Third place in the Top Ten Places to be: Austria
A guide through the land of countless cultural treasures.
31 March 2021
Vibrant cities, mountain landscapes, seaside jewels: in Austria there is a lot to discover. The diverse country offers a wide range of cultural treasures, impressive arboretums and outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and winter sports. Just how beautiful the country is is also shown by a survey of Falstaff TRAVEL readers, who voted Austria third in the Top Ten Places to be.
Even though the holiday situation is still a bit difficult at the moment due to the pandemic, we can still look forward to our next trip to Austria with great anticipation.
From fairytale castles to alpine treasures: the most beautiful regions in Austria
In Austria there is something to marvel at all year round. Whether it's the spring-like landscape that stretches across the mountain backdrop, the crystal-clear lakes that invite you to linger in summer, the golden autumn that bathes the country in a unique light or the cosy winter that invites you to ski at alpine heights. And hidden in between are dreamy fairytale castles, ancient castle ruins, buildings steeped in history and lively towns known for their cultural and culinary highlights. The variety of lakes is just as impressive as the majestic mountains, the magnificent forests and the modern towns, where tradition and future are united.
Austria's capital, Vienna, has been named the world's most livable city several times for good reason. In this metropolis of millions, you can embark on a journey into the imperial past by exploring magnificent buildings such as Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere or the Hofburg. But also the opera house tells its very own story and shines in stately splendour. The dreamlike parks, lined with rose bushes and romantic benches, as well as the Ringstrasse, where one impressive building follows the next and horse-drawn carriages cross the path of the locals, do the rest. Between the playful facades of the houses, the museums steeped in history and the famous traditional cafés, there is another detail that makes Vienna a total work of art: the constant look ahead. While the nostalgic ambience provides a very special flair, the city seems to be one step ahead of everyone thanks to modern buildings, chic restaurants and stylish shops. By the way: the particularly well thought-out public transport system means that most Viennese don't even own a car.
The second largest city in Austria is Graz. The "City of Design", as it is often called, is known for its modern buildings, a strong art scene and an old town reminiscent of the south. Situated in the heart of Styria, Graz boasts a culinary diversity that ranges from Styrian pumpkin seed oil, to excellent wines. Especially the wine-growing area in southern Styria (also known as "Styrian Tuscany") attracts countless holidaymakers as well as locals every year. Especially in autumn, when the leaves shine red and golden, you make yourself comfortable with a glass of white wine and a Brettljausn in the Buschenschank. And there are other natural treasures and impressive buildings waiting to be discovered in Austria's Green Heart. Such as Riegersburg Castle, which sits enthroned on a volcanic rock in the hilly countryside. Or the Dachstein, which at 2995 metres is the highest mountain in Styria.
If you want to experience even more treasures of art, music and nature, Salzburg Land is the place to be. Follow in the footsteps of Mozart in the historic capital of Salzburg and stroll through the chic Getreidegasse, while the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress towers over the city. A little higher up, head for the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, the Kitzsteinhorn and the Weißsee, where the world of three-thousand-metre peaks awaits. The Krimml Waterfalls or the Tennen Mountains also impress with their breathtaking natural scenery.
The state of Tyrol exudes an alpine lifestyle, where majestic mountains meet villages steeped in tradition. The capital Innsbruck is a true jewel in Austria. The "Goldenes Dachl" (Golden Roof) is hidden in the middle of the old town and shines brightly with the sun and the snow-covered peaks. The popular Hungerburgbahn cable car takes skiers, hikers or bikers to dizzying heights and offers a great panoramic view of the city and the world-famous Bergisl ski jump. But also natural lakes in the alpine landscape provide an eye-catcher. Winter sports enthusiasts appreciate Tyrol above all for its diverse mountain world. From the impressive Silvretta High Alpine Road, to the Kitzbühel Alps and the impressive Sölden: in Tyrol you can experience pure nature!
Upper Austria also combines nature with historical and modern elements. While the capital Linz is a perfect place for contemporary art and futuristic buildings, the rural surroundings attract with dreamlike lakes. Even the painter Gustav Klimt spent an entire summer at the picturesque Attersee. But the Traunsee, the Mondsee and the Wolfgangsee exude a unique charm.
If you are looking for a skiing and wellness region in winter and a magnificent hiking world in summer, it is best to visit the westernmost province of Vorarlberg. Because in Ländle, rustic villages in the Lake Constance area and alpine villages in the mountains meet. Culture lovers can visit the famous Bregenz Festival, while others can discover the unique wooden architecture that runs through the state.
Top addresses in Austria
To explore the multitude of beautiful places in Austria, you need a little more time. To narrow down the selection, here are three addresses that you should definitely visit.
Großglockner
Mountaineers and fans of the Alps should definitely check out Austria's highest mountain, the Grossglockner. With its 3798 meters, it lies in the middle of the Hohe Tauern National Park and stretches across the provinces of Salzburg, Tyrol and Carinthia. By the way, a black crystal is said to be hidden inside the Glockner, which gives energy and power. That is why it is often called the "black mountain".
Restaurant Steirereck
Am Heumarkt 2A, 1030 Vienna
steirereck.at
Culinary lovers are spoiled at the highest level at the Steirereck restaurant in the Austrian capital. Visionary Heinz Reitbauer's cuisine is among the best in the world. The creative dishes combine Austrian culture as well as the finest craftsmanship and have already won several awards.
Green Lake
A true natural phenomenon awaits in Styria. The Green Lake in Tragöß is especially known for its emerald-coloured water. In summer, the lake fills with meltwater from the mountains and attracts countless visitors who want to witness this spectacle. In autumn the water level drops again and can even disappear completely.
3 of the most beautiful hotels in Austria
Austria is worth a visit at any time of the year. Whether sunbathing by the lake or winter sports in the Alps: here you will find three of the most beautiful hotels.
Hotel Seevilla Wolfgangsee
Markt 17, 5360 St. Wolfgang, Upper Austria, Austria
Tel: +43 6138 200 55
seevilla-wolfgangsee.at
The Wolfgangsee shines in a beautiful mixture of blue colours and clear water. All the better if you stay in a hotel that is located directly on the lake, such as the dreamy Seevilla. Exclusive rooms, infinity pool and private beach: here all dreams come true. The rooms and suites convince not only with luxurious interiors, but also with a dreamlike panoramic view of the beautiful lake.
Gradonna Mountain Resort
Gradonna 1, 9981 Kals am Großglockner, Austria
Tel: +43 4876 82000
gradonna.at
Who ever visits the Großglockner, can also spend the night there. The exclusive Gradonna Mountain Resort invites you to do just that. At a lofty height of 1350 metres in Kals am Großglockner, the resort welcomes its guests with luxury chalets and a soothing wellness area. In winter you can start your ski tour right outside the front door, in summer a true hiking and biking paradise awaits visitors.
The Kohlmayr
Ringstraße 5, 5562 Obertauern, Austria
Tel: +43 6456 72 720
daskohlmayr.at
Salzburg also has a host of luxury hotels to offer. Especially the Kohlmayr in the Alps is very inviting with a mixture of tradition and modernity. The rooms are lovingly designed, the spa area pampers guests at the highest level and the Kohlmayr's culinary delights are not neglected either. The highlight: the Bergwelt terrace, which offers an impressive view of Obertauern.
Picture Credits: Hotel Seevilla Wolfgangsee, Gradonna Mountain Resort, Gradonna Mountain Resort / Gert Perauer, Torben Stroem / Pixabay, Wolfgang Zimmel / Pixabay, Karl Egger / Pixabay, Andreas N / Pixabay, Couleur / Pixabay, Julius Silver / Pixabay, Gsibergerin / Pixabay, Kordula Vahle / Pixabay, Bruno Germany / Pixabay, Annemone123 / Pixabay
