Austria
The Alps & Tyrol
Discover the Allure of Innsbruck
- Wander through Innsbruck's charming medieval Old Town, admiring the Golden Roof and historic architecture.
- Ascend the Nordkettenbahnen cable cars, offering panoramic views from the city center to the high alpine peaks.
- Visit the Hofburg Imperial Palace to explore the former residence of Habsburg emperors and its rich history.
- Explore Ambras Castle, showcasing Habsburg art and armory collections in a Renaissance setting just outside the city.
- Stroll along the Inn River promenade, enjoying the scenic mountain backdrop and vibrant city life.
Explore Tyrol's Picturesque Towns
- Wander the well-preserved medieval streets of Hall in Tirol, known for its historic mint and charming atmosphere.
- Experience the dazzling artistic installations at Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens.
- Discover the unique charm of Rattenberg, Austria's smallest town, renowned for its glass artistry and medieval castle ruins.
- Explore Kufstein with its impressive fortress overlooking the Inn River.
- Visit the traditional Tyrolean village of Alpbach, known for its uniform architectural style and scenic beauty.
Embark on Scenic Hikes in Western Austria
- Hike to the breathtaking Stuiben Falls, Tyrol's highest waterfall, in the Ötztal Valley.
- Explore the diverse hiking trails in the Zillertal Valley, from gentle valley walks to challenging alpine ascents.
- Discover the rugged beauty and panoramic views of the Karwendel Nature Park, offering numerous hiking opportunities.
- Hike through sections of the Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria's largest national park with glaciers and high peaks.
- Enjoy the lakeside trails and mountain hikes around the scenic Achensee, Tyrol's largest lake.
Experience World-Class Snow Sports
- Ski or snowboard in the legendary resort of St. Anton am Arlberg, known for its challenging terrain and vibrant après-ski.
- Enjoy the sophisticated slopes and charming atmosphere of Kitzbühel, home to the famous Hahnenkamm races.
- Discover the high-altitude skiing and snowboarding in Sölden, with its glacier ski areas.
- Experience the lively après-ski and extensive slopes of Ischgl in the Paznaun Valley.
- Explore the family-friendly and interconnected ski areas of the Zillertal Arena.
Discover the Beauty of the Salzburg Region
- Explore Salzburg city, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Mozart's birthplace, with its stunning baroque architecture and musical heritage.
- Visit the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alps.
- Stroll through the enchanting Mirabell Gardens, a masterpiece of landscape design with iconic "Sound of Music" backdrops.
- Discover the picturesque lakeside town of Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut, famed for its stunning scenery and historic salt production.
- Explore the Eisriesenwelt ice cave in Werfen, one of the largest ice caves in the world, near Salzburg.
Savor the Beauty of Vorarlberg
- Visit Bregenz on Lake Constance, known for the modern Kunsthaus Bregenz and its lakeside promenade.
- Enjoy the unique and spectacular performances of the Bregenz Festival on its floating stage in the lake.
- Hike or bike through the scenic Bregenzerwald region, known for its traditional wooden architecture and sustainable tourism.
- Explore the Arlberg region in summer for its challenging high-altitude hiking trails and stunning alpine landscapes.
Unwind in Carinthia's Lakes and Mountains
- Relax by the turquoise waters of the Wörthersee, known for its vibrant lakeside towns and water sports.
- Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Millstätter See, surrounded by the Nockberge mountains, ideal for hiking and relaxation.
- Drive the breathtaking Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria's highest paved mountain pass, with stunning glacier views.
- Visit the impressive medieval Hochosterwitz Castle, perched atop a dramatic rock formation with panoramic views.
Vienna & Wine Country
Discover the Imperial Grandeur of Vienna
- Visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and its extensive gardens, including the Gloriette and Tiergarten.
- Explore the vast Hofburg Palace complex, encompassing imperial apartments, museums, and the Spanish Riding School.
- Marvel at the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral and ascend its towers for city views.
- Admire masterpieces at the Belvedere Palace and explore its baroque gardens.
- Experience Viennese coffee house culture and indulge in Sachertorte.
- Enjoy a classical music concert or opera performance in a historic setting.
Vienna Beyond the Classics
- Explore the vibrant Naschmarkt with its diverse food stalls and international flavors.
- Immerse yourself in art and culture at the MuseumsQuartier.
- Discover Hundertwasserhaus, an architecturally unique and colorful apartment building.
- Explore the Danube Island, a recreational area for cycling, swimming, and relaxing.
Explore the Scenic Wachau Valley
- Wander through the picturesque vineyards of this UNESCO World Heritage site along the Danube.
- Visit the medieval town of Dürnstein and its castle ruins.
- Explore the impressive Melk Abbey, a baroque masterpiece.
- Cycle or take a scenic boat trip along the Danube River.
- Discover charming wine taverns (Heuriger) and sample local wines.
Lower Austria's Castles and Abbeys
- Explore the impressive Burg Kreuzenstein, a medieval castle with stunning views.
- Visit Schallaburg Castle, known for its Renaissance architecture and exhibitions.
- Discover the magnificent Klosterneuburg Abbey, with its historical and artistic treasures.
- Explore the Roman city of Carnuntum and its archaeological park.
- Hike or relax in the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) and visit Heiligenkreuz Abbey.
- Experience the thermal spas and imperial history of Baden bei Wien.
Upper Austria's Imperial Connections and Lakes
- Visit Linz and its modern Lentos Art Museum and interactive Ars Electronica Center.
- Explore the historic imperial city of Steyr, at the confluence of two rivers.
- Discover Gmunden on Traunsee and its picturesque Seeschloss Ort.
- Enjoy the beauty of Attersee, the largest lake entirely within Austria, popular for sailing.
Burgenland: Nature and Culture
- Explore the wine region around Lake Neusiedl (UNESCO) and sample local varieties.
- Enjoy birdwatching in the unique landscape around Lake Neusiedl.
- Visit Eisenstadt, home to the Esterházy Palace where Joseph Haydn worked.
- Discover Forchtenstein Castle and its impressive treasury.
- Explore the charming historic town of Rust with its stork nests and traditional architecture.
Styria: The Green Heart's Diverse Offerings
- Explore Graz and its UNESCO World Heritage old town and the Schlossberg.
- See the Lipizzaner horses at the Piber stud farm.
- Relax in the thermal spas of Styria, known as the "Green Heart."
- Hike in the stunning Schladming-Dachstein region with its glaciers and waterfalls.
- Visit Riegersburg Castle, perched atop a volcanic rock with panoramic views.
- Sample local culinary specialties like pumpkin seed oil (Kürbiskernöl).
Suggested Travel Itinerary
Austria - 6 Weeks
Days 1-6: Vienna - Imperial Capital
- Arrive in Vienna. Explore the historic city center (St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, Graben).
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace and its extensive gardens.
- Explore the Belvedere Palace (Klimt's "The Kiss").
- Immerse yourself in art and culture at the MuseumsQuartier.
- Experience Viennese coffee house culture and try local pastries. Consider a classical music concert.
- Explore the vibrant Naschmarkt with its diverse food stalls and international flavors.
- Optional: Visit the Prater amusement park and ride the Giant Ferris Wheel for city views.
Days 7-13: Exploring Vienna's Surroundings
- Wachau Valley: Explore charming towns like Dürnstein and Krems, enjoy a bike tour through the vineyards, and visit local wineries for tastings (Grüner Veltliner and Riesling are regional specialties). Experience a Heuriger (traditional wine tavern).
- Thermenregion: Explore the Thermenregion (Thermal Region) south of Vienna, known for its unique wines (Rotgipfler and Zierfandler) and thermal spas. Visit local wineries, enjoy wine tastings, and perhaps relax in a thermal bath. Explore the town of Baden bei Wien.
- Weinviertel: Discover the Weinviertel (Wine Quarter) north of Vienna, Austria's largest wine-growing region, famous for its Grüner Veltliner. Wander through the vineyards, visit wine cellars, and enjoy a Heuriger experience.
- Explore the Roman Carnuntum archaeological site east of Vienna.
- Visit the Seegrotte Hinterbrühl, an underground lake, south of the city.
Days 14-16: Salzburg - Mozart's Birthplace
- Travel to Salzburg. Explore the Old Town (Getreidegasse, Mozart's birthplace).
- Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views.
- Stroll through the Mirabell Gardens.
- Explore Salzburg Cathedral. Consider a "Sound of Music" tour.
Days 17-24: The Alps - Lakes and High Views
- Travel to the Salzkammergut region. Explore Hallstatt, St. Wolfgang, and other picturesque lake towns.
- Hike around one of the Salzkammergut lakes (e.g., Wolfgangsee, Traunsee). Consider a cogwheel railway ride up a mountain for views.
- Drive a scenic route through the Austrian Lake District.
- Visit the Eisriesenwelt Werfen (world's largest ice cave) near Werfen.
- Explore the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, focusing on different viewpoints and hiking trails.
- Consider a visit to the Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria's largest national park, for extensive hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Enjoy the thermal spas and wellness facilities in the alpine regions for relaxation.
- Seasonal: Consider spending a day or two at a ski resort in the Dachstein West region, known for its family-friendly slopes and stunning views.
Days 25-32: Innsbruck - Capital of Tyrol
- Travel to Innsbruck. Check into your accommodation.
- Explore Innsbruck's Old Town (Golden Roof, Hofburg Imperial Palace, City Tower).
- Take the Nordkettenbahnen cable car for stunning alpine views and hiking opportunities. Seasonal: Direct access to challenging slopes and a snow park.
- Visit Ambras Castle with its historical collections.
- Explore the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens.
- Hike or bike along the Inn River.
- Day trip to Hall in Tirol, a charming medieval town near Innsbruck.
- Ride the Patscherkofelbahn for more mountain views and hiking.
- Experience a traditional Tyrolean evening with music and food.
- Explore local markets and sample Tyrolean specialties.
- Seasonal: Explore the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck, encompassing resorts like Axamer Lizum (known for its challenging terrain) and Patscherkofel (family-friendly and panoramic views).
Days 33-42: Exploring Tyrol - Valleys and Mountains
- Travel to the Ötztal Valley. Enjoy hiking (Stuiben Falls), visit the Aqua Dome thermal spa. Explore villages like Sölden or Oetz.
- Travel to the Zillertal Valley. Consider the Hintertux Glacier, ride the Zillertalbahn steam train, enjoy hiking or mountain biking.
- Explore the Achensee Lake region. Take a boat trip, hike in the Karwendel Alps, visit charming lakeside villages.
- Drive along a scenic alpine road (e.g., Kaunertal Glacier Road or Silvretta High Alpine Road - check for seasonal openings). Enjoy viewpoints and short hikes.
- Visit the Lechtal Valley, known for its natural beauty and hiking trails.
- Explore the Wilder Kaiser mountain range, offering stunning scenery and hiking opportunities. Consider a cable car ride.
- Discover charming villages like Alpbach (known as Austria's most beautiful village) or Rattenberg (Austria's smallest town).
- Enjoy local cuisine at traditional mountain inns (Gasthöfe).
- Consider paragliding or other adventure activities.
- Seasonal Skiing & Snowboarding: Tyrol offers world-class resorts like Sölden (glacier skiing), extensive areas in the Zillertal, and the vast SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, catering to all skill levels.
- Diverse Winter Activities: Beyond major resorts, explore family-friendly options (Christlum, Rofan), glacier skiing (Kaunertal), charming ski villages (Alpbach), and enjoy activities like ski touring and snowshoeing.