Austria is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe, attracting tourists in both summer and winter.
As a country with diverse landscapes, delicious food and breathtaking sights, Austria has so much to love.
Whether you’re planning a summer or winter trip, here are seven incredible things to do in Austria.
1. Visit the Hofburg
Located in the capital of Vienna, the Hofburg is the Imperial Palace that stands out in the heart of the city.
The palace used to be home to the Royal Family but is now used mainly by the President. However, some parts of it are open to the public, making a visit to the palace one of the best things to do in Austria.
There are 2,600 rooms in the palace, dating back to 1275 when the palace was built and include Gothic, Classic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture.
Some of the rooms are open to the public, where you can visit signature collections, such as the Imperial Silver Collection and the Imperial Apartments, which used to be home to the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph.
2. Spend Some Time in Hallstatt
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Austria is the alpine village of Hallstatt.
Located on a lake in the alps not too far from Salzburg, whether in summer or winter, visiting Hallstatt is one of the most incredible things to do in Austria.
Situated next to Lake Hallstatt, the alpine houses and buildings are built up the side of the mountain. In winter, visiting Hallstatt makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale, and summer is just the same, but instead of snow, flowers bloom everywhere.
In summer, you can take boats out on the lake; in winter, you can marvel at the breathtaking views from the top of the 5 Fingers Lookout.
3. Ski at a Resort
The Austrian Alps are home to some of the best skiing in Europe, making a trip to Austria in winter very popular.
If you’re visiting Austria solely for a skiing trip, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of resorts throughout the mountains.
You don’t have to be an advanced skier to enjoy Austria’s snow. Plenty of resorts provide slopes for beginners, intermediate and experienced skiers.
Some of the best ski resorts to experience skiing and snowboarding in Austria include
- Söll (famous for beginners and intermediates)
- Kitzbühel (perfect for intermediates)
- Mayrhofen (for confident skiers and snowboarders)
- St Anton (world-famous and home to some of the most challenging slopes)
- Saalbach (perfect for all skiers and snowboarders)
4. Tour Schönbrunn Palace
Vienna is home to many palaces, but Schönbrunn Palace is probably the grandest.
Originally the summer palace of the Habsburg rulers, the Schönbrunn Palace has been a major tourist attraction since the 1950s.
Located in western Vienna, the 1,441-room palace is one of the country’s most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments, and the palace and its vast gardens span over 300 years.
Taking a tour through the palace is one of the most incredible things to do in Austria, as you’ll be blown away by the ornately decorated rooms and gardens full of mazes, fountains, flowers and statues.
However, if you want to save some money, wandering around the gardens is free!
5. Swarovski Museum
Did you know that the beautiful Swarovski crystals originated in Austria? With a huge collection of animals, birds and even pop culture characters, visiting the Swarovski Museum is one of the most incredible things to do in Austria.
Located outside Innsbruck in Wattens, the Swarovski Museum must be on anyone’s Austria itinerary. The exterior of the museum will draw you in quickly as it’s an artificial face made out of green with two crystals for eyes.
As you head into the museum, you’ll be blown away by the exhibits, marvel at the largest crystal in the world and even browse the shop for limited-edition pieces.
6. Visit the Krimml Waterfalls
Located on the Krimmler Ache River near the village of Krimml, the Krimml Waterfalls are the highest waterfall in Austria.
Plunging down three cascades at the height of 380 metres, seeing the waterfall up close is one of the most incredible things to do in Austria.
7. Road Trip Along Grossglockner Road
Finally, one of the most incredible things to do in Austria is to take a road trip along the famous Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
This road trip can be done any time but is most beautiful during summer and winter. The road connects the town of Bruck and Heiligenblut, dating all the way back to 1935.
So, why is taking this road trip one of the most incredible things to do in Austria? Because of the breathtaking scenery you’re surrounded by as you drive along the road.
Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountain views in all of Europe. In summer, the road is surrounded by wildflowers, and in winter, you’re surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
Whether you’re planning a trip to the beautiful European country of Austria in summer or winter, there are so many things to see and do.
From seeing the country’s tallest waterfall to walking through 300-year-old palaces, there are many incredible things to do in Austria.
Which of these activities will you be ticking off your list first?
