Austria is home to some of Europe's most beautiful mountains, majestic Alpine peaks, and top-notch skiing. The country that produced waltz composer Johann Strauss, Sigmund Freud, and Mozart also boasts some of Europe's most breathtaking examples of Baroque architecture.
Austria isn't just for winter sports; the valleys are a veritable carpet of wildflowers, and the cities host many summertime events and activities. We have listed fantastic Austrian activities to do in Austria for a memorable experience.
1. Go to Vienna
One must not miss visiting Austria's capital and largest city. An annual total of about four million tourists visit the area due to its extensive historical heritage and lively lifestyle.
You can visit museums, music venues, festivals, and excellent architecture, among the most popular attractions. In the meantime, after an exciting day of exploring the city, travelers are welcomed by restaurants and cafes with a history spanning hundreds of years.
It is possible to resist going to Vienna, which is widely considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, as well as a cultural hub and a place that may inspire anyone at any moment.
2. Go Skiing at St. Anton am Arlberg
Austria is Europe's most sought-after skiing destination, along with Switzerland. Austria boasts some excellent ski resorts, such as the celebrity-favorite Lech-Zürs am Arlberg and Kitzbühel, which is perfectly situated near the stunning city of Innsbruck.
However, the St. Anton am Arlberg ski resort deserves the top spot due to its superb position. It's been a prominent European skiing location since 1901. With 305 kilometers of groomed pistes and an extra 200 kilometers of off-piste and deep-powder slopes that would satisfy even the most seasoned skiers, it is encircled by majestic peaks.
3. Climb Grossglockner
Regarding height, the highest point in the country is in the Alpine range and is 3,798 meters (12,461 feet) above sea level. The pyramid-shaped peak, made up of two pinnacles, is probably the most interesting and unique thing about the building.
Amazingly, this mountain isn't that hard to climb. You need some experience, but the path is only rated PD+, so it's not too hard. For the best view of the top, start your climb at the Franz-Josefs-Hohe viewpoint on High Alpine Road. Every year, about a million people visit the peak.
4. Visit Salzburg
There are many beautiful old buildings in the historic city, as well as many cultural events and attractions. The famous movie "The Sound of Music" was shot in Salzburg, a beautiful city.
The mountains around Salzburg have always been a draw for tourists. People also know the town as the place where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born.
Salzburg has been a cultural hub for a long time. You can take many city tours with many historic buildings and landmarks. Of course, there are also special trips for "The Sound of Music" fans that take them to the places where the movies were filmed.
5. Visit Innsbruck
Situated in the lovely Inn Valley lies the capital of Tirol. The ancient town's proximity to towering mountains makes it a prime location for winter sports; it has hosted multiple Winter Olympics.
Numerous historic sites and structures are open to the public today. After all, the medieval city of Innsbruck has never been far from the epicenter of historical upheaval.
Unspoiled environments and world-class resorts coexist with historic buildings, museums, and lively urban life. If you are looking for a vacation spot perfect for exploring, discovering, learning, and enjoying the outdoors, Innsbruck is a fantastic choice.
6. Explore Krimml Falls
At 380 meters high, these Hohe Tauern National Park waterfalls are the highest in Central Europe and the fifth largest globally. All three falls are accessible along a well-planned 4-kilometer trail with overlooks at different elevations.
Walking to the top of Krimml Falls takes around one hour, maybe more because the last tier of the climb is quite steep. If you like, you can continue going on one of the many hiking paths inside the national park.
7. Tour Vorarlberg – Land Of Mountains
The Austrian state of Vorarlberg borders both Germany and Switzerland in the west. The topography of this area is mostly mountainous. It is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Austria due to its adventure ski resorts and breathtaking alpine scenery.
Vorarlberg is home to Lake Constance, the third-largest lake in Central Europe. Bregenz, the city of Vorarlberg, is situated on this lake. If you are looking for a breathtaking view of the Alps, one of the top tourist destinations in Austria is the place to go.
Given its mountainous terrain, Vorarlberg is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Walking through the wooded trail systems, you'll feel more at home with nature. If hiking isn't your thing, a cable car ride will take you to breathtaking valley views. Many tourists flock to Vorarlberg, Austria, to visit fascinating museums.
8. Visit Tyrol – Heaven In The Alps
Located in western Austria, the state of Tyrol is stunning. Situated in the heart of the Alps, this area is a favorite with skiers and snowboarders. Ambras Castle, Ehrenberg Castle, and Kufstein Fortress are only a few of the numerous historic places.
Some of the world's most fascinating museums are also located in Tyrol. If you're looking for more must-attend winter festivals in Europe, Tyrol is the place to be. Include it in your September itineraries of must-see Austrian attractions.
The capital of Tyrol is the well-known city of Innsbruck. Historic Gothic churches and palaces in the classic Baroque style can be found here. Anyone interested in visiting an area rich in history and stunning landscapes should visit Tyrol, Austria.
9. Carinthia – Lakes And Forests
Surrounding Austria's highest mountain, Grossglockner, lies an area known as Carinthia. One of the most bizarre locations to visit in Austria, it is situated in the country's Southern region and is surrounded by the Eastern Alps. This area is unparalleled in its natural beauty and charm due to the abundance of mountains within its borders.
You will be surrounded by tranquil lakes and alpine forests, with the stunning Hochosterwitz Castle, a medieval building, in the middle. The Carinthian capital, Klagenfurt, is a significant wine-producing region. The region is among the top historical sites in Austria to visit because of the abundance of Renaissance buildings there.
10. Visit High Tauern National Park (the oldest park in Austria)
The Hohe Tauern National Park is in central Austria, close to where the country's limited extension into Switzerland starts. With its 1,856 square kilometers (716.6 square miles) of land, the park is the biggest national park in Austria.
Glacier fields, glacial valleys, hilly land, alluvial fans, and huge woods can all be found in this untouched wilderness. Taking one of the many beautiful drives that wind around the park's edges is an easy way to enjoy these scenes and dramatic mountain tops.
