10 Places To Visit In Austria: Stunning Landscapes & Historic Cities

Adventurers exploring stunning landscapes, among the top places to visit in Austria.

Austria has a lot to offer for all adventure seekers, considering its rich history, spectacular mountain landscapes, and vibrant culture, thus offering an exciting retreat for tourists seeking an action-packed escape. The best places to visit in Austria offer some beautiful locations. Austria is usually covered with mountains in 70% of the region. Being a European power in the early 19th century, Austria has successfully contributed to arts, music and culture. Visit this mountain-covered region with your friends and family to experience its rich adventures.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Austria

Being a mountain-covered region, there are several exciting places to visit in Austria that offer perfect escapes and cultural experiences.

1. Innsbruck

A view of Innsbruck surrounded by mountains, showcasing places to visit in Austria.

Photo: Frederik Rosar / Unsplash

Situated in the centre of the Alps, Innsbruck is a haven for adventure sports. This place is known for its grand, beautiful mountain scenery and can be enjoyed at any time of the year. It offers skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. One popular attraction of the place is its Nordkette mountain range, accessible by cable car. Besides winter sports, summer trails are well-designed for hiking and breathtaking views. With its lively culture, historic sites, and outdoor adventures, Innsbruck is one of the most exciting to explore in Austria for those who seek excitement side by side with charm.

Best Time To Visit: Winter for skiing
Entry Fees: Varies

2. Salzburg

A picture of Salzburg with mountains perfect for adventure seekers visiting Austria.

Photo: Jorge Franganillo / Wikimedia Commons

Salzburg is famous not just for its musical heritage but also for its outdoor adventures. The mountains surrounding Salzburg offer the best spots for summer hiking, mountain biking, and winter skiing. Adventures can explore the Untersberg mountain or other extreme adventures such as paragliding. The grand gardens in the city and the historical structures make Hallstatt one of the favourite tourist places in Austria for anyone who wishes to go for a combination of culture and adventure.

Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Entry Fees: N/A

3. Hallstatt

An image of Hallstatt’s lakeside view highlighting it among places to visit in Austria.

Photo: C.Stadler/Bwag / Wikimedia Commons

Hallstatt is an attractive lakeside village, with various villages offering breathtaking views and various outdoor activities. The surrounding mountains provide hiking opportunities for the adventurous, while a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt is another option. Remember, the salt mine tours create an underground adventure that is unique in its ways. Visitors can stroll down beautiful streets with historic buildings alongside them and enjoy local cuisine in quaint restaurants. Hallstatt’s beauty makes it one of the best Austrian tourist places, ideal for people who want to get close to nature.

Best Time To Visit: Spring and summer
Entry Fees: Varies

4. Tyrol

A view of Tyrol’s majestic mountains offering thrill among the top places to visit in Austria.

Photo: Uwelino / Wikimedia Commons

Tyrol is famous for its giant mountains and abundant outdoor sports. As winter sees this region with great skiing, hiking lovers can relish beautiful trails in summer. Adventure enthusiasts can make themselves familiar with the Ötztal Valley or move to challenge themselves in climbs in the Zillertal Alps. It houses a lot of villages that offer displays of local cultures and food. With breathtaking natural scenery and vibrant culture, Tyrol is one of the most vibrant places to experience an Austrian trip.

Best Time To Visit: Winter for skiing; summer for hiking
Entry Fees: Varies

5. Wachau Valley

A picture of Wachau Valley’s vineyards, which is among the top places to visit in Austria.

Photo: C.Stadler/Bwag / Wikimedia Commons

The Wachau Valley is home to beautiful vineyards and quaint villages lining the Danube River. Adventure enthusiasts can ride along the riverbanks on bikes or hike through the vineyards, tasting local wines along the way. One can also enjoy wine tasting and explore castles or monasteries. This is indeed a region that needs to be visited on any Austria tourist places list. It is a mix of having fun outdoors and cultural experiences.

Best Time To Visit: Spring and fall
Entry Fees: N/A

6. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road

An image of Grossglockner High Alpine Road, a dramatic attraction of the highest peak.

Photo: Sander Hoogendoorn / Wikimedia Commons

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a dramatic attraction of the highest peak in Austria, Grossglockner. It is thus great for adventure junkies who would want to experience picturesquely beautiful scenery while also engaging in outdoor activities such as trekking and photography along the route. Different trails that access the road go to Hohe Tauern National Park, a place rich in wildlife and natural beauty, making it one of the prime places to see in Austria.

Best Time To Visit: Late spring to early fall
Entry Fees: ₹3200

7. Zillertal Valley

A view of Zillertal Valley’s ski slopes which is a paradise for the outdoors in Austria.

Photo: Nikater / Wikimedia Commons

Zillertal Valley is a paradise for the outdoors, with infinite activities in each passing season. Visitors come in winter to snow-ski at highly acclaimed Mayrhofen resorts, and in summer, come with hiking, biking, and climbing. The beautiful valley encompasses lush green open meadows and towering peaks. It is one of the most popular stops across Austria for an adventurous holiday when visiting it with your beloved family members or your adventurous friends.

Best Time To Visit: Winter for skiing; summer for hiking
Entry Fees: Varies

8. Schladming-Dachstein

A picture of Schladming-Dachstein’s alpine, perfect for adventure seekers visiting Austria.

Photo: C.Stadler/Bwag / Wikimedia Commons

Schladming-Dachstein is one of the most popular holiday destinations for winter skiing and summer walks. The region provides excellent alpine scenery and has a wide range of outdoor activities that can be taken all year, like mountain biking and climbing via Ferrata routes. Such a region is genuinely fit for adventurers who want to experience some of Austria’s most beautiful natural scenery while enjoying fun-filled sports when visiting the spot with their friends or family members.

Best Time To Visit: Winter for skiing; summer for hiking
Entry Fees: Varies

9. Tyrolean Zugspitze Cable Car

A breathtaking view of Tyrolean Zugspitze Cable Car offering stunning views in Austria.

Photo: Nawi112 / Wikimedia Commons

The Tyrolean Zugspitze Cable Car transports visitors to Germany’s highest peak, offering stunning panoramic Alps views. Adventure seekers can enjoy year-round activities, including skiing in winter and hiking on well-marked trails during warmer months. The experience combines thrilling outdoor pursuits with breathtaking scenery, making it one of the most exciting tourist attractions in Austria. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, the Zugspitze promises unforgettable moments at every turn.

Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Entry Fees: ₹4460

10. Salzkammergut Region

A view of Salzkammergut in Austria offering gorgeous views of Lake Wolfgangsee.

Photo: matterandart / Unsplash

The Salzkammergut Region is a lovely lakes and mountains country. Have outdoor sports activities, such as hiking, swimming, and kayaking. Some villages that would be seen include St. Wolfgang or Bad Ischl, which make gorgeous views of Lake Wolfgangsee or Lake Traunsee. It is one of the best natures available in all the places visited in Austria; hence, this is the first option for any tourist visiting Austria.

Best Time To Visit: Summer
Entry Fees: N/A

That is basically what Austria is: an adventure paradise. There are many incredible opportunities for people seeking to explore Austria’s diverse landscapes and thrilling activities. Imagine majestic mountains, serene lakes, or even a place that offers the best skiing down the snow-clad slopes or trekking through lush valleys. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore the best places to visit in Austria.

Cover Photo: Leonhard Niederwimmer / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Essential items include comfortable footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, water bottles, snacks, and a first aid kit.
Many attractions offer guided tours that provide insights into local history and culture while ensuring safety.
Skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating at some resorts are popular winter activities across the country.
Scouring local blogs or travel forums is one of the best ways to discover hidden gems in addition to typical tourist attractions.
Yes, Austria has excellent public transportation with cities related to popular Austrian tourist places.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month