Tourist Attractions in Austria

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Austria

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Austria

Austria offers tourists a wide range of attractions of different kinds – culture, ancient castles, architecture and museums. Many of the museums are on the lists of the best not only in Europe, but also in the world. Their expositions will surprise even a sophisticated art historian. Fans of classical music visit the Vienna Opera House, as well as the birthplace of Mozart – Salzburg.

Austria has preserved many castles and palaces of the Middle Ages. Their architecture impresses with its variety of styles, luxury and grandeur. Most of the country is occupied by the Alps. The indescribable beauty of the mountains in summer and winter can be seen from countless observation decks, castle and church towers. And to better explore the spectacular scenery, there are railways and motorways in the mountains.

Top Cities to Visit in Austria

Top-35 Tourist Attractions in Austria

Historic centre of Vienna

Tourist and business district in the centre of Vienna. Also called the “inner city”. It is included in the list of UNESCO protected sites. It preserves castles, streets and parks of the 19th century. On the site of the demolished fortress wall there is Ringstrasse street, which separates the historical centre from the rest of the city. The Museum Quarter is located on it. The centre of the inner city is St. Stephen’s Square with the cathedral of the same name.

Old City Hall

 4.7/5

87 reviews

The narrow streets of the city are breathtakingly beautiful. It is not for nothing that this popular tourist destination is included in the UNESCO heritage list. Many styles of architecture are represented here – Baroque, Renaissance, Romanticism. Some of the main objects to see are the Cathedral of Salzburg, the house where Mozart was born and lived and the Hohensalzburg Fortress, located in the rocks of the mountains. Authentic cafes with bright and colourful signage are also praised.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Hallstatt

 0/5

Located on the shores of a mountain lake in the Alps in western Austria. Tourists come here for the picturesque views. The small cosy houses of this small town are beautifully reflected in the clear mountain water of the lake. To the top of the mountains and to the caves of Dachstein can be climbed by cable car. But the best photos, according to tourists, are obtained from the observation deck at the Protestant Church of Christ, built in the XVIII century.

Hofburg

 4.7/5

45522 reviews

Residence of the Habsburg dynasty, built in 1278. It is a luxurious castle with several styles of architecture. The Swiss courtyard is built in the Renaissance style, and the chapel in the Gothic style. The Imperial Treasury attracts special attention of tourists. It contains an incredible collection of artefacts, relics of power and jewellery. In total, there are more than twenty different museums located on the territory of the palace.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Belvedere Palace

 4.7/5

63590 reviews

It was built in the early 18th century. The inner chambers are amazing in their luxury – Marble Gallery, Golden Cabinet, walls decorated with bas-reliefs. Nowadays the palaces of the complex house the Picture Gallery. Its collection is represented by paintings of different years – from the Middle Ages to the present. The three-level garden of the complex is laid out in the French style. It is decorated with a fountain with two cascades and antique sculptures.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Schönbrunn Palace

 4.7/5

140971 reviews

The residence of the emperors in the Austrian Baroque style. Its construction was completed in 1713 and lasted 17 years. Later, at the request of Empress Maria Theresa, a theatre was added to the palace, and at the will of her husband – a zoo. There are more than 1000 rooms in the palace, but only 40 are available for tourists. There is a large park complex around the palace. There is a green labyrinth and a greenhouse with exotic plants.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Schönbrunn Zoo

 4.7/5

48671 reviews

Built in 1752 and holds the title of the oldest zoo in the world. One of the few zoos to keep large pandas. The zoo has a terrarium and in the aquarium you can walk along the bottom of the Amazon River. There are guided tours, including ones especially for children and at night. In 2002, in honour of the zoo’s anniversary, a 5 euro coin was issued with a picture of the central pavilion of the zoo and the animals in the background.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Prater

 4.5/5

111378 reviews

Located on the banks of the Danube. It was founded in 1766 by Emperor Joseph II. The park is divided into two zones – the “green” zone and the amusement zone. The most popular attractions are the children’s railway and the 60 metre high Ferris wheel. The park also has a chain carousel – the highest in the world. When rotating its part rises up to 117 metres. In the “green” zone there is a hippodrome, a stadium, sports grounds and a velodrome.

Open time

Fortress Hohensalzburg

 4.6/5

42265 reviews

It was built on top of Mount Festung in 1077. It can be reached from Salzburg by funicular railway. The fortress museum presents the history of the fortress itself and Austrian military history. Various events such as concerts and festivals are often organised in the Hohensalzburg Fortress. The most luxurious and beautiful parts of the fortress are the Golden Chamber and the princely chambers, decorated with precious stones and rich ornaments.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Hellbrunn Palace

 4.6/5

18959 reviews

It was built in the early 17th century. It is the residence of the Archbishop of Salzburg, which has been preserved almost in its original form. The palace park is decorated with fountains, ponds and many sculptures. In the crevice of the mountain there is an open-air Stone Theatre. A special feature of the park is the mechanical theatre. It is a small town with figures of inhabitants moving to the sounds of the organ. The organ and figurines are moved by a water jet.

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Mirabell Palace

 4.6/5

26133 reviews

Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Reitenau built the Baroque palace for his favourite woman in 1606. To emphasise the opulence of the palace, he had a magnificent garden laid out around it. The park complex and the palace are on the UNESCO heritage list. The Marble Hall and the Marble Staircase are considered the best creations of the castle. The park is notable for its rose garden and greenhouse, as well as two fountains – the Great Fountain and Pegasus.

Open time

Schlossberg

 4.8/5

19607 reviews

It was built in 1125 as a defence fortress. It is located on a 450 metre high mountain. In the place of the casemates in the courtyard, cultural events now take place. Thanks to the good acoustics, even classical music concerts are held here. There is a good view from the observation deck at the Clock Tower. The Schlossberg Steps, built during the First World War, are an unusual sight.

Open time

Schloss Eggenberg

 4.6/5

4578 reviews

A princely residence decorated in the spirit of Prince Eggenberg’s passion for astronomy. The number of rooms in the castle corresponds to the number of weeks in the year, the number of windows to the number of days in the year. The 24 service rooms are 24 hours in a day. The castle itself was built by the architect in the Renaissance style. Currently, the palace houses a collection of more than 600 paintings, as well as an archaeological exhibition and an art museum.

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Ambras Castle Innsbruck

 4.5/5

6505 reviews

A popular destination for event travellers. They come to the events held in this castle – the Innsbruck Festival of Early Music and the annual Renaissance Festival. They take place in one of the most beautiful Renaissance halls, the Spanish Hall of the castle. The wall paintings in it depict the lords of the Tyrolean lands. The castle also has an interesting collection of weapons, jewellery and art objects.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

St. Stephen's Cathedral

 4.7/5

100682 reviews

This Catholic cathedral is the symbol of the Austrian capital. It was built in the 12th century in the Gothic style. The height of the highest tower is 136 metres. There are many sights in the cathedral – the Gothic altar of 1447, the tombstone of Emperor Frederick III made of red marble, the miracle-working icon of Pochsky. The cathedral is decorated with bright patterns on the roof of multi-coloured tiles, pylons with rich carvings, and skilful stained glass windows.

Open time

St. Peter's Catholic Church (Peterskirche)

 4.7/5

6286 reviews

A church with majestic Baroque architecture. It hosts daily organ concerts, and admission is free for daytime concerts. Inside, the church is decorated in marble. The stucco is decorated with gold and silver. The monastery depicts the Holy Trinity, to which the construction of the church is dedicated, as well as the Face of the Queen of Heaven. Relics with parts of the relics of the saints were brought from Rome to St Peter’s Church.

Open time

Melk Abbey

 4.7/5

12272 reviews

The monastery is located in the Wachau Valley on the rocky bank of the Danube. It was built between 1702 and 1746 and is a UNESCO heritage site. It is a gigantic Baroque structure. The interior is also impressive – the pilasters decorating the marble hall are red marble, the golden altar. The ceiling is decorated with frescoes. On two floors of the monastery is the largest library of ancient books in Austria – more than 80,000 volumes.

Open time

Salzburg Cathedral

 4.7/5

9636 reviews

It is on the list of the most beautiful temples in the world. It is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture. The height of the majestic dome is 79 metres. The facade is made of marble, it is decorated with two towers 81 metres high. The capacity of the cathedral is 10000 people. The interior of the cathedral is made in the Baroque style and is decorated with frescoes and paintings. The great composer Wolfgang Mozart was baptised in the bronze font.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM

Rathaus der Stadt Wien

 4.7/5

2876 reviews

It was built according to the project of the famous architect Schmidt in the Neo-Gothic style between 1872 and 1883. The tallest tower of the Town Hall rises 105 metres above the ground. It features a 3.5 metre high statue of the Rathausmann. The Town Hall’s parade hall is 20 metres wide and 71 metres long and is decorated with sculptures of famous Viennese citizens. Up to 800 events – exhibitions, balls and concerts – take place there and in the adjacent rooms every year.

Open time

Vienna State Opera

 4.7/5

48125 reviews

The Vienna Opera has been called the musical capital of the world. At various times it has been led by musicians such as Gustav Mahler, Lorin Maazel, Clemens Kraus and Karl Böhm. The elegant and refined building is particularly beautiful in the evening. Under the lights of the ramp, the marble sculptures of the muses on the façade of the building seem to glisten. Every year, the Vienna Opera Ball takes place at the State Opera, and even the Austrian President takes part in it.

Open time

MuseumsQuartier Wien

 4.6/5

29805 reviews

Located on the site of the Emperor’s court stables. The reconstruction of the building for the Exhibition Pavilion began in 1921. Construction of all the buildings of the quarter was completed only in 2001. There are more than 20 museums of various subjects in the Museum Quarter. The most famous of them are the Leopold Museum, the Kunsthalle and the Museum of Modern Art. As part of the Vienna Festival, the MuseumsQuartier hosts art events.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Museum of Natural History Vienna

 4.8/5

31945 reviews

The museums are located opposite each other and were opened at the same time – in 1889. They are located in the Historic Centre of Vienna and are identical in appearance. The Natural History Museum has many exhibits that are not found in any other place. For example, a stuffed extinct Steller’s cow and a diplodocus skeleton. The collection of artworks and exhibits at the Museum of Art History is among the top five in the entire world.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Albertina

 4.7/5

26274 reviews

Museum in the centre of Vienna. The collection was assembled by Duke Albert for the moral education of future generations. The collection is based on the world’s largest collection of graphic art – more than one million items. These are engravings, drawings, architectural drawings and photographs, including works by Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael. In addition, the gallery features paintings by Monet and Picasso, as well as other famous artists.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Kunsthaus Graz

 4.3/5

4602 reviews

Gallery of contemporary art. It is located in a building with an unusual shape, because of which it received a second unusual name – “friendly alien”. The convex building of the gallery is built in the modern “blob” style of architecture. It looks like reinforced concrete, but is made of blue plastic panels. On the facade of the building there are many luminous elements. The illumination is computer-controlled.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Red Bull Hangar-7

 4.7/5

13428 reviews

This unusual museum will be interesting not only for those who are fond of extreme and technical sports. The Angara-7 building itself is extremely interesting – a structure made of metal supports holds a giant glass dome. It was built on the territory of the airport. The main theme of the museum is aeronautics. Among the exhibits there are recreational and sports aeroplanes. The museum also has a collection of Formula 1 racing bolides.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Swarovski Kristallwelten

 4.4/5

28960 reviews

Established in 1995 to mark the anniversary of Swarovski. This museum features installations made of Swarovski crystals. Built in the form of a labyrinth of 13 halls, it also has a shop, a restaurant, separate halls for VIP-collectors and special exhibitions. The entrance to the museum is made in the form of a giant’s head with a waterfall spewing out of its mouth. The museum itself is underground. Two of the museum’s crystals are in the Guinness Book of Records.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

IZD Tower

 4.4/5

225 reviews

This 181,500 hectare national park is located on the highest ridge in Austria. Its mountain peaks reach heights of more than 3,000 metres. The slopes are covered with meadows and dense forests. Mountaineering athletes often come here. There are excursion routes for hikers. The most popular ones lead to the Golling and Kriml waterfalls and the Lichtensteinklamm mountain gorge.

Open time

Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen Betriebs GmbH (Nordkette)

 4.6/5

4326 reviews

Located in the city of Innsbruck. The funicular takes everyone to the 2,256 metre high Hafelekar mountain peak. The cable car ride from the city centre takes 20 minutes. The route passes through several stations, some of them made in the form of glaciers. From the top of the mountain you can enjoy views of snow-capped mountain landscapes, the Inn Valley and the city of Innsbruck itself. The cable car is open all year round.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Untersberg

 4.8/5

256 reviews

A mountain near Salzburg in the Untersberg Nature Park. The mountain can be reached by cable car. Its upper station is at an altitude of 1,853 metres. There is snow and clouds float by. The view of the city from the top of the mountain is comparable to the view from an aeroplane window. From the station there are several walking paths along the mountain massif. Many tourists are interested in the Schellenberg Ice Cave on the mountainside.

Eisriesenwelt

 4.7/5

5823 reviews

The largest ice cave in the world. Ice remains in the cave all year round. The cave is 407 metres deep and 42 km long. The cave is popular with tourists, with about 150,000 people visiting it per year. However, the entrance to the cave is only open from May to October. The rest of the time there is a danger of avalanches. You can get to the cave by cable car. Carbide lamps are available for the duration of the visit.

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Pasterze Glacier

 4.8/5

182 reviews

The largest glacier in Austria. It is located in the Alps, at the foot of the Großglockner mountain on the High Tauern ridge. Its length is 9 kilometres. The maximum height is 2100 metres above sea level. The glacier has been continuously melting and descending since 1856. However, the rate of melting has increased since 2003 due to climate change. A visit to this ice massif is among the most popular tourist destinations in Austria.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road

 4.8/5

2325 reviews

This serpentine mountain road consists of 36 turns. Its length is 48 kilometres. The road is tolled, but nevertheless more than one million people use it every year. They are attracted by the opportunity to see picturesque views of the High Tauern Park and the Central Alps. The highest point of the road is at the Hochtor Pass at 2504 metres above sea level. The road passes the Pastertse glacier and the Großglockner mountain.

Welterbe Semmeringbahn (Info-Zentrum)

 4.7/5

554 reviews

The world’s first railway built in the mountains. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest section of the railway is 42 kilometres long and was built in 1848-1854. Due to the complexity of the relief, the builders had to construct more than 100 bridges made of stone, 16 viaducts, as well as cut 14 tunnels. There is a picturesque mountainous area around the road. There are balneological and ski resorts near the railway route.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Wachau

 4.7/5

478 reviews

A stretch of valley located between the towns of Melk and Krems. It is on the UNESCO list of protected sites due to its many historical, archaeological and cultural monuments. The valley has preserved a unique tradition of winemaking and fruit growing. The cultural landscape of the valley shows the history of civilisation from Palaeolithic times to the present day. The picturesque views of the valley attract writers and artists.

Alps

These world-famous mountains occupy half of Austria’s territory. Millions of skiing enthusiasts come to Austria for the opportunity to visit the snowy resorts of this country. The landscape of the Eastern Alps of Austria is characterised by picturesque valleys, with many routes to natural monuments. Many mountain peaks can be reached by cable car and you can enjoy the mountain scenery and clean air.