Top 10 Things to See and Do in Austria

What on earth is a Heuriger you ask? In plain terms, they are are wine taverns, where generally the tipple served is made from the grapes in nearby vineyards by local wine makers. Located all over the country, even in the hills surrounding Vienna – a Heuriger is a place in which to feel merry, meet with friends and sample some of the locally grown produce. A few locations to check out in Vienna include Grinzing and Nussdorf.

Although the Alpine areas of France and Switzerland are often heralded as the crème de la crème for winter sports, Austria has some equally impressive regions for skiers to take advantage of and it is often far less expensive to ski here than in the aforementioned places. Beginners or less confident skiers should try Alpbach – one of Austria’s most pretty towns – and only a 40-minute drive from Innsbruck. Alternatively, for more challenging slopes, head to St.Anton, a destination considered one of the finest resorts in Europe for serious and advanced skiers.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, many renowned composers called Vienna home – leading to the city earning its current unofficial title as the ‘capital of classical music.’ Schubert, Mozart, Strauss and Beethoven are just a few of the names synonymous with the Austrian capital, and the legacy that they have left continues to enchant tourists today. You won’t struggle to find concerts taking place daily (check this website for updates) and if visiting in the summer months, you should take advantage of some of the free, outdoor concerts, such as the Schoenbrunn Summer Night Concert, which sees performances from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra or free outdoor screenings outside the Vienna State Opera House.

Vienna has its finger on the pulse when it comes to contemporary art. In the 19th century, the city was a hotbed for creative types, such as Gustav Klimt, who was one of the brains behind the Vienna Secession – a movement of Austrian artists who banded together in 1897 to challenge the conservatism in the art world. Vienna continues to be one of the most culturally forward-thinking cities in Europe, with some of the finest contemporary galleries boasting impressive collections; the Secession, the MUMOK and the Galerie Ulysses are a few must-visit venues.

What better way to see the dramatic landscapes of Salzburg than from above? This once in a lifetime experience takes you soaring above the clouds, with nothing between your feet and ground. Accompanied by an experienced instructor, you’ll be strapped into a harness, meaning you can relax and drink in the sensational scenes below. Or, for adrenaline junkies, the instructors offer ‘special turns and stunt flying that expose you to such centrifugal forces as in a high-class rollercoaster.’

If the aforementioned experience is a little too daring and you’d rather have some comfort between you and the land, then a trip in a hot air balloon is the perfect alternative. Although this experience on the pricey side, if you want to see Austria in a truly unique and awe-inspiring way, it is well worth forking out for.