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Austria Travel & Culture Guide
 Salzburg in winter, Austria.
Introduction to Austria
Austria (Österreich in German) is a federal republic created in the aftermath of World War I from the German-speaking part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and re-created in April 1945, after seven years of annexation to Germany. Austria is the highest and most mountainous country in the EU, with 68% of the territory lying above 500 metres (1,640 ft).
The Duchy of Austria became an independent state in 1156, when it detached itself from the Duchy of Bavaria. In 1278, Rudolph of Habsburg, King of Germany, seized the duchies of Austria and Styria from Ottokar II of Bohemia. His descendants would rule Austria until 1918. Under the aegis of the House of Habsburg, Austria quickly expanded its influence inside Europe, acquiring notably the Kingdoms of Hungary and Bohemia by the marriage of Albert V to Elizabeth of Luxembourg in 1421, as well as Burgundy and the Low Countries through the union of Maximilian I to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. The Habsburg of Austria would also provide all the Holy Roman Emperors from 1440 to 1740, then again from 1745 until the dissolution of the empire by Napoleon in 1806. By that time Austria had become an empire of its own (from 1804) and would remain one until the end of the First World War.
Nowadays, Austria is one of Europe's most prosperous nations, enjoying the lowest average unemployment rate over the last 50 years and the highest GDP per capita at PPP in the EU after Luxembourg. Austria also has one of the lowest income inequalities, similar to Scandinavian countries.
23 million foreign tourists visited Austria in 2011, nearly three times more than the country's population. This is the highest ratio of tourists to locals of any sizeable country on Earth (excluding city-states).
Famous people from Austria include (chronologically and excluding a long list of royalty): the composers Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Schubert, the physicist Christian Doppler, the composers Johann Strauss Sr. and Jr., the founder of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud, the composers Gustav Mahler and Arnold Schoenberg, the automotive engineer Ferdinand Porsche, the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, the physicists Erwin Schrödinger and Wolfgang Pauli, the mountaineer Heinrich Harrer (author of Seven Years in Tibet), the industrialist and WWII hero Oskar Schindler, the conductor Herbert von Karajan, the F1 champion Niki Lauda, the businessman Dietrich Mateschitz (founder of Red Bull), and the skydiver Felix Baumgartner.
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| Austrian Cuisine
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Discover the rich flavours of Austrian cuisine, from hearty Wiener Schnitzel to delicate Sachertorte. Explore traditional Alpine dishes and imperial delights in our comprehensive guide.
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History of Austria
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Explore Austria's rich history from the Habsburg monarchy to the modern republic. Discover how this Central European nation evolved through empires, world wars and political transformations.
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Attractions
Western Austria
| Salzburg ※ |
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 Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled between the Eastern Alps and divided by the Salzach River, is a captivating blend of medieval and baroque architecture. The city's skyline is dominated by the magnificent Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe's largest medieval castles, which welcomes nearly 1.2 million visitors annually. As the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg maintains its rich musical heritage, though it's also surprisingly the hometown of the energy drink Red Bull, created here in 1987. The city boasts Europe's oldest restaurant, St. Peter Stiftskeller, established in 803 CE and still serving traditional Austrian cuisine like Tafelspitz. Visitors can explore the charming Getreidegasse with its ornate wrought-iron guild signs, stroll through the stunning Mirabell Gardens, and sample local delicacies such as Mozartkugel chocolates and Salzburger Nockerl, a fluffy dessert shaped like the city's hills. A unique feature of the city is its professional mountain cleaners, who have been ensuring safety by inspecting over 300,000 square metres of mountainside for loose rocks for more than 350 years. |
| Hohenwerfen Castle |
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 Perched dramatically on a 155-metre rocky outcrop above the Salzach Valley, the 900-year-old Hohenwerfen Castle offers a captivating blend of medieval history and modern entertainment. Originally built in 1077 as a defensive fortress, it later served various purposes, including a rather grim stint as a prison in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, visitors can ascend to the castle either via a scenic 15-20 minute forest walk or a convenient lift system, where they'll be treated to spectacular views of the Berchtesgaden Alps and Tennen Mountains. The castle's main attractions include guided tours through medieval chambers, including the torture chamber and knights' hall, whilst the highlight for many is the daily falconry shows featuring majestic eagles and falcons at the historic State Falconry. Film enthusiasts might recognise the castle from 'Where Eagles Dare' and 'The Sound of Music', whilst gamers may spot it from Call of Duty: Black Ops III. For those seeking refreshment, the castle's Burgschenke restaurant offers traditional Austrian fare, including Wiener Schnitzel and the local speciality Bosna sausage, all served in a cosy medieval atmosphere. |
| Innsbruck |
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Innsbruck, the capital of Austria's Tyrol region, is a remarkable city where urban sophistication meets alpine grandeur. The city's most iconic landmark is the Golden Roof, adorned with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles, which Emperor Maximilian I commissioned to mark his wedding in 1500. The city boasts an impressive Olympic legacy, having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1964 and 1976. Nature and urbanity blend seamlessly here, with the futuristic Nordkette cable car whisking visitors from the city centre to an altitude of 2,200 metres in just 20 minutes. The city is home to Europe's highest-located zoo, the Alpenzoo, situated 750 metres above sea level and dedicated to preserving Alpine wildlife. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the striking Bergisel ski jump, an award-winning masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid. Just 17 kilometres from the city lies the birthplace of the world-famous Swarovski crystal brand, where visitors can explore the dazzling Swarovski Crystal Worlds. The city's rich Habsburg heritage is evident in its stunning Renaissance Ambras Castle, which houses impressive collections of paintings by masters like Rubens and Van Dyck. |
| Hall in Tirol |
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Hall in Tirol, a charming medieval town just 10km east of Innsbruck, boasts Austria's largest and most beautifully preserved historic centre, featuring pastel-coloured Gothic townhouses and cobbled streets. The town's fascinating history revolves around salt mining, which made it North Tyrol's most important economic hub in the 13th century, whilst its mint later produced the world's first silver thaler in 1486the predecessor of the modern dollar. Today, visitors can explore the magnificent Hasegg Castle and its Mint Tower, where one can climb 186 steps for panoramic views of the Inn Valley and even mint their own souvenir coin using the world's only surviving fully functional historical coin press. The town's culinary scene is equally impressive, offering everything from traditional Tyrolean fare to award-winning restaurants, with many establishments sourcing ingredients from the region's largest vegetable garden and local farm shops. The well-preserved medieval atmosphere, complete with remaining town walls and moats, creates a perfect backdrop for the town's vibrant cultural events, including the Sprachsalz Literature Festival and a stylish Christmas market. |
| Feldkirch |
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 Nestled in Austria's westernmost region of Vorarlberg, Feldkirch is a captivating medieval town where history and culture harmoniously blend. The town's crowning glory is the imposing Schattenburg Castle, a 13th-century fortress housing a fascinating museum and a restaurant famous for its Wiener schnitzel. Literary enthusiasts might be intrigued to learn that James Joyce, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Thomas Mann sought refuge here during the World Wars. The perfectly preserved old town enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets, frescoed gates and numerous towers, whilst the surrounding Alpine landscape offers splendid hiking opportunities, including the Stadtschrofen trail with its panoramic valley views. The town maintains its cultural vitality through the annual Montforter Zwischentöne festival, which uniquely combines music, literature, philosophy and culinary arts. Situated at the crossroads of Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Feldkirch has historically been an important economic and political hub, attracting artists and scientists throughout its 800-year history. |
| Bregenz Forest |
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 The Bregenzerwald boasts a fascinating blend of cultural heritage and natural splendour. Originally completely forested until around 1000 CE, this area is now renowned for its distinctive wooden farmsteads with shingle roofs and its traditional three-step alpine transhumance farming system. The region is a paradise for cheese connoisseurs, with 35,000 cows outnumbering the 32,000 human inhabitants, producing exceptional dairy products that can be explored along the KäseStrasse (Cheese Route). Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse forest landscapes, from bog to gorge to alpine forests, home to rare flora such as lady's slippers and edelweiss, as well as magnificent wildlife including golden eagles and black grouse. The area seamlessly combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, evident in its innovative architecture where modern hotels and B&Bs cleverly incorporate local wood, whilst the 12 special 'Umgang Bregenzerwald' trails guide visitors through noteworthy buildings marked by rust-coloured poles. |
Central Austria
| Melk ※ |
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Melk sits at the confluence of the Danube and Melk rivers, marking the western gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley. The town's crown jewel is the magnificent Melk Abbey, a Baroque masterpiece built between 1702 and 1739, which houses a world-famous library containing over 100,000 volumes that inspired Umberto Eco's 'The Name of the Rose'. Originally a Roman garrison and later the castle-residence of Austria's first ruling Babenberg dynasty, Melk has been a spiritual and cultural centre for over 900 years. The town is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, featuring traditional Austrian dishes like 'Rieslingsbeuscherl' (veal cooked in Riesling), locally-produced wines, and delectable apricot-based treats, including homemade ice cream and spirits. Beyond its architectural splendour, Melk offers delightful experiences such as strolling through the abbey's paradisiacal park with its Baroque pavilion and 'Talking Stones', or taking boat excursions along the picturesque Danube. |
| Dürnstein ※ |
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Dürnstein, a picturesque medieval town of about 900 inhabitants nestled along the Danube in the Wachau Valley, is renowned for its striking blue abbey tower and dramatic castle ruins. The town gained historical significance when King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in its castle in 1192, during which time he composed the medieval ballad 'Ja nus hons pris'. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its exceptional white wines, particularly Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, produced in the surrounding vineyards that cling to the steep riverbank terraces. The town's name derives from 'dürr' (dry) and 'stein' (stone), referring to the rocky outcrop upon which the castle was built. Visitors can wander through narrow cobbled streets lined with 16th-century residences, and the town particularly comes alive during the summer solstice when hundreds of torch-bearing boats illuminate the Danube at twilight. |
| Kreuzenstein Castle |
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Perched 265 metres above sea level near Leobendorf in Lower Austria, Kreuzenstein Castle is a fascinating blend of authentic medieval architecture and 19th-century reconstruction. Though originally built in the 12th century as 'Grizanstein', the castle was rebuilt in the 1870s using genuine medieval components gathered from across Europe, making it both a neo- and original medieval structure. Today, visitors can explore the castle's remarkable features through guided tours, including its impressive armoury housing one of Europe's largest collections of medieval weapons, a kitchen featuring a Leonardo da Vinci invention, and atmospheric chambers adorned with period-appropriate furnishings. The castle has caught Hollywood's attention, serving as a filming location for 'Season of the Witch', whilst its grounds host spectacular falconry shows at the Kreuzenstein Eagle Sanctuary. After exploring the castle's courtyard, complete with its historic battering ram and medieval well, visitors can dine at the recently renovated Burgtaverne Kreuzenstein, a restaurant designed to recreate the ambiance of a medieval tavern, serving traditional fare such as goulash and topfen strudel. |
| Schönbühel Castle |
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Sitting on a 40-metre rocky promontory above the Danube River, Schönbühel Castle is a striking architectural marvel in Lower Austria's picturesque Wachau Valley. Originally built in the early 12th century by Marchwardus de Schoenbuchele as a defensive fortress, the castle likely stands on the site of an ancient Roman fortification. After falling into disrepair during the Starhemberg family's 400-year ownership, the castle was renovated and made habitable again in 1821 by Count Franz von Beroldingen. Today, visitors can admire this majestic structure whilst enjoying the UNESCO World Heritage landscape, perhaps during a river cruise along the Danube or whilst sampling the region's renowned white wines and authentic cuisine from Best-of-Wachau establishments, which pride themselves on using local ingredients and maintaining close relationships with regional producers. |
| Graz ※ |
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Graz, Austria's second-largest city with over 300,000 inhabitants3, is a captivating blend of Renaissance architecture and modern design. Its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 19993, features over 1,000 buildings spanning various architectural periods. The city's iconic Clock Tower, perched atop the Schlossberg hill, has an intriguing quirk - its hour and minute hands are reversed, with the longer hand showing the hours. Home to more than 60,000 students across four universities and colleges, Graz maintains a vibrant cultural scene that earned it the title of European Capital of Culture in 2003. The city boasts several unique attractions, including Europe's longest indoor slide at the Schlossberg, the world's largest historical armoury, and a remarkable double spiral staircase known as the 'reconciliation staircase' where two staircases merge and separate as they spiral upwards. The surrounding mountains, including the Grazer Bergland, offer spectacular hiking opportunities with gorges and caves to explore. The local cuisine is particularly noteworthy, with traditional farmers' markets showcasing Styrian specialities and the region's famous pumpkin seed oil. |
| Gesäuse National Park |
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 Established in 2002, Gesäuse National Park is Austria's youngest national park, spanning 12,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in Styria. The park's dramatic landscape features towering limestone peaks, including the 2,369-metre Hochtor, alongside the untamed Enns River which carves one of the Eastern Alps' most impressive gorges. This biodiversity hotspot harbours over 230 endemic species, including 50 types of orchids, 1,234 butterfly species, and 90 breeding bird species. Visitors can explore the park through activities like hiking, climbing, rafting, and mountain biking, with four alpine huts serving as bases for mountain adventures. The park holds 'Genussregion' status for its local game specialities, with most huts and cafes serving organic, locally-sourced food. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the park's rugged beauty, impressive starlit skies, and numerous orchids, celebrated annually at the Gesäuse Photo Festival. |
| Klagenfurt |
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Klagenfurt, Austria's southernmost provincial capital, is a charming Renaissance city situated on the eastern shore of Lake Wörthersee, where three distinct cultures - Carinthian, Italian, and Slovenian - harmoniously blend. The city's fascinating history began with a legendary tale of brave men slaying a fearsome dragon, commemorated today by the iconic 9-tonne Dragon Fountain (Lindwurmbrunnen) in Neuer Platz. After a devastating fire in 1514, the city was gifted to the Carinthian Provincial Estates, who transformed it into Austria's only ideal Renaissance city. Today, visitors can explore the picturesque old town with its Italian-influenced architecture, visit the Museum of Modern Art, or enjoy water activities at Lake Wörthersee. The city is also home to Minimundus, a fascinating miniature park featuring models of famous global landmarks, whilst the local cuisine offers a delightful fusion of Alpine and Adriatic flavours, including specialities such as 'Kasnudeln' (cheese-filled noodles). |
| Hochosterwitz Castle |
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Perched atop a striking 172-metre dolomite rock, Hochosterwitz Castle is one of the nation's most remarkable medieval fortresses, offering breathtaking panoramic views visible from up to 30 kilometres away. The castle's most distinctive feature is its series of 14 ingeniously designed defensive gates, which visitors can explore whilst ascending to the summit, though a modern inclined railway (the Fürst-Max-Bahn) offers a quicker alternative. The fortress, which has remained unconquered throughout its history, boasts a fascinating museum housing weapons, armour and Renaissance paintings, whilst its most intriguing legend tells of a clever ruse where defenders threw a grain-filled ox carcass over the walls to deceive besieging forces into believing they had abundant provisions. Still owned by the noble Khevenhüller family after 470 years, the castle complex includes a restaurant serving traditional Carinthian cuisine, a forge demonstrating medieval crafts, and lovely walled gardens with fragrant roses. The castle was remarkably self-sufficient during medieval times, featuring its own carpentry workshop, mill, blacksmith, bakery, and even a printing press. |
Eastern Austria
| Vienna ※
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 Vienna, Austria's capital, is a city where imperial grandeur meets modern innovation, with its historic centre being a UNESCO World Heritage site. The magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, once the Habsburg summer residence, stands as the city's most visited attraction, featuring the world's oldest zoo and spectacular Baroque gardens. The city's rich cultural tapestry includes its famous coffee house culture, also UNESCO-listed, where intellectuals and artists have gathered since the 17th century. Along the grand Ringstraße boulevard, visitors can marvel at architectural masterpieces like the State Opera and the neo-gothic City Hall. Vienna's vibrant street markets, particularly the Naschmarkt, offer local delicacies and international goods. The city boasts an extraordinary artistic heritage, housing Klimt's "The Kiss" at the Belvedere Palace, whilst the MuseumsQuartier serves as a modern cultural hub. With 62% of Austria covered by the Alps, the city provides a stunning backdrop for its blend of traditional heritage and contemporary life. |
| Linz |
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 Linz, Austria's third-largest city with around 200,000 inhabitants, originated as the Roman settlement of Lentia and later flourished as an important medieval trading centre along the Danube. The city features beautiful old houses on a vast medieval square, whilst also standing out as one of Austria's most modern cities with groundbreaking theatres, concert halls, and hi-tech museums. The city has a notable scientific heritage, as astronomer Johannes Kepler lived here and discovered that planets revolve around the sun in elliptical paths. Mozart composed 'The Linz Symphony' here in just three days. The harbour area has been transformed into an open-air gallery showcasing international graffiti and murals, whilst the city hosts the renowned Ars Electronica Festival and has been designated as a UNESCO City of Media Art. Visitors can also sample the famous Linzer Torte, which is reputed to be the world's oldest cake recipe. |
| Hallstatt ※ |
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Hallstatt, a picturesque village in Upper Austria's Salzkammergut region, boasts a remarkable history dating back to 7,000 BCE and is one of the world's oldest salt mining sites. This UNESCO World Heritage Site sits nestled between Lake Hallstatt and the dramatic Dachstein Alps, offering stunning panoramic views from its 360-metre-high Skywalk. The village is particularly known for its unique Beinhaus (Bone House), where painted and decorated human skulls are displayed due to limited burial space. Beyond its fairy-tale architecture and winding streets, Hallstatt offers fascinating attractions including ancient salt mines, which gave the village its Celtic name 'Hall' meaning salt, and the Hallstatt Museum showcasing Bronze and Iron Age artefacts. Visitors can savour traditional Austrian cuisine at lakeside restaurants, with local specialities including schnitzel, fresh fish, and regional wines such as Grüner Veltliner and Blaufränkisch. The compact village can be explored entirely on foot in just fifteen minutes, yet it packs centuries of history, culture, and natural beauty into its small confines. |
| Steyr |
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Steyr, a picturesque 1,000-year-old market town nestled at the confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers in Upper Austria, boasts one of Austria's finest town squares and best-preserved historical centres. The town is renowned for its stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture, with the Bummerlhaus mansion, one of Austria's oldest buildings dating back to the 13th century, standing as a prime example of early Gothic design. The impressive Schloss Lamberg castle, with its distinctive blush pink hue, dominates the skyline and offers commanding views of the two rivers. The town's rich industrial heritage dates back to Celtic times, with iron ore mining playing a crucial role in its development. Today, Steyr charms visitors with its network of 119 bridges and walkways, cobblestone streets, and hidden stairways that connect the upper and lower parts of the old town, where elevation differences can reach up to 40 metres. The town's strategic importance was evident during World War II when it served as a major arms manufacturing centre. |
| Eisenstadt ※ |
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 Eisenstadt, the capital of Burgenland, is a picturesque city nestled at the foot of the Leithagebirge mountains, just 60 kilometres from Vienna. This charming destination is renowned for its magnificent Baroque centrepiece, the Esterházy Palace, which houses the acoustically superb Haydn Hall where the celebrated composer Joseph Haydn worked for Prince Esterházy for nearly three decades. Beyond its musical heritage, the compact city centre features cobbled streets lined with delightful cafes and traditional wine taverns, where visitors can sample excellent local wines from the Burgenland region. Nature enthusiasts can explore the scenic Schlosspark with its ornate Orangery, hidden ponds and peaceful meadows, whilst the nearby Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers splendid opportunities for water sports and birdwatching. The city's culinary scene brilliantly showcases Austrian gastronomy through regional specialities such as Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz and Burgenland-style fish. |
| Lake Neusiedl ※ |
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Straddling the Austrian-Hungarian border, Lake Neusiedl (Fert?) is Central Europe's largest endorheic lake and the westernmost steppe lake in Eurasia, with three-quarters of its 315 km² area lying in Austria. This shallow lake, nowhere deeper than 2 metres, is surrounded by one of Europe's largest continuous reed beds and has been a cultural crossroads for eight millennia. Visitors can enjoy cycling around the lake's perimeter, birdwatching in the rich wetlands, sailing, or exploring the charming wine-producing villages like Rust and Mörbisch that form an inner ring of sixteen settlements around the shoreline. The area boasts remarkable rural architecture and grand 18th and 19th-century palaces, including the magnificent Esterházy Palace. The region is particularly noted for its viticulture and stock-raising traditions, which have shaped the landscape in a way unparalleled in other European lake areas. For a unique experience, tourists can take a cyclists' ferry through the dense reed belt between Mörbisch and Illmitz, or sample local wines in traditional wine cellars in towns like Breitenbronn and Purbach. |
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High Tauern National Park
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The Hohe Tauern National Park, established in 1981, stands as the largest protected area in the Alps, spanning an impressive 1,856 square kilometres across three Austrian provinces. This magnificent landscape features 266 mountain peaks over 3,000 metres, including Austria's highest summit, the Grossglockner at 3,798 metres, alongside 551 pristine mountain lakes and roughly 250 glaciers. The park boasts remarkable biodiversity, hosting more than 15,000 animal species and 1,800 plant varieties, including the iconic golden eagle with its 220cm wingspan. Visitors can marvel at Europe's highest waterfalls, the Krimml Waterfalls, cascading down 380 metres, or explore any of the 120 alpine huts where they can savour traditional mountain delicacies such as Pinzgauer Kasnocken and homemade curd cheese dumplings. The National Park Worlds in Mittersill offers an engaging introduction to the area with its 3D cinema and exhibits about the Alps' formation, whilst the region's rich cultural heritage dates back to the Bronze Age, having inspired poets and painters for hundreds of years. |
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Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled between the Eastern Alps and divided by the Salzach River, is a captivating blend of medieval and baroque architecture. The city's skyline is dominated by the magnificent Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe's largest medieval castles, which welcomes nearly 1.2 million visitors annually. As the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg maintains its rich musical heritage, though it's also surprisingly the hometown of the energy drink Red Bull, created here in 1987. The city boasts Europe's oldest restaurant, St. Peter Stiftskeller, established in 803 CE and still serving traditional Austrian cuisine like Tafelspitz. Visitors can explore the charming Getreidegasse with its ornate wrought-iron guild signs, stroll through the stunning Mirabell Gardens, and sample local delicacies such as Mozartkugel chocolates and Salzburger Nockerl, a fluffy dessert shaped like the city's hills. A unique feature of the city is its professional mountain cleaners, who have been ensuring safety by inspecting over 300,000 square metres of mountainside for loose rocks for more than 350 years.
Perched dramatically on a 155-metre rocky outcrop above the Salzach Valley, the 900-year-old Hohenwerfen Castle offers a captivating blend of medieval history and modern entertainment. Originally built in 1077 as a defensive fortress, it later served various purposes, including a rather grim stint as a prison in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, visitors can ascend to the castle either via a scenic 15-20 minute forest walk or a convenient lift system, where they'll be treated to spectacular views of the Berchtesgaden Alps and Tennen Mountains. The castle's main attractions include guided tours through medieval chambers, including the torture chamber and knights' hall, whilst the highlight for many is the daily falconry shows featuring majestic eagles and falcons at the historic State Falconry. Film enthusiasts might recognise the castle from 'Where Eagles Dare' and 'The Sound of Music', whilst gamers may spot it from Call of Duty: Black Ops III. For those seeking refreshment, the castle's Burgschenke restaurant offers traditional Austrian fare, including Wiener Schnitzel and the local speciality Bosna sausage, all served in a cosy medieval atmosphere.
Nestled in Austria's westernmost region of Vorarlberg, Feldkirch is a captivating medieval town where history and culture harmoniously blend. The town's crowning glory is the imposing Schattenburg Castle, a 13th-century fortress housing a fascinating museum and a restaurant famous for its Wiener schnitzel. Literary enthusiasts might be intrigued to learn that James Joyce, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Thomas Mann sought refuge here during the World Wars. The perfectly preserved old town enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets, frescoed gates and numerous towers, whilst the surrounding Alpine landscape offers splendid hiking opportunities, including the Stadtschrofen trail with its panoramic valley views. The town maintains its cultural vitality through the annual Montforter Zwischentöne festival, which uniquely combines music, literature, philosophy and culinary arts. Situated at the crossroads of Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Feldkirch has historically been an important economic and political hub, attracting artists and scientists throughout its 800-year history.
The Bregenzerwald boasts a fascinating blend of cultural heritage and natural splendour. Originally completely forested until around 1000 CE, this area is now renowned for its distinctive wooden farmsteads with shingle roofs and its traditional three-step alpine transhumance farming system. The region is a paradise for cheese connoisseurs, with 35,000 cows outnumbering the 32,000 human inhabitants, producing exceptional dairy products that can be explored along the KäseStrasse (Cheese Route). Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse forest landscapes, from bog to gorge to alpine forests, home to rare flora such as lady's slippers and edelweiss, as well as magnificent wildlife including golden eagles and black grouse. The area seamlessly combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, evident in its innovative architecture where modern hotels and B&Bs cleverly incorporate local wood, whilst the 12 special 'Umgang Bregenzerwald' trails guide visitors through noteworthy buildings marked by rust-coloured poles.
Established in 2002, Gesäuse National Park is Austria's youngest national park, spanning 12,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in Styria. The park's dramatic landscape features towering limestone peaks, including the 2,369-metre Hochtor, alongside the untamed Enns River which carves one of the Eastern Alps' most impressive gorges. This biodiversity hotspot harbours over 230 endemic species, including 50 types of orchids, 1,234 butterfly species, and 90 breeding bird species. Visitors can explore the park through activities like hiking, climbing, rafting, and mountain biking, with four alpine huts serving as bases for mountain adventures. The park holds 'Genussregion' status for its local game specialities, with most huts and cafes serving organic, locally-sourced food. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the park's rugged beauty, impressive starlit skies, and numerous orchids, celebrated annually at the Gesäuse Photo Festival.
Vienna, Austria's capital, is a city where imperial grandeur meets modern innovation, with its historic centre being a UNESCO World Heritage site. The magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, once the Habsburg summer residence, stands as the city's most visited attraction, featuring the world's oldest zoo and spectacular Baroque gardens. The city's rich cultural tapestry includes its famous coffee house culture, also UNESCO-listed, where intellectuals and artists have gathered since the 17th century. Along the grand Ringstraße boulevard, visitors can marvel at architectural masterpieces like the State Opera and the neo-gothic City Hall. Vienna's vibrant street markets, particularly the Naschmarkt, offer local delicacies and international goods. The city boasts an extraordinary artistic heritage, housing Klimt's "The Kiss" at the Belvedere Palace, whilst the MuseumsQuartier serves as a modern cultural hub. With 62% of Austria covered by the Alps, the city provides a stunning backdrop for its blend of traditional heritage and contemporary life.
Linz, Austria's third-largest city with around 200,000 inhabitants, originated as the Roman settlement of Lentia and later flourished as an important medieval trading centre along the Danube. The city features beautiful old houses on a vast medieval square, whilst also standing out as one of Austria's most modern cities with groundbreaking theatres, concert halls, and hi-tech museums. The city has a notable scientific heritage, as astronomer Johannes Kepler lived here and discovered that planets revolve around the sun in elliptical paths. Mozart composed 'The Linz Symphony' here in just three days. The harbour area has been transformed into an open-air gallery showcasing international graffiti and murals, whilst the city hosts the renowned Ars Electronica Festival and has been designated as a UNESCO City of Media Art. Visitors can also sample the famous Linzer Torte, which is reputed to be the world's oldest cake recipe.
Eisenstadt, the capital of Burgenland, is a picturesque city nestled at the foot of the Leithagebirge mountains, just 60 kilometres from Vienna. This charming destination is renowned for its magnificent Baroque centrepiece, the Esterházy Palace, which houses the acoustically superb Haydn Hall where the celebrated composer Joseph Haydn worked for Prince Esterházy for nearly three decades. Beyond its musical heritage, the compact city centre features cobbled streets lined with delightful cafes and traditional wine taverns, where visitors can sample excellent local wines from the Burgenland region. Nature enthusiasts can explore the scenic Schlosspark with its ornate Orangery, hidden ponds and peaceful meadows, whilst the nearby Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers splendid opportunities for water sports and birdwatching. The city's culinary scene brilliantly showcases Austrian gastronomy through regional specialities such as Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz and Burgenland-style fish.
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