Sights of Austria. The most beautiful cities in Austria that are worth visiting

Vienna Opera building

1. Austria consistently ranks at the top of the list of countries with the highest standards of living in the world, and Vienna often tops the list of the World's Most Livable Cities.

2. Austria is a member of the EU, but not a member of NATO.

3. Vienna is home to the world's oldest zoo, the Tiergarten Schönbrunn. It was founded as a menagerie at the court of Emperor Franz Stefan in 1752.

Express information on the country

Austria (Republic of Austria)- a state in Central Europe.

Capital – Vein

Largest cities: Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck

Form of government- Federal Republic

Territory– 83,871 km 2 (112th in the world)

Population– 8.4 million people. (94th in the world)

Official language- German

Religion– Catholicism

HDI– 0.885 (23rd in the world)

GDP– $436.88 billion (27th in the world)

Currency– euro

Borders with: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Germany

4. Among the great Austrians is the artist Gustav Klimt, whose most famous work The Kiss is exhibited at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna; founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud; composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Schubert; the monk Georg Mendel, whose experiments with peas formed the basis of modern genetics; physicist Christian Doppler, who invented the “Doppler Effect”; car designer Ferdinand Porsche. Born in Germany, Ludwig van Beethoven lived most of his life adult life in Vienna.

The most famous living Austrian is Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Monument to Strauss in Vienna

5. Salzburg Festival (Salzburger Festspiele) is the most important and largest opera and theater festival in Europe. The purpose of this festival is to perpetuate the memory of Mozart, therefore only works by this great Austrian composer are performed at the festival.

Night Salzburg

6. The most famous Austrian dish is Wiener schnitzel. These are thinly pounded veal cutlets that are dipped in egg, sprinkled with bread crumbs, and then fried. In Austria, schnitzel is never served with sauce.

7. The Austrian tradition of baking cakes goes back centuries, when cities fiercely competed among themselves for the most best cake. Even in small villages, bakeries try to outdo each other. Almost every Austrian city has its own signature cake. The most famous Austrian cake is the Viennese Sachertorte. This chocolate cake invented by chef Franz Sacher for Chancellor Metternich in 1832.

8. More than 60% of adults in Austria have excess weight. This is the highest figure in the EU.

9. Before they start eating, Austrians say Guten Appetit! And, before drinking, they clink glasses, looking into each other's eyes. Not looking your counterpart in the eye is considered very impolite behavior, which will bring the rude man seven years of bad sex.

10. The Vienna Academy of Arts (Vienna’s Akademie der Bildenden Künste) once refused to accept a young artist named Adolf Hitler for study. In 1907, out of 128 applicants, 100, among whom were Hitler, did not apply. Hitler submitted the works "Expulsion from Paradise", "Builders" and "Death" to the competition. .

11. Alpine, or downhill, skiing has been the most popular sport in Austria for over 100 years. Matthias Zdarsky wrote the first ski manual in 1897, he also invented the first ski bindings and organized the first slalom in 1905.

12. Zentralfriedhof is one of the largest cemeteries in Europe. Beethoven, Brahms, Johann Strauss the elder and the younger, Franz Schubert, and pop icon Falco are buried here. The cemetery also contains a monument to Mozart, although he was buried in an unmarked grave in another cemetery (St. Mark's Cemetery). More than 2.5 million people are buried here, while the population of Vienna is approximately 1.8 million. In Vienna they say about the dead: “He boarded at 71” (the Zentralfriedhof cemetery is the last stop of the 71 tram).

13. Austria's Eisriesenwelt Caves, dubbed the "world of the ice giants", is the world's largest accessible ice cave system.

14. Once the center of the powerful Austro-Hungarian Empire, after defeat in the First World War, Austria was reduced to a small republic.

15. Waltz was born in the suburbs of Vienna and in the Alpine region of Austria. Already in the 17th century, waltzes were played at Habsburg balls. He became very popular in Vienna in early XIX century, and then spread to the rest of Europe.

Vienna hosts more than 300 balls each year, usually between January and March. The most famous are Opernball (held at the Vienna State Opera since 1877), Philharmonic Ball (with a performance by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra), Blumenball (known for its flower arrangements), Zuckerbäckerball (held at the best confectionery in Vienna with an excellent selection of sweets).

Charming villages, lush green landscapes, views of blue lakes and the magnificent Alps, and elegant Baroque architecture - Austria has everything you need for a fabulous holiday. Fine THERE presents for you the 10 best cities in Austria.

1 Salzburg

We have to agree that this is one of the most beautiful places in all of Central Europe and you will have no problem putting Salzburg at the top of your list of the best cities in Europe. Salzburg had a lot of time to achieve the beauty that reigns here now. Well survived Old city is on the UNESCO list, and fans of Baroque architecture will not find a better place. Consider the fact that Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart, the great composer of classical music, and it was here that the movie was filmed. famous movie"Sounds of music". Be sure to visit Salzburg and enjoy the atmosphere of this delightful city.

2 Feldkirch

Located in the westernmost corner of Austria, Feldkirch borders both Switzerland and Liechtenstein and is worth a visit for its impressive medieval center alone. The mountains towering around it add to the effect and you can just wander through the old streets and envy the people who were lucky enough to grow up in such a beautiful place. Feldkirch first appeared as a city in 1218, Feldkirch is a fine example of the kind of city that used to be located around the Central European region. On sunny days, enjoy a drink on central square, and you'll feel like you're in heaven.

3 St. Gilgen

Located on the very colorful Wolfgangsee lake, in the vicinity of the Salzkammergut mountain range. St. Gilgen certainly has everything natural beauty, which you could count on. However, the fact that it is a medieval town full of colorful old buildings doesn't hurt matters. It began to develop as a tourist destination in late XIX 19th century, at a time when wealthy Viennese began to build their summer homes here. St. Gilgen is slightly connected with Mozart, although he never visited this place, his mother was born here, and his other relatives lived here.

4 Innsbruck

There really is a lot to see in Innsbruck. First of all, its position in the Alps provides guests with stunning views and excellent opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. Innsbruck is the capital of the Austrian state of Tyrol, and there are many stately buildings along the Sill River and in the center. However, after the Anschluss, in which Germany took over Austria in the lead-up to World War II, Innsbruck was heavily damaged by prolonged bombing, so most of the buildings you see now are reconstructions. Winter Games were held in Innsburg Olympic Games in 1964, 1976 and in 2012 (the first Winter Youth Olympic Games).

5 Hallstatt

Hallstatt has become a favorite destination for people from all over the world due to its extremely striking location right on Lake Hallstätter. Until the 19th century, the beautiful Austrian city of Hallstatt could only be reached by boat or along a mountain path. Today it is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The people of Hallstatt are proud of their history and lovingly care for and maintain the old houses in which they live today. To visit Hallstatt is to experience a long and fascinating history.

6 Durnstein

Dürnstein is one of those charming little towns you'll encounter if you take a Danube cruise, but it's worth a stop to admire it in its entirety. There is a medieval castle hanging over the river, dating back to at least the 10th century, and the center is home to many fine buildings of all kinds of architectural styles. It's also worth mentioning that Dürnstein is located right in the center of Austria's main wine region, so you'll be able to sample some of the wine that's popular in Austria. The most famous varieties are dry white wines, especially Gruner Veltliner.

7 Alpbach

Despite the fact that the town is quite small in population, Alpbach has become very popular due to its beauty. It was voted the most beautiful village in the country in 1983 and named the most beautiful flower village in Europe in 1993. Even though it is hidden in the Alps, huge numbers of travelers flock here every year to enjoy its charm. This is also a ski resort, and every year the Alpbach European Forum takes place here, which for two weeks brings together like-minded people in the world of politics, science, business and art to exchange experiences. For those interested in the history of science, this is the point where you can see the burial site of Schrödinger, a prominent figure in theoretical physics.

8 Krems an der Donau

Krems is located where the Danube and Krems rivers meet, its first mention in writing appears in 996. However, archaeological excavations indicate that the area was inhabited many millennia before that. During the heyday of the 11th and 12th centuries, Krems was almost as large as Vienna. You should visit its magnificent Old Town. Since Krems is located in the wine region, it is ideal for wine tasting. However, the city is primarily home to the production of apricot cognac, so it is the first drink you should try upon arrival.

9 Bad Gastein

While the Bad Gastein area was inhabited and used for gold mining for a millennium, it became famous as a spa town in the late 19th century thanks to its hot springs. Kings, kings, queens and chancellors all enjoyed medicinal properties Bad Gastein. To please the royal guests, the city was built in the grandiose Belle Époque style, which you can still see in the buildings. You can also stop by the bathhouse to experience the local healing treatments that monarchs enjoyed over a century ago, or you can come in winter to enjoy a variety of winter sports.

10 Lienz

The townspeople themselves call their city “Sun Town”. Lienz is located in the Austrian province of Tyrol, near the border with Italy. People have been living here since the Bronze Age, which is almost 4,000 years, and during this time the city has changed a lot. For my long history it belonged to: the Roman Empire, the Habsburg Monarchy and Nazi Germany. And today, walking around Lienz, you can notice the architecture of those times, which is complemented by the natural beauty of the mountains and green landscapes that surround it.

Attracts tourists throughout the year. Natural beauty, picturesque mountains, history and traditions of Austria excite the impression of travelers. To feel the spirit of this country, you need to visit several important places, the list of which is given below:

Residence royal family The Hofburg Palace is one of the main attractions of Austria. The palace has served as the home of Austrian rulers since 1275, and now houses the seat of the Austrian President. The amazing structure has gone through many historical eras, and everyone can witness how it is influenced by Renaissance, Gothic, Rococo, Baroque and other architectural influences.

The palace covers 59 hectares, has 2,600 rooms and 19 courtyards. Visitors to the palace will be enchanted by the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Silver Collection, which gives insight into the palace's ceremonial dinners, and the Imperial Apartments, which were once the living quarters of Emperor Franz Joseph and his family.

This unique place famous for its picturesque nature, as well as for being the center of salt production. The salt industry turned this place into a beautiful and prosperous town. It is especially interesting to study the underground salt Lake Hornerwerk, as well as the Dachstein caves - one of the most interesting networks caves of Europe. Among the caves, Bolshaya Ledyanaya stands out, where you can see amazing frozen waterfalls.

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Every music lover will be interested in visiting Salzburg, which is the birthplace of the composer Mozart. His famous residence - house number 9 on Getreidegasse - has now been turned into a museum. The place is filled with various musical instruments, famous relics and portraits of the composer. In Salzburg you can also visit a number of music festivals dedicated to Mozart. The most famous Salzburg Festival is held for six weeks from June to August and is one of the most important in Austria.

When traveling in Austria, you should definitely see the Alps. The tall, snow-capped mountains are a treat for the eyes and a great ambiance. To see the area in all its glory, take a trip along the Grossglockner Alpine Road, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views and natural beauty.

This majestic 2,000-meter peak in Tyrol can be reached by cable car. The Kitzbühel Horn not only offers magnificent views of the surrounding Alpine ridges, as at the top of the mountain there is a magnificent garden, restaurant, Gipfelhaus house and even a church. This favorite place ski lovers who flock here at the start of the season.

Melk Abbey is one of the most famous monastic communities in the world. The monastery buildings, located in seven courtyards, and two towering churches form an incredible beauty. Interesting attractions of the abbey are the Babenberg house, the tomb of St. Coloman and the view from the hill of the city of Melke and the Danube River.

For those who like to explore the mountains or go hiking, a trip to the Krimml waterfalls on the Krimler Ache River will be an interesting adventure accompanied by amazing natural beauty.
The cascade includes the highest waterfall in Austria, falling from a height of 380 meters. There are also several interesting peaks to climb in the region.

What you should know about Austria before visiting this beautiful country

Austria is a country located in Central Europe, on the banks of the Danube River. Austria borders Italy, Hungary, Switzerland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Liechtenstein, Germany and the Czech Republic. Since 1 January 1995, Austria has been a member European Union, and since January 1, 1997 also a member of the Schengen area.
Austria is best known for its mountains, lakes, magnificent sights, fine cuisine and wonderful music. Here you can find excellent conditions for active rest, i.e. for mountain tourism, mountaineering, cycling or horse riding. However, even so, we associate Austria itself with skiing and glaciers.
Flora and fauna
In the Alps, there is a clear number of storeys in the depth of crop cultivation. Agricultural crops sometimes reach the border of 1700 m a.s.l. u. m., and up to 2000 m. u. m. spruce and larch forests grow. Up to an altitude of 3000 m above sea level. u. m. meet again herbaceous plants, small shrubs, mosses and lichens.
Climate
Austria lies in a temperate climate zone, which is influenced by oceanic air masses in the west, continental climate in the east, and Mediterranean climate in the south. The Alps have a varied mountain climate.
Culture and art
73.6% of the inhabitants of Austria are Catholics, 4.7% Protestants. About 12% of the population does not belong to any church. Among the rest, the more numerous religious groups are approximately 300 thousand Muslims, 180 thousand Orthodox believers and 7 thousand Jews.
Summer is peak tourist season in Austria. This is the period of the most high prices, crowds of tourists, heat, and even some closed facilities, so best period for travel is spring or autumn. Skiers go to the Alps from December to April, and in principle you can go to the glacier all year round.
Visas
Polish citizens exercise the right of free movement of people within the European Union/European Economic Zone. A travel document giving the right to visa-free entry and stay at a hotel (regardless of its purpose) on the territory of the Republic of Austria for up to 90 days is a passport or identity card (old and new).
Customs regulations
In Austria there are customs regulations, which comply with the EU standard. Tourists coming to Austria are subject to import restrictions on the quantity of goods purchased and transported that are intended for personal use and are not subject to resale. The term “for personal use” includes the intended use of goods for gifts, but selling them is a violation of the law and risks confiscation and additional punishment. Transported goods are considered intended for personal use, and if they do not exceed a certain quantity, for example, cigarettes - 200 pcs., cigars - 200 pcs., tobacco - 1 kg alcohol - 10 l, wine with a high alcohol content (sherry, port) - 20 l, wine - 90 l (including no more than 60 l of sparkling wine), beer - 110 liters. Persons under 17 years of age cannot transport alcoholic products and tobacco products.
Currency exchange
In Austria the currency is the euro. There are many exchange offices in the country, which simplifies the process of replacing the national currency with the euro.
Language
The official language in Austria is the Austrian version. German language, but there are a huge number of dialects here. This is, in particular, the result of the clearing of high mountain areas, which leads to the fact that the language develops differently in different areas. The Austrians themselves have some difficulties in understanding the language of their compatriots from other regions.
Purchases
Local handicrafts - textiles, pottery, painting, glass, wood and wrought iron - are popular souvenirs.
Shopping in Austria is, unfortunately, not the cheapest. A state network specializing in the sale of goods that meet certain quality standards is called “Heimatwerk”. Every major city has at least one such store.
Gastromia
Austrian cuisine refers to a cuisine where there is an abundance of meat dishes. Restaurants in Austria do not have too many vegetarian options. In this cuisine, soups occupy a very important place, starting the main meal of the day. The soup most often prepared by Austrians is called "Markkn?delsuppe" (bone marrow broth with dumplings) and "Frittatensuppe".
The main drink in Austria is coffee, but restaurants offer mineral water and juices, most often consumed is apple juice (Apfelsaft). Austrians love to drink an interesting non-alcoholic drink, lemonade flavored with ginger.
Austrians love wine and eat big choice good wines in restaurants and shops across the country. Available wine types: Tafelwein - table wine, Landwein, Qualitätswein and Prädikatswein. Austria is also famous for its beer production. Among the most famous brands: "Gosser", "Stiegl" and "Schwechater".

A country of stunning mountain scenery, deep cultural heritage, beautiful ski resorts and amazing desserts. Describe the most beautiful cities You can spend hours in Austria, but it’s better to go and see...

Tourism makes up a significant share of the country's national budget revenues. In winter, thousands of tourists come to alpine resorts; in summer, local residents and visitors relax on mountain lakes of extraordinary purity and beauty. And all year round, travelers explore its museums, theaters, and exhibitions, which this land literally “breathes.”

In order to list the most beautiful cities in Austria, you would need to write a whole book. In this article we will tell you about the very best places that are definitely worth visiting when you find yourself in this country.

The capital, heart and main city of Austria, whose sights are amazing. One of the oldest cities in Europe and one of the main centers of world art. The history of Vienna goes back centuries; archaeological excavations confirm that its age is more than 25 thousand years.

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In Vienna you should definitely visit:

Gazebo- a large and beautiful palace complex in the city center, the most famous landmark in Austria. Built in the 18th century as the summer residence of commander Eugene of Savoy. Between the buildings on the territory of the complex there is a beautiful garden. At the beginning of winter, the Belvedere annually hosts a Christmas ball with beautiful Christmas decorations handmade, fried potatoes and aromatic mulled wine.
Address: Vienna, Prinz Eugen Str. 27

Vienna Opera– built in 1869. The largest opera house in Austria, a landmark of the city and the whole country. He was extremely popular among the local aristocracy. Every year, magnificent balls were held at the theater. In 1945 it was destroyed during a bombing, and ten years later it was restored according to old drawings.
Address: Opernring 2

Hofburg- a symbol of the majesty of the Austrian Empire. Palace, which was a winter residence famous dynasty Habsburgs, and today is the official seat of the country's government. Has more than 2.5 thousand rooms. On the palace grounds you can also visit the Silver Chamber and the Sisi Museum.
Address: Michaelerkuppel, A-1010 Wien

Royal Burgtheater– one of the largest and most famous theaters in the world. Created back in 1741. More than 800 performances are performed within its walls per season, and the theater stage area is 700 square meters. Four hydraulic elevators on stage allow the directors’ wildest ideas to be brought to life.
Address: Doktor Karl Lueger Ring, 2.

• This is interesting:

St. Stephen's Cathedral- a majestic Catholic cathedral, universally recognized national symbol, one of the main attractions of the city and all of Austria. A grandiose building, permanently in gothic style, and located on the central square of Vienna. In addition to the beautiful architecture and works of art, visitors to the museum can also climb one of the 2 towers and visit the ancient catacombs, which house the remains of emperors.
Address: Stephansplatz 3

City of Music. The birthplace of the brilliant composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Located in western Austria, at the northern foot of the Alps.

Main attractions of Salzburg:

Mirabell Palace– built in the 17th century, commissioned by the Archbishop of Salzburg for his beloved. Listed World Heritage UNESCO.
Address: Mirabellplatz 4

Hellbrunn Palace and Park Complex- a masterpiece of late Renaissance architecture. It is located 6 km south of Salzburg. It occupies an area of ​​60 hectares. The palace is surrounded by a park with ponds, fountains, and sculptural compositions. The complex also includes the Mountschloss hunting castle and the Stone Theater, an ancient open-air stage.
Address: Furstenweg 37

Cathedral- a unique object of religious architecture. One of the main attractions of the cathedral is the font in which Mozart’s baptism ceremony was held.
Address: Domplatz 1a

A museum city, the capital of three Olympics, a major tourist center where you can get acquainted with many of the sights of Austria and find wonderful souvenirs. Located in the west of the country, in the federal state of Tyrol. They say about Innsbruck that here “all roads run into the mountains.”

• You'll like it:

Worth visiting in Innsbruck:

Golden roof– the main attraction of this beautiful Austrian city. It is a covered balcony decorated with 2500 copper petals plated with gold. It was built at the beginning of the 15th century on the orders of Archduke Frederick.
Address: Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse, 15

Cathedral of St. James- the most famous temple of the city, one of the significant attractions of Austria. In addition to its chic architecture, it is famous for the masterpieces stored within its walls. So, here you can see with your own eyes the painting of the Madonna and Child, the author of which is Lucas Cranach the Elder. An incredible ensemble of 48 bells sounds here every day at noon.
Address: Domplatz

Hofburg Palace– ex official residence rulers of the Roman Empire. It was built around 1460 by Archduke Sigmund the Rich. For a long time, until the First World War, it was the residence of the Habsburgs.
Address: Rennweg 1

Naturally, these are not all the most beautiful cities in Austria, but the description would be incomplete without mentioning the beauty of Austrian nature.

Green Lake

Located in the region of Styria. The lake got its name due to the lush vegetation at the bottom, which gives the water a beautiful emerald hue.
Address: Oberort, Oberort 47

Austrian Alps

A beautiful mountain range. It has a length of 500 km and occupies more than half of the country’s territory. The Alps are home to many mountain resorts that offer a full range of entertainment and sports opportunities.

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Werther See

A beautiful lake located far from noisy cities is one of the main attractions of Austria in summer time of the year. Situated among forested mountain spurs. In summer, the water in the lake warms up to 27 degrees.

Austria is not only one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, with a rich and interesting story, beautiful landscapes, dotted with castles, churches, medieval fortresses and historical sites, after all Austria is the birthplace of many great composers, musicians and poets. When are you planning to go on holiday to Austria, then be sure to visit the following beautiful places in this country that are worth paying attention to.

Vienna - walks along historical streets

Being the capital Austria, Vienna is the most popular city in this country, because every year millions of tourists come here to walk around historical streets, experience the unique atmosphere of this city and visit its wonderful museums, operas and art galleries. This city combines historical architectural influences with a vibrant rhythm. modern life, which is complemented by the aromas of real Viennese coffee.

Salzburg - breathtaking scenery and historical sites

The excellent city of Salzburg is located in the heart Austria and this place is known throughout the world as the birthplace of the famous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salzburg attracts music lovers who come here to visit the house where Mozart was born and lived, as well as to visit the city's many galleries and museums. Visitors to the city are sure to enjoy Salzburg's huge selection of shops and restaurants, as well as its famous festivals and medieval fortress Altshadt.

Innsbruck is not just a ski resort

The colorful city of Innsbruck is mainly a draw for ski lovers, but its high mountain peaks are complemented by a number of interesting sites, such as the Museum of Art, the medieval Ambras Castle, thermal spas and the city's beautiful cathedrals. Visitors to the city delight in strolling between the colorful houses, after which they can relax in the many bars of Innsbruck, because this city is also famous for its lively nightlife, and those who like unusual walks will enjoy a carriage ride along the city embankment.

The Salzkammergut region is a resort area for beauty lovers

The entire Salzkammergut region can be called an ideal resort for lovers have a relaxing holiday and romantics who appreciate beauty and unforgettable landscapes. Beautiful cities such as Hallstatt, Salzburg and St. Wolfgang are set among green mountains, clear lakes and small hills, and the many spa centers located throughout the region attract holidaymakers with different countries. In summer you can swim and sunbathe here, in autumn you can walk through unforgettable places, in winter you can admire snow-capped mountain peaks, and in spring you can endlessly look at the awakening nature, which is why the Salzkammergut region is popular at any time of the year.

Alpbach is the most beautiful place Austria

It’s not for nothing that Alpbach is one of the most popular Austrian resorts, because this place is recognized as the most beautiful village Austria. The picturesque village of Alpbach will introduce you to the traditions and customs of the country, and the local ski resorts considered one of the best in Europe. On the streets of the village, traditional wooden houses coexist with cozy bars and restaurants, and in local shops you can find literally everything, from cute souvenirs to furniture and ski equipment.

Wachau Valley - wine, fruit and medieval castles

Austrian The Wachau Valley is famous throughout the world for its wine and endless orchards and vineyards, after a walk through which guests of the region can visit any of the 500 local historical attractions. The most popular places in the valley are the towns of Melk, where it is worth visiting the Benedictine Abbey, and Dürnstein, famous as the prison site of Richard the Lionheart, and the wine-growing region of Krems an der Donau, whose historical center is protected by UNESCO.

Read more about interesting places Austria that every traveler should visit in the article ““.