WANDERLIST Austria: Ten must-see attractions (and some off-the-beaten-track)

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Located in the heart of Europe, Austria charms visitors with its lake and mountain landscapes, history, and cultural heritage.

  • Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace: Transport yourself back to the grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty as you wander through the opulent interiors and beautiful gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Salzburg’s Old Town: Birthplace of Mozart and the setting for ‘The Sound of Music,’ Salzburg’s Old Town captivates visitors with its baroque architecture, squares, and lively music scene.
  • The Danube Valley: Embark on a scenic cruise through the Wachau region, known for its terraced vineyards, medieval castles, and quaint riverside villages.
  • Innsbruck’s Golden Roof: Admire the Goldenes Dachl, a symbol of Innsbruck, and explore the city’s enchanting blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture against the backdrop of the majestic Alps.
  • Hallstatt: A picture-postcard village Located on the shores of Lake Hallstatt, with its pastel-coloured houses and mountain scenery, is sure to leave you in awe.
  • Hohensalzburg Fortress: Dominating the Salzburg skyline, this medieval fortress offers panoramic views and a glimpse into Austria’s history.
  • Grossglockner High Alpine Road: Embark on a drive through the highest mountain pass in Austria, offering unparalleled views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and dense forests.
  • Melk Abbey: Perched on a clifftop overlooking the Danube River, Melk Abbey is a magnificent example of baroque architecture and houses a library with thousands of ancient books.
  • Graz’s Old Town: Explore the narrow alleyways of Graz’s well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site replete with medieval and Renaissance buildings.
  • Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave: Unleash your inner adventurer and delve into the largest ice cave system in the world, offering a world of frozen waterfalls, vast caverns, and delicate ice formations.
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Off-the-Beaten-Track Gems:

  • Bregenz: Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Constance, Bregenz hosts views, modern architecture, and hosts the famous Bregenz Festival, renowned for its floating stage performances.
  • Semmering Railway: Venture to the Semmering Pass and hop on this UNESCO-listed mountain railway that winds its way through alpine scenery, crossing stone viaducts and valleys.
  • Alpbach: The village of Alpbach captivates with its traditional wooden farmhouse architecture, flower-filled balconies, and access to fantastic hiking and skiing opportunities.
  • St. Gilgen: Located on the shores of Lake Wolfgang, this village guarantees tranquility away from the tourist crowds. Explore the surrounding mountains or relax with lakeside strolls.
  • Hall in Tirol: A town near Innsbruck, Hall exudes medieval ambiance with its well-preserved historic centre, cobblestone streets, and beautiful churches.
  • Riegersburg Castle: Located in Styria, Riegersburg Castle is an impressive hilltop fortress hosting views over the countryside. Discover its history, museums, and falconry displays.
  • Zell am See: A summer and winter destination par excellence, Zell am See offers a peaceful lakeside retreat with options for hiking, skiing, and water sports, all amidst mountain scenery.
  • Dürnstein: Located in the Wachau valley, this small town captivates with its blue facade-adorned abbey and vineyard-draped hills, suitable for leisurely walks and wine tasting.
  • Murau: Uncover the hidden charm of Murau, a small town in Styria known for its medieval castle, old town, and access to outdoor pursuits, including hiking and cycling.
  • Wörthersee: Visit Carinthia’s largest lake, Wörthersee, and discover its crystal-clear waters, villages, and numerous water-based activities. The Pyramidenkogel observation tower offers vistas of the lake.
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