20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Austria: Insider Guide from a Frequent Visitor
When people envision Austria, the iconic scenes from The Sound of Music often come to mind—Maria twirling through lush green meadows under vast skies, surrounded by rolling hills that inspire song. Beyond the crisp mountain air and idyllic landscapes, this European gem boasts culturally rich cities, innovative modern art, and awe-inspiring architecture.
Having explored Austria extensively with family and on romantic getaways, I've curated this list of the 20 most stunning destinations. Drawing from personal experiences, here's your ultimate guide to Austria's finest spots.
1. Vienna – Austria’s Elegant Capital
Austria's capital embodies the nation's vibrancy and beauty. Vienna pulses with street performances, ballets, operas, musicals, galleries, and exhibitions, blending modern energy with timeless tradition. Imperial palaces, grand museums on majestic squares, and the historic Hofburg—former seat of the Habsburgs—create a seamless fusion of eras.
Must-See Highlights in Vienna
- Experience Vienna's unparalleled musical legacy with a concert at the Golden Hall or in a historic church.
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Schönbrunn Palace, Austria's top attraction.
- Admire the neo-Gothic Rathaus (City Hall), especially during the winter Christmas market.
- If possible, attend the legendary Vienna Opera Ball at the Wiener Staatsoper.
- Savor Viennese coffee and strudel in the historic center.
- Enjoy cocktails with panoramic views at the 25hours Hotel rooftop bar (Dachboden Loft) in the hip 7th District.
Recommended Stay: SO/Vienna
- Praterstraße 1, 02. Leopoldstadt, 1020 Vienna, Austria
- Book on Booking.com here
2. Hallstatt – One of Europe’s Prettiest Towns
Nestled by Hallstatt Lake, this scenic village offers hiking, climbing, boating, and unique sites like the eerie yet poignant Beinhaus (Bone House), ice caves, and the world's oldest salt mine.
Must-See Highlights in Hallstatt
- Stroll the lakefront for storybook scenery.
- Explore the ice caves with frozen waterfalls.
- Visit the salt mine—fun slides for kids.
- Rent a traditional wooden salt boat.
- Hike to Five Fingers Viewpoint for Alpine vistas.
- Admire colorful half-timbered houses in Market Square.
- Dine on lakefront terraces.
Recommended Stay: Loft Am See
- Seestraße 180, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria
- Book on Booking.com here
Hallstatt Timelapse
3. Salzburg – Mozart’s Birthplace and Sound of Music Haven
A music lover's paradise, Salzburg features Mozart's birth home, Sound of Music tours, baroque architecture, galleries, markets, and diverse dining.
Must-See Highlights in Salzburg
- Join a Sound of Music tour.
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, cathedral, and Town Hall.
- Enjoy Mozart at Mirabell Palace and Gardens.
- Shop Getreidegasse's medieval street.
- Attend a Mozart Dinner Concert at St. Peter's Baroque Hall.
- Visit Augustiner Bräustübl beer hall.
Recommended Stay: Mama's Cool Hotel
- Josef-Brandstätter-Straße 5, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Book on Booking.com here
4. Innsbruck – Alpine City Jewel
Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Innsbruck offers premier skiing, Ambras Castle, museums, nightlife, spas, and carriage rides.
Must-See Highlights in Innsbruck
- Discover the Old Town's boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
- View panoramas at Tyrol Panorama.
- Ride the Nordkette cable car.
- Swim at Lake Achensee.
Recommended Stay: Hotel Innsbruck
- Innrain 3, Innenstadt, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Book on Booking.com here
5. Mostviertel – Lower Austria’s Charming Heartland
Green meadows meet rugged peaks, with vast pear orchards, museums, monuments, family activities, and skiing. Stay at Hotel Kartause Gaming or Zur Linde.
6. Vorarlberg – Mountainous Wonderland
Stunning architecture and scenery from Lake Constance to 2,000m peaks. Hike Verwall in Montafon, a Natura 2000 gem.
7. Graz – Preserved Historic Gem
Austria’s second city blends Renaissance courtyards, baroque palaces, vibrant arts, and student-fueled nightlife amid Schloss Eggenberg's peacocks.
8. Alpbach – Austria’s Prettiest Village
Snow-capped mountains, wooden farmhouses, crafts, and ski slopes. Stay at Bikepension Gästehaus Larch or Alphof Hotel.
9. St. Gilgen – Lakeside Elegance
On Lake Wolfgangsee, with traditions, architecture, Oxen Cross island, and Zwölferhorn cable car views.
- Also see: 15 Most Beautiful Lakes in Europe
10. Grossglockner Alpine Road – Epic Mountain Drive
Wind through Hohe Tauern National Park to Austria’s highest peak and Pasterze Glacier—forests, meadows, ice. Stay at Villa Orania or Schiefe Alm Hotel Bad Gastein.
11. Gesäuse National Park – Wild Rivers and Peaks
Austria’s newest park: ridges, valleys, forests, rafting, hiking to 2,369m Hocktor.
12. Tirol – Alpine Folklore Paradise
Beyond Innsbruck: trails, streams, Highline179 bridge. Highlights: Café 3440 terrace, Nordkette Cable Car, hiking/climbing/cycling.
13. Saalbach-Hinterglemm – Adventure Resort
Skiing, biking in Saalbach Valley with stunning views.
14. Hochosterwitz Castle – Fairytale Fortress
Perched on a 160m rock, with 14 gates. Open Easter–October. Stay at Art Lodge or Chalet Hotel Senger.
15. Zell am See – Lakeside Gem
Crystal-clear Zeller See for swimming, cycling, hiking, skiing, Grossglockner drives.
16. Krems – Wine and Heritage Town
UNESCO Wachau Valley gateway, historic center, wines. Stay at Wein-Gut Hutter or Gourmethotel Am Förthof.
17. Kitzbühel – Ski Legend with Medieval Charm
Top slopes and preserved 16th-century mining heritage.
18. Thayatal National Park – Pristine Canyon
Smallest park, transborder with Czech Republic: canyons, Thaya River, biodiversity.
19. Dürnstein – Danube Photogenic Spot
Richard the Lionheart’s prison castle ruins; visit in summer.
20. Faaker See – Turquoise Alpine Lake
Carinthia’s azure waters for bathing, boating, relaxation.
