, offers an equally beautiful terrain.

11. Salzkammergut

Along Austria’s eastern border is a well-liked tourist resort called the Salzkammergut. 

The area is home to magnificent scenery, historic villages, and excellent ski areas.

The beautiful Gosaukamm range in the Austrian Alps is named after the mountain range of the same name. 

It is the highest mountain in the range with a height of 2,995 meters (9,823 feet).

Hikers, climbers, and skiers all enjoy visiting the mountain. 

There are various ways to get to the peak, including a straightforward but drawn-out trek from Gosau town. 

Additionally, the mountain is home to a large number of Alpine huts and cabins, which provide lodging to those attempting the slopes.

Beautiful lakes like the Wolfgangsee, Traunsee, and Grundlsee may be found in the area.

12. Visit Hofburg

The Hofburg is Austria’s Imperial Palace, located in Vienna.

This would have been the residence of the Royal Family, also known as the Habsburgs, in earlier times.

Although the public can see some areas of the palace, the President primarily uses it these days.

These contain chambers that date back to the construction of the palace in 1275 and feature Gothic, Classical, Baroque, and Renaissance designs.

There are 2,600 rooms here, so be sure to check out the iconic exhibits like the Imperial Silver Collection and the Imperial Apartments, which served as Franz Joseph of Austria’s residence.

13. Admont Abbey Library

Admont Abbey Library is a unique library because it is housed inside a monastery that is home to Benedictine monks.

The 18th-century monastery is situated on the lovely Enns River.

If you’re in the Admont region, you shouldn’t pass it up because it also boasts the distinction of housing the largest library ever found inside an abbey.

The library is enormous, and it also has ornately designed ceilings and gold leaf accents throughout the structure.

14. Spanish Riding School

Emperor Maximilian II, who gained notoriety (in part) by introducing Lipizzaner horses to Austria in the 16th century, presided over the opening of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

Here, you may still see equestrian performances that closely resemble those that took place during Charles VI’s reign. 

You will witness an unusual kind of riding that has been practiced by royalty throughout history in the 1735-era hall where the performances are held.

One thing to keep in mind is that because this is a very popular event in Vienna, it is essential to reserve a seat in advance.

15. Melk Abbey

One of the most famous Benedictine monasteries in the world, Melk Abbey is home to some of Austria’s most breathtaking religious buildings you would love to see.

The main complex measures 325 meters in length, with the buildings spreading out across seven different courtyards.

The location of the abbey on a rocky promontory above the beautiful Danube and the abundance of interesting historical places nearby are two of its most spectacular features.

Some of these include the graves of the Babenberg family, Austria’s founding family, as well as Saint Coloman of Stockerau’s tomb.

Additionally, there are sculptures and portrait galleries for other notable Austrian emperors.

Also read: 34 Best & Fun Things To Do In Erie

16. Burg Hochosterwitz

The Burg Hochosterwitz, next to St. Veit, is perched on a bluff that rises 160 meters over a verdant valley.

One of the most well-known castles in the nation is the Burg Hochosterwitz, which dates back to the medieval era.

Although it underwent numerous renovations, including one in 1570, its original construction dates to 860 AD. It was once the Khevenhüllers’ residence.

Here, keep an eye out for 14 different gates, as well as sun-dappled courtyards and a charming 16th-century chapel.

17. Northern Bohemian Forest

A natural border between Austria and Germany on one side and the Czech Republic on the other is created by the Northern Bohemian Forest.

Everything you might possibly associate with Alpine enjoyment is present in the region, including glassy lakes, ski lodges, and winding hiking trails that allow you to take in most of the surrounding environment.

The forest, which is also a mountain range, is located in Austria’s chilly north, and it’s a terrific place to visit if you want to see a less traveled and more wild area of the nation.

18. Church Of Maria Saal

The Church of Maria Saal is situated on a mountainside overlooking the village of Zollfeld.

Despite being one of the most significant pilgrimage locations in all of Austria, the region appears inconspicuous.

The 750 AD church features Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance design elements.

Aside from the Keutschach Epitaph, which dates to the 16th century and depicts a scene from the Coronation of Our Lady, be sure to take a look at the intricate facades etched into the stone in this location.

19. Gurk Cathedral

The body of Saint Hemma, a noblewoman noted for giving alms to the needy, is interred at the Gurk Cathedral, which dates to the year 1200.

The cathedral’s massive twin towers, which once had onion-shaped domes atop them, have magnificent architecture.

The cathedral is also adorned with stunning stained glass and vibrant oil paintings, such as the Death and Assumption of the Virgin and a well-known image of Saint Christopher.

20. Linz Castle

The 9th-century Linz Schloss, also known as Linz Castle, is located in the city of Linz.

The majority of the physical castle that is still standing was constructed in the 16th century, however it has been renovated and rebuilt over the years.

In addition to taking a tour of the castle, you can also visit the Schlossmuseum, which is stuffed with artwork and historical artifacts including armor and weapons from the Roman and Medieval times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion 

One of the many reasons to visit Austria is the abundance of spectacular locations and things to do, that’s why am positive you would enjoy your stay.