The cities of Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck, and Linz as well as the numerous winter sports centers are for many the main reason for a holiday in Austria. This Alpine country is also full of stunning natural treasures to admire - not far from the towns and mountain villages.
As is quite rightly sung in the national anthem, Austria is a country of mountains. The Alps cover about two thirds of the country's surface area. This makes Austria a jewel for nature lovers, active holiday makers and those looking to relax - regardless of their age.
Extensive hikes and winter sports in the diverse ski areas, crystal-clear lakes in Salzkammergut, Carinthia and other parts - a recipe for an unforgettable holiday in Austria.
Austria is also very centrally located in Europe, and as such it can easily be integrated into a round trip.
Top 5 facts about Austria
The oldest zoo in the world
Did you know where and when the world's first zoo was opened? It took place in Vienna in 1752, as the Habsburg monarchy founded the Schönbrunn Zoo. The popularity of the zoo still remains today, both among tourists and locals.
There are two Hallstatts
This idyllic village of 800 inhabitants in the Salzkammergut is so popular with Asian tourists, especially Chinese, that they built a copy of it in the Guangdong province. As a result, the interest towards the original town has increased sharply, and since then even more tourists from China and other countries have been traveling to Hallstatt.
The Sound of Music
The Hollywood-produced musical about the Trapp family has been greatly successful in the USA and Asia. As a result, many tourists flock to the filming locations in Salzburg every year. However, very few of the locals in Salzburg have ever seen the musical, and many Austrians have not even heard of it.
The Ötzi Mummy
Mountaineers found a 5,300-year-old glacier mummy in the Ötztal Alps. Of course, this discovery caused quite a stir, and Ötzi, the Iceman, is considered the best-preserved Stone Age man in the world.
Championship in cowpat throwing
Some may have noticed pictures of idyllic Austrian alpine landscapes with cows. There are plenty of these animals, especially in the Alpine region of Tyrol. Probably due to this, the annual championship in cowpat throwing has been held there since 2013, attracting participants even from other countries.
Top 5 Attractions in Austria
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
The Großglockner is situated between Carinthia and the Salzburg state, and it is the highest mountain in Austria at 3798 meters above sea level. The 47-kilometer-long mountain road leads up to 2500 meters in altitude and offers breathtaking views of the glacier and Käfertal. The Glockner is also known for its marmots that can be observed on the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, a part of the alpine road.
Eisriesenwelt in Werfen
The world's largest ice cave is located in the Salzburg state and extends over a length of 42 kilometers. You can explore the natural wonder between May and October.
Salzkammergut
Unique mountain landscapes, endless crystal-clear lakes, and world heritage sites, such as the picturesque village of Hallstatt and the salt mines - this versatile region offers all this and much more.
Wachau
The idyllic Wachau is a valley on the Danube in Lower Austria with vineyards, blooming apricot trees and steep cliffs. The best way to explore the area is by bike with stops at wine taverns (Heurigen) and Melk Abbey.
Lake landscape in Carinthia
Wörthersee, Lake Ossiach (Ossiacher See), Lake Klopein (Klopeiner See), Weißensee and Lake Millstatt (Millstätter See) are among the most beautiful and partly the warmest lakes in Austria. The waters in the midst of mountainous landscapes provide great conditions for a versatile active holiday.
