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Top Attractions in Austria

Salzburg

Salzburg is known as the "Rome of the North" because of the sheer number of churches it possesses. A compact city, it is packed full of attractions, and should be an essential part of any visit to Austria. Stroll through the old streets, enjoy one of its famous music festivals or just take some time to discover the city. Attractions include the Mirabell Palace whose gardens featured in The Sound of Music; the Hohensalzburg, a beautiful white fortress overlooking the city; the Carolino Augusteum Museum; and the High Altar at Franziskanerkirche. Salzburg is also the birthplace of Mozart. Visit the Mozarteum - the college of music where Mozart composed "The Magic Flute."

The Hohe Tauern National Park

The Hohe Tauern National Park is one of the last great wilderness areas in Europe. The area has been immaculately preserved and showcases nature at its best. Taking up an area of more than 1,000 sq.km, it lies at the foot of Austria's highest mountains. The flora and fauna in the park is abundant and varies according to altitude. Mountain goats and sheep occupy the higher elevations and other animals, such as ibex, chamois, deer and a variety of birds, occupy the lower levels. The park offers plenty of activities including more than 450km of ski and snowboard slopes and a vast network of nature trails.

Website: Hohe Tauern National Park

The Museum of the Future (Ars Electronica), Linz

The Ars Electronica is well worth a visit. Prepare to be visually stunned with five levels of 21st-century technological wizardry. The museum aims to ‘ facilitate and implement the harmonious collaboration of art, technology and society’ and it is this collaboration that is so fascinating.

Website: Museum of the Future

Eisriesenwelt Caves

First discovered in 1879 by Anton Posselt, the Eisriesenwelt Caves are the largest ice caves in the world. On a tour of the caves you will be given a carbide lamp to guide yourself though the passage. The caves are decorated with all kinds of ice formations including gigantic columns and towers, waterfalls and glaciers. The cave remains frozen throughout the year and even in summer the temperature remains at around 1 degree centigrade, so make sure to wrap up warm!

Website: Eisriesenwelt Caves

The Benedictine Abbey, Admount

The Benedictine Abbey was founded in 1074 by Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg and it is a highly regarded cultural and artistic centre as well as an internationally renowned baroque museum. Although the Abbey was destroyed by fire in 1865, the world-famous Baroque library was untouched. It is the largest ecclesiastical library in the world and is an architectural masterpiece, crammed with magnificent paintings, rare manuscripts and early printed books. It also boasts beautiful ceiling paintings by B. Altomonte.

Website: Benedictine Abbey, Admount

The Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal Walk) Visitor Centre

For over a hundred years, the name of Swarovski has conjured up sparkling dreams and reflections of crystal magic. This vision has been transformed into what is today the Swarovski Kristallwelten visitor centre. Check out the centre’s breathtaking halls - Crystal Planet, Crystal Dome, Crystal Meditation, Crystal Theater, Crystal Calligraphy and the Ice Lane.

Website: Swarovski Kristallwelten Visitor Centre

The Archaeological Museum, Carnuntinum

Located in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, the Roman town of Carnuntinum was originally the most important Roman town in the Alps and dates from about 6 AD. The whole area had about 5,000 inhabitants and covered an area of about 10 sq km. Today, the town is preserved and the Archaeological Museum of Carnuntinum is the largest Roman museum in Austria. See original pieces of Roman jewellery, coins and arms. The pictures of worship and other objects tell us about the Roman mysteries of Mithras and other oriental religions and cults. The whole town can be visited including the two amphitheatres, Roman baths, temples and military camp.

Website: Archaeological Museum, Carnuntinum

Gurk Cathedral

Gurk Cathedral was founded by the Benedictine order in the 11th century and is regarded as the most outstanding example of Romanesque architecture in Austria. Check out its magnificent baroque altar which is adorned by 72 statues and 82 angels’ heads. Marvel at the fresco paintings dating from the second half of the 13th century and visit the wondrous 100-pillared crypt located deep beneath the cathedral.

The Grossglockner Alpine Road

Since 1935 the Grossglockner Alpine Road has played host to more than 50 million visitors. It is the most famous of all alpine roads and terminates at the highest mountain and the largest glacier in Austria, the Grossglockner (3798m). Driving up the Grossglockner Alpine Road is an experience not to be missed, just sit back, relax and enjoy spectacular views.