10 Places You Cannot Miss in Austria

Sitting right in the heart of central Europe, Austria is a country that delights travelers with its Alpine mountains and grand Imperial heritage. And although it is quite a small country in the scheme of things, there are a lot of places to visit and things to do. With a trip to Austria you can spend your time exploring stunning cities full of culture, swimming in crystal clear lakes, or skiing down epic mountain slopes.

Narrowing down what to do in Austria can be a real challenge, so we’ve decided to help you out by collecting all the best places to visit in Austria in one place. These are all the places you need to know about when planning a visit to this beautiful country.

# Salzburg Old Town

Salzburg, considered one of Vienna’s most magnificent cities, is picture-perfect. Be beguiled by the delightful atmosphere of the Old Town.

# Vineyards outside Vienna

If you look beyond the skyline of Vienna, you’ll notice rolling green hills surrounding the edges. The vineyards of Vienna, easily accessible by train or bus, are a wonderful place for wine lovers to spend an afternoon.

# Lake Attersee

The largest lake in Upper Austria, Lake Attersee is a hotspot for water-sports junkies – attracting swimmers, windsurfers and sailors in the summer months.

# Ars Electronica Center

Citing itself as “the museum of the future”, this museum explores science, art and technology in a range of mediums.

# The mountains of Innsbruck

Innsbruck is beautiful all year round, but is especially awe-inspiring in the colder months, when it is transformed into a winter wonderland. One of the best places to hike in Austria, it has some incredible alpine views that you won’t want to miss out on.

# Österreichischer Skulpturenpark

Like a surrealist playground, this sculpture park, located south of Graz, is an odd amalgamation of man-made and natural aesthetics. Work by Austrian artists such as Franz West and Erwin Wurm can be seen.

# Rogner Bad Blumau

There is nothing better than a day at the spa on an icy day. The thermal spa at Rogner Bad Blumau Hotel, in Styria, is one of the most picturesque.

# Lentos Kunstmuseum

Austria’s finest museum of modern art, the Lentos Museum – which opened in 2003 – has a strong collection of works, including many European masterpieces.

# Wachau

Experience Austria’s breathtaking natural beauty on this 177-km (110-mile) hiking trail that overlooks the winding River Danube.

# Belvedere Palace

There are many assets to this imperial attraction, including the incredible Botanic Gardens and a delightful view of the city from the top of the hill.