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Discover Austria

Austria

Your next great travel adventure awaits – right in the heart of Europe! Austria is not only one of the most livable countries, but also a favorite among culture lovers, nature fans, and sports buffs alike. Whether it’s summer or winter, this small yet charming country offers year-round charm. In summer, take a refreshing dip in the lakes of Carinthia or Salzburg, conquer the majestic Alps, hike through lush forests, or cycle along Lake Neusiedl. Along the way, savor hearty local dishes at cozy wine taverns and dive into the country’s rich coffeehouse culture.

Music fills the air everywhere you go, but in the Salzburg and Bregenz Festivals and Vienna’s world-famous opera houses you’ll experience the finest world-class performances. The imperial city of Vienna, with its echoes of Habsburg grandeur, is a must-see in any season. Wander its enchanting streets, soak in the unmistakable Viennese charm (or experience the infamous Viennese grumpiness ;-), and savor the city's timeless elegance. Come winter, warm yourself with mulled wine and festive vibes at the Christmas markets, or dance the night away at one of Vienna’s grand balls.

Top Highlights of Austria

Imperial summer residence
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Schönbrunn Palace
Vienna
Once the magnificent summer residence of Maria Theresia, Emperor Franz Joseph, and his beloved Sissi, Schönbrunn Palace today captivates visitors from around the globe. With its sprawling gardens and rich imperial history, it has become Vienna's most popular attraction. The baroque masterpiece features over 1,400 rooms, of which around 45 are open for visitors, including:
Discover the charming heart of Vienna
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Old Town Vienna
Vienna
When you think of Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace and the Old Town (the 1st District) immediately come to mind. In the historic center, you’ll feel the echoes of centuries past: the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, steeped in legend, with its towering spires, the imposing Hofburg, and the elegant shopping streets of Graben and Kärntner Straße. This is a neighborhood made for exploring – whether on a leisurely stroll, a romantic carriage ride, or over a cup of coffee in one of Vienna’s iconic coffeehouses.
One of Europe's largest castles
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Hohensalzburg Fortress
Salzburg
The Hohensalzburg Fortress towers majestically over Salzburg's Old Town and, with over 7,000 m² of built-up area, ranks among the largest fully preserved castle complexes in Europe. Since its construction began in 1077, it has been continuously expanded and today impresses with its late Gothic architecture as well as the magnificent princely chambers, which bring to life the world of the archbishops around 1500.
Between Vineyards, Castle Ruins & Apricots
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Wachau
The Wachau is one of the most beautiful cultural landscapes in Austria and one of our favorite excursion destinations. This picturesque Danube valley stretches between the towns of Melk and Krems. It is not only famous for its terraced vineyards and the renowned Wachauer Marille (apricots) but also for Melk Abbeyand the castle ruins of Dürnstein (where King Richard the Lionheart was once held captive). Whether you're hiking on the World Heritage Trail, visiting during the apricot blossom season, or stopping by a traditional Heuriger, the Wachau offers unforgettable experiences for all your senses.
Stroll Through Austria's City of Music
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Old Town Salzburg
Salzburg
The Old Town of Salzburg is more than just a collection of historic buildings – it is a vibrant testament to Baroque architecture, shaped by Italian masters such as Vincenzo Scamozzi and Santino Solari. As the birthplace of Mozart and home to the renowned Salzburg Festival, the former princely city rightly belongs on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Austria’s largest national park
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High Tauern National Park
Kals am Großglockner
Nestled in the Alps and spanning the federal states of Carinthia, Salzburg, and Tyrol, the Hohe Tauern National Park covers an impressive area of 1,856 km², making it Austria’s largest national park and a haven for nature enthusiasts. Dominating the landscape is the Großglockner, Austria’s highest peak, surrounded by over 300 mountains exceeding 3,000 meters, 342 glaciers, and roaring waterfalls like the Krimml Waterfalls.
Baroque Benedictine Splendor above the Danube
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Melk Abbey
Melk
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Wachau, the magnificent Melk Abbey rises above the Danube. Built between 1702 and 1746 based on designs by Jakob Prandtauer, the abbey is considered a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to regular concerts and changing exhibitions, the monastery offers fascinating insights into the spiritual life of the Benedictines.
Visit the Student City
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Old town Graz
Graz
The charming old town of Graz is a true gem – vibrant, steeped in history, and wonderfully laid-back. Wander through the narrow streets lined with a delightful mix of Gothic and Baroque buildings. The iconic Clock Tower on Schlossberg watches over the city, while the striking Kunsthaus, affectionately called the "Friendly Alien," adds a futuristic contrast.
Highest waterfall in Austria
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Krimml Waterfalls
Krimml
The Krimml Waterfalls, Austria’s highest waterfalls are a breathtaking natural spectacle in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. With an impressive drop of 380 meters across three tiers, they attract thousands of visitors each year who come to experience the roaring water and the therapeutic effect of the fine mist.
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Ambras Palace Innsbruck
Once envisioned by Archduke Ferdinand II. as one of the world’s first museums, Ambras Castle dazzles with its elegant Renaissance architecture, the magnificent Spanish Hall, and a unique art and curiosity cabinet. Visitors can trace the legacy of the Habsburg Dynasty and unwind in the sprawling castle park—a hidden jewel in the Tyrolean Alps.
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Regions of Austria

Amidst vineyards and the Danube meadows
Lower Austria
Austria's largest state boasts an incredibly diverse landscape, from the Alpine foothills in the south, home to the Rax and Schneeberg mountains, to the untouched Waldviertel in the west and the sunlit hills of the Weinviertel in the north. Whether you're cycling through the Wachau while savoring apricot liqueur, enjoying a glass of Grüner Veltliner under the vineyards, or hiking the trails of Schneeberg – there’s always something new to explore.
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Planning Tips

Packing List for your Summer Road Trip
After countless miles, numerous sunsets, and a few forgotten essentials, we know: a good packing list can save your road trip. Here's a compact guide with the most important tips and an clear packing list to keep your car organized and your journey stress-free.

Travel Information

Find general travel tips for Austria here. For more details, explore the regions and cities that catch your interest.

Best Time to Visit Austria

Austria’s climate is a mix of temperate and alpine, with big variations depending on region and altitude. Whether you prefer summer adventures, city breaks, or winter sports, Austria offers something year-round.

Spring (March - May)

Spring is a lovely time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The countryside comes to life, and the Alps are lush and green. This season is perfect for sightseeing in cities like Vienna or Salzburg without the crowds. By mid-April, hiking season starts.

Summer (June - August)

In the lowlands, expect warm to hot days, with temperatures between 25°C - 32°C. The higher you go into the Alps, the cooler it gets. Summer is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or swimming in one of Austria’s lakes.

Cities such as Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, and Innsbruck are best visited in June, while July and August can be too hot for city trips.

Autumn (September - November)

September and October bring mild temperatures (12°C - 25°C) and Austria’s beautiful autumn colors. The Wachau and Styria regions are particularly stunning, famous for their wine festivals and scenic hikes through vineyards. Fewer tourists make this a more peaceful time to travel, perfect for visiting Vienna.

November, however, tends to be cold, damp, and foggy. We recommend waiting for December’s festive Christmas markets.

Winter (December - February)

Winter is Austria’s prime time for skiing. In the Alps, temperatures often drop well below freezing, creating perfect conditions for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Resorts like St. Anton, Kitzbühel, and Saalbach-Hinterglemm are major draws. In the cities, with temperatures around 0°C, warm up at Christmas markets with mulled wine and punch.

Arriving by Train

Austria's rail network is highly developed, comfortable, efficient, and eco-friendly. The key route is the western line from Vienna to Salzburg (continuing to Munich), served by both Westbahn and ÖBB, offering frequent connections. The ÖBB Railjet links major cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, with further connections to neighboring countries such as Germany, Italy, and Hungary. Night trains also provide a relaxing way to travel directly from cities like Berlin, Venice or even Rome to Austria.

Note: In 2024, ÖBB faced a train shortage, resulting in increased delays. If you're traveling between Salzburg and Vienna, we recommend Westbahn as the more reliable option. ÖBB is working to expand its capacity, so trains should return to normal reliability hopefully by next year.

Traveling from Switzerland to Vienna? We suggest the route via Bregenz, not Munich. We've noticed that ÖBB and Deutsche Bahn don’t coordinate well, often leaving too little time for transfers in Munich, especially when construction delays are involved.

Arriving by Car

Driving to and within Austria is easy and convenient, thanks to its well-maintained motorways, which are connected to neighboring countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Italy. Keep in mind that you'll need a vignette (toll sticker) for the motorways. These are available at gas stations, border crossings, or online. Check e.g. ÖAMTC for details.

Arriving by Plane

Austria's main international gateway is Vienna International Airport (VIE), serving over 130 global destinations. From the airport, you can reach the city center quickly by train in just 15-30 minutes. (We recommend ÖBB over the CAT.)

If you're headed to Austria’s ski or hiking regions, the airports in Salzburg (SZG) and Innsbruck (INN) are ideal.

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