9 Most Popular Tourist Places to Visit in Austria

Austria is a country of south-central Europe predominated by mountains. The landlocked country forms the neutral core of Europe along with Switzerland. The two classic attributes of Austria are the Alps and the Danube River. Majority of the places to visit in Austria are around the Apls. Over 28% of the country’s landmass is overshadowed by the Alps. History suggests that the fatty mineral deposits of salt and iron attracted the Celtic people and enabled the foundation of a glorious civilization. The Celtics were a significant trade partner of the Roman empire by the first century, who later conquered this Nordic kingdom. Carnuntum: the capital of the Roman province of Pannonia in present-day Lower Austria was the most important Roman city in back then. These make up for majority of historical tourist attractions in Austria. After a rule of 500 years, Romans left the Danube region owing to tribal migrations.

After a series of power shifts from the Bavarians, the formation of ‘Ostarrichi’by the Holy Roman Emperor, the Babenburgs, The Habsburgs, the Turkish wars, Baroque period and the French revolution, in 1867, a dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary was established by Emperor Francis Joseph. The Austro-Hungarian empire, brimming with ethnic conflicts and trapped in a rigid network of war alliances from the 19th century, was a tragedy waiting to happen. The remnants of the empire have become a major reason for people to visit Austria. Following the events of the First World War, Austria became the sole surviving state of this arrangement. The Austrian Treaty of State was authorized on May 15th, 1955, with Austria declaring its permanent neutrality. Austria quickly grew into a nerve center between the West and the East, thanks to its position close to the “Iron Curtain.” From Mozart to Freud, Austria has given some of the world-renowned marvels who shined in fields of politics, art, science, and sports. Austria tour is famous among expats because of its elite culture, classical music, vivid landscapes, and delicious local cuisine. There are enough things to do in Austria to fill up an entire month of vacation. This land of Mozart is calling you!

“Wir sehen uns in Österreich”- See you in Austria

The Best Places and Cities to Visit in Austria

1. Vienna

Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities to explore during Austria tour. It is one of the biggest hub of art and culture in all of Europe as well as one of the most significant cities in the history of Europe. Some of the most beautiful places to see in Austria can be found in Vienna.

2. Eisenstadt

Eisenstadt is most known for the famous Esterhazy Palace. The palace is among the most important historical and cultural landmarks among places to visit in Burgenland, Austria. There are also several historical buildings to visit in Eisenstadt.

3. Klagenfurt

This town is popular as a getaway destination and is one of the most beautiful places in Austria. Lake Wothersee is perhaps the biggest attraction of Klagenfurt. It is the most popular city to visit in Carinthia state. There are art museums and historical buildings as well to visit in Klagenfurt.

4. Villach

Villach is known for Lakes, Castles and Mountains. It is also among top 10 largest cities to visit in Austria. There are also several buildings exhibiting roman style architecture. It is a popular skiing destination in Austria. There are also great many adventure sports and outdoor activities to enjoy in Villach.

5. Salzburg

This is where the great maestro Mozart was born. The man has had a great influence on the city and there are many places named after him. Many admirers of classical music love to visit Salzburg on Austria tour.

6. Innsbruck

Innsbruck is yet another great town among Austria tourist places for skiing and other snow sports. The town is also great for cultural experience and countryside festivals. Though people prefer to embark towards the mountains when they are in Innsbruck.

7. Bregenz

Bregenz is among the most wonderful Austrian tourist places and is especially popular for vacations during summer. It is most visited for the mountains and the lakes. There are also art galleries, castles, museums, and historical buildings to explore in Bregenz.

8. Graz

Graz is included among UNESCO world heritage sites as well as a UNESCO City of Design. It is exceptionally picturesque. It is one of the most beautiful places in Austria. The town is known for its colorful buildings and its culinary offerings.

9. Linz

Linz was the European Capital of Culture and is still bustling with its creative liveliness. The city has many art centers, art galleries, cultural centers, historical buildings, museums and so on. It is one of the most amazing cities to visit in Austria.

Best time to visit Austria

Depending on your urban or rural preference for exploration, you can choose the ideal time for your travel. For example, rural facilities have two diverse tourist seasons, which you can choose for your Austria vacation. During winter, the resorts offer fantastic winter sports, and in summer you can enjoy the mountainous hiking trails. On the other hand, urban areas operate year-round. Vienna remains crowded throughout Christmas, New Year, and the ball season. While Salzburg attracts a steady number of hikers from July-August. So, if you love warm and predictable summer weather, April-October is the time for you. And for enjoying a good winter with skiing, November-April should be the pick.

Popular Festivals and Events in Austria

1. Vienna Festival – Wiener Festwochen

• • Dates: May 15 to June 21
  • Location: Vienna
  • Wiener Festwochen or Vienna Festival as it is commonly known to people who visit Austria, is a cultural festival celebrating the traditions and heritage of Vienna. This festival is great among things to see in Austria to learn and engage with Austrian culture & traditions. You will see traditional music, dance, performances, stories, dressing, food, and products.

2. Danube Island Festival / Donauinselfest

• • Dates: September 18 to 20
  • Location: Danube Island
  • This festival sees the Danube Island transform into a party for two days straight. This island wide party is among the best parties to attend in Austria. It has music, dance, a grand stage, games, activities, food stalls, and anything you would expect for a fun time spread across the Danube Island.

3. Vienna Christmas Market / Vienna Weihnachtsmarkt

• • Dates: November 15 to December 26
  • Location: Town Hall, Vienna
  • Christmas is one of the most festive times of the year to visit Austria, The Christmas Markets or the Winter Markets held in front of the Town Hall in Vienna is more of a fair than a market. It is a very lively place to shop for almost anything. It can also be a good cultural experience when you visit Vienna towards the end of the year.

4. New Year

• • Dates: December 31
  • Location: All across Austria
  • New Year is one of the biggest parties of the year. People especially visit Austria to see the fire works and festivities on the New Year night. Vienna is one of the most fun & happening places to be on the night of the New Year.

5. The Bregenz Festival / Bregenzer Festspiele

• • Dates: Jul 22 to August 23
  • Location: Bregenz
  • This festival has the world’s largest stage floating on Lake Constance. It is one of the most popular music festival in Europe. This festival is known more for its grandiose presentation than for the artists and the music. The world’s largest floating stage is the prime attraction of this festival. Many people from Europe also visit Austria exclusively for this festival.

6. Vienna Popfest

• • Dates: July – Exact dates to be announced
  • Location: Vienna
  • Vienna Popfest gets about 60,000 people to visit Austria in July each year. This music festival is one of the most popular things to do in Austria. Vienna itself is a pretty happening city, this festival makes it more so.

7. International Art Fair

• • Dates: September 11 to 13
  • Location: Leopold Museum, Vienna
  • This one is for the admirers of art. International Art Fair held in the Leopold Museum is sometimes the sole reason for many people to visit Austria. The fair sees artists, art collectors, and art admirers flock in from across the world on Austria travel.

8. Impulstanz / Vienna International Dance Festival

• • Dates: July 9 to August 9
  • Location: Vienna
  • Impulstanz is a festival of performers & performances. This festival showcases some of the best dance performances you would see anywhere in the world. You will see dancers, musicians, and performers from all across the world express themselves at this incredible festival. It is one of the most impressive things to see in Austria.

9. Seefestspiele Mörbisch / Mörbisch Operetta Festival

• • Dates: July 9 to August 22
  • Location: Mörbisch am see
  • Seefestspiele Mörbisch or Mörbisch Opera Festival focuses on a traditional style of Opera traditional to Vienna. The festival is grand and picturesque in nature. It also boasts all the grandeur you would expect from an epic narration through opera dramatics.

10. Viennale – Vienna International Film Festival

• • Dates: October 22 to November 4
  • Location: Vienna
  • Viennale is a prestigious international film festival attracting film makers from all across the globe for Austria travel. The festival showcases feature films, documentaries, experimental cinema, and short films. The films are submitted from many countries to be showcased at Viennale.

11. Salzburg Festival / Salzburger Festspiele

• • Dates: July 18 to August 30
  • Location: Salzburg
  • This festival is held at the birthplace of Wolfgang Mozart and is dedicated to the musical geniuses life, achievements, and music. The festival features musical performances as well as drama. It is again an ode to one of the most popular figures from Austria.

12. Grafenegg Festival / Musikfestival Grafenegg

• • Dates: August 14 to September 6
  • Location: Grafenegg Castle, Vienna
  • This is a music festival dedicated to classical music held in one of the most beautiful places to see in Austria. The Grafenegg Castle itself is reason enough to visit Austria, but this festival adds another layer of musical attractiveness to this Austria tourist attraction.

Emergency Contacts for Travelers

General Emergencies: 112 can be used to obtain overall assistance
Police: Dial 133 to call for police services
Medical Emergencies: 144 can help you call an ambulance

Useful Mobile Apps for Travelers

1. AirHelp

Escape the headache of long-running claims and follow-ups in case of flight delay/cancellation with this app. Simply enter the flight details and pay a 25% of claim amount as a fee to the app if your claim is approved.

2. Susi

Susi is like a local travel guide for your Austria travel. Though it is not functional in smaller towns & villages, it works perfectly well in all the major cities of Austria. It will help you search for almost anything from restaurants to vegan stores.

3. TripIt

Organize your travel itinerary, including hotels, restaurants, flights, and car rentals single-handedly with TripIt. You can also manage flight cancellations, delays, and get alternative travel routes with the pro version of the app.

4. Vienna Maps & Walks

Vienna is a beautiful city with many important places to visit in Austria spread across the city. This app gives you guided walks amidst great neighborhoods and Austria tourist attractions. It not only guides the path, but also gives all necessary information about beautiful places in Austria that fall on the way.

5. CityBike Wien

If walking doesn’t feel fast enough to you, you can always rent a bike. Vienna is one of the best places to visit in Austria on a bike. This app points to nearest places where the bikes are available for rent.

6. iAustria

Your perfect companion to planning, arrive, and experience the beauty of Austria. You can check the travel routes while hiking, hire cable cars, get updates on the top events, etc.

7. Austria Travel Guide by Tripos: 

It includes detailed and up-to-date city guides for Wien, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, and several other Austrian travel destinations. It works offline, so you don’t need to connect to the internet.

8. Quandoo

Quandoo is great for hunting down places to eat when you visit Austria. You can also book tables in advance at many restaurants. It helps you discover great places and dishes you can try based on a variety of search categories.

9. iSki Hunter

This app helps you hunt down popular ski resorts & locations in Austria. You search by location, resort facilities, activities and more. If you are looking to enjoy winter months and snow activities, you can take help from this app to help you plan out your Austria travel.

10. Qando Wien

This app is a smart public transport assistance for Vienna. You will be able to navigate through the city using public transport as if you have been living in Austria for ages. You have many options to get from one place to other in Vienna, this app tells you which one is the shortest route, with fastest mode of transport at the cheapest cost. Pretty handy when you visit Austria.

Safety Tips for Travel To Austria

Austria is the third safest country in the world. However, you should never let your guard down in a foreign land and be prudent for these basic pointers for a great trip.

• Terrorists have attacked European cities, including the transit hubs and locations tourists frequent in the past. Hence, remain on guard and take the official warning gravely.
• Small crimes, including snatching a bag and pickpocketing, are on the rise. Be vigilant about public transport, especially in tourist-friendly areas. Be watchful while using the ATMs.
• In alpine regions, avalanches, flash floods, and mudslides occur. Examine the local weather. Take the Local authorities ‘ guidance. When skiing, stick to designated slopes and tracks.
• Jaywalking is a strictly prohibited. Regardless of the frequency of the cars on the road, you aren’t supposed to cross unless the signal says so.
• Tipping for services is customary in Austria. About 10% should be good enough.
• At restaurants the waiter won’t bring you a bill until you ask for it. So once you are done with your meal request for the check.
• Just because there are no barriers in public transport, doesn’t mean there are no tickets. Always buy the ticket. Unless you want to pay 100 Euros in fine.
• You also should not rush for public transport. Austrians respect rules & regulations and so should you when you visit Austria.
• Remember that It’s illegal to cover your face in public places to hide your identity.
• Austrian dialect is a little different from German. So if you do know German, it will be helpful. But, it will be even more helpful if you learn Austrian German when you visit Austria. A few helpful phrases, if not the whole language.
• Even if you don’t speak the language, don’t worry. Most Austrians, especially those associated with Austria tourist places do speak English well enough.
• Smoking is pretty common in Austria, if you are a non-smoker & smoking irritates you, you can always humbly request those who smoke to step away from you. Austrians are courteous and friendly.
• Austria has some of the best roads in all of Europe, so if you can afford it & get a license, you should rent a car in Austria to enjoy some of the most scenic roads.