The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best places to visit in austria"
Named by 7 of 81. HallstattA lakeside village between Lake Hallstatt and steep mountains, known for its historic salt mine.Crowded most of the time; staying overnight gives a quieter experience.Named by 7 of 82. ViennaCapital known for architecture, fine art and classical music; Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms lived there.Best time is May to October, according to one guide.Best time to visit Vienna
Named by 5 of 83. SalzburgBirthplace of Mozart, with a historic old centre and a fortress above the city.Sound of Music locations include Mirabell Gardens and Leopoldskron Palace.
Named by 5 of 84. InnsbruckHosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976 and is seen as a top winter sports base.Sits in the heart of the Alps with the mountains very close to the city.
Named by 3 of 85. Zell am SeeA town on a lake surrounded by the Alps and ski areas, good in summer and winter.Best time is June to September, according to one guide.
Named by 3 of 86. Grossglockner High Alpine RoadA 48 km toll road from Bruck to Heiligenblut with stops for hikes; a car is needed.Open from early May to early November, with July best for wildflowers.
Named by 3 of 87. DachsteinDachstein Glacier has viewing areas and ice caves.The Ice Caves involve about 600 steps.
Named by 3 of 88. Austrian AlpsDescribed as offering dramatic alpine beauty similar to Switzerland, often more affordable and relaxed.Remote spots such as Gosausee and Seebensee need more planning, and a car helps.
Named by 2 of 89. SalzkammergutA UNESCO World Heritage region of blue lakes, hills and mountains, a tourist destination for over 100 years.Activities include mountaineering, horseback riding, swimming and cycling.Named by 2 of 810. GrazAustria's second-largest city, with an old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Described as artsy and underrated.
11. Wilder KaiserPopular for skiing in winter and for hiking, lakes and biergartens in summer.
12. Krimml WaterfallsCalled Europe's tallest waterfalls and an underrated stop.
13. Bad GasteinA faded spa town with a large waterfall running through it.14. LinzIndustrial past mixed with tech and modern art.
15. KitzbühelA mountain town and one of Europe's popular ski resorts, with cobbled streets.
16. KaprunA village in the Hohe Tauern range with some of Austria's best ski resorts.
17. HohenemsA western town for history lovers, with a 12th-century castle at Altems.
18. Hohenwerfen CastleA fortress with a view, listed among historic towns and castles.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name May to June and September to October as the best time to visit Austria.
Questions people ask
- What's the best time of year to visit Austria?
- Lonely Planet says Austria suits any time of year; one guide lists Vienna as best May to October and Zell am See June to September.
- Which is nicer, Vienna or Salzburg?
- One writer calls Vienna grand and elegant and Salzburg smaller and more romantic, with baroque streets and Mozart history.
- What are the prettiest towns in Austria?
- Hallstatt is named the most beautiful village by one source, with Innsbruck, Salzburg and Zell am See also recommended.
