Best museums in Vienna

Museum of Fine Arts

One of Austria’s most significant museums with a diverse collection from various eras and cultures.

It opened in 1891, commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I, to showcase the rich art collections of the Habsburg family. The impressive neo-renaissance style building is located next to the Ringstrasse, right next to the Natural History Museum.

It has five main exhibition areas:

• The painting collection focuses on Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. Works by renowned painters such as Pieter Bruegel, Raphael, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Velázquez can be found here. The Bruegel collection is particularly famous, being the world’s largest collection of Pieter Bruegel’s works.
• From ancient Egyptian art, we can see mummies, sarcophagi, and sculptures. It also showcases important objects from Mesopotamian culture.
• The antiquities collection includes ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, vases, jewelry, and other artifacts.
• The sculpture and decorative arts collection consists of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque sculptures and ornamental objects. Medieval reliquaries, jewelry, and works by Viennese and German goldsmiths are outstanding.
• The numismatic collection is one of the largest and oldest coin collections in the world, with over 700,000 items. The collection spans from ancient Greek coins through medieval to modern-era coins.

All information can be found here!

House of Music

Vienna has been the center of classical music throughout history, home to many famous composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert, and Johann Strauss. The House of Music pays tribute to these masters and the musical culture they created.

One of the most important parts of the permanent exhibition deals with the lives and works of famous Viennese composers. Separate rooms are dedicated to each composer, showcasing their lives, works, and most important compositions.

One of the museum’s most popular attractions is the „Virtual Conductor” (Virtueller Dirigent) experience. Visitors can conduct the Vienna Philharmonic with a digital baton and try to maintain the orchestra’s tempo. If you manage to conduct well, the orchestra continues playing, but if not, the orchestra „complains,” which is entertaining.

A separate exhibition is dedicated to one of the world’s most famous orchestras, the Vienna Philharmonic (Wiener Philharmoniker). The exhibition details the history of the orchestra and the tradition of the Vienna New Year’s Concert.

All information can be found here!

Leopold Museum

Located in the Museum Quarter on Maria Theresien Platz, the museum showcases hundreds of masterpieces of Austrian modernism.

The museum is named after its founder, Rudolf Leopold, who began collecting the works seen today in the 1950s. Later, it was transferred to a joint foundation of the Austrian state and the Leopold family, which ensures the museum’s operation.

It houses the world’s largest Egon Schiele collection, encompassing a wide range of Schiele’s expressionist works. His works include self-portraits, portraits, and characteristic figurative representations. Schiele’s art is often provocative and emotional.

Another significant collection is of Gustav Klimt’s works. Famous for his golden decorations and decorative style, several of his works can be viewed in the museum. One of his most famous works is the painting „Death and Life”.

All information can be found here!

Sisi Museum

Emperor Franz Joseph I’s wife was very popular in Austria and in Hungary (for example, she spent a lot of time in the Grassalkovich Castle in Gödöllő, Hungary).

The museum was established in the Hofburg, showcasing not only her official, royal role but also her personal, human side. Many of her items are on display, such as her beautiful dresses, jewelry, hair care tools, and sports equipment. Several paintings and portraits of her are also on display.

The museum also pays special attention to how Elisabeth became a legendary figure after her death. Particular emphasis is placed on the tragic death of the empress: in 1898, she fell victim to an anarchist assassination in Geneva, Switzerland.

In addition, in the imperial apartments and the Silberkammer (silver and porcelain collection), we can glimpse into the everyday life of the imperial family.

All information can be found here!

Beethoven Museum

The famous composer’s name is intertwined with Vienna, and a museum was established at his former residence.

The museum provides a detailed presentation of Beethoven’s musical career, private life, and inner struggles, with particular focus on his battle with deafness and his artistic genius. The exhibition spans several rooms and contains numerous interesting documents, artworks, and personal items.

One of its most interesting parts is Beethoven’s famous „Heiligenstadt Testament”, which he wrote in 1802 when his deafness was worsening. In this letter, he expressed his deep pain and despair over losing his hearing.

All information can be found here!

Albertina

It houses one of the world’s largest and most important graphic art collections.

The museum is located in the former Habsburg palace, in the area of Albertinaplatz, in the immediate vicinity of the Hofburg. It is named after Duke Albert of Saxe-Teschen, who founded the museum at the end of the 18th century.

Its collection includes over 1 million prints and 65,000 drawings. The main parts are:

• Its graphic collection is exceptionally important, containing works by masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Dürer, and Rubens. One of the most famous works in the collection is Albrecht Dürer’s famous creation, the Field Hare, which is one of the most iconic animal depictions of the European Renaissance.
• The collection includes works by 20th-century and contemporary art masters such as Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Edvard Munch, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Paul Klee.
• Its photo collection contains over 100,000 works and traces the history of photography from its beginnings to contemporary art.
• It also showcases outstanding works of classical modernism, especially works by great masters of 19th and 20th-century European painting, such as Monet, Degas, Cézanne, Kandinsky, Chagall, and Matisse.

All information can be found here!

Vienna Museum

The museum on Karlsplatz presents the history of Vienna from architectural, cultural, and social perspectives.

Through interactive exhibitions, visitors can learn about how Viennese people lived in different historical periods, what their interior design habits were, and how the city’s urban development evolved.

It also boasts a significant art collection, which includes works by Viennese artists, with particular emphasis on Viennese modernism and Secession artists such as Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Koloman Moser.

All information can be found here!

Vienna World Museum

One of the world’s most significant ethnological museums showcases treasures from all over the world.

Its collection includes more than 250,000 ethnographic objects, 140,000 historical photographs, and 146,000 prints, mainly revealing the history, culture, art, and everyday life of non-European peoples.

Among its most important objects are Captain James Cook’s collection and a world-famous Mexican feather headdress.

All information can be found here!

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A 8 best museums in Vienna bejegyzés először Tips for journey-én jelent meg.

Thanks to its history and its many cultural and artistic treasures, Vienna is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. It has long been one of the most liveable cities in the world.

Vienna is situated on both banks of the Danube at the north-western end of the Vienna Basin (Wiener Becken). The city is close to the Czech, Slovak and Hungarian borders and to three major cities, Bratislava, Brno and Győr.

Vienna attractions

Schönbrunn Palace

One of Vienna’s symbols, this baroque palace is located near the city center.

It came into the hands of the Habsburgs in the 16th century, marking the start of its transformation into an impressive building. Initially used for hunting purposes, large-scale constructions began during the mid-17th century under Dowager Empress Eleonora.

Its present form was primarily acquired during Maria Theresa’s reign. Starting in 1740, Schönbrunn became the center of court life. From 1744 to 1765, it was expanded and transformed in the Rococo style by Nikolaus Pacassi, creating a magnificent palace.

In the 20th century, the palace was the venue for several historical events. In 1961, U.S. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Soviet Party Secretary Nikita Khrushchev met here.

The interiors served not only as the imperial family’s residence but also for representational purposes, symbolizing and reinforcing the monarchy’s prestige during numerous ceremonies and events. For this purpose, many renowned artists and masters of the era were commissioned to ensure the rooms’ utmost elegance. The interior design styles combine Baroque, Rococo, and Biedermeier, creating a harmonious ensemble.

The park houses the Imperial Carriage Museum, where one can admire the Habsburgs’ carriages and unique clothing.

All information can be found here!

Access: Take the U4 metro to Schönbrunn station.

Hofburg

The monumental and imposing complex of the former imperial palace on Heldenplatz has been one of the jewels of the Austrian capital for centuries.

Built in the 13th century, it was continuously expanded by most emperors. The interconnected complex consists of 18 building parts, 54 staircases, 26 corridors, 19 courtyards, and 2600 rooms.

From 1452, Hofburg was the residence of the rulers of the Habsburg Empire, the Austrian ruling archdukes, and the German-Roman emperors from the Habsburg family. From 1806-1918, it was the residence of the Austrian emperors.

Imperial Crypt (Capuchin Crypt)

The crypt located beneath the Capuchin Church has been the burial place of the Habsburg family since 1633.

12 emperors and 19 empresses are buried here. The crypt contains a total of 107 sarcophagi and 5 heart urns.

It is the resting place of one of the most famous emperors, Francis Joseph I.

Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral)

A prominent building in Vienna’s city center alongside the Hofburg. The cathedral is the most characteristic building of Austrian Gothic architecture.

The cathedral is oriented eastward, with its main entrance, the „Giant’s Gate” (Riesentor), being a fine example of late Romanesque stone carving art, comparable in details and design to the Jak church in Vas county, Hungary. Built by Hungarian masters, under Leopold I’s orders, the miraculous image of Mary from Máriapócs was placed here.

There are 18 altars in the cathedral, most of which are located in the various chapels. The most famous are the main altar and the Wiener Neustadt altar.

Several notable individuals are buried here, with the most famous being Emperor Frederick III.

The cathedral’s size is imposing: it is 101 meters long, and the nave has an internal height of 28 meters. Austria’s largest bell, the Pummerin, is also here.

Belvedere

This Baroque palace complex is not just beautiful but also a center of Austrian art.

Built in the 17th century by Prince Eugene of Savoy, the complex consists of two palaces.

In terms of art, the exhibition of 24 paintings by Gustav Klimt is the most famous.

The Upper Belvedere’s permanent exhibition was completely redesigned at the beginning of 2018: a total of 420 artworks can be viewed on three floors in seven thematic exhibition rooms.

The Belvedere Park is considered a masterpiece of Baroque landscape architecture. A so-called mirror pond is situated in front of the palace, reflecting its façade.

All information can be found here!

Access: Take tram D to Schloss Belvedere stop.

City Hall

One of Vienna’s most beautiful non-ecclesiastical buildings, impressive in size.

Built between 1872 and 1883, the City Hall’s arcaded courtyard spans 2,804 m², one of Europe’s largest inner courtyards. Its tower is 97.9 meters high, topped by a 3.40-meter-tall armored knight with a 6-meter lance (Eiserner Rathausmann).

The building and the square in front of it host numerous events, with the famous Vienna Christmas market being a highlight.

Karlskirche (St. Charles Church)

Built by Emperor Charles VI from 1714-1737, this church is a prominent work of Austrian Baroque architecture.

The church incorporates various historical elements. The façade leading to the vestibule borrows from Roman architecture, the two columns follow the pattern of the Roman Trajan’s Column, accompanied by Baroque-style tower pavilions.

Notable features include the pond in front of the church, the large columns beside the entrances, and the fresco on the dome.

Leopold Museum

Located in the Museum Quarter, at Maria Theresien Platz, this museum showcases hundreds of masterpieces of Austrian modernism.

Named after its founder, Rudolf Leopold, who began collecting the artworks on display since the 1950s. The museum highlights paintings by Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt.

Sisi Museum

The wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I was very popular in Austria and also in Hungary (for example, she spent a lot of time at the Grassalkovich Palace in Gödöllő).

The museum, located in the Hofburg, displays Empress Elisabeth’s personal belongings and the most famous portraits of the empress.

Additionally, visitors can get a glimpse into the daily life of the imperial family in the imperial apartments and the Silver Collection (Silberkammer).

All information can be found here!

Assisi Saint Francis Church

Near the Danube, there’s a beautiful church that looks more like a medieval castle from the outside.

This Catholic church was built at the beginning of the 20th century to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the reign of Franz Joseph I. Its three red towers make the church impressive.

It’s also known as the Mexico Church, as it’s located on Mexico Square.

Access: Take the U1 metro to Vorgartenstraße stop, then it’s a 400-meter walk.

Opera House

The Vienna State Opera, one of the world’s largest and most famous opera houses.

Built on the Ring between 1861 and 1869 by August von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll in French neo-Renaissance style. The auditorium can accommodate 2,200 visitors and is the venue for the Vienna Opera Ball every February.

National Library

Actually, it’s the library’s State Hall that’s worth visiting, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful library halls in the world.

Forming part of the Hofburg, it was established in the 18th century on the orders of Emperor Charles VI. It houses more than 200,000 volumes.

The State Hall is nearly 80 meters long and 20 meters high, ending in a dome.

Votivkirche (Votive Church)

This Gothic church was built in gratitude after an unsuccessful assassination attempt against Emperor Franz Joseph.

On February 18, 1853, a young man named Janos Libenyi tried to kill the emperor at the site of the church. Following the failed attempt, the emperor’s brother, Ferdinand Miska, initiated the construction of the church. The church was consecrated in 1879, on the emperor and his wife’s silver wedding anniversary.

Beethoven Museum

The famous composer’s name is intertwined with Vienna, where a museum was established in his former residence.

Located in Heiligenstadt in the northern part of the city, it showcases almost every aspect of his life in 14 rooms.

All information can be found here!

Access: Take bus 38A to Armbrustergasse stop, then a 200-meter walk.

Danube Tower (Donauturm)

The 252-meter-high tower along the Danube in Donaupark offers a stunning view of Vienna.

The observation deck is located at a height of 152 meters, in a rotating part of the tower. It provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.

All information can be found here!

Access: Take bus 20A to the Donauturm stop.

Anker Clock

The 10-meter-long and 7.5-meter-wide clock connects two buildings of the Anker Insurance Company on a bridge.

Created in the 1910s in Art Nouveau style, its face features 12 famous Austrian personalities, including Joseph Haydn, Maria Theresa, Prince Eugene of Savoy. At noon, all 12 figures emerge with musical accompaniment.

Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)

Located in the southeastern part of Vienna, it is one of Europe’s most famous cemeteries and popular among tourists.

It is the resting place of Beethoven, Schubert, and Falco, among others. (I’m a big fan of Falco and have visited his grave.)

Though it might seem a bit morbid to some, it’s also a popular walking spot for locals. It’s absolutely not your typical cemetery.

Access: Take tram 11 or 71 to the Zentralfriedhof 2. Tor stop.

Prater

The park by the Danube is most famous for its amusement park, home to one of Vienna’s symbols, the Giant Ferris Wheel.

But Prater is more than just an amusement park. It has a vast park area, a popular destination for locals to relax and stroll.

Access: Take tram O or 5 to the Wien Praterstern stop.

Schönbrunn Zoo

Located on the grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace, it’s the world’s oldest zoo still in operation.

Established during Maria Theresa’s reign, initially for the entertainment of the imperial family. In 1780, it was opened to the public.

Today, it’s one of the world’s most modern zoos while retaining its park-like character. Covering approximately 17 hectares, it harmonizes with the adjacent palace gardens, featuring spacious enclosures surrounded by lawns, flowers, hedges, small lakes, shady trees, etc.

All information can be found here!

Access: Take the U4 metro to the Hietzing stop.

Best museums in Vienna

Vienna became an art center during the Habsburg era. It’s no coincidence that there are numerous excellent museums in the city.

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Needless to say, an endless list of castles could be mentioned. And of course, there are some that didn’t make the list, though they certainly deserve a spot. But choices had to be made…

15 most beautiful castles in the world

Neuschwanstein Castle

Perched on a rock ledge above Alpsee and Pöllat Gorge, this castle is Germany’s most photographed building and one of the top tourist destinations.

Located in the southern part of the country, it was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria to realize his childhood dreams. Admiration for Richard Wagner led him to decorate some rooms and fixtures with characters from the composer’s operas.

The castle’s design was inspired by medieval knightly castles. Its fairy-tale appearance also inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella castles.

Château de Chambord

Built in the 16th century in France’s Loire Valley, this castle mixes Renaissance artistry with traditional medieval French architecture, making it one of the most beautiful French castles. Chambord is the largest of the Loire Valley castles.

It served both representative and residential purposes along with several other castles. Its dimensions are impressive: the north facade is 156 meters long, and the side facade is 117 meters. The castle contains 426 rooms, 282 fireplaces, 77 staircases, and 800 sculpted columns.

Its double helix staircase in the main building is considered an architectural masterpiece, twining upward through three floors.

The castle is surrounded by a 5250-hectare (about 1000 hectares accessible to the public) deer park.

Best places in Loire Valley

Hearst Castle

While the USA is not known for its castles, this one is worth mentioning. Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, on a hill 8 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean.

The complex was built by American media mogul William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century and served as his residence. The entire complex covers more than 8300 m². The largest house, Casa Grande, has about 115 rooms over four floors.

The buildings blend numerous architectural styles. The main building is largely inspired by the 16th-century Spanish cathedral (Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor, Ronda). Here, Hearst displayed part of his rich art collection.

Windsor Castle

The world’s largest castle still in use, dating from the time of William the Conqueror. The castle covers approximately 45,000 m².

It is one of the most important residences for the British royal family. Most kings and queens of England and the United Kingdom have had an influence on the castle’s construction and development. Over the centuries, it has been expanded with vast halls and grand apartments.

It covers 52,609 square meters, combining the characteristics of a fortress, a palace, and a town. It primarily exhibits Georgian and Victorian styles but shows Gothic features in a modern setting.

Its most famous part is St George’s Chapel, the chosen burial site for the British royal family and the venue for numerous royal weddings.

Alhambra

A Moorish fortress and palace in Granada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

The complex includes parts created by Moors and Christians: the Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces, and the Generalife are the work of Arabs, while the Palace of Charles V and the Church of St. Mary were built by Christian Spaniards.

Alhambra’s intricate decorations, delicate carved plasterwork, and richly tiled surfaces are exceptionally beautiful. This complex is a standout example of Islamic art.

Granada attractions

Himeji Castle

Japan’s – and arguably the world’s – most beautiful and strongest fortress castle. Known as the White Heron due to its brilliant white walls seen from afar, it was among the first Japanese sites to be included in the World Heritage list in 1993.

This 17th-century building is an excellent example of the development of Japanese castle architecture and defense technologies. Its main keep, which appears five-storied from the outside but has seven stories inside, is connected to three other towers, surrounded by three outer courtyards.

Schönbrunn Palace

Not only one of Vienna’s but also one of Austria’s most famous historical monuments and tourist attractions.

This Baroque-style palace was built in the 1700s and became the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa.

The palace has over 1400 rooms, richly decorated interiors, and historic furnishings. It blends Baroque, Rococo, and Biedermeier styles, creating a harmonious ensemble.

Its park is dominated by the French formal garden style, integrated with natural landscape elements. Attractions include the Neptune Fountain, the famous maze, and the Rose Garden, which showcases hundreds of rose varieties. One of the most notable buildings is the Gloriette, an imposing pavilion on a hilltop offering a splendid panorama of the palace and Vienna.

Vienna attractions

Versailles Palace

Located about 20 kilometers west of Paris, it is one of the world’s most famous castles, now operating as a museum and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Originally built by King Louis XIV in the 17th century as a symbol of French royal power and wealth, it was the residence of the French kings from 1682 until the Revolution in 1789.

The garden significantly enhances the palace’s importance and grandeur. Consisting of three parts, the garden spans approximately 800 hectares and exemplifies the French formal garden style, featuring stunning symmetry, precisely trimmed hedges, sculptures, and grand water features.

Topkapi Palace

Located in Istanbul, it served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire between 1465 and 1853.

The palace complex was built in the mid-15th century by order of Sultan Mehmed. It includes numerous courtyards, buildings, and gardens, which are impressive examples of Islamic and Turkish architectural styles.

Today, it operates as a museum where visitors can view rich Ottoman treasures, ancient weapons, porcelain and glassware, as well as the personal belongings of the sultans.

Istanbul attractions

Casa Loma

Located in Toronto, Canada, this Neo-Gothic style building with its lavish decorations, imposing towers, and extensive sculptures recalls true European castles.

Among its 98 rooms, you can find a large armory, a grand ballroom, and a secret tunnel. Once the home of some of Canada’s wealthiest people, it now serves as a museum and event center.

Toronto attractions

Royal Palace of Caserta

Formerly the residence of the Bourbon kings of Naples, located near Naples in Caserta.

It was the largest European construction of the 18th century. With its grandeur, dimensions, and associated gardens, it is one of the most grand and largest royal palaces in Europe.

Its interiors are a mix of Baroque and Rococo styles. The building contains 1200 rooms and 56 staircases. The facade features three entrance halls, with 243 windows. The most distinguished interior part is the Appartamento Reale, the royal apartment, which is richly decorated with frescoes, gilded adornments, and refined stucco.

The garden is also spectacular, stretching for several kilometers with waterfalls, fountains, and meticulously maintained vegetation. The Great Waterfall at the end of the garden starts at the highest point of the park and descends towards the palace, providing a breathtaking view.

Royal Palace of Caserta: Italy’s Versailles and the Masterpiece of the Bourbons

Mysore Palace

Located in the city of Mysore, India, this palace is one of the grandest and most visited royal palaces in the country. The building, rich in complex forms, is a prime example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, which mixes Muslim and Rajput styles with Gothic decorations. It features finely curved arches, domes, projecting bay windows, and columns ranging from Hindu to Byzantine styles.

Its interiors are adorned with masterfully carved doors, delicate candle holders, stained glass ceilings, and wall frescoes depicting scenes from Indian epics. Notable rooms include the ornately ceilinged Durbar Hall with numerous carved pillars and the Kalyana Mantapa or wedding pavilion, which has a floor covered with enameled tiles.

During the Dasara festival, the entire building and surrounding areas are brilliantly illuminated, and various cultural events are held on the grounds in front of the palace.

Balmoral Castle

This estate in Scotland was purchased by Queen Victoria and her spouse, Prince Albert, and remains a favorite summer residence of the royal family.

Though referred to as a castle, it appears and functions more like a Victorian-era, neo-Gothic inspired, Scottish baronial style country house. The seven-story tower is inspired by medieval defensive tower houses, while the corner towers evoke 16th-century French chateau architecture. Additional Scottish baronial features at Balmoral include stepped gables, dormer windows, and a crenellated porte-cochère.

The castle’s significance is highlighted by its appearance on the reverse side of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s £100 note and as the place where Queen Elizabeth II passed away in 2022.

The most beautiful castles and fortresses in Scotland

Magdalena Palace

This iconic building in Santander, northern Spain, was used as a royal summer residence in the 20th century.

The vast palace, stretching nearly 90 meters in an east-west direction, faces south and is located on the highest point of the Magdalena Peninsula, from which it gets its name.

The palace blends elements of Neo-Renaissance and English styles.

Potala Palace

Perched atop the rocky Red Hill west of Lhasa city, at an elevation of 3,630 meters, stands this massive complex.

It once served as the seat of the Tibetan government and residence of the country’s leader, the Dalai Lama. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site in 1994, describing it as „simultaneously a fortress, temple, monastery, and school, the epicenter of political and religious life in the region, and a splendid example of Tibetan art at its most sophisticated”.

The 13-story structure is approximately 118 meters high, covering an area of 130,000 square meters, and reportedly consists of exactly 999 rooms.

Today, Potala Palace serves as a museum and pilgrimage site. Its labyrinthine rooms and sanctuaries are connected by numerous doors, corridors, and staircases. Its halls and long galleries are adorned with brilliant wall paintings and colorful silk embroideries of Tibetan Buddhist art, along with nearly two hundred thousand sculptures.

A 15 most beautiful castles in the world bejegyzés először Tips for journey-én jelent meg.

It is bordered by Germany and the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west.

Best places in Austria

Schönbrunn Palace (Vienna)

Near Vienna’s city center, Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens are Austria’s most visited monuments and attractions.

Built in the 17th century, this Baroque palace was commissioned by the widow of Ferdinand II, Empress Dowager Eleonora, thus named Schönbrunn.

Almost entirely destroyed during the Turkish invasion, it became a central structure under Maria Theresa’s reign, preserving its appearance from that era.

Out of its several hundred rooms, the imperial family’s apartments are the most spectacular open to the public.

Vienna attractions

Best museums in Vienna

Burgenland’s Castles and Thermal Baths

Not highlighting just one place or attraction here, but multiple attractions in the region along the Hungarian border.

Burgenland boasts several beautifully situated castles, with Forchtenstein Castle (Fraknó) being perhaps the most renowned. The castle, rising above the village, is notable for its impressive exhibits and views.

Due to its proximity to the Hungarian border, there are numerous thermal baths. Just a few kilometers away, you can stumble upon the Sonnentherme in Lutzmannsburg.

Hallstatt

Perhaps the most famous rural location in Austria, this small town is popular for its stunning location and has been part of UNESCO’s World Heritage since 1997.

Hallstatt is located in the Salzkammergut region, on the southwestern shore of Lake Hallstatt, north of the Dachstein mountains. Some houses are built on steep slopes, others on piles driven into the lake bed.

The town and its surroundings can be viewed from the Skywalk Hallstatt viewing platform, which is accessible by funicular but is also worth hiking up to, as you pass a beautiful waterfall on the way.

Anyone who’s visited will likely call Hallstatt the most beautiful place in Austria.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse)

Austria’s highest peak, Grossglockner, stands at 3798 meters, under which you can drive up to an altitude of 2500 meters.

The protected Grossglockner High Alpine Road, spanning 48 kilometers, connects the towns of Heilingenblut and Fusch.

This serpentine road is rightly considered one of Austria and Europe’s most beautiful panoramic routes. There are several stopping points and parking areas along the route, each worth a stop for the breathtaking views.

One of the most beautiful spots can also be approached from here. The Kaiser-Franz-Jozefs-Höhe viewpoint offers a fantastic view of the Grossglockner and Pasterze Glacier. A statue of Franz Joseph is also here, as the emperor himself visited this spot.

The road is toll-based and closed in bad weather.

Salzburg

Located on the Austrian-German border along the Salzach River, Salzburg is known for its lush greenery, significant baroque architecture, and as the gateway to the Alps.

Often referred to as Mozartstadt, it’s the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who spent more than half of his short life here.

Its traditions and history are reflected in Austria’s oldest tunnel (Sigmundstor), Central Europe’s largest intact medieval military building (Festung Hohensalzburg), and the world’s oldest preserved funicular railway (Reisszug).

Salzburg attractions

Best museums in Salzburg

Lake Constance

Located in Austria’s westernmost state, Vorarlberg, on the Austrian-German-Swiss border, Lake Constance is the third-largest lake in Central Europe after Lake Balaton and Lake Geneva.

Though only a small portion belongs to Austria, the lakeside city of Bregenz is worth a visit.

It’s popular among tourists and cyclists. The approximately 170 km lake circuit attracts many for both the challenge and the stunning scenery.

Lake Constance and surroundings attractions, programs

Wachau

This 30-kilometer-long valley along the Danube, between Melk and Krems an der Donau in Lower Austria, can be considered the Austrian version of the Danube Bend.

The Wachau cultural landscape is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage. The area’s natural environment, secular and ecclesiastical architecture (castles, monasteries, churches, residential buildings) preserves its medieval character and showcases some of Austria’s finest Baroque architecture.

The most impressive architectural sight is Melk Abbey, where monks have lived for over 900 years. It’s the largest Baroque building of its kind in Austria.

Wachau is also popular among cyclists, with a dedicated bike path for visitors.

Graz

Austria’s second-largest city, Graz, has its historic center and Schlossberg listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The city center is particularly beautiful, well-preserved, and its development can be traced back to Gothic times.

The focal point is the Schlossberg area and its most famous landmark, the Clock Tower (Uhrturm). Its main square is also impressive, housing several palaces.

Not just the city center is worth exploring. The Eggenberg Palace in the city’s west is Styria’s most significant Baroque castle. Its excellently preserved interiors and extensive, spectacular park elevate it among Austria’s most valuable cultural treasures.

Graz attractions

Wörthersee

One of Austria’s large lakes, Wörthersee is the largest in Carinthia’s lake region, located in the Klagenfurt Basin, at the foot of the Karawanks mountain range.

Its fame is enhanced by the A2 motorway running alongside, a major route towards Italy. From a parking area along the motorway, there’s a splendid view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

The lake’s shores have developed a Mediterranean-like microclimate, making it a popular bathing paradise. Despite its depth, the lake’s upper layers warm up to 28 °C in summer.

Bad Gastein

Located among the High Tauern mountains, this town attracts tourists for its thermal baths and ski slopes.

Its unique location, with its center developed alongside steep slopes near the Gastein Waterfall, gives it a city-like atmosphere with narrow, steep streets and limited buildable areas.

It’s also popular in summer, as several hiking trails are available in the vicinity.

Krimml waterfalls

In the Hohe Tauern National Park, near the Italian border, lies Austria’s highest waterfall.

The waterfall’s three stages start from an altitude of 1470 meters, with the upper stage at 140 meters, the middle stage at 100 meters, and the lower stage at 140 meters, totaling 380 meters in height!

Easily accessible via a developed tourist path that’s 4 km long with 10 viewing platforms. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the waterfall’s lower stage, and the uppermost point of the path can be reached in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Innsbruck

The capital of Tyrol province, Innsbruck, is an excellent starting point for excursions in the Alps. It’s a prime location for skiers and hikers.

Situated along the Inn River, this city is close to Italy and Germany, making it an important hub in Western Austria.

Innsbruck attractions, museums, weather

Hochosterwitz

One of Klagenfurt’s symbols is the castle standing on a 175-meter high dolomite rock.

It’s best to walk up, as the journey involves passing through 14 large gates to reach the castle’s core. The upper castle, a separate fortification, has gates made of red sandstone and green slate, adorned with white limestone and marble, showcasing remarkable examples of Mannerist architecture.

Kufstein

Located in the valley of the Inn River, on the border with Germany, it is notable for the white castle that towers above the city.

The 13th-century castle became significant during the reign of Emperor Maximilian I. In 1512, he fortified the castle, during which the Kaiserturm (Emperor’s Tower) was built, with walls 4-8 meters thick, capable of withstanding any siege of that era. One of its main attractions is its organ; the music can be heard up to 15 km away through the open windows of the tower. It is played every noon.

Klagenfurt

The city, located at the eastern end of Lake Wörth, is the capital of Carinthia. It is a popular tourist destination with its historical old town and cultural institutions.

The cathedral is a prominent building in the city center. The St. Egidius Cathedral is a wonderful mix of late Gothic and Baroque styles. It is telling that there are about twenty castles in the city. Among those open to the public, the most famous is the Maria Loretto Castle, located on the shore of Lake Wörth.

Among its many museums, the Carinthian State Museum stands out. Its exhibitions are themed around archaeology, art, ethnography, natural history, and it also has a musical instrument exhibition.

There is also a miniature park here, Minimundus. It features over 150 miniature models of buildings from around the world, such as the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or the Sydney Opera House.

Klagenfurt attractions, weather

Zell Am See

Popular among fans of both winter and summer sports, thanks to its excellent ski slopes, as well as sailing, cycling, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Besides skiing, Lake Zell is a major attraction. On the 4-kilometer-long and 1.5-kilometer-wide lake, one can enjoy boating with a wonderful panorama, and ice skating in winter.

The city itself is worth a walk, as it is rich in historical and cultural sights.

Sankt Anton am Arlberg

Often simply referred to as St. Anton, this world-famous ski resort is located in the westernmost part of Tyrol.

A true Tyrolean small town, with neat, flower-lined streets and plenty of restaurants and accommodations. It is especially known for its excellent ski slopes, advanced lift system, and lively après-ski social life.

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