Must-See Attractions in Austria | The Best Places to Visit

The Republic of Austria (Österreich) is located in Central Europe and borders 8 countries: Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany, Slovenia, Switzerland, Italy, and Liechtenstein.

Austria is home to about 9 million residents and covers an area of approximately 85,000 square kilometers. The official language in the country is German, although Hungarian and Slovenian are also spoken in certain areas. Austria’s capital, Vienna, is located in the eastern part, near the border with Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Hungary.

Good to know: Although Austria is not large, due to influences from surrounding countries, different dialects of the German language have developed, and sometimes residents from different regions of Austria (even just a few kilometers apart) will find it difficult to understand each other’s German.

Austria is blessed with wonderful nature, including the Alps, crystal-clear lakes, and vast expanses of meadows and forests. In winter, Austria is considered the ski and snowboard capital of Europe (along with Switzerland, of course), and in summer, the ski resorts transform into holiday villages with a variety of attractions and wonderful trails for walking or cycling.

This is what Austria looks like

Seriously preparing for your trip to Austria? Here are 27 important things you should know before traveling to this wonderful country!

The 9 States of Austria

The Austrian Republic is divided into 9 states that are subject to central government. Each state is relatively autonomous with a local head of state. Also, in terms of branding, it is clear that each state has a different brand with a unique logo and colors. Throughout the article, we will detail each state and what you can see there.

You can navigate between sections of the article by clicking on the name of the state you wish to read about.

Vienna (Wien)
Upper Austria (Oberösterreich)
Lower Austria (Niederösterreich)
Burgenland
Carinthia (Kärnten)
Salzburgerland
Styria (Steiermark)
Tyrol (Tirol)
Vorarlberg

Extended Information on the 9 States of Austria

1. State of Vienna (Wien)

The city of Vienna is the capital of Austria, but it is also a state in its own right. It is the smallest of the 9 states and the largest city in Austria with about 2 million residents (in the city itself and its suburbs). This state is embedded within the state of Lower Austria. Many residents of Austrian villages, especially young people, move to Vienna for studies and work, so the city is considered the vibrant center of Austria (in Austrian terms, of course, don’t expect New York style). The city has a variety of cultural events, festivals, nightlife, and various attractions. The city center, the First District, is ancient and impressive in its beauty, and as such, it is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list. In addition, the city has several impressive palaces, parks, and museums that certainly justify a visit.

Schönbrunn Palace - the most popular attraction in Austria! — Schönbrunn Palace – the most popular attraction in Austria!

Must-See Attractions in Vienna

The city of Vienna is full of palaces, museums, churches, parks, nature, and various attractions. Vienna is a center of culture and history, and walking through its ancient streets in the First District feels like a journey back in time to the era of the monarchy and the glorious days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Click on the names of the attractions to go to their extended articles.

Main Palaces

Churches

Experiential Attractions

Historical Buildings

Parks and Squares

2. State of Lower Austria (Niederösterreich)

The state of Lower Austria is, ironically, located in the northeastern part of Austria, bordering the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The state has about 1.7 million residents. The capital of the state is the city of Sankt Pölten. Before the World War, this state had the largest concentration of Jews in all of Austria.

Lower Austria is divided into four quarters (Viertel):

Wine Quarter (Weinviertel) – This quarter lies in northeastern Lower Austria, bordering Slovakia and the Czech Republic to the north. Named for being Austria’s largest wine-growing region, it features extensive vineyards, farmland, and major rivers like the Danube. Main cities include Gänserndorf, Hollabrunn, Korneuburg, Mistelbach, and Krems.
Forest Quarter (Waldviertel) – This quarter lies in northwestern Lower Austria, bordering the Czech Republic and Upper Austria. True to its name, it features extensive forests, green fields, rolling hills, cultural sites, and historic castles. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and the local cuisine, which highlights poppy seeds and potatoes.
Most Quarter (Mostviertel) – This quarter lies in southwestern Lower Austria, bordered by the Danube to the north and Styria and Upper Austria to the south. Its name refers to young wine or cider. The Ybbs and Enns rivers create a fertile area where orchards of apples and pears thrive, many used for cider production.
Industrial Quarter (Industrieviertel) – This quarter in southeastern Lower Austria borders Vienna to the north and Styria and Burgenland to the south. The Vienna Woods form its western edge, earning it the name Viertel unter dem Wienerwald (the Quarter below the Vienna Woods). Historically an industrial center since the 18th century, it also features vineyards and agricultural areas, with popular thermal springs along the border with the Mostviertel. Main cities include Baden, Mödling, and Wiener Neustadt.

Wachau Valley - World Heritage Site — Wachau Valley – World Heritage Site

Must-See Attractions in Lower Austria

The wonderful nature, impressive mountains, spa complexes, thermal springs, cultural and historical sites make Lower Austria an attractive destination for day trips for those traveling in Vienna or for those coming to Austria from Slovakia or the Czech Republic.

Most Impressive Mountains

Schneeberg, rising to an altitude of about 2070 meters above sea level
Rax, rising to an altitude of 2007 meters above sea level
Ötscher, rising to an altitude of 1890 meters above sea level
Dürrenstein, rising to an altitude of 1878 meters above sea level
Gemeindealpe, rising to an altitude of 1626 meters above sea level
Semmering, a popular ski resort near Vienna, with an altitude of about 950 meters above sea level
Wechsel, at an altitude of 980 meters above sea level

Historical Sites and Ancient Castles

Plankenstein Castle (Burg Plankenstein)
Heidenreichstein Castle (Burg Heidenreichstein)
Kreuzenstein Castle (Burg Kreuzenstein)
Hardegg Castle (Burg Hardegg)
Rauhenstein Castle Ruins (Burgruine Rauhenstein)
Seegrotte – The underground lake in an abandoned bunker
Roman City of Carnuntum

National Parks and Nature Sites

Wachau Valley – An exceptional nature and wine region! A must-visit if you’re coming from Vienna
Donau-Auen National Park (National Park Donau-Auen)
Blockheide Nature Park (Blockheide Nature Park)
Dobersberg-Thayatal Nature Park
Heidenreichstein Moorland Nature Park
Ysperklamm Waterfalls

3. State of Upper Austria (Oberösterreich)

Upper Austria is located in the northwest, bordering Germany, the Czech Republic, and the Austrian states of Salzburg, Lower Austria, and Styria. The state has around 1.5 million residents, with Linz as its capital. Like Lower Austria, Upper Austria is divided into four quarters:

Hausruck Quarter (Hausruckviertel) –Located in the heart of the state, this quarter is named after the Hausruck mountain range. Mostly agricultural and populated, it is also known for its scenic hills and stunning lakes, including Mondsee and Attersee, attracting visitors from around the world. Main cities include Wels, Eferding, Grieskirchen, and Vöcklabruck.
Traun Quarter (Traunviertel) – This quarter lies in southeastern Upper Austria and is named after the Traun River. It includes part of the Salzkammergut region, known for its stunning natural scenery, picturesque towns, and beautiful lakes such as Hallstatt, Lake Iban, and Bad Ischl. Main cities include Linz, Gmunden, and Steyr. While Linz is considered dull by locals, the region’s remarkable nature makes it popular with Austrians and visitors alike.
Inn Quarter (Innviertel) – This quarter lies in northwestern Upper Austria and is characterized by forests, hills, meadows, and farmland. Key towns include Braunau am Inn, the birthplace of Adolf Hitler, as well as Schärding and Obernberg.
Mühl Quarter (Mühlviertel) – This quarter is in northeastern Upper Austria, the only part north of the Danube, and is named after the Große Mühl and Kleine Mühl rivers. The area features hills, forests, farmland, historic stone farmhouses (Steinbloß), Gothic churches, castles, fortified towns, and palaces. Key sites include the Mauthausen concentration camp. Main cities are Rohrbach, Perg, Freistadt, and Bad Leonfelden.

Hallstatt - the most picturesque village in Austria — Hallstatt – the most picturesque village in Austria

Must-See Attractions in Upper Austria

The picturesque landscapes combining green meadows and forests, crystal-clear lakes, and snow-capped mountain peaks make Upper Austria a preferred and attractive destination for many travelers. Wonderful natural sites as well as historical and cultural sites are scattered throughout the state.

Towns, Villages, and Lakes

Hallstatt and Lake Hallstatt (Hallstätter See)
The Old Town of Steyr
The spa town of Bad Ischl
The town of Gmunden
Lake Attersee
Lake Traunsee (Traunsee)
Lake Almsee (Almsee)
Lake Mondsee

Impressive Mountains

Hoher Dachstein Mountains
Salzkammergut Mountains

Experiential Attractions

Castles, Manors, and Palaces

Memorial Sites

Mauthausen Concentration Camp

4. State of Burgenland

Burgenland is the easternmost state in the Republic of Austria, located south of Vienna and bordering Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, the state of Styria, and the state of Lower Austria. It is one of the smaller states among the 9 and is not densely populated. The state has about 290,000 residents. The capital of the state is Eisenstadt.

In terms of landscapes, don’t expect high mountains and many hills; in fact, most of the areas in the state are flat and low-lying. The highest point in the state is at an altitude of 879 meters above sea level, and the lowest point in all of Austria is also located here (114 meters above sea level). The largest lake in Austria, Lake Neusiedl (Neusiedler See), is located in Burgenland. In the area of the lake, there are vineyards and wineries that produce local wine.

This state was home to many Jewish communities known as the “Seven Communities” that operated in the towns of Eisenstadt, Mattersburg, Kittsee, Frauenkirchen, Kobersdorf, Lackenbach, and Deutschkreutz. In these towns, Jews constituted a significant percentage of the residents. After the Holocaust, almost no Jews remained in Burgenland.

Must-See Attractions in Burgenland

Although Burgenland is not as impressive as other regions in Austria and its landscapes are not wonderfully picturesque, there are still interesting and enjoyable places to visit.

Nature and Water

Lake Neusiedl (Neusiedler See) and Neusiedl Nature Reserve

Palaces, Castles, and Historical Places

Esterházy Palace (Schloss Esterházy)
Forchtenstein Castle (Burg Forchtenstein)
Schlaining Castle (Burg Schlaining)
Güssing Castle (Burg Güssing)
Landsee Castle Ruins (Burgruine Landsee)
Windmill in Podersdorf am See

Hot Springs

Attractions

5. State of Carinthia (Kärnten)

The state of Carinthia is located in the southern part of Austria and is the oldest among the states of the Republic of Austria. Carinthia was home to ancient peoples, and archaeological findings indicate settlement as early as the Paleolithic period (30,000 years ago). In addition, there are writings that mention the names of settlements in Carinthia from 3000 BCE. The state has about 600,000 residents. The capital of the state is Klagenfurt.

The name of the state comes from the ancient Celtic language. One explanation for the name says that its origin is from the word “karanti,” meaning friend, which explains why the residents of Carinthia are considered nicer than the average Austrian. Another possibility for the origin of the name is from the word “karanto,” meaning stone, due to the many mountains surrounding the state.

The state is surrounded by high and impressive mountain ranges that separate it from neighboring countries. The Eastern Alps form the border with Italy and Slovenia, the Tauern mountain range forms the northwestern border with Salzburg, and to the east, the Pack Saddle mountain range separates it from the state of Styria. The large river flowing through Carinthia is called the Drau, creating a wonderful valley that reaches eastern Tyrol.

In the south of the state, a Slovenian minority lives, and generally, the influence of the neighboring country can be seen in the area, both in customs and language.

Lake Wörthersee - clear, warm water for summer fun — Lake Wörthersee – clear, warm water for summer fun

Must-See Attractions in Carinthia

Carinthia is famous mainly for its lakes and mountains, but its towns, history, and attractions are no less interesting.

Main Towns

Klagenfurt
Villach
Gmünd
Friesach

Lakes

Wörthersee
Lake Millstatt (Millstätter See)
Lake Faak (Faaker See)
Lake Ossiach (Ossiach See)
Lake Klopeiner
Lake Weissensee

Impressive Mountains and Glacier Areas

Pasterze Glacier
Katschberg Mountain
Nassfeld
Dobratsch
Hochrindl Mountain

Castles and Palaces

Hochosterwitz Castle
Velden Palace Hotel (Schloss Velden)
Landskron Castle Ruins (Adler Arena Burg Landskron)

Experiential Attractions

Waterfalls

Waterfalls

Nature Reserves

Nockberge Biosphere Reserve (Riserva della Biosfera Nockberge)

Hot Springs

Spa complexes in Bad Kleinkirchheim (Terme Römerbad)

6. Salzburgerland

The state of Salzburg is among the smaller states of the Republic of Austria. Approximately 550,000 residents live in this region. Its official name is Salzburgerland. Most of its area is mountainous due to the Alps, and only its northern part is flat. This region is located in northern Austria and borders the state of Bavaria in Germany to the northwest, the state of Upper Austria to the northeast, the state of Carinthia to the south, Styria to the east, and Tyrol to the southwest.

The capital of Salzburg is also called Salzburg and is the largest city in this area. The city is best known for being the birthplace of the talented composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and also the city where the famous film “The Sound of Music” was filmed. The Salzach River flows through the state, and the city of Salzburg is located on its banks north of the Alps.

The mountain ranges in Salzburgerland rise to an altitude of over 3000 meters, and among them are the Dachstein range and the Berchtesgaden Alps range.

The spectacular viewpoint over Lake Wolfgang - the summit of Mount Schapberg — The spectacular viewpoint over Lake Wolfgang – the summit of Mount Schapberg

Main Places in Salzburgerland

There is no doubt that Salzburgerland is one of the most visited regions in Austria. You must not miss the picturesque towns, beautiful lakes, breathtaking Alps, and of course, the wonderful music.

Cities and Towns

Impressive Mountains

Festungsberg Mountain
Gaisberg Mountain
The view of Lake Wolfgang from the peak of Schafberg Mountain

Waterfalls

Krimml Waterfalls (Krimml Fälle) – The largest waterfalls in Central Europe
Sigmund-Thun-Gorge (Sigmund-Thun-Klamm)

Lakes

Lake Zell
Lake Fuschl – The clearest lake in Salzburgerland
The Green Lake and the White Lake
Lake Wolfgang

Ice Caves

Eisriesenwelt Cave – The largest ice cave in the world!

Castles, Fortresses, and Palaces

Hohensalzburg Fortress
Mirabell Palace and Royal Gardens
Hellbrunn Palace – The dancing fountains experience!
Klessheim Palace (Schloss Klessheim)
Hohenwerfen Fortress (Festung Hohenwerfen)

Attractions

Amadé Spa
Gastein
Hallein Salt Mine
Kaprun Dams
Salzburg Zoo
Stiegl Brewery (Stiegl-Brauwelt)
Salzburg Open-Air Museum (Freilichtmuseum Salzburg)
Hangar-7
House of Nature Science Museum
Mozart’s Birthplace
Familienberg Maiskogel Amusement Park
Golling Waterfalls (Gollinger wasserfall)

7. State of Styria (Steiermark)

The state of Styria is located southeast and borders Slovenia, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Carinthia, Salzburg, and Burgenland. Settlement in this area dates back to the Celts, and control of the area has changed hands many times among various empires and rulers. The state received its name from the Styrian dynasty that ruled the area in the 10th century CE. The capital of the state is Graz. The state has about 1.3 million residents.

The Green Lake - Underwater Park — The Green Lake – Underwater Park

Must-See Attractions in Styria

The landscapes in Styria are incredibly beautiful, filled with vibrant green, dense forests, and mountainous terrain. This state is known for its wine, castles, and wonderful spa complexes.

Main Cities

Graz – Capital of Styria. The old city is very impressive!

Castles and Churches

Lakes

The Green Lake (Grüner See) – Was once an amazing attraction for divers

Attractions

8. Tyrol (Tirol)

The region of Tyrol is actually located in both Austria and Italy. The northern and eastern parts of Tyrol are in Austria, while the southern and western parts are in Italy. Austrian Tyrol is divided into two parts separated by a small area of seven kilometers. The large part of Tyrol is called North Tyrol, and the smaller part is called East Tyrol. The borders of the region are with Vorarlberg to the west, Salzburg and Carinthia to the east, Bavaria to the north, and Italy and Switzerland to the south. In terms of area, Tyrol is the third largest region in the country, but it only has about 750,000 residents. The capital of Tyrol is Innsbruck.

The region of Tyrol is located right in the heart of the Eastern Alps, and on its border with Carinthia is the highest mountain in Austria – Großglockner.

Aqua Dome. Courtesy of the spa's official Facebook page — Aqua Dome. Courtesy of the spa’s official Facebook page

Must-See Attractions in Tyrol

The Alpine mountain range in Tyrol makes it one of the most wonderful and beautiful regions in Austria for those who love breathtaking mountain views and, of course, ski enthusiasts. In addition, there are a variety of historical sites and local traditions that make Tyrol truly unique.

Main Cities and Towns

Innsbruck

Popular Ski Resorts

Kitzbühel
Ischgl
St. Anton

Impressive Mountain Areas

Grossglockner – The highest mountain in Austria
Stubai – The giant glacier area and Top of Tyrol viewpoint
Patscherkofel Mountain

Lakes

Lake Achensee (Achensee)
Lake Plansee

Castles and Fortresses

Breathtaking Nature Areas

Waterfalls

Stubenfall Waterfalls

Attractions

Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Swarovski Kristallwelten)
Nordkette
Highline179 Suspension Bridge
AREA 47 Amusement Park
Hexenwasser Water Park
Innsbruck Alpine Zoo (Alpenzoo)

9. State of Vorarlberg

Vorarlberg is the westernmost region in Austria. In terms of area, it is considered the smallest after Vienna, and in terms of population, it is also one of the smallest in Austria with only 388,711 residents. This state borders Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, as well as Tyrol to the east. The capital city of Vorarlberg is Bregenz, located near Lake Constance. The residents of the state speak a unique dialect that is more similar to Swiss German than Austrian German.

Lunaresa - the magnificent Moon Lake — Lunaresa – the magnificent Moon Lake

Must-See Attractions in Vorarlberg

The terrain of Vorarlberg is very mountainous, and the landscapes are wonderful. In addition, there are a variety of pleasant villages with spa complexes, cheese farms, and starting points for enjoyable hiking trails.