10 Places to visit in Austria (that I really love)

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Rust & Neusiedler See

(pronounced: ROOST, NOY-zee-dler ZAY)

Rust was one of the biggest surprises of my time in Austria. I originally came for the wine, but I ended up remembering the storks just as much.

Nearly every chimney in the town seems to have a giant nest perched on top, and during spring and summer you'll often spot white storks standing above the rooftops or gliding overhead. It's one of those wonderfully unexpected sights that gives the town a personality all its own.

Beyond Rust, Neusiedler See offers a completely different side of Austria. 

Unlike the dramatic Alpine lakes in the west, this shallow steppe lake is surrounded by reed beds, vineyards, and peaceful cycling trails. It's also one of Central Europe's most important bird migration areas, making it a fantastic destination even if you don't normally consider yourself a birder.

After spending the day exploring, I loved settling into one of Rust's traditional wine taverns with a glass of the region's famous Rust Ausbruch dessert wine (which I highly recommend). 

Watching the sun set over the vineyards while the storks returned to their nests made for one of the most relaxing evenings of my entire Austrian trip.

How Rust & Neusiedler See fit into your Austria itinerary

Rust and Neusiedler See make an easy overnight trip from Vienna or a relaxing stop before continuing into Hungary.

Bregenz & Vorarlberg

(pronounced: BREH-gents, FOR-ahl-berg)

Bregenz completely exceeded my expectations. I'd heard about the famous Bregenz Festival before arriving, but nothing prepares you for seeing an opera performed on a massive floating stage in the middle of Lake Constance. 

As the sun sets over the lake and the performance begins, it becomes one of those travel experiences that's impossible to forget.

The stage itself changes every year, with elaborate sets built directly on the water, making every production unique. Even if you're not normally an opera fan, the sheer scale of the production and the setting make it something truly special.

Beyond the festival, I loved exploring the surrounding region of Vorarlberg. 

The nearby Bregenzerwald is filled with beautiful mountain scenery, charming villages, and a fascinating blend of traditional Alpine farmhouses and award-winning modern architecture. 

Strolling along the lakefront with views across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland was the perfect way to end each day.

It's a part of Austria that feels very different from the rest of the country and one that I think deserves far more attention from international travellers.

How Bregenz & Vorarlberg fit into your Austria itinerary

Bregenz works well as part of a western Austria itinerary alongside Innsbruck or as a stop when travelling between Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

I recommend spending two nights here so you can experience both the beautiful lakeside setting and the spectacular scenery of the Bregenzerwald.

Krimml Waterfalls

(pronounced: KRIM-ul)

Krimml Waterfalls is one of those places that reminds you just how powerful nature can be. At 380 metres high, it's Austria's tallest waterfall, but the numbers didn’t really prepare me for what it's like to experience it in person.

As I followed the walking trail alongside the falls, the roar of the water grew louder with every viewpoint. 

The mist hangs in the air, rainbows appear whenever the sunlight breaks through, and it's almost impossible not to stop every few minutes just to admire the view. 

I visited during the afternoon when the light caught the spray perfectly, and the whole waterfall seemed to sparkle. It was one of those moments where I simply stood still and took it all in.

The walk itself is just as enjoyable as the destination. There are plenty of viewing platforms along the climb, and if you continue beyond the upper falls, you'll find yourself surrounded by the spectacular mountain scenery of Hohe Tauern National Park. It's the perfect combination of an accessible attraction and a genuine Alpine adventure.

How Krimml Waterfalls fit into your Austria itinerary

Krimml Waterfalls make an excellent day trip from Salzburg or a scenic stop while exploring western Austria.

They also pair beautifully with the Salzkammergut or Zell am See, adding a completely different type of landscape to your itinerary.

Allow a full day so you have plenty of time to enjoy the walk and soak in the incredible mountain scenery.

Wachau Valley

(pronounced: VAH-khow)

The Wachau Valley was one of those places that completely slowed me down. 

I arrived by river boat from Vienna in October, and from the moment we entered the valley, I couldn't stop looking around. The vineyards had turned shades of gold, Melk Abbey stood high above the Danube, and every bend in the river seemed to reveal another postcard-worthy view.

One of my favourite afternoons was wandering through the tiny village of Dürnstein before climbing up to the castle ruins overlooking the valley. The short walk was absolutely worth it, and standing at the top with the Danube winding through the vineyards below was one of my favourite views anywhere in Austria.

Of course, I couldn't leave without enjoying the local wine. Sitting outside at a traditional Heuriger with a glass of Grüner Veltliner, surrounded by vineyards that had been producing wine for centuries, felt like the perfect way to experience this part of Austria. 

It wasn't a place where I felt the need to rush between attractions. I was happiest simply soaking up the scenery and enjoying the slower pace of life.

How the Wachau Valley fits into your Austria itinerary

The Wachau Valley makes an easy escape from Vienna and pairs beautifully with the Austrian capital.

I recommend spending two nights here so you can explore Melk and Dürnstein, enjoy a wine tasting, and experience the relaxed atmosphere that makes this UNESCO-listed valley so special.

Salzkammergut

(pronounced: ZALTS-kam-mer-goot)

The Salzkammergut is one of the most beautiful regions I've visited anywhere in Europe. With dozens of crystal-clear lakes surrounded by mountains, it seemed like every drive revealed another incredible view and another place where I wanted to stop.

I loved spending time around Wolfgangsee, where the water was so clear it almost didn't look real. 

Hallstatt is certainly worth seeing, especially early in the morning before the crowds arrive, but my favourite experience in the entire region was riding Austria's steepest cogwheel railway, the SchafbergBahn. 

As the historic train climbed higher into the mountains, the views became more spectacular with every passing minute. Reaching the summit and looking out across the lakes and Alpine peaks was easily one of the highlights of my trip to Austria.

I also enjoyed exploring Bad Ischl, cycling between lakes, and simply taking my time. 

The Salzkammergut isn't somewhere I felt the need to rush through. It's the kind of place where the scenery encourages you to slow down and appreciate every stop along the way.

How the Salzkammergut fits into your Austria itinerary

The Salzkammergut pairs perfectly with Salzburg and makes an excellent addition to a first-time Austria itinerary.

Graz

(pronounced: GRAHTS)

Graz ended up being one of the biggest surprises of my trip to Austria. 

I think it gets overlooked because so many people head straight to Vienna or Salzburg, but I actually found it to be one of the easiest cities to simply enjoy.

I spent hours wandering through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, where beautiful Baroque buildings line quiet streets before suddenly giving way to the futuristic Kunsthaus Graz. I wasn't sure that contrast would work, but somehow it does, and it gives the city a personality unlike anywhere else I visited in Austria.

One of my favourite afternoons was taking the funicular up to the Schlossberg and enjoying the panoramic views across Graz's red rooftops before slowly making my way back down into the city. 

Later, I relaxed on the Murinsel, a floating café in the middle of the river, before ending the evening with a glass of local Styrian wine near the Hauptplatz. It never felt rushed or overly touristy, and that's exactly what I loved about it.

By the time I left, I found myself wishing I'd planned an extra day.

How Graz fits into your Austria itinerary

Graz pairs perfectly with Vienna or the nearby Wachau Valley and offers a completely different side of Austria.

Innsbruck

(pronounced: INS-brook)

Innsbruck has one of the most dramatic settings of any city I've ever visited. Surrounded by towering mountains, it's one of the few places where you can spend the morning wandering through a beautiful medieval old town and be standing high in the Alps less than half an hour later.

One of the first things I did was ride the Nordkette cable car to the summit, and the views completely blew me away. Looking down over Innsbruck with the Inn Valley stretching into the distance was one of those moments that made me stop and simply take it all in. 

Back in the city, I enjoyed exploring the charming Old Town, seeing the famous Golden Roof, and visiting the impressive Bergisel Ski Jump, where the views are almost as memorable as the architecture itself.

One experience that really surprised both my partner and me was the Tyrolean Folk Show. 

We weren't quite sure what to expect, but it turned out to be a really fun evening. The traditional music, dancing, yodeling, and incredible performances made it a memorable way to experience Austrian culture, and we both left smiling.

How Innsbruck fits into your Austria itinerary

Innsbruck is the perfect base for exploring western Austria and pairs beautifully with the Dolomites, Salzburg, or Bregenz.

I recommend spending at least two nights here so you have time to enjoy both the mountain experiences and the city's historic centre without feeling rushed.

Hallstatt

(pronounced: HALL-shtaht)

Hallstatt is one of the most photographed villages in the world, and I completely understand why. But I also learned that timing makes all the difference.

I stayed overnight and set my alarm early so I could explore the village before the tour buses arrived. Walking along the lakeshore at 7 am, with the mountains reflected perfectly in the still water and almost nobody else around, was one of my favourite moments anywhere in Austria. 

It felt peaceful, almost surreal, and completely different from the busy Hallstatt many people experience later in the day.

Another highlight was visiting the Hallstatt Skywalk. Standing high above the village with panoramic views across the lake and surrounding mountains gave me a completely different perspective of the area, and it's one of the best viewpoints I found during my trip. 

I also really enjoyed touring the historic salt mine, where I learned about thousands of years of mining history while exploring deep beneath the mountains.

Hallstatt absolutely deserves its reputation, but I think the secret is experiencing it when the crowds are gone. That's the version of Hallstatt I'll always remember.

How Hallstatt fits into your Austria itinerary

Hallstatt is one of Austria's iconic destinations and fits perfectly into a Salzkammergut itinerary alongside Wolfgangsee, Bad Ischl, and Salzburg.

Salzburg

(pronounced: ZAHLTS-burg)

Salzburg is one of those cities I never seem to get tired of. I've visited several times, and every trip reminds me why it's one of my favourite cities in Europe. 

Between the baroque architecture, the fortress overlooking the city, and the mountains surrounding it, it's beautiful from almost every angle.

One of the experiences I always recommend is attending a performance at the Felsenreitschule. 

Walking into this remarkable open-air theatre carved directly into the mountainside was unlike anything I'd seen before. 

As the music echoed off the stone walls with Hohensalzburg Fortress towering above, I genuinely felt as though I'd stepped back several centuries. It's one of the most memorable cultural experiences I've had anywhere in Europe.

Beyond the concerts, I loved wandering through the Old Town, riding the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for incredible views over the city, and spending time in the Mirabell Gardens. 

If you're lucky enough to visit during December, Salzburg's Christmas markets are among the best I've experienced, with the cathedral providing an unforgettable backdrop.

Every time I leave Salzburg, I find myself wanting to come back.

How Salzburg fits into your Austria itinerary

Salzburg is an essential stop on any Austria itinerary and pairs perfectly with Hallstatt, the Salzkammergut, or Vienna.

Vienna

(pronounced: VEE-en-ah)

If I could only recommend one place to visit in Austria, it would be Vienna. I've been fortunate enough to visit several times, and every trip leaves me wanting to come back. 

It's one of those rare cities where world-famous landmarks, incredible museums, beautiful architecture, and everyday life all seem to blend together effortlessly.

One of my favourite mornings was wandering through the Naschmarkt, stopping for coffee and pastries while watching locals shop for fresh produce. 

Later, I'd spend hours exploring the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which quickly became one of my favourite museums anywhere in Europe. I could easily lose an entire day there and still leave feeling like I'd only scratched the surface.

But what I love most about Vienna is its atmosphere. I found myself slowing down, lingering over coffee in the city's historic cafés, walking along the Ringstrasse after dark, and never feeling like I had to rush to the next attraction. 

My favourite evening was attending a concert before strolling through the beautifully illuminated streets on the way to dinner. It perfectly captured everything I love about Vienna. Elegant, relaxed, and completely timeless.

Every time I leave, I already know I'll be back.

How Vienna fits into your Austria itinerary

Vienna is the perfect place to begin or end an Austria itinerary and deserves at least three or four nights. It pairs beautifully with the Wachau Valley, Salzburg, or Graz, but it's also a destination that easily rewards a trip all on its own.

Of everywhere I've visited in Austria, it's the city I find myself recommending most often.

Austria may be relatively compact, but its imperial cities, alpine lakes, historic towns, and mountain scenery make it surprisingly difficult to decide how to spend your time.

Here is the route I’d personally recommend for a first visit.

Austria Itinerary: 7 Days

Why this route? This seven-day Austria itinerary combines Vienna’s imperial landmarks, the vineyards and riverside towns of the Wachau Valley, Salzburg’s musical heritage, the alpine lakes of the Salzkammergut, and the dramatic mountain scenery surrounding Innsbruck.

*Most of this itinerary can be completed by train, although renting a car or arranging a private tour provides more flexibility in the Wachau Valley and Salzkammergut. Drivers using Austrian motorways and expressways will need a valid digital or sticker vignette.

Why I keep coming back to Austria

Austria is one of those countries that becomes more rewarding with every visit. 

While many travellers focus on Vienna, Salzburg, and Hallstatt, I've found some of my favourite experiences have come from venturing a little farther, whether that's discovering hidden wine regions, relaxing beside crystal-clear alpine lakes, or exploring mountain villages that rarely appear on travel bucket lists.

I can spend one trip wandering imperial palaces and world-class museums, the next hiking through the Alps, and another cruising the Danube or enjoying a concert in Salzburg.

If it's your first visit, don't feel like you need to see the entire country in one trip. Austria is best experienced at a slower pace. Choose the regions that match your interests, leave time for spontaneous detours, and don't be surprised if you're already planning your return before you've even made it home.

FAQs about visiting Austria

Ready to explore Austria? Optimise Travel is here to help

Austria may be a relatively small country, but deciding how to spend your time here can be surprisingly difficult.

From the imperial elegance of Vienna and the musical heritage of Salzburg to the crystal-clear lakes of the Salzkammergut, the dramatic Alps around Innsbruck, and the peaceful vineyards of the Wachau Valley, every region offers something completely different.

At Optimise Travel, we create personalized travel itineraries based on your interests, travel style, and budget. 

Whether you're dreaming of exploring historic cities, hiking through breathtaking mountain scenery, relaxing beside alpine lakes, discovering charming villages, attending world-class concerts, or experiencing Austria's famous Christmas markets, we'll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.

If you'd like help planning your trip to Austria, click here to learn more about our concierge travel services.