Salzburg Old Town
Historical Landmark
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Salzburg, considered one of Vienna’s most magnificent cities, is picture-perfect. Be beguiled by the delightful atmosphere of the Old Town.
20 Unmissable Attractions in Austria
Lake Attersee is just one of the many beautiful places to visit on your trip to Austria | © Westend61 GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo
11 September 2020
With dramatic alpine landscapes, Baroque architecture and a fascinating culture, Austria has much to offer its visitors. Here is a list of Culture Trip’s recommended must-see sites.
Vineyards outside Vienna
Wine Seller, Austrian
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If you look beyond the skyline of Vienna, you’ll notice rolling green hills surrounding the edges. The vineyards of Vienna, easily accessible by train or bus, are a wonderful place for wine lovers to spend an afternoon.
Lake Attersee
Natural Feature
The largest lake in Upper Austria, Lake Attersee is a hotspot for water-sports junkies – attracting swimmers, windsurfers and sailors in the summer months.
Ars Electronica Center
Museum
Citing itself as “the museum of the future”, this museum explores science, art and technology in a range of mediums.
The mountains of Innsbruck
Natural Feature
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Innsbruck is beautiful all year round, but is especially awe-inspiring in the colder months, when it is transformed into a winter wonderland. One of the best places to hike in Austria, it has some incredible alpine views that you won’t want to miss out on.
Österreichischer Skulpturenpark
Park, Museum
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Like a surrealist playground, this sculpture park, located south of Graz, is an odd amalgamation of man-made and natural aesthetics. Work by Austrian artists such as Franz West and Erwin Wurm can be seen.
Rogner Bad Blumau
Hotel, Spa Hotel
There is nothing better than a day at the spa on an icy day. The thermal spa at Rogner Bad Blumau Hotel, in Styria, is one of the most picturesque.
Lentos Kunstmuseum
Art Gallery
Austria’s finest museum of modern art, the Lentos Museum – which opened in 2003 – has a strong collection of works, including many European masterpieces.
Wachau
Natural Feature
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Experience Austria’s breathtaking natural beauty on this 177-km (110-mile) hiking trail that overlooks the winding River Danube.
Belvedere Palace
Museum
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There are many assets to this imperial attraction, including the incredible Botanic Gardens and a delightful view of the city from the top of the hill.
Hallstatt
Architectural Landmark
This attractive village, located in the Salzkammergut Region, is one of the most charming in all of Austria, with wooden alpine houses, 16th-century architecture and mountainous landscapes.
Mumok
Museum, Architectural Landmark
This museum of modern art is located in the cultural hub of the Museum Quarter – a must-see for contemporary art lovers.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
Library, Museum
One of the most impressive buildings in the Ringstraße area of Vienna, this museum houses an impressive collection of historical artworks, many from the House of Habsburg.
St Stephen’s Cathedral
Cathedral
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A magnificent gothic masterpiece, this famous building was almost entirely destroyed during WWII. The colourful mosaic roof is especially impressive.
The Bathing House
Spa Hotel
Lake Constance borders Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This bathing house, located at the Seehotel, gives fabulous views of this natural wonder.
The Riegersburg Castle, Styria
Museum
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This Medieval castle sits upon a dormant volcano. It is worth the intimidating hike up to the top for some spectacular views of Styria.
Lainzer Tiergarten
Park
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Wild hogs roam the grounds of this sprawling nature reserve, once the hunting ground of Emperor Ferdinand I.
Bregenzerwald Cheese Road
Farmers' Market, Austrian
Sample the regional speciality, Bergkäse (mountain cheese) in Vorarlberg, which has over 40 varieties of cheese.
Café Central
Cafe, Austrian, German, $$$
Vienna is extremely proud of its coffee-house culture, a tradition that dates back to the 16th century. Café Central is one of the most authentic and delightful locations to enjoy a cup.
Zwölferkopf Mountain
Hill Station
Most Austrians head to the hills to ski during the winter break. This area is one of the most incredible.
These recommendations were updated on September 11, 2020 to keep your travel plans fresh.