Looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Austria? Look no further! In this article, we’ll show you all of the best places to visit in Austria. Whether you are looking for a town to stay in or simply a beautiful location to check out, this article is the perfect guide.

These locations are spread out all across the beautiful country, allowing you to find somewhere beautiful to visit wherever you are. The country is home to some of the most famous classical composers to ever live and features gorgeous mountain and riverscapes. Of course, there are plenty of places to visit in Austria, but we’ll narrow it down to the 10 most beautiful that you just can’t miss.

10 Stunningly Beautiful Places to Visit in Austria

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is actually one of the best known and most popular places to visit in Austria. Not only is Hallstatt a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is also home to over 800 people. This 19th-century Austrian town overlooks Lake Hallstatt, which adds to the beauty of this town. The summers in Austria are on average about 25 degrees, making a lakeside town one of the perfect places to visit in Austria.

In 1997, much of the Hallstatt area was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, mainly for its historical landscape, breathtaking views and beautiful slopping mountains. There is no shortage of attractions on this land, including ice caves, a salt mine, and boating excursions. How could you not put this on your list of places to visit in Austria?

When in the area, make sure to check out the Kalvarienberg Church, located on the Kalvarientberg mountain, which overlooks the beautiful town. This church was donated in 1711 and is a prime example of the baroque architecture all across this beautiful country. If churches aren’t your style, the Hallstatt Salt Mine alone makes this one of the best places to visit in Austria. Having operated since the 1500s, this mine has turned into a prime tourist destination. While you need tickets (which can be purchased online), your tickets grant access to both a funicular trip and a gondola ride, an ancient burial ground and much more!

Bezau, Austria

Bezau is one of the best places to visit in Austria in both the winter and the summer. This forest town boasts beautiful skiing and hiking trails. The most popular ski resort in the area is the Niedere Andelsbuch-Bezau resort. A combination of railways brings you up to the resort where there are 10km of slopes and paths to ski or snowboard. For the less experienced, they also offer lessons at the resort.

In the summer, these ski hills create quality hiking trails with stunning views. Hike along the base of the mountains or take the railway trams towards the top for prime hiking pathways and picturesque views of the town and forest below. It is considered one of the best summer places to visit in Austria for the trails alone!

Another feature of this town is the Heimatmuseum. This museum is built into an old house, similar to what would have been popular in the area in earlier times. The museum focusses on costumes, customs and religious practices of the time.

Zell Am See, Austria

Zell Am See is another beautiful Austrian town located on a lake. Located in the Salzburg province of Austria, it is a prime tourist destination and considered one of the best places to visit in Austria. The town itself is known to be a transportation hub for the region, so there’s a good chance you’ll end up in the town through your travels.

During the winter, Zell Am See offers not only amazing downhill skiing but also gorgeous cross-country ski trails. If you’re looking for cross-country skiing or even glacier skiing, Zell Am See’s trails are some of the highest quality places to visit in Austria. The trails in and around Zell Am See Kaprun range from various levels of difficulty. The easiest is the castle track in the nearby area of Kaprun. The trail is easy but boasts an awesome view of Kaprun Castle. If you’re looking for something more difficult, the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier Resort offers skiing at 2.900 meters above sea-level both day and night. Pros here ski all year round, but the best conditions in autumn and winter. Overall, the region has over 107km of cross-country trails. The choice is yours!

With its location being on the edge of Lake Zell, you’ll, of course, want to check out the lake when you’re visiting. One of the most unique attractions at Lake Zell, and in Austria as a whole, is the Zell Am See light show. Taking place every Tuesday during the summer months, and even into October, the lightshow features lasers, lights, and water to create the ultimate lake evening experience. Starting at 10:00 PM in the summer and 9 PM in the fall, make sure to head down to the lake! You can’t get this anywhere else, so make sure you add this to your list of places to visit in Austria!

Melk Abbey, Austria

If you want to see one of the most beautiful churches in the world, Melk Abbey must be on your list of places to visit in Austria. The magnificent building took over 30 years to construct and was built by two architects for Abbot Berthold Dietmayer. The structure is perched on a rocky outcrop and looks out over the Danube River.

Perhaps more beautiful than the structure itself is the library located inside. It is one of the must-see places in Austria for any book lover. The room open to the public has 16,000 books and a gorgeous ceiling. A spiral staircase leading to a room closed to the public includes more than 100,000 more volumes.

This magnificent church isn’t the only reason to add Melk to your trip. Old Town Melk boasts more of these magnificent buildings and places to visit in Austria. Not only does it feature more churches, but you can also take a walk down by the Danube River. It is truly one of the best stops on any Austria Itinerary!

Vienna, Austria

Perhaps on the of the best-known cities in the country, Vienna is a must for places to visit in Austria. This capital city has been home to musicians such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. It is also home to the Hapsburg summer house. There is no shortage of things to do in this wonderful city.

For those interested in classical music, Vienna is one of the best places to visit in Austria. The Mozart monument is a large statue in Burgaaten Park. The delicate detailing on the statue features music notes made out of flowers. Similarly, Beethoven has his own plaza, Beethovenplatz. For all the best places, tourists can check out a classical music tour if you want to hear more fun facts about Vienna!

Tourists looking for amazing views of the Danube can visit the Riesenrad Ferris Wheel. The wheel takes about 20 minutes to do a full rotation. With the tower rising 65m above ground, there is plenty of time to take in the beautiful view.

Innsbruck, Austria

The capital of the western province of Tyrol is one of the most unique places to visit in Austria. Located in the Tyrol mountains, Innsbruck is near to both Germany and Italy, allowing for fantastic day trips outside of the country. The 5th biggest city in Austria, Innsbruck combines the city life with mountain landscape, creating a beautiful setting for your vacation.

The Innsbruck area is home to one of the largest crystal manufacturers in the world. To honor this, Swarovski has created the Swarovski Kristallwelten. This translates to Swarovski Crystal Gardens, a beautiful theme park that should be on your list of places to visit in Austria. The attraction is located just 20 minutes outside of the capital and features a garden, restaurant, and souvenir shop. The most unique attractions are located in the Chamber of Wonders. The 17 rooms are filled with crystal creations designed by international artists. The outside of the Chamber is the “Giant”, a large head covered in grass with crystal details that spills water into the pond. It’s a sight to behold!

Closer to home, the Alps provide many opportunities for recreation. Travelers can walk up the Bergiesel Ski Jump, take the cable car or simply walk the trails. While you’re there, make sure to check out the Alpine Zoo. The zoo offers refuge to many endangered species within the mountain range, including bears, wolves and mountain goats.

Krimml Waterfalls, Austria

Looking for beautiful places to visit in Austria? Look no further. Krimml Waterfalls are the highest waterfalls in Austria. Located in the small village of Krimml in Salzburg Province, the waterfalls plunge from over 380 meters. The water in the falls comes from the Krimmlr Ache, a glacial creek in the area. There are three viewpoints travelers can take. At 4,216 feet, guests can also find a restaurant, perfect for a mid-hike break. Visitors tend to spend at least 1.5 hours on the hike.

If this wasn’t enough to add Krimml to your list of places to visit in Austria, there is a theme park located directly across from the falls. This aquatic park includes attractions for the whole family. It includes futuristic water-powered areas, Aqua fooseball and much more. This and many more fun activities await in Krimml.

Eisriesenwelt, Austria

Of all of the places to visit in Austria, this one is a must. Why? Because it’s the largest ice cave in the world! Even though it is the largest in the world, it wasn’t discovered until the late 1800s. Until 1935, guests could only access the cave by foot and walk through it on wooden planks. Now, over 80 years later, there is a cable car to help guests up to the mountain and the destination can also be reached by bus. In the busy months, the cave can get quite busy, as it is sheltered from any bad weather the province might be facing. The attraction is open during the summer months from 8:30-4pm and winter months until 3 pm. Guests are able to stay in the area once inside, with the last cable car heading down the mountain at 6 pm. Tours run inside the cave and leave every 30 minutes on the hour and more frequently during the busy season. Tours cover over 134 meters in altitude, so be prepared to walk. No equipment is needed to traverse these caves, but visitors are encouraged to bring warm clothing as the temperature does drop below freezing, even in the summer.

Ticket prices range from 24€ for adults to 14€ for children.

Feldkirch, Austria

This town is one of the best places to visit in Austria, especially if you’re coming from Switzerland. The town is in the Western most part of Austria, right on the border with Switzerland and Lichtenstein. This medieval style town has been around since the 13th century. It has seen many battles and is built in the style of a fortress.

Travelers can visit the Katzenturm or Cat Tower, which is one of the oldest remnants of the medieval fortress. This 8-story tower holds anT 8573kg bell that rings every Friday at 3pm. The tower stands as it did when it was built by the Hapsburgs in the 15th century.

Continuing with Feldkirch’s rich history, the Radio museum is an education destination for travelers. Entry to this museum is free, with the opportunity to leave donations at the door. Exhibits include the very first type of radio used during the 1920s and include radio and communications instruments all the way until the 1960s. They also have examples of emergency communication tools from the Germanic regions.

 Durnstein, Austria

Durnstein might be the last town on our list, but it’s definitely one of the cutest places to visit in Austria. This destination is one of the most popular small towns along the Danube River. Located in the Wachau region, Durnstein is nestled in the wine-growing areas of the province.

As with many other places to visit in Austria, the town is named after the large church that looks over the town. Built in the 12th century, the church has seen its fair share of conflict and historical moments. It is the church where King Richard 1 of England was imprisoned during the crusades. Additionally, during the Thirty Years War, the castle was conquered by a Swedish troop. Once they were removed, the castle gates were erected and the castle has not been occupied since 1662. Today, it is part of the UNESCO heritage site that includes the Wachau valley.

For those more interested in the wine industry, Durnstein is one of the must-see places to visit in Austria. The key name for wine in the area is Dumane Wachau. With almost 440 Hectares of vineyards, there’s no shortage of locations to visit and wine to taste. It is the only vineyard in Wachau Valley with wines from the most well-known and valued parts of the region. Areas include Kollmitz, Tausand-Elmer-Berg and more! Visitors can take wine-tours and do wine-tastings. The locations also have shops to purchase their wines.

Which of these places are you going to visit? Are you more of a small-town traveler or a big city visitor? Let us know in the comments where you’re traveling!