Austria’s Top Things to Do: Music, History & Alpine Landscapes

Austria pulls you in with old-world charm, mountain thrills, or quiet cultural spots - solid pick if you want variety without hassle. Skip the usual routes; try Vienna's lavish courts mixed with Tyrol's rugged hills instead. You'll find tons of stuff to do here no matter the season - summer trails beat city walks, while ski runs swap cozy cafés for speed lovers. We're breaking down what actually matters: key sights, real highlights, underrated zones most miss entirely. No fluff, just 15 solid picks shaped by years of hopping across Europe with a backpack and bad map skills

1. Vienna's Imperial Palaces

Vienna's the pulse of Austria's culture, with Habsburg history glowing in grand buildings and top-tier museums that pull in more than 7 million travelers every year. Schönbrunn Palace, listed by UNESCO and raised in the 1700s under Empress Maria Theresa, holds 1,441 spaces - like the dazzling Mirror Room where little Mozart played tunes when just six. Wandering outside, you'll hit wide lawns, neat green walls, fake ancient stones, copies of classics, plus Europe's first zoo, running since 1752 and now sheltering giant pandas along with polar bears. Back then, writer Mark Twain once said something like, "If you enjoy Vienna, you may have all the Vienna there is." (The Innocents Abroad, 1869)

Hofburg Palace was home to the Habsburg rulers through six centuries - inside you'll find royal rooms, a museum about the sorrowful Empress Sisi, along with fancy silver dishes that shine like stars. See the graceful Lipizzaner horses up close during their daily training at the Spanish Riding School - they move with precision thanks to skills passed down for ages. Up on a hill stands Belvedere Palace, built by architect Hildebrandt; it's actually two buildings linked by terraced gardens filled with water jets and sculptures. The top part welcomes visitors into a bright marble hall where Klimt's famous painting The Kiss glows under soft light - a masterpiece from the early 1900s

Set aside two whole days: start with Schönbrunn using a Grand Tour pass (€26), then head to Hofburg in the afternoon (€16 bundle), wrap up at Belvedere by night (€16). These spots in Austria mix old tales, artwork, and live shows without effort. Grab a fast-track entry on their main websites so you don't wait, grab it together with a Melange brew and warm Apfelstrudel from Café Central close by - a place where Freud and Trotsky once hung out since 1876, perfect for real Vienna vibes. Quick note: go during early spring when flowers open up or check out nearby Advent bazaars later in the year.

2. Salzburg's Baroque Charm

Salzburg pulls you in with its old city - a tight network of fancy baroque buildings, traces of Mozart everywhere, also spots where The Sound of Music was shot, drawing crowds who love classic films. Sitting high above the Salzach River stands Hohensalzburg Fortress, the biggest surviving medieval castle in Europe dating back to the 1000s; ride up by cable car to explore grim prison rooms from centuries ago, posh living quarters once used by nobles, plus wide-open skyline sights stretching all the way to snowcapped peaks when weather's good. Down below, Mirabell Gardens - the place where they sang "Do-Re-Mi" - comes alive in warm months with playful horse statues spouting water, tiny sculpted lawns, along with live music shows under the open sky

Walk around Residenzplatz, Salzburg's main square - street players entertain near a 17th-century church with a green-tinted dome; just outside town, Hellbrunn hides playful water tricks. At Mozart's birthplace, see his old violin, keyboard, and pictures of relatives; not far off, his later home shows how he lived. Craving food? Try St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, tucked under ancient abbey halls, serving fluffy Salzburger Nockerl since the year 803 - all in moody stone arches

Dedicate three days - start with the fortress plus a stroll through Old Town. Next day, check out Mozart's hangouts followed by the Sound of Music route (around €50). On day three, head off to Hellbrunn for a quick escape. Aim for July or August if you want the festival vibe - top-tier opera held in old-school settings. These places in Austria blend history, tunes, and movie magic without feeling recycled or flat

3. Hallstatt and Salzkammergut Lakes

Hallstatt's tiny lakeside spot in the Salzkammergut - named a UNESCO place back in '97 - shows off Austria's dreamy side, tucked between green mountains and ancient salt tunnels dug for nearly seven millennia. Take the little cable car up to Salzwelten, home of the planet's oldest working mine, where you can slide down old timber ramps, hop on boats by an inner lake, then step onto the Skywalk jutting 360 meters over Hallätter See. For €12, grab a quiet electric boat ride that glides past sheer rocks, church towers, and mirror-like views of the Dachstein range, most stunning when the sun first rises

Head to Wolfgangsee near St. Gilgen - where Mozart's mom was born - for kayak trips, or hop on the Zwölferhorn cable car up to 1,521 meters and explore trails with paragliders soaring above bright blue water and old chapels. Just a short way off, Gosauseen lets families walk around vivid greenish-blue lakes surrounded by sharp mountain ridges. At Hallstatt's graveyard, the Beinhaus holds about 600 decorated bones, left there centuries ago when miners ran out of room underground

Hit the spot between May and September - fewer folks around. Use the Postbus to jump from lake to lake. Grab a bike to roll along quiet waterfront trails. Chill spots in Austria that feel more real, thanks to routes linking several lakes instead of just one

4. Grossglockner High Alpine Road

The 48km Grossglockner High Alpine Road winds through Hohe Tauern National Park - Austria's highest paved route hits 2,504m at Edelweissspitze, running from May till early November for sharp turns plus chances to spot marmots. Up top, lookouts face the Pasterze Glacier, stretching 8km as the country's longest; it's retreating due to warmer temps yet stays striking, with icy caves and hiking options nearby. Branch roads head toward Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, known for old emperor statues along with wild ibex often seen around there

Begin at Bruck along the Grossglockner road or near Heiligenblut's old stone church - costs around €40 per car, covers multiple pull-offs. Try open-top cars to feel the wind, otherwise pick a guided coach trip (about €70). Along the way, hit Franz-Josefs-Höhe, where displays explain how mountains formed here. While this drive isn't official UNESCO yet, it's one of Austria's top picks; check weather apps so mist doesn't block views

Start with Krimml Falls to make a solid two-day circle. Hit the trail early - mornings dodge those summer crowds from July onward; grab an e-bike if you're up for some punchy rides. Folks driving through can't stop talking about how wild it feels compared to any flat checklist

5. Tyrol's Outdoor Adventures

Tyrol's rugged Ötztal range keeps adventure going nonstop - Innsbruck's Nordkette lift climbs up to 2,334m, opening paths like the Hafelekarspitze via ferrata plus sweeping valley views. When snow hits, St. Anton takes over with 305km of runs; its deep Arlberg powder has pulled skilled riders since 1901, while Kitzbühel suits families and hosts the famous Hahnenkamm race. Once warmth returns, skiing fades into paragliding above Zillertal Arena, rafting through Class III chutes on the Inn River, or tackling cliffside routes near Penkenbahn

Innsbruck's Golden Roof - fitted with gold leaf back in the 1440s for Emperor Maximilian - shines near Ambras Castle's halls full of old armor. Nearby, Swarovski Kristallwelten, built by Daniel Swarovski in '95, wows visitors thanks to glowing art setups and Zaha Hadid's bold structures. Stay in Innsbruck; grab a Nordkette day ticket for around €42 while climbing gear runs about €20 daily. These Austrian sites pull thrill lovers better than most rivals, offering year-round ideas that go beyond typical options

Fan out toward Achensee for electric bike rides around the water, while Stubai Glacier keeps slopes open every season. You've got to check safety rules first; tools such as Bergfex update trail status live

6. Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave

Near Werfen lies Eisriesenwelt - a maze of icy rooms stretching 42 kilometers, shaped slowly by frozen mountain water over more than twelve thousand years. It's the biggest ice cave you can visit, with spaces so huge they feel like churches, such as Hymir Hall. Tours run from May to October, costing €40 and lasting about an hour and fifteen minutes. First, you ride a cable car up to 1,700 meters. Then you walk down 134 stairs into chilly air at around -1°C, lit only by flickering magnesium lamps. These lights bring out towering ice pillars that reach heights of nearly 30 meters. In areas like Eispalast, the walls shine in deep blue tones, looking just like solidified stained glass. Bring strong footwear along with warm layers - it's mandatory

Head to Hohenwerfen Castle from the 11th century - it's just a 20-minute drive - for bird shows where peregrine falcons drop fast, hitting speeds up to 300 km/h. If you're near Salzburg, this spot makes a solid full-day escape; it only takes 40 minutes to reach, but grab your tickets early if you want one in English. One of Austria's strangest sights, it hits hard with ancient craftsmanship that goes way deeper than most people say

Head over to Liechtensteinklamm canyon close by for some walkway excitement - kids and parents enjoy the rush, though those uneasy in narrow spots should keep that in mind

7. Krimml Waterfalls

At 380 meters, Europe's highest drop - Krimml's triple falls thunder down green rock walls in Pinzgau, strongest May through August when melting snow feeds the rush, often lighting up rainbows along the 4-kilometer path. Up top, visitors get sprayed by fog; flatter routes near bottom welcome wheelchair users. Keep going into Krimmler Ache Valley for mountain lodge meals like cheesy noodles among wildflowers

Get there anytime using the shuttle - just 5 euros. In winter, tough ice routes suit seasoned climbers. No fee to enter Hohe Tauern National Park. A top pick in Austria for walkers, thanks to detailed trail maps beating sketchy rival tips

Pair it with a trip to Grossglockner - just an hour's drive away. Drink water often while you adapt to shifting weather zones

8. Wachau Valley Vineyards

UNESCO's Wachau valley follows the Danube from Melk to Krems - about 36 kilometers packed with steep grape fields that grow sharp Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, a tradition started by Romans back in the first century. Ride the Donauradweg trail on two wheels; bikes cost €10 daily, covering roughly 180 km, or hop on a boat for €30, drifting by Dürnstein and its old Kuenringerburg fortress where King Richard I got locked up during 1192. Inside Melk's monastery, built ages ago in the 1000s, you'll find a lavish baroque hall filled with nearly 80 grand books beneath painted ceilings done by artist Johann Michael Rottmayr

Heuriger wine spots use "Aussteckt" twigs to show new wines on tap - try it with Brettljause meat platters (€15). Ride trains then boats using Westbahn tickets (€50 return). Lovers of tasty bites dig these Austria travel gems; pick late summer for grape events

Head to apricot groves - perfect when harvesting during Marillensaison, which runs from June to July - for tastings of homemade schnapps. The Wachau Card, costing €27, includes access to multiple spots

9. Graz's Hidden Gems

Graz in Styria might become Europe's Capital of Culture in 2025 - also a UNESCO design hub. Its vibe? Lively inner-city spots on Mur Island, plus an old clock tower from the 1500s that somehow survived every wartime raid. Over at Landeszeughaus, you'll find more than thirty thousand bits of ancient armor stacked up tight. The Kunsthaus building, shaped like some space creature dreamed up by architect Colin Fournier, shows bold modern art inside. Meanwhile, along the riverbank near Hauptplatz, vendors hand out samples of local pumpkin seed oil, rich and green, straight from Styria's presses

Buschenschanks are countryside spots dishing out fresh meals - try the pumpkin soup. Not crowded yet full of life, this eco-friendly gem stands out across Austria where culture, food, and stories run deep while others overlook it

Head out from Vienna - just a 2.5-hour train ride. The planetary garden at Eggenberg Palace? It's built to match celestial patterns

10. Semmeringbahn Scenic Railway

UNESCO's Semmeringbahn, built by Karl von Ghega back in 1854, was the planet's first train line through mountains - stretching 41km across Styria's woods. Instead of flat ground, it climbs steep slopes up to 20%, held up by 16 big stone bridges plus a network of 15 underground tunnels. The stretch between Payerbach and Semmering stands out thanks to the massive 90-meter-high Weinviertel Viaduct cutting through open space. When summer rolls in, purple lupins bloom along the tracks, whereas wintertime swaps that for silent blankets of snow

ÖBB rides cost 25 euros; Nightjet runs overnight from Vienna. For train lovers, a chill thing - walk the rails after arriving

The museum in Mürzzuschlag shows how tough building stuff really was. It goes well with the Rax cable ride

11. Christmas Markets and Festivals

Via the city hall square in Vienna lights up with more than a hundred little huts from November through December. Over in Salzburg, at Dom Square, folks remember where 'Silent Night' first played back in 1818 - while sipping warm spiced wine alongside gingerbread treats. Up north, Lienz shakes things up by adding frozen rinks into its holiday market scene. Meanwhile, top singers from around the planet take center stage during Salzburg's big summer music show

"Understanding local festivals like these enriches travel, connecting you to Austria's soul beyond sights," says SimCorner founder Shahzeb Shaikh. Year-round: Graz Jazz Festival, Vienna Philharmonic.

Dress in warm clothes because street sales bring people together.

12. Thermal Spas and Saunas

Bad Ischl's Kaiserbad - once Franz Joseph's getaway - spits out warm 36°C radon water; meanwhile, Ötztal's Aqua Dome clings to mountains, dishing out sky-level soak zones. Saunas where clothes stay off help flush toxins; nearby, Bad Gastein's falls pump mist for healing breaths

After your walk, relax in water - costs €25 to 40. These calming spots in Austria mix comfort with great scenery

Grab a massage + stay hydrated - it helps.

13. Prater Amusement Park

Vienna's Prater kicked off in 1766 - home to the towering 64-meter Riesenrad since 1897, known from The Third Man. That big wheel creaks above spooky parkland while crowds hit more than 250 rides. A quieter patch called Green Prater keeps things chill for families. Teens go wild at Madame Tussauds or jump on VR rollercoasters that mess with your head

Get in free, then just pay per ride - costs €5 to 12. Nights light up with color. A fresh twist on what to try in Austria

Picnic areas abound.

14. Admont Abbey Library

Admont's library from 1774 spans 11,600 square meters - biggest among monastery ones - with a painted 18th-century roof stretching above 70-meter passages lined with books on reason and progress, watched over by stone figures. Fossils are included thanks to the nearby nature-focused exhibit

Near Graz - just €15 to get in. A dream spot for book lovers tucked inside Austria's travel gems

Walking around with a guide shows hidden stuff.

15. Stay Connected on Your Austrian Adventure with SimCorner

Hit top Austrian spots using solid info on Hallstatt boat rides, Salzburg Fest picks, or real-time Grossglockner views. Grab our eSIM cheat sheet: scan a code, get online fast, endless data, 5G from Vienna streets up to Tyrolean ridges, share it between gadgets. If you're staying weeks, go for a physical SIM for a home-number feel. Stream Viennese dances or Alpine sky flights without hiccups; download the app today, save 10% your first buy, move freely no matter the border

FAQs: Top Things to do in Austria

What's worth checking out in Austria if you've never been there before?

Focusing on Vienna's Schönbrunn or Hofburg means mixing grand palaces with city vibes. Instead of just ticking boxes, check out Salzburg's fortress along with spots tied to Mozart - adds depth without the rush. For calm views, Hallstatt's lake delivers quiet beauty minus heavy traffic. Then there's the Grossglockner route - think winding roads that link peaks and valleys naturally. Together, these picks blend culture with the outdoors pretty well. Cover them in roughly a week to ten days using ÖBB rails - book trips early for better seats. Grabbing dates in shoulder months helps dodge downpours and packed sidewalks alike.

What's the top season for activities in Austria?

Summer brings calm lake days plus trail adventures. Winter means snow-covered slopes in Tyrol or wandering festive markets. Spring offers quiet palace visits, while fall shows off green valleys opening up. Check when Grossglockner roads clear. An eSIM keeps your info fresh on the go.

What's the ideal time for must-see spots in Austria?

Around 10 to 14 days: hit Vienna (3 nights), then Salzburg plus Hallstatt (3), followed by Tyrol (3). Next up - Wachau and Grossglockner area (3) - with some short local getaways mixed in. Use the Eurail Austria Pass (~€200) to move between spots easily; pick routes based on what you like, say hot springs or underground caves. Grab an eSIM so maps work without hassle.

Family-friendly things to do in Austria?

Schönbrunn Zoo's pandas wow children, while Prater's rides keep them busy. Hallstatt's boat trips float gently through calm waters, whereas Eisriesenwelt's icy tunnels spark curiosity. Puppet shows at Hohensalzburg Castle bring giggles. Lakes heat up when summer hits; grab a shared pass to shave off 20–30% on costs. Toss extra clothes into your bag - mountain weather flips fast.

Budget tips for things to do in Austria?

ÖBB Vorteilscard costs just €12, cuts train fares by half. It also unlocks cheap access to palace gardens or heuriger visits when meals stay under €20. Instead of paying full price, city cards pack multiple entry deals together. For data, grab an eSIM from SimCorner - it's way cheaper than roaming fees. Hit up markets where Glühwein goes for €5. With smart choices, you can manage €100–150 a day.