the most beautiful places to visit in Austria

Vienna

As Austria’s capital, Vienna is perhaps the city most associated with Austrian life, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful. Vienna is buzzing with excitement – street theatre, ballets, operas, musicals, art galleries and shows make it a dynamic and lively city to visit. But this modern flavour doesn’t take anything away from the tradition that still resounds through this splendid city. There are several imperial palaces, some stunning museums that proudly overlook majestic squares and of course, the Hofburg, once the impressive home of the Habsburg rulers. This fusion of fast-paced modern living and serene historical architecture make Vienna a truly spectacular city.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Kaiserin Elisabeth – Elegant typically Austrian luxury decor located in the centre from €70pn
• Hotel Lamee – Unique and trendy decor in a great location €65pn
• The Rooms Bed and Breakfast – Tasteful budget boutique guest house from €40pn

Hallstatt

Often mentioned as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Austria – if not Europe – this small scenic town overlooks the serene waters of the Hallstatt lake. As well as offering you the chance to indulge in some rock climbing, hiking and boating, there are some intriguing places to visit that make this area particularly interesting. The Beinhaus (bone house) displays stacks of human remains that were taken there due to the shortage of grave spaces. Although it sounds morbid the experience is very different, there is something very beautiful and humbling about visiting the Beinhaus. The ice caves and salt caves are also worth visiting, and are truly spectacular.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Pension Sarstein – Typically Austrian guest house with a fairytale location from €45pn
• Heritage Hotel Hallstatt – Fabulous unique hotel set in the scenic parkland of Hallstatt from €85pn

Salzburg

Salzburg is definitely the place for music fans. It also celebrates its accolade as Mozart’s birthplace by allowing visitors into the home where Mozart was born and running exhibitions in the space. Salzburg may be home to Mozart and all things baroque, but for an astounding 70% of overseas visitors The Sound of Music remains the primary reason for travel to the city with tour companies all over the city offering their own version of the Sound of Music tour. Also brimming with exceptional galleries, museums, a rich array of restaurants and a diverse selection of shopping opportunities ranging from farmer’s markets to upmarket stores the city always seems to live up to visitors expectations.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Hotel Wolf-Dietrich – A very uniquely decorated hotel in a good location from €75pn
• Hotel Villa Carlton– Trendy contemporary hotel close to all the attractions from €65pn

Innsbruck

The snow-topped mountains and tall colourful buildings of Innsbruck make it a postcard-worthy alpine destination. Perfect for those who love to hit the slopes, it has a number of well managed ski resorts and excellent winter sports facilities. Other sites on interest include Ambras Castle, the Folk Art Museum and the Court Church. There are some very trendy hip bars at the centre of a thriving night life. Serenity has its place too, with the gentle carriage rides and the luxurious therma spa.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Adlers Mountain View Design Hotel – Stunning modern hotel with fantastic views from €75pn
• Gasthof Weisses Rossl -Cosy mid range hotel with a historic restaurant from €45pn

Alpbach

Alpbach has been voted the most beautiful village in Austria and it’s not difficult to see why. The sweet village is nestled in between a cluster of majestic snow-capped mountains and allows access to the perfect ski slopes while maintaining a strong alpine tradition. Alpbach is full of picturesque wooden farm houses, fields of cattle and locals skilled in traditional crafts. If you fancy a taste of how Austria used to be and enjoying the experience of time standing still then Alpbach is the place for you.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Bikepension Gästehaus Larch Alpbach – Pretty mid range wood chalet inn from €50pn
• Alphof Hotel Alpbach – Luxury Alpine chalet hotel with spa and swimming pool from €90pn

Grossglockner Alpine Road

This winding precarious, beautifully scenic road is definitely worth a visit. It will lead you to the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park as well as up the giddy heights of the Grossglockner (Austria’s tallest mountain), passing through the Pasterze glacier. It’s an ideal way to experience the Austrian landscape at its best, as you’ll pass through mountain forests, alpine meadows, plains of ice and sheer cliff faces. You can hire a vintage car, take a bus, ride a motorcycle, go by bike or venture by foot; either way you can guarantee an experience of a lifetime.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Villa Orania– Stunning chalet apartments with the wow factor from €65pn
• Schiefe Alm Hotel Bad Gastein – Exceptional three star hotel with fabulous views from €55pn

Mostviertel

The Mostviertel is Lower Austria’s most captivating region. It combines rolling green meadows in the North with snow-laced rugged peaks in the South. This combination of landscapes contributes directly to the regions endless charm. Its chocolate box scenery makes it a wonder for adults and children alike and offers museums, monuments and family activities as well as the chance to ski.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Hotel Kartause Gaming – A former monastery turned very unique hotel from €65
• Zur Linde– Intimate mid range hotel in a village location from €40

Hochosterwitz Castle

Many consider it to be the most impressive medieval castle in Austria, and with good reason. It stands proudly on top of a 160 metre high Dolomite rock formation, making it look like something out of a fairytale. Between Easter and the end of October each year visitors are allowed inside certain parts of the castle. Tourists can walk along the 620 metre pathway through 14 intriguing fortified gates before they reach the stunning façade of the castle.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Art Lodge – Very contemporary and very trendy chalet hotel with a wellness centre from €50pn
• Chalet Hotel Senger– Uniquely decorated chalet hotel with scenic views from €60pn

Krems an der Donau

Krems an der Donau is a postcard-pretty riverside town in the Lower Austria’s Danube’s Wachau Valley tourist region. It is renowned for both its wine production and its beautiful historical centre (which has earned it an UNESCO heritage site status). Situated at the gateway to the World Heritage cultural landscape of the Wachau, it displays one of the most stunning stretches of river valley in the whole of Europe.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Wein-Gut Hutter– Budget boutique hotel with superb decor from €40pn
• Gourmethotel Am Förthof – Unique and elegant hotel set in lovely gardens from €50pn

Faaker See

Faaker See is an alpine lake in the Austrian state of Carinthia. Its the state’s fifth largest lake and one of the most beautiful – famed for its glorious clear azure water. Popular with locals and tourists alike here you can bath, fish, go boating or just kick back and enjoy the beautiful Austrian scenery.