[ad_1] Austria, the land of Mozart and the birthplace of the waltz, is a country that is steeped in history, beauty, culture and adventure. The country is home to majestic mountains, ancient castles, opulent palaces, picturesque villages, winding rivers and some of the best skiing in Europe. It offers the perfect blend of modernity and tradition, making it an ideal destination for everyone from history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts to culture vultures. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best activities to enjoy in Austria.

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Austria

1. Hofburg Palace - The former imperial palace in the centre of Vienna has housed some of Austria’s most powerful people including Habsburg emperors, it’s now the official residence of the Austrian president.

2. Schonbrunn Palace - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Schonbrunn Palace was the summer residence of the Habsburg emperors. With its stunning gardens and palace rooms it is perfect for a day trip from Vienna.

3. Salzburg - An enchanting city, Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart, has the stunning Mirabell Palace and Gardens as well as the Hohensalzburg Fortress high above the city.

4. Hallstatt - A small lakeside village nestled amongst the mountains, Hallstatt is known for its picturesque charm and for its over 7000 years of salt mining history.

5. Innsbruck - Surrounded by the Austrian Alps, Innsbruck is the perfect place for skiing in the winter, hiking and mountain biking in the summer.

6. Grossglockner High Alpine Road - Known as one of the most beautiful alpine roads in the world, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road offers incredible views of the Austrian Alps.

7. Wolfgangsee Lake - With its crystal clear turquoise waters, Wolfgangsee Lake is the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing and boating.

8. Villach - Located in the picturesque Drava river valley, Villach is a great choice for those looking to hike or bike through the mountains.

9. Vienna State Opera - Established in 1869, the Vienna State Opera is one of the world’s most famous opera houses and has hosted some of the greatest musicians and operatic productions in history.

10. Vienna Zoo - With over 750 animal species, the Vienna Zoo is a great place for families and animal lovers looking to explore the 700 year old park and its wildlife.

What to do in Austria?

1. Skiing and Snowboarding - Austria is known for its world class skiing and snowboarding resorts such as Kitzbuhel, St Anton and Ischgl. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there are slopes for everyone.

2. Hiking and Cycling - With over 40000km of hiking trails and 14000km of cycling trails, Austria is a paradise for those looking to explore the great outdoors.

3. Visit a Castle or Palace - Austria is home to some of the most stunning castles and palaces in Europe, including the famous Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna and the beautiful Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg.

4. Visit a Museum - Austria is home to some of Europe’s most famous museums including the Belvedere Museum in Vienna and the Museum of Applied Arts in Salzburg.

5. Attend a Music, Opera or Ballet Performance - Austria is the birthplace of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. Viennese Ball season is a great time to see some world-class concerts, operas and ballet productions.

6. Take a River Cruise - The Danube, Inn and Salzach rivers are just a few of the beautiful waterways that run through Austria. A river cruise is a great way to see the countryside and the beautiful architecture along the river.

7. Visit a Spa - Austria is famous for its wellness retreats and thermal hotels. The town of Baden bei Wien is home to several spas that offer visitors massages, hot springs, sauna and relaxation experiences.

8. Taste Austria’s Cuisine - Austria has a rich food culture, with dishes like Wienerschnitzel, Apfelstrudel, and Tafelspitz. There is no better place to experience Austrian food culture than in the traditional cafes and restaurants of Vienna.

9. Attend a Festival - Austria hosts many festivals throughout the year, from Christmas markets to classical music concerts. Some noteworthy festivals include the Salzburg Festival, the Vienna Film Festival and the Vienna Ball Season.

10. Take a Day Tour - Austria is home to several day trip destinations, from the beautiful alpine town of Salzburg to the picturesque village of Hallstatt. These tours often include transportation and sightseeing to ensure your day is filled with excitement.

FAQs about Austria

Q. Is Austria a safe country to visit? A. Yes, Austria is generally a very safe country to visit.

Q. What currency is used in Austria? A. The official currency of Austria is the Euro.

Q. What is the best time to visit Austria? A. The best time to visit Austria is during the summer months of June and August. These months offer warm weather and plenty of sunshine.

Q. Is it possible to ski in Austria in the summer? A. Yes, it is possible to ski in Austria in the summer at certain high-altitude resorts such as Hintertux glacier.

Q. Is it necessary to rent a car in Austria? A. It is not necessary to rent a car in Austria as the public transportation system is well developed and convenient.

Q. Can non-EU citizens travel to Austria? A. Yes, non-EU citizens can travel to Austria but may require a visa depending on the duration and purpose of their stay.

Q. What is the official language of Austria? A. The official language of Austria is German.

Q. What is the time zone in Austria? A. Austria is in the Central European Time Zone (CET).

Q. What are the top winter sports to do in Austria? A. Skiing and snowboarding are the most popular winter sports in Austria.

Q. Are there many vegetarian restaurants in Austria? A. There are many vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Austria, especially in larger cities such as Vienna and Salzburg.

In conclusion, Austria has something to offer everyone from its stunning mountains to its palace and grandiose opera houses. Whether you’re looking for history, culture or adventure, this country has it all. We hope this guide has given you inspiration to plan your next trip to Austria, and experience this country’s unique offerings for yourself. [ad_2]