17 Best Austria Places to Visit – 2025 Travel Guide
Austria is a small but very interesting country in Europe. Its capital, Vienna, is not only a city of music and art, but also one of the world’s cultural centers. The country is full of historic palaces, opera houses, medieval castles, and natural beauty, which attract millions of tourists every year.
One of Austria’s most distinctive features is its natural beauti, the Alps, lakes, forests, and hiking trails make the country a paradise for travelers. Ski lovers will find world-class ski resorts, such as Tyrol or Solden. For those who love history and royal architecture, Schonbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, or Melk Abbey are just a few of the must-sees.
In this blog post, we have listed 17 Best Austria Places to Visit in 2025 — which might inspire you to visit to Austria.
Table of Contents
Austria Places to Visit
Schonbrunn Palace
No: 1 Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna: Austria places to visit
Schonbrunn Palace is one of Vienna’s most popular and historic attractions. The Habsburgs, the Austrian royal family, once lived here. This vast palace consists of 1,441 rooms. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Its Baroque architecture is a fine example of 17th-century European royal architecture.
The palace grounds include the ornate royal chambers where Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi once lived. You can explore these rooms on the “Imperial Tour” or “Grand Tour” to learn about the history of the royal family. The gardens behind the palace, the Gloriette Pavilion, the rose garden, and the mini labyrinth are also very Beautiful.
You can easily get there using public transport. The easiest way is to use the metro. You can take the U4 line of Vienna’s U-Bahn (underground metro). You need to get off at Schonbrunn Station. From there, the palace is just a 7-10 minute walk away.
2. Hallstatt
No: 2 Hallstatt: Austria places to visit
Hallstatt is a small mountain village located in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. The World Heritage Site is located on the shores of Lake Hallstätter See and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Hallstatt is known for one of the oldest salt mines in history. Salt has been mined here for about 7,000 years, which is why it is also called the “Salt Capital of the World”. Tourists can take guided tours inside the salt mine and learn how salt was extracted and stored since ancient times. Another popular attraction is the Skywalk Viewpoint, which offers a wonderful panoramic view of the entire village and the lake.
You can find all the fun in Hallstatt, including winding roads, colorful wooden houses, and boat trips on the calm lake. The colors of nature and the weather make it even more enchanting, especially in spring and autumn.
From Salzburg, you can take the train directly to Attnang-Puchheim station. There, you will need to change trains and take the next train to Hallstatt Bahnhof station. Hallstatt railway station is located on the other side of the lake. From there, you will need to take a small ferry to reach the main village.
The Hofburg
No: 3 The Hofburg, Vienna: Austria places to visit
The Hofburg Palace is one of the Vienna’s most historic and royal buildings. It was the main residence of the Habsburg royal family for centuries. Today, it is a vast complex that houses the president’s government offices, museums, libraries, and royal residences. Construction of the palace began in the 13th century and has expanded over the centuries.
In this palace, you will see the Imperial Apartments, where the rooms used by the kings and queens are preserved. There is also the Sisi Museum, which is dedicated to the life of Queen Elisabeth (Sisi). Visitors can see royal furniture, historical clothing, jewelry and letters here. Also inside the Hofburg complex are the Austrian National Library and the Imperial Treasury, where valuable crowns and historical treasures are kept.
Salzburg Altstadt
No: 4 Salzburg Altstadt (Old Town): Austria places to visit
Salzburg Altstadt, or the old town of Salzburg, is one of the most historic areas in Austria. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the birthplace of the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The city’s streets are paved with stone, surrounded by old buildings and churches. The architecture here is mainly in the Baroque style, which is very impressive.
There is a lot to see in this old town. You can visit Mozart’s Birthplace, where Mozart was born, and keep his childhood memories. There is also the famous Salzburg Cathedral, which is the main church of the city. You can also walk around the old market street called Getreidegasse, which is full of shops, cafes, and traditional houses.
Melk Abbey
No: 5 Melk Abbey: Austria places to visit
Melk Abbey is a famous Benedictine monastery in Austria. It is located on the banks of the Danube River, in the city of Melk. Founded in the 11th century, this abbey is a remarkable example of Baroque architecture. Its bright yellow building, huge domes, and beautiful gardens are very beautiful to look at.
Inside the abbey, there is an excellent library, where thousands of ancient manuscripts are preserved. There is also a royal church. If you want, you can take a guided tour and listen to the stories of history, religion, and architecture. If you want to go to Melk Abbey, you can come to Melk by train from Vienna or Salzburg. You can walk from Melk station to the abbey.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
No: 6 Hohensalzburg Fortress: Austria places to visit
Hohensalzburg Fortress is the largest and most impressive structure in the city of Salzburg. It is located on a hilltop, from where the entire city can be seen. The castle was built in 1077. It is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Europe.
In this castle, you can see the royal chambers, an ancient armory, and a small museum. The Golden Hall and Chapel here are very popular. While walking around the castle, you can learn the story of Salzburg’s history and political changes. There are audio guides and exhibitions for visitors. You can walk to the castle or use the Festungsbahn cable car. It takes just a few minutes to get to the top of the hill.
Vienna State Opera House
No: 7 Vienna State Opera House: Austria places to visit
The Vienna State Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper) is a unique part of Austria’s cultural life. It is one of the most famous opera houses in Europe. The building was built in 1869. It is built in the Renaissance architectural style and looks very regal.
This opera house hosts more than a hundred opera and ballet performances every year. The world’s best artists perform here. If you want, you can buy a ticket to see a performance. For those who wish to explore, guided tours are available. The Vienna State Opera House is located in the city center. You can easily reach it by metro (Karlsplatz station), tram, or bus.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
No: 8 St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna: Austria places to visit
St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) is Vienna’s most famous church. It is located in the city center, on Stephansplatz. This Gothic church was built in the 12th century. Its colorful tiled roof and tall tower are very attractive.
The biggest attraction of this church is its south tower, which is about 136 meters high. If you want, you can climb to the top and get a great view of the entire city of Vienna. Inside there are beautiful decorations, old paintings, and the tomb of the royal family. There are also guided tours and the opportunity to visit the Catacombs. St. Stephen’s Cathedral is easy to reach. Get off at the Stephansplatz station on the U1 or U3 lines of the Vienna metro. From here you can go straight to it.
Belvedere Palace
No: 9 Belvedere Palace, Vienna: Austria places to visit
Belvedere Palace is a royal palace in Vienna and one of the most popular tourist attractions. It was built in the 18th century as the residence of the Austrian general, Prince Eugene of Savoy. The palace is divided into two parts, Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere. It have a beautiful Baroque garden in the middle.
Upper Belvedere is now a famous art gallery. It houses many historical paintings, including ‘The Kiss’ by the famous Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. It also houses European paintings from the Middle Ages to modern times. The Lower Belvedere section contains historical rooms, royal furniture and exhibition rooms. To get to Belvedere Palace, you can take the tram (line D), bus or metro from the center of Vienna. It is close to Stadtpark or Hauptbahnhof.
Krimml Waterfalls
No: 10 Krimml Waterfalls: Austria places to visit
Krimml Falls is the best waterfall in Austria. It is about 380 meters high and falls in three stages. This waterfall is in the Hohe Tauern National Park. The natural scenery is simply amazing for nature lovers. To reach the waterfall, you have to walk. There is a well-made path that gradually climbs upwards. There are various viewpoints along the way, from where you can enjoy the beauty of the waterfall. Mountains, trees, cold wind, and roaring sound – all in all, it is a great experience.
To get to Krimml, you can take a train or bus from Zell am See or Salzburg. Then from there you have to reach the village of Krimml by local bus or car.
Grossglockner Alpine Road
No: 11 Grossglockner Alpine Road: Austria places to visit
The Grossglockner Alpine Road is Austria’s most famous driving route. It passes through the country’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner (3,798 meters), and the Hohe Tauern National Park. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of mountains, glaciers, forests, and valleys along the way.
The road is about 48 kilometers long and has 36 bends. There are viewpoints and small cafes at each bend. You can travel the route by car, bike, or even by bus tour. The most popular stop is Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, from where you can see the Pasterze Glacier. Many people stop here to hike and take pictures.
There is a fee to enter the road, and it is usually open from May to October (the rest of the time it is closed due to snowfall). You can easily get there by car from Zell am See or Salzburg.
The Spanish Riding School
No: 12 The Spanish Riding School, Vienna: Austria places to visit
The Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule) is a cultural institution in Vienna. It is the oldest equestrian training center (more than 450 years) in the world. The school is famous for its royal Lipizzaner horses and classical riding style.
Here, trained horses and riders perform together. The dance-like movements are very precise and beautifully coordinated. You can choose to have a morning training, a guided tour, or watch a full performance. The facility is part of the Hofburg Palace, and its interior is also royal. It is within walking distance of Vienna’s city center. Or you can take the metro U3 line to Herrengasse station and walk for a few minutes.
Innsbruck’s Hofkirche and the Emperor’s Tomb
No: 13 Innsbruck’s Hofkirche and the Emperor’s Tomb: Austria places to visit
The Hofkirche, meaning “Court Church”, is one of the most important churches in Innsbruck. Its architecture is a mixture of Renaissance and Gothic styles. It was built in 1553. It was originally built in memory of Emperor Maximilian I.
The main attraction of this church is the tomb of Emperor Maximilian. Although his body is not buried here, there is a large bronze monument and 28 bronze statues. These statues represent the emperor’s relatives, ancestors, and legendary characters. It is Great royal and artistic place. The Hofkirche is located in the center of Innsbruck. You can easily get there on foot or by tram/bus.
The Dachstein Skywalk
No: 14 The Dachstein Skywalk: Austria places to visit
Dachstein Skywalk is a great place to visit in Austria. It is located at an altitude of about 2,700 meters above sea level. Standing here, you can see snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and distant valleys. The place is made of glass, so you can look down and see how high you are.
There is also a suspension bridge here. It takes a little courage to walk on it, because it is very deep below. And there is the “Stairway to Nothingness” a glass staircase that seems to go towards the sky. When you see all this together, it will feel like you are walking in the clouds. You will first go up by the Dachstein Cable Car. Then you will reach the Skywalk after a short walk. It is open from May to November.
Karnten Therme Warmbad-Villach
No: 15 Karnten Therme Warmbad-Villach: Austria places to visit
Karnten Therme Warmbad‑Villach is a modern thermal spa and water adventure center located near the city of Villach in southern Austria. It is a huge facility with an area of 11,000 m², and features a 25-meter sports pool, indoor and outdoor thermal pools, and slides and water play areas for children.
Special attractions include the “Crazy River” (uphill river) and rolling slides decorated with colorful lights. The wellness area includes two Finnish saunas, a bio sauna, an infrared cabin, a large Hamam, and a separate sauna for women. There is also a 700 m² fitness gym and a 2000 m² spa & beauty center.
Eisriesenwelt Cave
No: 16 Eisriesenwelt Cave: Austria places to visit
Eisriesenwelt Cave is located in Werfen, Austria. It is the largest ice cave in the world. The total length of the cave is about 42 kilometers. Of this, 1 km is open to tourists. The natural ice sculptures and wall formations inside are very impressive. It was discovered in 1879. It has been open to tourists since 1920.
You have to take a train to Werfen. From there, a bus or shuttle van goes to the visitor center below the cave. Then you have to walk for 20 minutes to the cable car station. After taking the cable car up the mountain, you have to walk a little more. You have to go on a guided tour inside the cave. The whole tour is about 75 minutes. During this time, you have to climb and descend about 1,400 stairs.
IThe cave is open from May to October. Tours run every day from 9:30 am to 3:45 pm. It is always cold inside the cave. The temperature is below 0 degrees. So you need to wear warm clothes, socks, jackets and sturdy shoes.
Seefeld
No: 17 Seefeld, Tyrol: Austria places to visit
Seefeld is a small town in the Tyrol region of Austria. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains, right at the foot of the Alps. The town is located at an altitude of about 1,180 meters above sea level. The atmosphere here is very quiet and clean. There are no cars in the middle of the town, so it is safe to walk. There is a beautiful little church in Seefeld, called Seekirchl. It is the symbol of the town. There is also a Musical Fountain, where music plays with the water every hour.
In winter, Seefeld is covered in snow. Many people come here to ski. Cross-country skiing is especially popular. There are many long trails for walking on snow. In summer, the mountains and valleys are covered in greenery. Then many people come to hike, cycle or go hiking. There is also a small lake nearby.
For Your Kind Information We can suggest you some famous hotel in Austria, with location and official website, by which you can check in.
Interalpen‑Hotel Tyrol (Top-rated in 2025)
Location: Telfs-Buchen, Tyrol (Alps, near Seefeld)
Feature: 5-star superior, alpine luxury, panoramic mountain views, world-class spa
Official Website: www.interalpen.com
Naturhotel Forsthofgut
Location: Leogang, Salzburg region
Feature: Europe’s first forest spa, eco-luxury, family and wellness focus
Official Website: www.forsthofgut.at
Park Hyatt Vienna
Location: Vienna, in the Goldenes Quartier
Feature: Luxury in a former bank, elegant rooms, spa, Michelin-star dining
Official Website: www.hyatt.com/park-hyatt/vienna
DAS EDELWEISS Salzburg Mountain Resort
Location: Großarl, Salzburg region
Feature: Family-run luxury, sky pool, gourmet dining, adult & family spa zones
Official Website: www.edelweiss-grossarl.com
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Location: Salzburg, on the Salzach River
Feature: Historic grand hotel, perfect for classical music lovers
Official Website: www.sacher.com/hotel-sacher-salzburg
Ok, Now, if you visit Austria than you can also make a plan to visit Germany, it is only 700km from Austria, To get Idea about Germany, You can read our blog post :
