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Austria Travel :
Whether you are the type who likes to slowly immerse yourself in a destination, soaking up the culture and its surroundings, or someone who loves to hike in nature or fly snow-capped mountains, Austria Has it all. This means that no matter what type of traveler you are, you should find something in the country. Austria Travel
Although Austria can easily be known for a 2-3 day trip (where you definitely depend on it), if this is your first time, why not check out the mix of gems that this country needs Have to present. To help you plan your trip, here is an itinerary for Austria itinerary that will give you a great taste of some of the country’s main attractions and great experiences.
When you go?
Austria has a very seasonal climate, where you may get snow in winter, spectacular autumn colors in autumn and beautiful greens in spring and summer. You get the warmest (June – September) temperatures in summer, the coldest in winter (December – February) and moderate temperatures outside it.
So to answer this question it really depends on what you are doing. Head to Austria in the winter for Christmas markets (December) or skiing (December-March), or head in the summer and hiking, in the warmer months for general city sightseeing and other trips.
1. Vienna
Vienna is the beautiful capital of Austria and is very important. From exploring baroque architecture, to getting lost in the gardens of Shornbrunn Palace, to experiencing a play in the theater, the city is full of experiences and things. Along with this the excellent connections and day trips make it a good start and base to explore the rest of the country.
Vienna highlights
- Schönbrunn Palace – Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most famous attractions in Vienna. Built with beautiful Baroque architecture, it was once the summer home of the Austrian Emperor, Franz Josef and Maria Theresa. It’s a great day with plenty to explore, including the beautiful flowers around the Great Parterre (see below), seeing the views from the Gloriette, or exploring inside the palace.
- Innere Stadt – The Innere Stadt (city center) is the famous historic district of Vienna. Here you will find cobbled streets, beautiful churches such as St. Peter and Stephansplatz Including shops and restaurants This part of Vienna has a lot of character and within a few minutes of walking, you will be amazed by the beauty of the city.
- Vienna Woods: For those looking for a more rural scene, head to the Vienna Woods (Kahlenberg) north of the city. Here you can walk through the vineyards, stopping for wine during the summer. Or just take the bus to the Skyline Lounge restaurant, which also has a large outdoor area (free to visit).
- Parliament of Austria – On the outskirts of the city’s Innere Stadt and along the famous Ringstrasse is the Parliament of Austria. This impressive building has Greek-style architecture and the exterior features large pillars and a magnificent fountain. You can also visit the interior on the tour.
- Rathaus: The Rathaus is the city hall which is surprisingly beautiful (especially at night). It is often the site of various events throughout the year, including one of the major Christmas markets, an ice rink, a film festival, and more.
- Belvedere: The Belvedere is another great palace in the city. Situated a bit more centrally than the Schönbrunn, it has a slightly different layout, but it also comes with a freely accessible garden and views of the city.
- Heurige – A Heurige is a Vienna gem and these are essentially wine taverns that you can visit and enjoy delicious local food and drinks. Many are also located near the vineyards, so it is also a pleasant place to walk and enjoy the scenery. To find them, consult the suggestions of the tourist office.
- Christmas Markets: Christmas is a great time to visit Vienna and this is due to the many Christmas markets that you will find in the city. You will find market stalls (large or small) around the most famous attractions. Around the Graben in the Innere Stadt, there are beautiful chandelier-shaped lights that are some of the most beautiful decorations we have ever seen.
Luxury Stay (Vienna)
Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna – One of the city’s most luxurious hotels, the Imperial Hotel Vienna will provide an extra special experience.
Middle-Budget (Vienna)
25hours Hotel beim MuseumsQuartier– This hotel is fun and enjoyable with a large rooftop bar and luxurious atmosphere. It is very central to exploring the city and is perfect.
Budget Stay (Vienna)
Wombats City Hostels Vienna At The Naschmarkt – Located a short distance from the city center and some places in Vienna, this hostel offers many rooms as well as private rooms. There is also free wifi and bar.
2. Salzburg
Salzburg is a few hours by train from Vienna and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The highlight is its Old Town, which has colorful Baroque architecture, magnificent cathedrals and overlooking the city is the mighty Hohensalzburg fortress. Of course, it would be rude not to mention that the city is also Mozart’s birthplace and there is now a museum that is one of the main attractions.
Salzburg highlights
- Hohensalzburg Fortress – A must see site, the Hohensalzburg Fortress sits high on a hill in the old town. You can easily visit the castle by taking a funicular or even walking. Once in the fortress, you can explore the various exhibits and museums, or just enjoy the views of the city.
- Sound of Music Tours – Take a Sound of Music tour where you will see some of the famous movie locations located in and around the city. You will also be able to learn more about the history behind the Von Trapp family and capture some wonderful images as you do so.
- Explore Lookouts – You’ll find a lot of really cool lookouts all over the city. Some of these are also free to access. Read about Instagram and the 8 best photo spots in Salzburg.
- Mozart’s Birthplace – Visit Mozart’s Birthplace, located on Getreidegasse, to learn more about the famous composer and his life. Here you can see some of the rooms complete with original furniture and designs.
- Christmas markets: Salzburg is amazing at Christmas with the lights, markets and decorations all around the Old Town.If you can, this will be a great time to visit where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Celebrate the best with glughine (mulled wine).
Luxury Stay (Salzburg)
Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel – This hotel is part of The Luxury Collection hotels, which are a prestigious brand offering the most impressive properties. As such, this centrally located Salzburg hotel is just that, absolutely stunning. Although it is expensive if this is your budget, you will not go wrong.
Middle-Budget (Salzburg)
Hotel am Mirabellplatz: a nice mid-range hotel in a good location, not far from the center. This hotel has free Wi-Fi, the option of breakfast and offers single rooms to family rooms.
Budget Stay (Salzburg)
YoHo – International Youth Hostel – This hostel would be a good option for budget travelers and offers dormitories and private rooms. The hostel also has free Wi-Fi, a bar and a restaurant.
3. Wachau Valley & Melk
The Wachau Valley is an area slightly northwest of Vienna located along the Danube River. The area is a UNESCO world heritage site and includes scenic landscapes, hills, vineyards, and cute architecture. It’s a wonderful day trip and most people will probably take one from Vienna. Some of the day trips include simply visiting, biking and exploring the vineyards, while other day trips may include a river cruise ending with a few hours in the small town of Melk and visiting the Abbey.
Wachau Valley & Melk Highlights
- Vineyard Exploration – In the Wachau Valley and the banks of the Danube, you’ll see vineyards, small towns and castles.A better, more active way to explore is on a bike tour, which comes with the opportunity to stop at. Some place to have a drink or two.
- River Cruises – Another way to explore the Wachau Valley is by bus and river cruise. These offer a nice and serene experience if you visit in the warmer months. (Summer, spring and early fall) open beer (Or other drinks) and enjoy the ride.
- Melk Abbey – At the end of most tours from Vienna is Melk Abbey, a wonderful baroque abbey. By joining the tour, you will learn more about the abbey, visit the library with approximately 16,000 books, enjoy the views from the balcony overlooking the hills and the beautiful imperial staircase.
Luxury Stay
Zum schwarzen Bären – This family-owned hotel would be perfect for those looking for a more luxurious experience. It includes a spa and wellness center, sauna, swimming pool, restaurant, bar and other facilities. In addition, some rooms include breakfast.
Budget Stay (Melk)
Hotel Restaurant zur Post – Centrally located and a short walk from Melk Abbey, this hotel offers private rooms, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a bar.
4. Hallstatt
Hallstatt is a picturesque town along the Hallstätter See (lake) in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. The town has a beautiful and traditional style architecture with buildings that seem almost to climb the mountain. The destination has become extremely popular, which could be partly due to Instagram, and while we shouldn’t always follow the crowd, Hallstatt is so pretty that it’s hard not to add it to an Austrian travel itinerary. The town is quite small and can be visited on a day trip, by public transport or even for a night visit.
Hallstatt Highlights
- Visit the Photo Shooting Spots – Of course, a visit to Hallstatt wouldn’t be complete without capturing a classic photo like the one shown below. Click here to see the location on Google Maps.
- Hallstatt Skywalk “Welterbeblick” – For aerial views, head to the Skywalk above town. To get there, you can walk along a path, although it might be easier to just take the funicular and then walk down. You can see the prices for this and the salt mines (mentioned below) here: salzwelten.at/en.
- Salt Mines – The Salt Mine at Hallstatt is the oldest in the world and a visit allows you to learn more about the mines and their history.
- Hallstatt Museum: In the center of town is the Hallstatt Museum. Here you can learn more about Hallstatt’s history, culture, salt mines, and more.
- 5 Fingers: In addition to the Skywalk lookout, there is another lookout a little further away called 5 Fingers. This platform includes 5 platforms that extend from the mountain and offer visitors spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding landscapes.
Luxury Stay (Hallstatt)
Seehotel Grüner Baum – Beautiful lakefront hotel with great rooms, spa and wellness center. You will also receive free breakfast in some rooms.
Middle-Budget (Hallstatt)
Weisses Lamm – In a central location and with a restaurant, free wifi, and other great features, this hotel would be a good choice. Rooms with a balcony and mountain views are also available.
5. Zell am See & Kaprun
Zell am See and Kaprun offers a more rural experience and is a destination in Austria that is pleasant to visit in both winter and summer. In summer you can explore gorges, colorful lakes and go hiking, while in winter Zell am See-Kaprun is ideal for winter sports such as snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding.
Zell am See & Kaprun Highlights
Summer
- Lake Cruise – Sit back, relax, and take a relaxing cruise on the lake while enjoying your surroundings.
- Sigmund-Thun Klamm Gorge – Explore the Sigmund-Thun Klamm Gorge, which was created approximately 14,000 years ago. A visit will allow you to walk along a 320 meter platform while listening to the rush of water below.
- Lake Klammsee – When you visit the Sigmund-Thun Klamm gorge at the end, you will arrive at Lake Klammsee, which is a very picturesque lake with turquoise water.
Winter
- Skiing and snowboarding: Zell am See and Kaprun are home to fantastic ski resorts such as Kitzsteinhorn and Schmittenhöhe. They are quite easy to get to and if you are staying in the city of Zell am See you can walk to the gondola that leads to Schmittenhöhe. The other resort, Kitzsteinhorn, is closer to Kaprun and a short drive away. Both resorts can provide a good morning or more fun on the slopes, as well as cabins to enjoy a snack.
- Snowshoeing – Another great activity that you can find in Schmittenhöhe is snowshoeing. These will get you at a nice leisurely pace up the mountain and are a great way to take in the scenery as well as take pictures.
Luxury Stay (Zell am See)
Grand Hotel Zell am See: As the name suggests, a Grand Hotel located on the lake. Complete with swimming pool, spa and wellness center, as well as a bar, restaurant and pretty much everything you would expect from a superior luxury hotel.
Middle-Budget (Kaprun)
Hotel Kaprunerhof: a fantastic hotel built in a traditional style. Complete with pool, bar and also a fantastic restaurant. Note that this hotel is close to Kaprun and close to various attractions such as Sigmund-Thun-Klamm and Kitzsteinhorn.
Budget Stay (Zell am See)
Gästehaus Haffner – In a central location, not far from the lake and the train station, but also a short walk from the City Xpress cable car. It also offers free Wi-Fi and a variety of room types.
Travel Insurance
The most important advice I can offer is to buy good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. This is full protection in the event of a problem. I never travel without it, as I have had to use it several times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy that’s right for you:
Conclusion
This was my complete guide and recommendations for your stay in Austria! From exploring the mountains to being dazzled by the cities, this itinerary is sure to provide you with a wide range of memorable experiences.
Soon? You have everything you need in this post! If you read it, surely you have already found the perfect accommodation for your stay.
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