15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Austria

As well as the fresh mountain air and idyllic scenery, this European gem is filled with sophisticated cities, quirky spots, and breathtaking architecture! I’m a huge fan, and after many trips exploring its refined beauty, here are my favorite places to share with you…

1. Vienna, Wien

I was completely spellbound by this elegant and romantic city — its mix of imperial grandeur, leafy parks, pastel Baroque palaces, and the irresistible scent of warm Apfelstrudel drifting from cozy coffee houses made it feel like stepping into a painting! 

On my five-day trip, I flew from London in just over two hours and I spent it wandering through the lavish Schönbrunn and Hofburg Palaces, craning my neck at the soaring Gothic spires of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and browsing the colourful stalls of the bustling Naschmarkt, sampling warm rye bread. I also checked out the quirky Hundertwasserhaus and ended my stay listening to the Wiener Symphoniker perform in the glittering Golden Hall! 

Location: Eastern Austria on the Danube River | Size: large capital city (Austria’s biggest) | Vibe: elegant, cultured, and effortlessly grand

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the chic 4-star Jaz in the City hotel – I enjoyed the rooftop live music, the vinyl player in my room (I spun David Bowie – Heroes), and the quirky reception that doubled as a record store!

2. Hallstatt, Upper Austria  

My highlights…

• People-watching in the charming Market Square, and dining on the open-air terrace of Rudolfsturm overlooking the lake – both the views and the hearty, herby spinach dumplings were just divine!

3. Salzburg, Salzburg State

This elegant city was a dream for music and culture lovers like me! Its UNESCO-listed old town, with baroque facades, cobbled lanes, and an alpine backdrop, felt both sophisticated and wonderfully cosy. I flew from London in just over two hours, skimming the snowy Alps before landing to a striking skyline, and spent four romantic days exploring.

I wandered galleries, museums, and historic cafés, climbed to Hohensalzburg Fortress and saw stunning city views, stepped inside Mozart’s Geburtshaus, and strolled the manicured Mirabell Gardens. I also admired the baroque Salzburg Cathedral, hiked up to Kapuzinerberg Monastery, joined a kitschy-but-fun Sound of Music tour, and ended my days sipping freshly brewed Augustiner Märzen at the lively Augustiner Bräustübl Tavern.

Location: Northwestern Austria near the German | Size: medium-sized baroque city | Vibe: musical, romantic, and timeless

My favourite highlights…

• Staying at the unique 4-star Boutique Hotel & Villa AUERSPERG – I loved the organic buffet breakfast (especially homemade Bircher muesli and organic rye bread) the rooftop spa and the yoga loft where I joined gentle Hatha yoga sessions each morning! 

4. Vorarlberg State

This was a place where dirndls, folk music, and towering peaks ruled! I was awestruck by the endless alpine landscapes, storybook villages, and clever modern timber architecture — the perfect vibe of both mountain tranquility and outdoor adventure. I flew into Zurich, took the Railjet to Bregenz in just 90 minutes with Lake Constance glittering beside the tracks, and based myself there for an idyllic week.

I saw the spectacular Bregenz Festival staged right on the lake, hiked the picturesque Montafon Valley, admired the innovative wooden architecture of Bezau, rode the Pfänderbahn Cable Car, and day-tripped to the charming alpine village of Schwarzenberg (my photo is above!).

Locals told me that in winter it transformed into a snowy playground of skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing — giving me plenty of reasons to return!

Location: Westernmost Austria bordering Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein, and Lake Constance | Size: small alpine state | Vibe: scenic, sleek, and alpine-chic

My personal highlights…

• Staying at the wow-inducing 4-star Amrai Suites – I loved sipping on a zesty Aperol Spritz in their infinity pool while gazing at Montafon mountains!

5. Innsbruck, Tyrol

This picture-perfect Alpine city completely wowed me! Nestled in a breathtaking mountain and riverside setting, with snow-capped peaks framing colourful medieval buildings and cobbled streets, it was a wonderful mix of historic charm and outdoor adventures.

I flew direct in just over two hours on a February break, the plane threading between jagged peaks before landing in the valley, and spent three photogenic days at the trendy 4-star Hotel Innsbruck (the infrared sauna was a real treat!).

I admired the Insta-worthy Golden Roof with its 2,657 gilded tiles, toured the grand Hofburg Palace, rode the Nordkette Cable Car and was treated to mountain jaw-dropping views, wandered the pretty Old Town’s boutiques and cafés, and even fit in some skiing on nearby Patscherkofel Mountain.

Location: Western Austria in the Tyrol region, nestled in the Alps | Size: medium-sized city | Vibe: sporty, scenic, and mountain-chic

My favorite highlights…

• Dining at Oniriq Restaurant – I was in awe of its innovative seven-course tasting menu, the fact it only had seven tables and its unique carrot meringue which had a sweet, and subtly earthy flavour! 

6. Tyrol State

I was in awe of this pure alpine paradise with its 80+ ski resorts, snow-capped peaks, ringing cowbells, and chocolate-box villages — it felt like a postcard-perfect utopia! From Innsbruck, I drove 45 minutes through green valleys to Stubai Glacier and based myself there for a wonderful week.

I stood on the dizzying viewing platform at Stubai Glacier, hiked the scenic Zillertal Valley, wandered Innsbruck’s charming Old Town, crossed the vertigo-inducing Highline179 suspension bridge, and treated myself to a Verlängerter espresso and moist Tiroler Cake at Café 3440 — one of Austria’s highest cafés at 3,440 meters which had breathtaking views!

Location: Western Austria in the heart of the Alps (bordering Germany and Italy) | Size: large mountainous federal state | Vibe: rugged, alpine-chic

My favourite highlights…

• Staying at the very trendy 4-star Coolnest which was an Instagrammer’s dream! I sat in a swinging egg chair, sipping on a Zirbenschnaps (stone pine schnapps) and played Fleetwood Mac – Rumours on vinyl while watching the sunset over the mountains!

7. Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Salzburg

I was instantly smitten with this alpine resort — a dreamy mix of flower-filled meadows, chalet-dotted slopes, and snow-dusted peaks that perfectly balanced mountain calm with just the right buzz.

In summer, I drove 1.5 hours from Salzburg through winding passes and pretty villages before checking into the gorgeous eco-retreat 4-star Gartenhotel Theresia (my photo’s above) for a four blissful days.

I braved the dizzying “Golden Gate Bridge of the Alps” and Europe’s highest Baumzipfelweg treetop trail, hiked Schattberg Mountain and saw beautiful panoramic views, biked epic alpine trails, and ended each day by the zen-like Lake Zell. The staff shared that in winter it becomes a ski paradise with perfect pistes, toboggan runs, snowshoe trails, and lively après-ski!

Location: Austrian Alps in the Pinzgau region of Salzburg State | Size: small twin alpine villages forming one ski resort area | Vibe: lively, sporty, and chic

My favourite highlights… 

• Starting the day with a fresh-pressed carrot-apple-ginger juice, homemade spelt bread dripping with juicy wild berry jam and warm quinoa porridge at my eco-friendly hotel!

8. Zell am See, Salzburg

I instantly fell for this alpine gem — a postcard-perfect town of chalet-style houses and boutique shops circling a glittering lake, framed by soaring snow-capped peaks. It felt very relaxed but buzzy too! I took the 1h45 train from Salzburg, passing rivers, tunnels, and valleys before the lake appeared right by the platform, and stayed four days at the Insta-worthy 4-star Elements Resort Zell am See BW Signature Collection. 

I hiked and biked scenic lakeside trails, rode the cable car up Schmittenhöhe Mountain for sweeping views, paddle-boarded on the glassy Zeller See, and explored nearby Hohe Tauern National Park, one of Europe’s largest protected areas. I learned from locals that come winter, it’s all about carving ski slopes, catching snowboard jumps, and skating over the glittering frozen lake!

• Location: the base of the Hohe Tauern mountains in the Salzburg state in the western part of the country (100 kilometers south of Salzburg)
• Location Map
• Population Size: just over 10,200 residents

My favourite highlights…

• Soaring through the sky on a tandem paragliding adventure after taking off from Schmittenhöhe with a very experienced instructor (who I felt safe with!) – the breathtaking views of the alpine peaks and Lake Zell below made it a very magical experience!

9. Kitzbuhel, Tyrol

I loved this picture-perfect Alpine town — home to the legendary Hahnenkamm Race — where colorful medieval buildings, mountain views, and a chic yet cozy vibe made it feel like a glamorous scene from a Romantic-era painting! 

I drove just under 1.5 hours from Salzburg and stayed for a wonderful three days during the summer. I hiked and biked the scenic trails of the Kitzbüheler Horn, wandered the medieval old town with its pastel façades and boutique shops, and treated myself to incredible dining that blended hearty Tyrolean flavors with international flair. I just found that the weather changed quickly up in the mountains, so I was glad I packed a light rain jacket!

My friend informed me, when the snow falls it becomes pure magic — ski trails sparkle, snowboarders carve through fresh powder and the lake becomes a natural ice rink!

• Location: Austrian Alps in the Tyrol region of the western part of the country
• Location Map
• Size: around 8,300 residents

My highlights…

• Spending an afternoon at the chic Kitz Spa at Hotel Kitzhof – I loved the pine sauna, brine steam bath, vitalized Grander water, Susanne Kaufmann toiletries, and my blissful Pomegranate Cream Pack treatment!

10. Mostviertel Region

I adored this orchard-filled region — a romantic landscape of rolling hills dotted with pear trees in bloom, charming farmhouses, historic abbeys, and ancient forests. It had a relaxed, rustic, and foodie-friendly feel.

I drove 1.5 hours west from Vienna past pear orchards and abbey spires and stayed four days at the super Insta-worthy 4-star Hotel Schachner, where the views were incredible.

I hiked the flower-lined Pear Blossom Trail in spring, climbed up to the hilltop Basilica Sonntagberg and gazed at breathtaking panoramas, and spent relaxing days biking and hiking through the peaceful, green Pielach Valley. My favorite adventure was exploring Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park which was filled with waterfalls, rugged gorges, and unspoilt beauty! 

• Location: Lower Austria (Niederösterreich), in the northeastern part of the country 100 kilometres west of Vienna
• Location Map

My personal highlights…

• Enjoying a glass the region’s crisp signature pear cider (called Most) and rustic home-made sourdough bread at the cozy family-run Perbersdorfer Heuriger in Neuhofen an der Ybbs.

11. Alpbach, Tyrol

This award-winning Alpine gem — once voted Austria’s most beautiful village — completely won me over! I loved the flower-decked chalets, lush meadows, and snow-capped peaks that gave it a cozy, timeless vibe.

I took the train from Innsbruck to Brixlegg, then a short bus winding past picture-perfect chalets, and spent a long weekend at the chic 4-star Boutiquehotel die Alpbacherin 4 Sterne Superior.

I dined on hearty Austrian classics, hiked to tranquil Zireiner See, explored Rattenberg’s glass-blowing workshops just 6 miles away, and wandered the trails of Alpbachtal Wildschönau Nature Park. My Austrian pal was also a big fan of this place and told me the winter skiing and après-ski scene here was unmissable!

• Location: Kitzbühel Alps in the Tyrol region, in the western part of the country
• Location Map
• Population size: around 2,553 residents

My personal highlights…

• Visiting the family-run Schnapsbrennerei Moserhof in pretty Zederhaus – I loved their sustainable approach and the punchy cherry and apricot brandies!

12. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Salzburg and Carinthia

This is Austria’s most famous road, and driving it was unforgettable! It wound through Hohe Tauern National Park past snow-capped peaks, gorgeous valleys, flower-filled meadows, and glacial landscapes before climbing to Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner, and the mighty Pasterze Glacier.

I set off from Zell am See and drove the route in a day — hairpin bends, marmot-dotted meadows, and glacier lookouts at every turn — and stayed one night in the area. It felt dramatic, wild, and cinematic!

I stopped at breathtaking viewpoints like Edelweißspitze, Fuscher Törl, and Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe where my jaw dropped at the cinematic views of the Grossglockner and Pasterze Glacier, then hiked nearby alpine trails to soak up the scenery.

• Location: states of Salzburg and Carinthia
• Location Map
• Size: spans 30 miles, with 36 hairpin bends and reached a level of 8,215 feet at its highest point.
• Best time to visit: the road is open from early May to early November

My personal highlights… 

• Staying at the wow-inducing 4-star Gradonna Mountain Resort Chalets & Hotel – I loved my pine four-poster bed, the breathtaking alpine views, and unwinding in the spa with a fragrant alpine hay bath!

13. Graz, Styria

I loved this gorgeous city with its elegant feel but with a youthful buzz — a perfect mix of medieval streets, modern design, and cultural gems, all framed by the Mur River and surrounding hills.

I hopped the Railjet from Vienna in 2h35, passing vine-striped hills and red-roofed towns, and stayed four days at the stylish boutique 4-star Aiola Living Graz.

I climbed atmospheric Schlossberg Hill to see the iconic medieval clocktower Uhrturm and its gorgeous city views, explored the futuristic Kunsthaus Graz, wandered the fine UNESCO-listed Old Town with its historic cafés and shops, visited the baroque Eggenberg Palace (the peacocks were beautiful but very noisy!), and admired the Gothic splendor of Graz Cathedral.

• Location: foothills of the Styrian Alps along the Mur River, in the southeastern part of the country
• Location Map
• Population size: just over 303,000 residents

My highlights… 

• Dining at the upscale Restaurant ARTIS – I thought the intimate romantic decor, the raspberry ruffle, the chocolate custard and saffron risotto were all divine!

14. Nationalpark Gesäuse, Styria

I was blown away by how wild and untamed this area felt — dramatic limestone peaks, rushing rivers, deep valleys, and flower-filled alpine meadows where golden eagles circled overhead and nimble mountain goats clung to sheer cliffs! 

I drove about 2 hours from Graz through pine-scented valleys and river gorges and based myself in Admont for three days at the super Insta-worthy Hotel Spirodom.

I hiked the challenging Lugauer Loop, soaked up the jaw-dropping views of the Hochtor massif (the highest peak in the Ennstaler Alps), went white-water rafting (which was just so much fun!) and toured the ornate Admont Abbey’s fascinating library filled with centuries-old books.

• Location: Northern Limestone Alps, in the Styria (Steiermark) region
• Location Map
• Size: over 42 square miles

My personal highlights…

• Hiking the 5-mile Gsengscharte Round Trail from Haindlkarhütte – the 4-hour climb through the dramatic pass, with crisp alpine air and wildflowers underfoot, rewarded me with jaw-dropping limestone peaks and a glimpse of a cute Alpine marmot!

15. Hochosterwitz Castle, Carinthia

This 16th-century hilltop fortress completely wowed me — with its fairytale turrets, winding paths, and sweeping views over the Carinthian countryside, it felt like stepping straight into a medieval storybook. Wonderfully dramatic and romantic, with just a hint of gothic edge!

I drove about an hour from Graz, the dolomite crown rising above the fields as I approached, and walked up through the gates (admission was €18) along the winding uphill path. I have to admit the climb up to the castle was a little tough in the heat, but the views were worth every step!

Exploring the exceptionally preserved Renaissance complex — from fortified gates and towers to courtyards and the chapel — made a spectacular day out! I finished by browsing the museum’s fascinating paintings, weapons, and artifacts before heading back down.

• Location: Carinthia, in southern part of the country 
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: April to October (when visitors are allowed inside certain parts of the castle)

My highlights…

• Browsing unique mementos in their gift shop – there were fun medieval-style pendants, postcards and interesting documentary DVDs detailing the history of the castle.