Dreaming of Alpine vistas, imperial palaces, and charming villages straight out of a fairytale? Austria is the place to be! This gem in the heart of Europe packs an incredible punch for a country you could drive across in just a few hours. Nestled between an astonishing eight countries (yes, eight!), Austria is where natural splendour meets cultural richness at every turn.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the must-see Austrian treasures? Don’t worry, we’ve been there! That’s why our Expat Explore team has sifted through countless stunning destinations to bring you our absolute favourite Austrian hotspots. From musical Vienna to postcard-perfect Hallstatt, we’re about to reveal why Austria deserves prime position on your travel wish list for 2025 and beyond!

Places to visit in Austria 

You’re seriously spoilt for choice when it comes to Austrian destinations. Consider these 11 spots just the start of a long list of things to see and places to visit in Austria.

1. Vienna

There’s a reason why Vienna ranks as Austria’s most popular tourist destination. This world-famous city of music and culture is strongly associated with historical figures like Mozart, Beethoven, and Freud.

When visiting Vienna, you’ll want to explore the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and its charming zoo, wander through the impressive Museum of Fine Arts, and soak in the city’s incredible cultural atmosphere. Vienna truly stands among the world’s most beautiful cities, blending historical grandeur with modern vibrancy.

Related: Enjoy three nights to experience the best of Vienna on our Prague to Budapest Rail Express!

2. Salzkammergut

Nature lovers, this one’s for you! The Salzkammergut region encompasses 76 lakes and numerous mountains, making it a dreamscape of pure beauty. Here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the glaciers near Dachstein and access several hiking routes throughout the area.

Don’t miss the Krippenstein mountain with its spectacular viewing platform. On clear days, you’ll be treated to panoramic views stretching for miles across the mountain ranges, a truly breathtaking experience.

3. Hallstatt

Few towns can say that another country has entirely replicated it because it’s so beautiful. Hallstatt – also in the Salzkammergut region – claims this unique honour. Its idyllic mountain and lake views make it one of the most exquisite places to visit in Austria.

As one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements, Hallstatt carries centuries of history. The town’s identity is closely tied to its historic salt mine, which may well be the oldest in the world. The combination of natural beauty and rich heritage makes Hallstatt an essential stop on any Austrian journey.

4. Salzburg 

Salzburg’s claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of Mozart. On top of that, it is one of the prettiest cities in the world. Its baroque buildings are set against the backdrop of the Alps, with the Salzach River dividing the city to create a scene of remarkable beauty.

Classical music lives on in Salzburg through numerous live performances and street acts throughout the city. Not to mention that beloved classic film The Sound of Music was filmed here! For its vibrant musical heritage alone, it is one of the best places to visit in Austria.

Related: Experience the magic of Salzburg on our Central Europe in Low Season tour!

5. Krimml Waterfalls

No trip to Austria would be complete without seeing the magnificent Krimml Falls, the country’s highest waterfall and the fifth-highest in the world. These spectacular falls cascade more than 380m down the Krimmler Ache River in the state of Salzburg.

Visitors can walk to a number of points to view the falls. You can spend over four hours trying to walk to them all, with the easiest being around 15 minutes from the parking area. 

6. Innsbruck

Sports enthusiasts and skiers will love this winter wonderland! The mountains around Innsbruck reach nearly 2200m high, making it perfect for skiing, hiking and mountaineering. The city gained international fame after hosting both the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics, and today, visitors can enjoy the facilities built for these events.

Beyond sports, Innsbruck’s charming cityscape nestled among towering peaks creates a unique urban-meets-alpine atmosphere you won’t find elsewhere.

Related: Discover Innsbruck’s charm on a European Vistas tour!

7. Wachau

If sipping wine in a scenic valley sounds like your perfect day, don’t miss Wachau. This breathtaking Austrian region, shaped by the winding Danube River and honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its standout wines, especially its elegant, complex whites that are now making their mark on the global stage.

The rolling hills and pleasant countryside terrain make it popular with cyclists too. Hikers can enjoy routes that wind through vineyards, forests, and mountains. Culture seekers will want to visit the fascinating monastery in the town of Melk, which is home to one of the world’s most valuable collections of handwritten manuscripts.

Related: Get a Taste of Eastern Europe and explore the mesmerising Melk!

8. Bad Gastein

Ever heard of a “Village of Skyscrapers”? That’s Bad Gastein’s unique claim to fame. This unusual description fits perfectly, as tall buildings rise dramatically from the valley floor while maintaining a charming small-town feeling.

Tucked into Austria’s Hohe Tauern mountains, this spa town has been drawing visitors since the 1600s, all eager to soak in its famous hot springs. It’s the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate during your Austrian adventure!

9. The Grossglockner Road to Franz-Josefs-Höhe

This is one of the most spectacular roads you might ever have the pleasure of driving. It winds for 48km through the Hohe Tauern National Park. Besides the spectacular mountain and valley views, the road is notable for its twisting, turning design resembling a snake crawling over the mountain. 

There are plenty of places to stop along the way for short hikes or simply to admire the scenery, making it perfect for a summer excursion. The Franz-Josefs-Höhe has been welcoming visitors for centuries and today offers fantastic views of the impressive Pasterze glacier.

10. Lake Constance

Located near the German and Swiss border, Lake Constance, or Bodensee as it’s known locally, offers a refreshing change of pace from alpine peaks and city streets. Known for its clear water and scenic lakeside views, the lake’s centrepiece is a wooden bathing house and event space set 42m into the lake. 

As the third-largest freshwater lake in Europe, it’s packed with ways to enjoy the outdoors. From Bregenz, you can hop on a boat, bike along the lake’s edge, or simply sit back and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the water. It’s a scenic, soothing stop that’s easy to fall in love with.

11. Eisriesenwelt Cave

Hidden in the mountains near Werfen, you’ll find the largest ice cave in the world, Eisriesenwelt Cave. Eisriesenwelt, meaning “World of the Ice Giants” in German, is an apt name for one of Austria’s most unique natural wonders.

This massive underground world stretches over 40 kilometres, with frozen waterfalls, icy chambers, and twisting tunnels carved by nature over thousands of years. Even in summer, the cave stays cold, with magical ice formations that look like something out of a fairy tale.

Getting to the cave is part of the adventure. A short hike and a scenic cable car ride take you high above the Salzach Valley, offering amazing mountain views before you even enter the cave. Once inside, guided tours lead you through the icy passages, lit only by handheld lamps. It’s a cool (literally!) and unforgettable experience you won’t find anywhere else in Austria.

These 11 destinations showcase just a fraction of what makes Austria special. Whether you’re a fan of natural beauty, mountains and lakes, or culture and music, Austria has something, and someplace, for everyone. There is no shortage of bucket-list places to visit in Austria.

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Why not consider taking a tour of Europe which includes a visit to Austria? Explore multiple regions with Austria right in the centre of it all!