The Republic of Austria (Österreich in German) 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 (four times the size of Israel). 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.
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.
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:
- Prater Amusement Park
- Spanish Riding School
- Danube Tower (Donauturm)
- House of the Sea (Haus des Meeres)
- Hundertwasser House
Historical Buildings:
- Opera House (Oper)
- City Hall (Rathaus)
- Museums Quarter (Museumsquartier)
- Parliament Building
- National Library
- Burgtheater
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). The quarters are:
- Wine Quarter (Weinviertel) – This quarter is located in the northeastern part of the state and borders Slovakia and the Czech Republic to the north and the other quarters to the south. This area received its name because it is the largest in Austria for grape cultivation and wine production. The quarter is thus characterized by many vineyards, agricultural fields, and important rivers such as the Danube River. The main cities in this quarter are Gänserndorf, Hollabrunn, Korneuburg, Mistelbach, and Krems.
- Forest Quarter (Waldviertel) – This quarter is located in the northwestern part of the state of Lower Austria and borders the Czech Republic and the state of Upper Austria. As its name suggests, the quarter is characterized by vast wooded areas, but also by green fields, impressive hills, cultural sites, and ancient castles. You can enjoy a variety of hiking trails in the forests, cycling routes, and of course, the special local cuisine that incorporates a lot of poppy seeds and potatoes.
- Most Quarter (Mostviertel) – This quarter is located in the southwestern part of the state of Lower Austria. It borders the Danube River to the north and the states of Styria and Upper Austria to the south. The name of the quarter refers to young wine or cider in its initial stages. The Ybbs and Enns rivers flow through it, creating a fertile land area between them where many fruit orchards grow, mainly apples and pears, from which cider is made.
- Industrial Quarter (Industrieviertel) – This quarter is located in the southeastern part of the state of Lower Austria. It borders Vienna to the north and the states of Styria and Burgenland to the south. The Vienna Woods serve as a natural border to the west, and therefore the quarter is also called “the Quarter below the Vienna Woods” (Viertel unter dem Wienerwald). This quarter has been considered an industrial center since the 18th century due to its abundance of wood, coal, and metal. This quarter was the first where factories were built under the instruction of the Habsburg dynasty that ruled the area. Besides industrial areas, there is also an agricultural part that includes vast vineyards. In addition, on the border between this quarter and the Most Quarter, there is a popular area with thermal springs. The main cities are the spa town of Baden, Mödling, and Wiener Neustadt (New Vienna).
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)
The state of Upper Austria is located in the northwest and borders Germany, the Czech Republic, as well as the states of Salzburg, Lower Austria, and Styria. The state has about 1.5 million residents. Its capital is Linz. This state, like Lower Austria, is divided into four quarters. The quarters are:
- Hausruck Quarter (Hausruckviertel) – This quarter is located in the heart of the state and is named after the Hausruck mountain range located there. This area is mostly populated and filled with agricultural regions. Nevertheless, due to its beautiful hills and magnificent lakes (such as Mondsee or Attersee), the area is considered one of the most picturesque in Austria and attracts many visitors from all over the world. The main cities are Wels, Eferding, Grieskirchen, and Vöcklabruck.
- Traun Quarter (Traunviertel) – This quarter is located in the southeastern part of the state and is named after the Traun River that flows through it. The Salzkammergut region, which is partly in this quarter, offers amazing views and breathtaking natural sites. Nature lovers will certainly not be disappointed by this quarter, which includes several picturesque towns and magnificent lakes (Hallstatt, Lake Iban, Bad Ischl, and more). The main cities are Linz, Gmunden, and Steyr. Although Linz is a dull and unpleasant city (according to locals), the wonderful nature makes this quarter popular even among Austrians.
- Inn Quarter (Innviertel) – This quarter is located in the northwestern part of the state of Upper Austria. This area is characterized by forests, hills, and vast meadows and many agricultural areas. One of the main towns in this quarter is called Braunau am Inn – this is the birthplace of Adolf Hitler. Other major towns are Schärding and Obernberg.
- Mühl Quarter (Mühlviertel) – This quarter is located in the northeastern part of the state of Upper Austria. This is essentially the only quarter located north of the Danube River. It is named after the two rivers that flow through it – the Große Mühl and the Kleine Mühl rivers. The area is also characterized by many hills, forests, and agricultural fields. In addition, stone and mortar farmhouses (called Steinbloß), preserved Gothic churches, castles, fortified cities, and palaces are scattered throughout the hills. One of the main places in this quarter is the Mauthausen concentration camp. The main cities in this quarter are Rohrbach, Perg, Freistadt, and Bad Leonfelden.
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:
- Five Fingers viewing platform
- Aquapulco Water Park
- Schmiding Zoo
- Treetop Walk
- Cumberland Wildlife Park Grünau
- Dachstein Giant Ice Cave
Castles, Manors, and Palaces:
Memorial Sites:
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.
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 (Faak 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:
- Minimundus Amusement Park
- Pyramidenkogel viewing tower
- Affenberg Landskron Monkey Park
- Ankogelbahn
- Heidi Alm Children’s Park
- Alpen Wildpark Feld am See
- Gerlitzen Kanzelbahn
- Raggaschlucht
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 (in German). 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.
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.
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
National Parks:
Waterfalls:
Caves:
Attractions:
- Dachstein Mountains in Styria – The “Stairway to Nowhere” viewpoint
- Erzberg Mine
- Herberstein Zoo
- Stübing Open-Air Museum
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.
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:
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 (Achen See)
- Lake Plansee
Castles and Fortresses:
- Ambras Castle
- Ehrenberg Castle
- Tratzberg Castle
- Kufstein Fortress
Breathtaking Nature Areas:
- Pitztal Valley
- Alpbachtal Valley
- Ötztal Valley
- Zillertal Valley
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.
Good to know: The city of Bregenz is twinned with Akko in Israel.
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.
Main Cities:
Popular Ski Resorts:
- Sonnenkopf Resort
- Bödele Resort
Castles:
Impressive Mountains:
Nature Areas:
- Kleinwalsertal
- Rappenloch Gorge (Rappenlochschlucht)
Lakes:
Attractions:
- Kleinwalsertal Cable Car
- Wildpark Feldkirch Zoo
There you have it! Now you can confidently say, Welcome to Austria!
