50 Best Places to Visit in Austria: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Austria is a land of imperial elegance, fairy-tale Alpine villages, majestic mountain peaks, and world-class musical heritage. From the grandeur of Habsburg palaces in Vienna and the Baroque charm of Salzburg to the emerald lakes of the Salzkammergut and the snow-capped summits of the Tyrolean Alps, Austria offers timeless beauty for every traveler.

Why Visit Austria

Visiting Austria allows you to experience a seamless fusion of imperial history, rich classical music traditions, and pristine alpine nature. Whether you are strolling through UNESCO World Heritage historic centers, skiing down world-renowned slopes, attending classical concerts, or sipping coffee in historic Viennese cafes, Austria delivers unforgettable travel memories.

• Home to magnificent imperial landmarks including Schönbrunn Palace and Hofburg Palace.
• Breathtaking Alpine scenery, including the Großglockner High Alpine Road and Hallstatt.
• Vibrant classical music heritage as the birthplace of Mozart, Strauss, and Haydn.
• World-class outdoor sports spanning winter skiing in the Alps to summer lake sailing.

Quick Facts

50 Best Places to Visit in Austria

1. Schönbrunn Palace

• Location: Vienna
• Best Time to Visit: April to October or December (Christmas Markets)
• Category: UNESCO World Heritage Site / Imperial Palace
• About the Place: Schönbrunn Palace was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Featuring 1,441 opulent Rococo rooms, sweeping Great Parterre gardens, the Gloriette hilltop structure, and the world's oldest operating zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn), it stands as Austria's premier imperial landmark.
• Travel Instructions: Easily accessible via Vienna Metro U-Bahn line U4 directly to the Schönbrunn station.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Schönbrunn Palace

2. Hallstatt & Salzkammergut

• Location: Upper Austria
• Best Time to Visit: May to October or December
• Category: UNESCO World Heritage Site / Alpine Village
• About the Place: Hallstatt is a postcard-perfect village nestled between the dark waters of Lake Hallstatt and the steep slopes of the Dachstein Alps. Famed for pastel 16th-century Alpine houses, wood-carved alleyways, and the ancient Hallstatt Salt Mine, it is one of Europe's most beautiful destinations.
• Travel Instructions: Take a train from Salzburg or Vienna to Hallstatt station, followed by a short ferry ride across the lake.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Hallstatt

3. Historic Centre of Salzburg

• Location: Salzburg Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to September or December
• Category: UNESCO World Heritage Site / Historic City
• About the Place: Famous as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for *The Sound of Music*, Salzburg boasts exquisite Baroque architecture, narrow Getreidegasse shopping streets, the grand Salzburg Cathedral, and the cliffside Hohensalzburg Fortress.
• Travel Instructions: Served by Salzburg Airport (SZG) or a 2.5-hour direct Railjet train from Vienna Central Station.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Historic Centre of Salzburg

4. Hofburg Imperial Palace

• Location: Central Vienna
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historic Royal Palace / Museum Complex
• About the Place: The Hofburg served as the seat of the Habsburg dynasty for over six centuries. Today, this sprawling palace complex houses the Austrian President's offices, the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, the Spanish Riding School, and the Austrian National Library.
• Travel Instructions: Centrally located in Vienna; accessible via U-Bahn lines U1 or U3 to Stephansplatz or Herrengasse.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Hofburg Imperial Palace

5. Innsbruck Historic Old Town

• Location: Tyrol
• Best Time to Visit: December to March (skiing) or June to September (hiking)
• Category: Alpine City / Cultural Heritage
• About the Place: Capital of the Austrian Alps, Innsbruck bridges urban sophistication with high-mountain wilderness. Highlights include the iconic Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), Imperial Palace, and the Hungerburg Funicular designed by Zaha Hadid ascending directly to the Nordkette range.
• Travel Instructions: Fly directly into Innsbruck Airport (INN) or arrive via ÖBB trains connecting from Munich, Zurich, or Vienna.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Innsbruck Historic Old Town

6. Großglockner High Alpine Road

• Location: Salzburg / Carinthia Boundary
• Best Time to Visit: May to October (closed in winter)
• Category: Scenic Mountain Highway / National Park
• About the Place: Spanning 48 kilometers with 36 hair-raising switchback turns, the Großglockner High Alpine Road climbs to 2,504 meters altitude inside Hohe Tauern National Park. It yields panoramic views of Austria's highest peak and the Pasterze Glacier.
• Travel Instructions: Driving toll road starting near Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße in the north or Heiligenblut in the south.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Großglockner High Alpine Road

7. St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)

• Location: Vienna
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Gothic Cathedral / City Landmark
• About the Place: Standing in the heart of Vienna, St. Stephen's Cathedral is an iconic Gothic masterpiece recognizable by its multi-colored tiled roof and 136-meter south tower. Visitors can climb the spire for city panoramas or explore the underground catacombs.
• Travel Instructions: Located directly at Stephansplatz subway station in central Vienna.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to St. Stephen's Cathedral

8. Belvedere Palace & Museum

• Location: Vienna
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Baroque Palace / Fine Art Museum
• About the Place: The Belvedere comprises two stunning Baroque palaces—Upper and Lower Belvedere—separated by manicured French gardens. The Upper Belvedere houses a world-renowned art collection, including Gustav Klimt's famous golden masterpiece, *The Kiss*.
• Travel Instructions: Take tram D to Schloss Belvedere or U-Bahn U1 to Südtiroler Platz/Hauptbahnhof.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Belvedere Palace

9. Wachau Danube Valley

• Location: Lower Austria
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: UNESCO World Heritage Site / Cultural Landscape
• About the Place: The Wachau is a picturesque 36-kilometer stretch of the Danube River winding past steep terraced vineyards, ruined medieval castles, and picturesque villages like Dürnstein and Melk, famous for producing world-class Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via river cruise or regional train from Vienna to Melk or Krems; ideal for cycling excursions.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Wachau Danube Valley

10. Melk Abbey (Stift Melk)

• Location: Melk, Lower Austria
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Benedictine Monastery / Architecture
• About the Place: Perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube River, Melk Abbey is a monumental Benedictine monastery. Featuring striking yellow Baroque facades, a world-famous monastic library containing priceless manuscripts, and marble halls, it anchors the Wachau valley.
• Travel Instructions: Located in Melk town; a 1-hour direct train ride west from Vienna Westbahnhof.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Melk Abbey

11. Hohensalzburg Fortress

• Location: Salzburg
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historic Fortress / Viewpoint
• About the Place: Built in 1077, Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest intact medieval castles in Europe. Sitting atop Festungsberg mountain above Salzburg's Old Town, it features royal staterooms, fortress museums, and panoramic views of the city and Salzkammergut peaks.
• Travel Instructions: Walk up the fortress hill or take the fast Festungsbahn funicular railway from Kapitelplatz.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Hohensalzburg Fortress

12. Zell am See & Lake Zell

• Location: Salzburg Province
• Best Time to Visit: December to March (skiing) or June to September (water sports)
• Category: Alpine Lake / Year-Round Resort
• About the Place: Zell am See is a breathtaking resort town located on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Zell, set against the backdrop of the Hohe Tauern mountain range. It offers summer sailing, swimming, and winter skiing connected directly to Kaprun glacier slopes.
• Travel Instructions: Located a 1.5-hour drive or train ride south from Salzburg city center.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Zell am See

13. Kitzbühel Resort

• Location: Tyrol
• Best Time to Visit: December to March
• Category: Ski Resort / Alpine Town
• About the Place: Kitzbühel is one of Europe's most legendary alpine ski resorts, famous for hosting the annual Hahnenkamm World Cup downhill ski race on the feared Streif course. The medieval town center features colorful gables, luxury boutiques, and upscale dining.
• Travel Instructions: Served by regional ÖBB trains connecting from Salzburg, Munich, or Innsbruck.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kitzbühel

14. Graz Historic Old Town & Schlossberg

• Location: Styria
• Best Time to Visit: May to October or December
• Category: UNESCO World Heritage Site / Cultural City
• About the Place: Graz is Austria's second-largest city, blending red-tiled medieval roofs with modern architecture like the Kunsthaus. The UNESCO-listed Old Town centers around the Schlossberg hill and its iconic Uhrturm Clock Tower.
• Travel Instructions: Fly to Graz Airport (GRZ) or take a 2.5-hour direct train south from Vienna.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Graz Historic Old Town

15. Krimml Waterfalls (Krimmler Wasserfälle)

• Location: Salzburg Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to October (peak glacial runoff in summer)
• Category: Natural Landmark / Waterfall
• About the Place: Plunging down 380 meters across three spectacular tiers, the Krimml Waterfalls are the highest waterfalls in Austria and among the tallest in Europe. A well-maintained trail lets hikers climb alongside the roaring glacial torrents.
• Travel Instructions: Located in High Tauern National Park; accessible by car or narrow-gauge train to Krimml station.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Krimml Waterfalls

16. St. Anton am Arlberg

• Location: Tyrol
• Best Time to Visit: December to April
• Category: Ski Resort / Mountain Sports
• About the Place: Known as the "cradle of Alpine skiing," St. Anton am Arlberg is world-renowned for challenging off-piste terrain, reliable snow cover, modern cable cars, and legendary après-ski culture at spots like the Krazy Kanguruh.
• Travel Instructions: Direct EuroCity and Railjet trains stop directly at St. Anton am Arlberg station.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to St. Anton am Arlberg

17. Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave

• Location: Werfen, Salzburg Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to October (closed during winter months)
• Category: Natural Wonder / Cave Exploration
• About the Place: Extending over 42 kilometers inside the Hochkönig mountain range, Eisriesenwelt is the world's largest ice cave system. Guided lantern-lit tours take visitors through massive subterranean caverns filled with frozen ice palaces, towers, and waterfalls.
• Travel Instructions: Located in Werfen, 40 km south of Salzburg; accessible via cable car and mountain footpaths.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave

18. Highwerfen Castle (Burg Werfen)

• Location: Werfen, Salzburg Province
• Best Time to Visit: April to November
• Category: Historic Castle / Heritage Site
• About the Place: Perched dramatically atop a 155-meter steep rock cone above the Salzach Valley, Burg Werfen is a 900-year-old medieval stronghold. It features armory exhibits, torture chambers, and daily historic falconry demonstrations.
• Travel Instructions: Located near Werfen town; easily reached by train from Salzburg followed by a short hike or funicular ride.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Hohenwerfen Castle

19. Lake Achensee

• Location: Tyrol
• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Category: Alpine Lake / Outdoor Recreation
• About the Place: Known as the "Fjord of the Alps," Lake Achensee is Tyrol's largest lake, famous for turquoise waters framed by Karwendel and Rofan mountain ranges. It is popular for sailing, windsurfing, steam cog-railway rides, and lakeside hiking.
• Travel Instructions: Located north of Jenbach in Tyrol; reachable via the historic Achensee Steam Railway or car.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Lake Achensee

20. Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Swarovski Kristallwelten)

• Location: Wattens, Tyrol
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Modern Art Museum / Attraction
• About the Place: Designed by André Heller to celebrate Swarovski's crystal heritage, this attraction features a iconic giant face carving with a waterfall mouth leading into 18 underground Chambers of Wonder created by international artists.
• Travel Instructions: Located in Wattens, 15 km east of Innsbruck; accessible via dedicated shuttle buses from Innsbruck.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Swarovski Crystal Worlds

21. Semmering Railway

• Location: Lower Austria / Styria Boundary
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: UNESCO World Heritage Site / Historic Railway
• About the Place: Built between 1848 and 1854, the Semmering Railway is the world's first true mountain railway. Spanning 41 kilometers over 16 viaducts, 100 stone bridges, and 14 tunnels, it winds through majestic mountain passes.
• Travel Instructions: Board regional ÖBB trains traveling the historic line between Wiener Neustadt and Mürzzuschlag.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Semmering Railway

22. Lake Constance (Bodensee & Bregenz)

• Location: Vorarlberg
• Best Time to Visit: May to October (Bregenz Festival in July/August)
• Category: Lake Resort / Cultural Festival
• About the Place: Bordered by Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, Lake Constance is a vibrant summer playground. Bregenz, the regional capital, is famous for hosting the annual Bregenz Festival featuring open-air opera on a floating lake stage.
• Travel Instructions: Served by Bregenz train station; accessible by direct trains from Zurich or Innsbruck.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Lake Constance & Bregenz

23. Bad Gastein

• Location: Salzburg Province
• Best Time to Visit: December to March (skiing) or June to September (thermal spas)
• Category: Spa Town / Ski Resort
• About the Place: Bad Gastein is a historic Belle Époque spa town built into steep wooded ravine walls around a roaring waterfall. Famed for radon-rich thermal spring baths, grand hotel architecture, and skiing in the Gastein Valley.
• Travel Instructions: Direct Railjet train connections link Bad Gastein station with Salzburg and Graz.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Bad Gastein

24. Dachstein Skywalk & Ice Palace

• Location: Ramsau am Dachstein, Styria
• Best Time to Visit: May to October or winter months
• Category: Mountain Viewpoint / Glacier Attraction
• About the Place: Perched on the Hunerkogel peak at 2,700 meters altitude, the Dachstein Skywalk features a glass-bottom viewing platform suspended over a 250-meter vertical cliff, alongside the "Stairway to Nothingness" and an underground Ice Palace.
• Travel Instructions: Take the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car up from Ramsau am Dachstein in Styria.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Dachstein Skywalk

25. Schafberg Railway & Wolfgangsee

• Location: Salzkammergut, Salzburg Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Historic Cog Railway / Alpine Lake
• About the Place: The Schafberg Railway is Austria's steepest steam cog-wheel railway, operating since 1893. It chugs up from Lake Wolfgang to the 1,783-meter peak of Mount Schafberg, yielding views over seven alpine lakes.
• Travel Instructions: Departure station located in St. Wolfgang on Lake Wolfgang; accessible by bus from Salzburg.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Schafberg Railway

26. Lake Neusiedl (Neusiedler See)

• Location: Burgenland
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Category: UNESCO World Heritage Site / Steppe Lake
• About the Place: Lake Neusiedl is Central Europe's largest endorheic steppe lake, surrounded by vast reed beds, vineyards, and nature reserves. It is a hotspot for windsurfing, birdwatching, and visiting rustic wine taverns (Heurigen) in Rust.
• Travel Instructions: Located 45 minutes drive southeast from Vienna or accessible via train to Neusiedl am See.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Lake Neusiedl

27. Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper)

• Location: Central Vienna
• Best Time to Visit: September to June (opera season)
• Category: Historic Opera House / Performing Arts
• About the Place: Opened in 1869, the Vienna State Opera is one of the world's premier opera venues. Featuring Neo-Renaissance architecture, grand staircases, and daily performances, standing-room tickets allow budget travelers to experience world-class opera.
• Travel Instructions: Located on the Ringstraße; directly served by Karlsplatz subway station.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Vienna State Opera

28. Prater Amusement Park & Giant Ferris Wheel

• Location: Vienna
• Best Time to Visit: March to October
• Category: Historic Amusement Park / Landmark
• About the Place: The Prater is Vienna's iconic public park featuring the Wurstelprater amusement zone. Its standout attraction is the 1897 Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel), famous from the film *The Third Man*, offering views across the city skyline.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via U-Bahn lines U1 or U2 to Praterstern station.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Prater Amusement Park

29. Sölden & Ötztal Valley

• Location: Tyrol
• Best Time to Visit: November to April (skiing) or June to September (hiking)
• Category: Ski Resort / High Altitude Peaks
• About the Place: Sölden is a premier ski resort featuring two glacier ski areas and the "BIG3" peaks over 3,000 meters. Movie fans flock to the peak of Gaislachkogl to visit 007 ELEMENTS, an interactive James Bond cinematic installation.
• Travel Instructions: Take a train to Ötztal station, followed by regional bus lines up the Ötztal Valley.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Sölden

30. Hochosterwitz Castle

• Location: Carinthia
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Medieval Fortress / Heritage Site
• About the Place: Hochosterwitz is a medieval rock castle standing atop a 172-meter limestone outcrop in Carinthia. Widely considered one of Austria's most impressive castles, visitors reach the summit by walking through 14 fortified defense gates.
• Travel Instructions: Located 20 km northeast of Klagenfurt; accessible by car or regional train to Launsdorf.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Hochosterwitz Castle

31. Lake Wörthersee & Velden

• Location: Carinthia
• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Category: Summer Lake Resort
• About the Place: Wörthersee is Carinthia's largest lake, famous for unusually warm, Mediterranean-like turquoise waters. Resort towns like Velden and Pörtschach offer luxury casino resorts, yachting, and waterfront lido bathing complexes.
• Travel Instructions: Located near Klagenfurt; served by direct ÖBB trains stopping at Velden am Wörthersee.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Lake Wörthersee

32. Pyramidenkogel Tower

• Location: Keutschach am See, Carinthia
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Observation Tower / Architecture
• About the Place: Standing 100 meters high atop Pyramidenkogel mountain, this is the world's tallest wooden observation tower. It offers 360-degree views across Lake Wörthersee and features a 66-meter indoor spiral slide.
• Travel Instructions: Located a 20-minute drive south of Klagenfurt or Velden; accessible by car or excursion bus.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Pyramidenkogel Tower

33. Linz Historic Centre & Ars Electronica

• Location: Upper Austria
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Cultural City / Modern Art & Tech
• About the Place: Linz sits on the Danube River, combining historic baroque Hauptplatz architecture with futuristic culture. Highlight attractions include the Ars Electronica Center (Museum of the Future) and the Lentos Art Museum.
• Travel Instructions: Located along the main Westbahn railway, a 1.15-hour train ride from Vienna.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Linz Historic Centre

34. Gesäuse National Park

• Location: Styria
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: National Park / Alpine River Wilderness
• About the Place: Gesäuse is Austria's newest national park, characterized by the roaring Enns River slicing between sheer, vertical limestone mountain walls. It is a haven for white-water rafting, rock climbing, and wilderness hiking.
• Travel Instructions: Located in northern Styria; base yourself in Admont or Liezen.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Gesäuse National Park

35. Admont Abbey Library (Stift Admont)

• Location: Admont, Styria
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Historic Monastic Library / Architecture
• About the Place: Admont Abbey houses the largest monastic library in the world. Built in 1776, this Late Baroque hall features magnificent white-and-gold carved interiors, colorful ceiling frescoes, and over 70,000 restored manuscript volumes.
• Travel Instructions: Located in Admont town; easily reached by car or regional bus routes in Styria.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Admont Abbey Library

36. Stubai Glacier (Stubaier Gletscher)

• Location: Tyrol
• Best Time to Visit: October to May (extended ski season)
• Category: Glacier Ski Resort / Peak Lookout
• About the Place: Stubai Glacier is Austria's largest glacier ski area, offering snow-guaranteed skiing from October through spring. Non-skiers can ride the 3S Eisgrat cable car to the "Top of Tyrol" summit platform at 3,210 meters.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 45 minutes south of Innsbruck or take the regional Stubai valley bus.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Stubai Glacier

37. Bregenz Forest (Bregenzerwald)

• Location: Vorarlberg
• Best Time to Visit: May to October or winter months
• Category: Rural Alpine Valley / Architecture & Cheese Trail
• About the Place: The Bregenzerwald is a scenic mountain region famous for traditional shingled wooden architecture, sustainable design, hiking, and the KäseStrasse (Cheese Route) connecting artisanal alpine creameries.
• Travel Instructions: Located east of Bregenz; accessible via regional buses or rental car from Lake Constance.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Bregenz Forest

38. Olpererhütte Suspension Bridge (Zillertal)

• Location: Zillertal Valley, Tyrol
• Best Time to Visit: June to October
• Category: Hiking Trail / Photogenic Suspension Bridge
• About the Place: Located high above the Schlegeisspeicher reservoir in the Zillertal Alps, the suspension bridge at the Olpererhütte mountain hut offers an iconic photo perspective appearing to hang right over turquoise glacial waters below.
• Travel Instructions: Drive to Schlegeis Stausee from Mayrhofen, followed by a 1.5-hour mountain hike up to the hut.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Olpererhütte Suspension Bridge

39. Kitzsteinhorn Glacier & Kaprun

• Location: Kaprun, Salzburg Province
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (skiing October to May)
• Category: Glacier Peak / Summit Attraction
• About the Place: Rising above Kaprun, the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier features the "Top of Salzburg" panoramic viewing platform at 3,029 meters. Connected via modern cable car systems, it offers year-round snow experiences and glacier hiking.
• Travel Instructions: Located in Kaprun; easily reached by regional bus from nearby Zell am See.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kitzsteinhorn Glacier

40. St. Gilgen & Lake Wolfgang

• Location: Salzkammergut, Salzburg Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to October or December
• Category: Lakeside Village / Scenic Lake
• About the Place: St. Gilgen is a picturesque village on Lake Wolfgang's northern shore. Famed for historic ties to Mozart's family, painted timber chalets, passenger ferry cruises, and the Zwölferhorn cable car leading up into alpine pastures.
• Travel Instructions: Located 30 km east of Salzburg; reachable in 40 minutes via regional bus 150.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to St. Gilgen

41. Seefeld in Tirol

• Location: Tyrol
• Best Time to Visit: December to March (cross-country skiing) or June to September (hiking)
• Category: Alpine Plateau Resort
• About the Place: Set on a sunny plateau 1,200 meters above sea level, Seefeld is an upscale alpine resort world-famous for cross-country skiing, wellness spa hotels, walking trails, and traditional Tyrolean hospitality.
• Travel Instructions: Located just 20 km northwest of Innsbruck; easily reached by direct train.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Seefeld in Tirol

42. Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

• Location: Central Vienna
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Fine Arts Museum / Architecture
• About the Place: Opened in 1891 opposite the Natural History Museum, Vienna's Museum of Fine Arts houses the vast art collections of the Habsburgs, including the world's largest collection of paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
• Travel Instructions: Located on Maria-Theresien-Platz; served by U-Bahn lines U2 or U3 to Volkstheater.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kunsthistorisches Museum

43. Schloss Eggenberg

• Location: Graz, Styria
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: UNESCO World Heritage Site / Palace & Gardens
• About the Place: Located on the western edge of Graz, Schloss Eggenberg is a magnificent Baroque palace built in the 17th century. Its harmonic architecture incorporates symbolic calendar elements (365 windows, 24 staterooms) surrounded by peacock-filled gardens.
• Travel Instructions: Take Graz Tram Line 1 directly to the Schloss Eggenberg stop.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Schloss Eggenberg

44. Steyr Historic Town

• Location: Upper Austria
• Best Time to Visit: May to October or December (Christmas Post Office)
• Category: Historic Town / Medieval Architecture
• About the Place: Located at the confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers, Steyr features a preserved gothic Stadtplatz main square, Lamberg Castle, romantic river footbridges, and Christkindl—Austria's famous Christmas village suburb.
• Travel Instructions: Located 40 km south of Linz; accessible via regional ÖBB trains.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Steyr Historic Town

45. Kalkalpen National Park

• Location: Upper Austria
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: UNESCO World Natural Heritage / Forest Wilderness
• About the Place: Kalkalpen National Park protects Austria's largest contiguous forest wilderness, including UNESCO World Natural Heritage primeval beech stands. It is a haven for mountain biking, wilderness hiking, and ranger-led flora tours.
• Travel Instructions: Main park visitor centers located in Molln, Reichraming, and Windischgarsten.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kalkalpen National Park

46. Mirabell Palace & Gardens

• Location: Salzburg
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Baroque Palace Gardens / Film Site
• About the Place: Built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich, Mirabell Palace is famous for its geometric Baroque gardens, marble statues, Pegasus fountain, and playing a starring role in *The Sound of Music* film's "Do-Re-Mi" sequence.
• Travel Instructions: Located in central Salzburg on the north bank of the Salzach River; 5 minutes walk from Linzer Gasse.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Mirabell Palace & Gardens

47. Stubai Valley (Stubaital)

• Location: Tyrol
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Alpine Valley / Hiking & Skiing
• About the Place: Located near Innsbruck, the Stubai Valley features picturesque villages like Neustift, rushing waterfalls like Grawa Waterfall, high-altitude hiking trails, and the Stubai Glacier ski complex.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via scenic drive or regional bus line south from Innsbruck.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Stubai Valley

48. Krems an der Donau

• Location: Lower Austria
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Historic Wine Town / Gateway to Wachau
• About the Place: Krems is the eastern gateway town to the Wachau Valley. Featuring preserved medieval city gates (Steiner Tor), cobble-paved pedestrian lanes, historic wine taverns, and the Kunstmeile Krems museum district.
• Travel Instructions: Located 70 km northwest of Vienna; easily reached via direct train in 1 hour.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Krems an der Donau

49. Kitzloch Gorge (Kitzlochklamm)

• Location: Taxenbach, Salzburg Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Natural Gorge / Hiking Canyon
• About the Place: Kitzlochklamm is one of the steepest and most breathtaking natural river gorges in the Austrian Alps. Wooden walkways, bridges, and tunnels allow visitors to hike past roaring waterfalls, swirling potholes, and sheer rock cliffs.
• Travel Instructions: Located in Taxenbach, near Zell am See; reachable by car or regional train.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kitzloch Gorge

50. Naschmarkt

• Location: Vienna
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (Saturdays for flea market)
• Category: Food Market / Culinary Landmark
• About the Place: Operating since the 16th century, Vienna's Naschmarkt stretches over 1.5 kilometers. Packed with colorful stalls selling fresh produce, international spices, Austrian cheeses, falafel, and lively outdoor bistro restaurants.
• Travel Instructions: Located between Linke and Rechte Wienzeile; accessible via U-Bahn U4 to Kettenbrückengasse.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Naschmarkt

Featured Image

Hallstatt & Salzkammergut Lake Region