austria.toptourist.com

Austria

A cultivated, German-speaking country in Central Europe, Austria is a fabulous destination for the discerning tourist. 

Vienna has long been associated with musical maestros,18th and 19th century composers Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Strauss were lured by the powerful patronage of the Habsburg monarchy seated in the city.  Today, there is a strong electronic music scene but the capital’s accomplishment in classical music remains at the forefront, hosting many festivals throughout the year.  The world renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra although mostly on tour, always returns home to perform at the New Year’s Day Concert in the Musikverein, one of the most important classical concerts of the year.  Put your dancing shoes on and let’s waltz through this marvellous city.  The Austrian Empire has left a legacy of wonderful palaces to admire, Hofburg, Belvedere and the city’s focal attraction Schönbrunn.  Wiener Rathaus and Stephansdom (St Stephen’s Cathedral) are more stunning architectural structures to see and the English styled gardens of Burggarten and elegant shopping promenade of Graben are also popular places to spend time.  Your tour of the city would not be complete without a visit to the historic Vienna State Opera and the Winter Riding School to watch the famous Lipizzaner horses prancing through a magical dressage performance. 

Overlooking the tranquil waters of the River Danube is one of the most famous monasteries in the world, the magnificent Melk Abbey.  Another leading attraction is that of Hohensalzburg Castle, towering over the glorious city of Salzburg. The castle houses the Salzburg Bull, an organ boasting more than two hundred pipes.  Being the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg likes to keep this musical connection alive hosting a number of festivals in honour of the composer, including the six week long Salzburg Festival (June-August).  Also for fans of The Sound of Music, the Von Trapp family home has now opened its doors as a hotel. 

Other tourist hot spots include the picturesque village of Hallstatt with the Dachstein Caves to explore, a highlight being the frozen waterfalls in the Giant Ice Cave.  The Styrian Armoury (Landeszeughaus) in Graz, a spectacular collection of historic arms and armour.  The Hofkirche or Court Church containing the Tomb of Emperor Maximilian I, an amazing piece of German Renaissance sculpture in the popular tourist centre of Innsbruck.  Just wandering the Altstadt (Old Town) in any one of these lovely locales is an enchanting way to pass the time. 

After your fill of fine architecture and cultural heritage, head for the mountains! The Grossglockner Road is one of the best know mountain roads in Europe and a popular tourist route, winding its way up through fantastic alpine scenery with panoramic views of Austria’s highest mountain, Grossglockner, along the way. 

Austria’s alpine resorts are smart and stylish and encapsulate the very essence of winter in the Alps.  Exclusive and luxurious resorts include St Anton am Ahlberg, Sölden, Obergurgl and two times home to the Winter Olympics Seefeld, an important cross-country skiing centre.  The famous Kitzbüheler Horn, the most important mountain in the Tyrol region, is one of the countries landmark summits with a fashionable resort to match its status. 

Defined by mountains and music - Austria is a winter sports wonderland and historic European capital of classical music - refined and gracious it sets out to impress every step of the way!

Top Spots

Check out the area

Austria Tags:

  • Food and Drink
  • Culture
  • Restaurants
  • Local Life
  • Pubs & Bars
  • Cafes

Log in to your Top Tourist account

Or

Forgotten password?

Create an account