On the hillside above town, youll find the Hallstatt Skywalk, an observation deck that offers incredible views of the Hallsttter See and the nearby Dachstein Mountains. Depending on your arrival time, I advise you to go directly to your hotel to leave luggage and rest. Today it is oneof Grazs major sights. Youll make your way through 36 bends and reach altitudes of over 2,500 meters which is why this route is popular with motorcyclists. The citys sense of culture extends beyond music, with a great selection of museums over in the DomQuartier beside a majestic cathedral. Highlights of a tour through the 40 rooms of the palace that are open to the public are the Royal apartments, the Great Gallery with its ornate ceiling paintings, the Million Room, and Maria Theresa's salon with its carved and gilded rosewood panels. This immense forest, covering over 1300 km 2, is popular with humans and animals alike. For your second day visiting Vienna, head forthe Vienna Riding School. For the third leg of thisweek-long trip to Austria,drive back toHallstatt,about an hour and a half away by car. Together with its many attractive squares and gardens, the entire Hofburg complex occupies 59 acres encompassing 19 courtyards and 2,600 rooms. Eight lakes that are definitely worth visiting in Austria this summer. A great way to combine the city tour and learn more about its history. Above the beautiful spires and cupolas soars Salzburg's castle of Hohensalzburg, which you can reach by a funicular. Global heat wave: The 15 hottest days in the world's hottest month - Axios Visitors are drawn as much for the scenic beauty of this Alpine republic's provinces as they are for splendid cities like Vienna . / Daniel Kogler, Wrthersee Tourismus GmbH Youll have a hard time fitting all these destinations into one trip, so why not plan two? Dont forget the mighty Bad Gastein Waterfall, which you can visit by following the Wasserfallweg (Waterfall Trail). Of Austrias six national parks, Hohe Tauern is the oldest and largest, making it another place you shouldnt miss. Once you have your car rental (rent it preferably at the airport, its easier for the return), take the road to Salzburg. Everything is included in the ticket that you can buydirectly here. in 2005 in the town of Naturno (just dont tell any Austrians). / Martin Hofmann, Cycling in the Weissensee region in Carinthia, Austrian National Tourist Office / Marco Rossi, Austrian National Tourist Office / Peter Burgstaller, Austrian National Tourist Office / Lupi Spuma, Austrian National Tourist Office / Stefan Leitner, Naturpark Karwendel / Simon Hausberger, Austrian National Tourist Office / Lukas Nagler, Austrian Creator, Leoganger Bergbahnen / Stefan Gimpl, Tauchshop Klagenfurt / Robert Mller, TVB St. Anton am Arlberg / Wolfgang Ehn, Alpbachtal Tourismus / Matthias Sedlak, TVB Osttirol / Ramona Waldner, Mittersill Plus GmbH / Daniel Kogler, Wrthersee Tourismus GmbH / Martin Hofmann, The Vignette Austrias Motorway Toll Sticker, What to remember when hiking in the mountains. Access to all major monuments and museums in Vienna is included, as well as free public transport. Address: Prinz Eugen-Strae 27, 1030 Vienna. Wien Leaving the Landeszeughaus, go throughthe cathedral of Saint-Gilles de Grazandthe Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, 2 places whose interior is worth a look. And while you'll find plenty of companies offering boat trips on it, one of the coolest things to do in Austria is to kayak along the river. If its a scenic drive youre after, put the Grossglockner High Alpine Road on your itinerary. Tirol with Kids. READ ALSO: Which Austrian cheeses are protected foods and why? Guests can sample a variety of wines by the glass or the bottle, including the Mayer am Nussberg classic house red and white wines. In Austria's rivers and lakes, you can dive down to see a submarine made of concrete, or glide across the waters surface while practicing yoga. READ ALSO: How to enjoy summer like a true Austrian. Visiting Austria for the first time? Ranked as the world's top city for quality of life, Vienna is also a popular choice among expats. Running for 22 kilometers through the mountains at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, the road consists of a long succession of turns leading up to the summit tunnel on the Hochtor at 2,506 meters and then down into the valley on the far side. There are2 caves: the giant icecaveandthe mammoth cave. The place is world famous for having served as a model for the very popularmovie The melody of happiness. Highlights of a visit include the Imperial Silver Collection and an array of dining services giving a taste of the lavish imperial banquets that once took place here. While you can spend your time here soaking in the local hot springs, whose waters are rich in minerals and radon, Bad Gastein is also a base for various outdoor sports, including hiking and biking in summer and skiing in winter. Referred to most often simply as "The Belvedere," this important historic site is split into two major sections: the Upper (Oberes) and Lower (Unteres) Palaces. But the region has more to offer than just outdoor activities. Every morning, thisworld renowned institution in the art of horse training, opens its doors to spectators toattend the training session. Parks and Gardens in the Center of Vienna. From Graz, travel 2 hours. On the way, I recommend3 stops to visit some of the most beautiful sitesand natural landscapesto see in Austria: You arrive in Salzburg at the end of the day. Highlights include Sala Terrena, the main hall, notable for its statues and stucco vaulted ceiling; the Carlone Hall, with its ceiling fresco; the two-story Marble Hall, with its many sculptures and paintings; and the impressive Ceremonial Staircase. Austria's most beautiful bathing lakes to spend a summer day swimming, paddling - or just lazing around all day. Along the way, you'll also see the Imperial Rooms with their displays relating to the abbey's history, along with statues and paintings. Vienna is a must-visit any time of the year, but summer brings some extra magic. There is also a part of the imperial palace which housesthe museum of Sissi the Empressand an impressive collection of silverware. If straightforward canoeing sounds a bit too sedate, how about canoe polo? Few places are as famous in Austria as the fairy-tale village of Hallstatt. More than 80 per cent of pilots at Charleroi airport are set to walk out, potentially . FOR MEMBERS: The best Austrian wineries to visit this summer. So Isuggest you book your accommodation in Hallstatt now! The Spanish Riding School dates back to the time of Emperor Maximilian II, the man responsible for introducing the famous Lipizzaner horses into Austria in 1562. This section of the Danube River, which flows between the towns of Melk and Krems, is crammed with attractions of all kinds, making it a major player for tourism in Austria. After significant damage in World War II, the church was rebuilt. Student Henning Frh took up the challenge together with East Tirolean mountain guide Magdalena Habernig. At first we immediately thought of distance running and exhausting routes, suitable just for experienced sports enthusiasts. Its essentially surfings chilled-out sibling. Stone steps lead to the Eistor, or Ice Gate, a spectacular 1,775-meter-high wall of ice, and the great Ice Palace. Top 15+ Places to Visit in Austria (2023 Travel Guide) - Trips To Discover Austria Last Updated 17 Places to Visit in Austria By K.C. Learn how your comment data is processed. The 25 Best Things to do in Austria - Wandering Wheatleys Named after a visit paid by Kaiser Franz-Josef in 1856, this wonderful vantage point stands 2,422 meters above sea level and offers incredible vistas of the surrounding country. Europe - 1 Week in December: Germany or Germany/Austria? The "Gruberhof" is the home of the "Bergdoktor" (alpine doctor), a popular tv show in Germany. After exploring the town and finding its iconic viewpoint, youll agree that Hallstatt is one of the best things to see in Austria. Planning is key to a safe ascent - find out more about signposting and difficulty levels in Austria's mountains. Day 2 - Astberg Ponyalm. Originally on the reading pulpit of the former Romanesque church, the panels were put together to form the present winged altarpiece after a fire in 1329. These include the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau; the remains of Austria's first ruling family; the House of Babenberg; and the superb 196-meter-long Imperial Corridor with its portraits of Austria's rulers, including one of the Empress Maria Theresa. The Union Kanu Klub offer three free taster sessions in Vienna (and across Austria) to give you the chance to see what you think before signing up. The Mirabell Palace Gardens is where youll go to see a filming location for The Sound of Music, but there are many other captivating places to see in the Old Town, especially Getreidegasse with its characteristic architecture and antique signage. When it comes to food, it doesnt get more Austrian than the Schnitzel. 17. These mountains are easily accessible for people living in Vienna and there is even accommodation at the hut for people that want to stay overnight. The many glaciers, mountains and meadows which surround it on all sides make Slden the largest municipality in Austria with a surface area of 466.97 square kilometres even bigger than the capital Vienna. It takes about 3hours 15 minutes from Vienna to Salzburg. More Information Neustift im Stubaital Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Graz & Easy Day Trips. This magnificent Baroque building islisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This will be the surprise! An Unforgettable Alpine Stay Sponsored Tirol St. Anton am Arlberg - the Austrian Way Fresh mountain air, lakes, and picture-perfect panoramic views: Experience the best of the Austrian Alps in St. Anton. One Perfect Day in Hallstatt, Austria - Earth Trekkers If this type of art interests you,do not hesitate to visit it. Check out our favourite kid-friendly trails. Austria is known for huge international music events such as the Donauinselfest and the ImPuls Tanz Festival. Sign up for our free Austria e-newsletter andreceive greatinsider tips, itineraries and muchmore for your next holiday in Austria. Arriving in Graz, start the visit witha climb to Schlossberg,the hill overlooking the city. If so, please get in touch using the contact form. The Lower Palace is no less worthy of a visit. Sitting right in the heart of central Europe, Austria delights travelers with its Alpine mountains and grand imperial heritage. in the Wilder Kaiser National Park in Tyrol. The imposing Gothic cathedral of St. Stephen's (Stephansdom) is a landmark inside Vienna's old city center. Behind the 1,441-room palace stretch 500 acres of parks and gardens, also in the 18th-century Baroque style. Road Affair is reader-supported and may earn commission from purchases made through links in this article. Upon reaching the top of Hoher Dachstein, youll find a nice variety of ways to enjoy the mountain views. Your email address will not be published. You won't want to miss the 14th-century catacombs and the cathedral treasury, where some of the cathedral's most important objects are displayed. The River Danube flows for about 350 kilometers from west to east through the northern part of the country, adding to its allure as a tourist destination. 1. The Matterhorn The Matterhorn The Matterhorn, Switzerland's iconic pointed peak is one of the highest mountains in the Alps. At the exit, do not hesitate to walk onthe Getreidegasseto admire itstraditional housesandthe wrought iron signsof the shops, an originality of the street. / Lupi Spuma, Austrian National Tourist Office You still have things to see includingthe MuseumsQuartierorthe crypt of the Capuchins. Want to experience something refreshing? Built in Renaissance style in 1557-65, its main facade is dominated by rounded windows and a veranda. At an altitude of 1,076 meters, Krimml-perched high above the Salzachtal in a wooded valley-is a wonderful place to stop for a few days if you're into hiking. You can visit the house where he was born in Getreidegasse, now the Mozarts Birthplace museum, and the house where the family lived, the Mozart Residence museum. Tapu was born and raised in Tahiti but left his island paradise to become a rafting guide in Austria's Styria. Ellmau is known throughout the German-speaking world as being home to "Der Bergdoktor". The Emperor Maximilian I, who reigned in the late 1400s and early 1500s, made Innsbruck the main residence and the seat of the Hapsburg government and, as a result, a focal point of Europe. in ritzy Kitzbhel. You can admire an importantcollection of works by Monet and Picasso aswell as 20 ceremonial rooms, all recently restored. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.] 18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Austria | PlanetWare After winding along the Great Ice Wall, you'll be confronted by the massive Hymir Hall with its impressive ice formations and icicles. Hallstatt is a tiny village, consideredone of the most beautiful in Europeand aUNESCO World Heritage Site, a real postcard setting! You can choose to visit one or both. Conducted tours last two hours, and the trip to and from the caves takes a few hours, so expect to spend the best part of a day exploring the area. Its home to animals from roughly half the species in Austria, such as golden eagles, chamois, and marmots. A carriage museum in the former Winter Riding School displays dozens of historical state coaches and sleighs. 6 days in Austria Watching over it all is Hohensalzburg Fortress, a mighty castle full of history that defines the citys skyline. For a complete guide to the city, take a look at our detailed Vienna itinerary. 1. The city's exquisite cuisine also makes it one of the most desirable places to visit in Austria. - Hi there, Our family (kids 15-20 yrs old) has 1 week in December before Christmas for a trip. So what to do and see in 1 week in Austria? The next day, for your first full day of sightseeing, I advise you to start with Viennas main tourist attraction,Schnbrunn Palace. Austria's summer months are typically dry and hot. Skiing and Austria go hand in hand, and many say that St. Anton am Arlberg is the best ski resort in Austria. Above ground, visitors can tackle the superb 5 Fingers viewing platform, an incredible metal structure hanging over a 400-meter sheer drop with excellent views of the surrounding Alps. The Danube River flows right across Austria, and its arguably most captivating stretch is the Wachau Valley. Kaiserburg Bob in Bad Kleinkirchheim is Austria's most modern alpine rollercoaster. DiscoverVienna,Salzburg,HallstattandGrazand visit some places of interest such asthe Melk Abbeyorthe Salzkammergut lakes. Ultimate Itinerary: 1 Week in Austria - BonAdvisor Prices varybetween 110 and 140 per night,cleaning fees included. Then, take the cable car to the second landing toreach The 5 Fingers, a panoramic platformclinging to a cliff 400 meters high! You really have your pick of lakes when vacationing in Austria, but a hard one to beat is Wolfgangsee (Lake Wolfgang) in Salzkammergut near Salzburg. Are you looking for top things to do in Austria? Forget exploring the streets of Vienna on foot or in an open-top bus, grab a sailing boat and get to know the city from another angle via its waterways. 20 Fun & Best Things to do in Innsbruck, Austria - ViaTravelers