In the past few years, many countries have emerged as new favorite spots among tourists, and the beautiful Republic of Austria is one of them. This amazing country has a rich historical background, aesthetic architecture, and lots of beautiful water bodies. Due to all the fantastic attractions around this fascinating country, Austria has been on my list for a very long time.
Last year my family and I finally got the chance to visit Austria, and I must say, the peace and calm you will find in the ever-so-green Austria is unlike any other country. There is an abundance of forests, rivers, and meadows with vast flora and fauna to explore and discover.
Austria is a must-visit destination with your family, home to some of the most amazing castles, beautiful palaces, and much more to discover. Below is a small guide that will help you discover the best of this fascinating country.
Where is Austria?
The Republic of Austria is located right beside Germany, the Czech Republic in the north, Italy in the south, Switzerland in the west, and last but not least, Hungary resides in the east of Austria. There will be many options for you to travel even further.
It is a landlocked country since it is surrounded by land from all sides; therefore, you will not see any beaches, but it has a lot of lakes providing stunning sites. Austria has been a part of the enormous European empire as well as Germany in the past.
How To Get There?
Keep in mind Austria is not just a regular tourist attraction. It would be best if you are open to enjoying a luxurious and expensive vacation. If you’re going from Paris, the OBB night jet train arrives at Salzburg or Vienna. These trains run on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, but it takes a little longer than usual. Situated in the heart of Europe, you go by air or some other country because you cannot go there by sea.
Once you’re in Austria, the WestBahn rail can take you to multiple cities in 4 to 5 hours with picturesque scenery, which makes travelling more fun. This train goes all the way to the smaller villages as well.
What Is the Best Time to Visit?
Skiers especially love the Alps because you do not have to wait for winter to ski in the Austrian Alps; instead, people go there to ski all year round. Autumn and spring in Austria are delightful and calming.
Winters in Austria are relatively cold; the temperature can go up to -10 C / 14 Fahrenheit, and summer temperatures go on up to 40 C / 104 F which stays moderate due to humid winds. Either season is ideal for adults as well as kids.
If you want to experience snowfall and enjoy skiing in Austria, then late December till March is the best time. Apart from a few villages covered in snow, the tourist sites are not much affected, even in the winter.
What to Look for in Austria?
As I mentioned earlier, the Austrian Alps is a major attraction, but the lakes and valleys are no less beautiful. Home to Mozart, Schoenberg, Klimt, and Schiele, the people of Austria have a classic taste in arts and architecture. Their rich culture and diverse traditions that go over hundreds of centuries back make them unique and hospitable.
If you are visiting with family and little ones along, then Vienna, Innsbruck, Bregenz, Graz, and Klagenfurt are some of the safest and the most fun places to explore on your visit. Lots of museums, hiking paths, parks, wildlife, old buildings, and breathtaking sceneries are what you will lay your eyes on every few miles in Austria.
13 Amazing Destinations you Should Visit in Austria
Even though Austria is a small country, there are many great options for you to travel and explore. I have listed down a few of my favorites and probably the most famous among the tourists. You can visit all the below-listed places with your family during both summers and winters without much hassle. I hope you will love them too.
Alpbach
Austria’s most beautiful village Alpbach is 50kms from Innsbruck. This place is heaven for the skiers and mushers; wooden farmhouses, cattle fields, snow-capped mountains, and lots of hiking tracks add to the adventure. There are ski schools with English-speaking instructors.
Even if you are not fond of skiing, there are lots of things for families to enjoy together. There are lots of refreshing warm springs to bathe in and over 900 km hiking pathway between rows and rows of mountains.
Zell Am See
The bluest waters I’ve ever seen, along the majestic Salzburg Mountains in the backdrop. The pictures look like something straight from heaven. Taking a walk on the side of Zell Am See or just sitting there basking under the sunlight will have you rejuvenated for a long time.
If your family is anticipated about nature, make sure to add it to your itinerary. You can take the train from Salzburg to Zell am see it will take no more than two hours.
Worthersee
This place is loved by hikers, one of the largest lakes in Carthinia. Worthersee is a top-rated tourist destination with lakes, mountains, and forests within walking distance. Along Lake Worthersee, activities like golf, horse riding, boating, and other water sports are present, which make for a great trip.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Passing between the lush green valleys, meadows snowfields, Grossglockner provides a peaceful car ride among nature’s calmest places. We booked a car, and it turned out to be the best decision because it would have been hard to travel without it.
Lots of restaurants and inns are present to accommodate tourists. The best time is to go during the summer since the road is closed between November and May, when the snowfall is the heaviest in the region.
Zillertal Alps
The Zillertal Alps have more than 85 glaciers, with some ranging over 11000 feet above sea level. The specialty of Zillertal is its skiing, and the resort is open 365 days a year. Just like all the other places in Austria, Zillertal has an unusual peacefulness about it.
If you prefer going by personal transport, the 30-mile Zillertal high road is the best option to enjoy the landscape from above. The view of this fascinating landscape is worth every penny you spend to reach here.
Vienna Woods
Apart from being the largest city and the capital, from having gothic era cathedrals, ancient art galleries, and hundreds of year-old coffee houses, this UNESCO biosphere reserve in Vienna provides a home to 2000 animals, 150 species of birds, and various flora.
You will find the best season between April-May and September-October when there are lesser rains and the mating season is off. To reach Vienna woods, you can take the 566 buses or train which goes from Vienna central station to Laxenburg Castle Gardens since it’s the closest and the large woods have multiple areas under its belt.
Schonbrunn Palace
This one should be on your bucket list if you are visiting Austria. This is a UNESCO heritage site that gives you royal vibes the instance you enter the palace. The palace is located in Vienna and is known for being an architectural masterpiece. Other than that, there is Privy Garden, full of lush greenery as well.
If you are going from April to May or September to October, you’ll find it in its full glory. Local trams can take you to the palace easily.
Eisriesenwelt Cave
If you by any chance might get tired of all the lush green sceneries and the blue waters or the white-capped cliffs and want to do something adventurous, we have the Eisriesenwelt cave, which is considered one of the most unique and mysterious attractions in Austria.
The entire cave is down below the ground and is surrounded by ice. The best time to go there is from September to October or April to May since the cave remains cold in the normal season and becomes extremely cold in the winter season. Also, make sure to dress in warm clothes while visiting the Eisriesenwelt caves.
Vienna State Opera
Of course, you cannot visit Austria and not go to the world-famous State Opera. Located at the famous Ring Road, this 19th-century construction and neo-renaissance style wonder introduce you to a whole next level of the classical orchestra. Opera is not your regular tourist’s attraction since the people with elite music taste tend to visit this.
The building was destroyed in World War 2 and has been rebuilt to the same style, where musical performances and dance balls are held annually. The museum is also full of art, cultural history, and details of the region.
Christmas Markets
Vienna’s New Year celebrations are looked forward to by many tourists. The Silvesterpfad (the New Year’s Eve trail), along with food, dance, and fireworks and no tickets required, and the Vienna philharmonic’s New Year concert. The Christmas markets open in the last two weeks of December.
The exceptional lighting and ambiance surrounding the markets make them feel like heaven on earth. These markets can be found all over Austria starting from mid-November to the end of Christmas.
Salzburger Festspiele
The people of Austria are very fond of hosting and showing their long history. The first and the most awaited festival is the Salzburger Festspiele happening for 90 years and showcases all sorts of classical drama and dance, music, and opera. These festivals are a significant part of the Austrian tradition, and participating in them gives you insight into locals and culture.
Vorarlberg’s Bregenzer Festspiele
Bregenz festival is hosted in Vorarlberg, the city situated in the west of Austria. It has the largest ski area in all of Austria and many beautiful trails through villages and valleys, not to forget the exotic cuisines we had, which were made of special Vorarlberg cheese.
This festival is not like any other you have seen because here the stage doesn’t stand in one place. Instead, the beautifully designed stage gracefully floats on Lake Constance, the largest lake in all of Europe, and with a beautiful orchestra, it leaves you in awe.
Vienna Music Festival
In the cultural metropolis of Austria, the Vienna festival is not only about culture and traditions but rather about the developments and technologies and everything new, including strengthening international relations in the field of art and culture.
Other than that, every year, the works of Mozart and Beethoven are paid tribute along with dance, music, fine arts, and workshops at the festival.
Food and Cuisine
Food is necessary wherever you go, and before you go to Austria, you must know about their famous delicacies that you must try on your visit.
Weiner Schnitzel
This recipe goes back to the 16th century and can be considered the national dish of Austria. Schnitzel is a piece of meat, preferably veal which is wrapped in breadcrumbs and fried until golden.
Linzer Torte
The famous shortbread is topped with fruits and nuts and baked with love. Made during holidays like Christmas is a must if you visit Austria.
Vorarlberg Mountain Cheese
The spicy aromatic cheese with the goodness of herbs and special grasses is found in the alpine. It can also be bought back home as a souvenir.
Final Words
Austria provides excellent scenery and an environment where you and your family can relax. I can say for sure you will want to go again once you are back from there. There’s a long track of local and intercity trains throughout the country, which takes you to even the remotest villages and forests, making travel far more effortless.
English is widely spoken in Austria, but if you know German, then it’s a plus since some Austrians do not speak it profoundly. You will remember Austria as the most beautiful country long after you have come back.
