What is Austria Famous For? Top 20 Popular Places & Things in Austria

Austria, the country placed between the soaring Alps, is an ideal vacation destination with mesmerising landscapes, picture-like grasslands and meadows, and music in its air. Apart from that, Austria has magnificent cities and pretty villages that will intoxicate your senses.

If you are planning a holiday to Austria, you should know that the currency used here is Euro. Also, as of November, 2022, 1 Euro equals to INR 85.38. So, keep this exchange rate in mind while planning your finances in Austria.

Keep reading this article as we take you through all the factors that come up when you search ‘what Austria is famous for?

Here is a list of all the places that appear on your search feed when you look for ‘what is Austria known for?’

1. Vienna

Vienna is a city which is full of grandeur and culture. Further, Austria is also popularly known as the city of grand museums and palaces and is the home of Beethoven and Opera. To explore Vienna even better, take a walk down the city lined with royal buildings and beautiful parks.

Do not forget to visit the beautiful and cosy cafes in the city and try out the famous Viennese coffee. Other than that, you can try tasting the finest wine in Vienna or attending a Mozart concert.

2. Salzburg

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, the famous music composer and the place where the iconic Sound of Music was shot, is one of the must-visit places in Austria. In addition, the old town of Aldsten, which is filled with stunning baroque buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Experience extravagant music, arts, and culture at the Salzburg Festival during the summers. Apart from that, you can also take a trip to the history lane at the Salzburg Museum, visit the famous residence of Mozart, or even casually stroll around the charm of this old town.

3. Innsbruck

Innsbruck is an all-year-round visit destination that becomes even more enjoyable during winters, thanks to world-renowned ski resorts here. This idyllic alpine town with high mountains all over it has numerous options to make your trip more memorable.

You can try a few things at this destination: having a leisurely walk in the old town or visiting the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum. If you love adventure, try bungee jumping at Europa bridge or go for a hike up the gorgeous meadows. Finally, do not forget to check out the Innsbruck nightlife and take a fun ride up the Nordkette mountain range.

4. Hallstatt

One of the most beautiful Austrian tourist attractions is the city of Hallstatt which offers plenty of scenic beauty to visitors. It is a small town which lies near Hallstatt Lake with its clear and serene blue water. Apart from the scenic beauty, you can also indulge in boating, rock climbing, and hiking. In addition, you can also visit the ice caves, salt caves or explore the Baroque Architecture at Kalvarienberg Church.

5. Graz

Graz is the second largest city in Austria, is home to six universities, and is the hub of history and culture. It has numerous museums, renaissance-style buildings, and a unique forested hill located in the centre of the city, which offers panoramic views and has everything you need for a perfect vacation. Besides, Graz is also famous for its culinary delights. In addition, cooking enthusiasts can take home some pumpkin seed oil to add to the taste of various dishes back home.

6. Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Are you fond of road trips? If yes, Grossglockner High Alpine Road must be on your bucket list. The hairpin road passes through snowfields, lush alpine meadows, and daunting cliffs, making it ideal for both adventure and nature lovers. You can visit the Grossglockner National Park while you visit this place.

7. Zell Am See

The pristine blue waters of Zell Am See Lake, the mesmerising Salzburg Mountains and International level ski slopes make Zell am see one of the most beautiful places in Austria. Further, you can try to make your trip more adventurous by swimming in the impossibly blue lake or cycling along the dreamy lake. If you wish to relax during the trip, visit the beautiful cafes in the city and, while taking a sip of coffee, soak in the city's scenic beauty.

8. Bad Gastein

Head over to the spa town of Bad Gastein to breathe in the pure mountain air and enjoy a dip in the healing hot waters. This splendid hill town located on the High Tauern Mountain is also a major attraction to skiing enthusiasts during the winter. In addition, this place is famous for Belle Epoque-style villas and hotels.

Moreover, adventure lovers can try outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Culinary delights, creative workshops, jazz shows, open studios and amazing nightlife are additional reasons which will make your holiday even more fun.

9. St. Wolfgang

The town of St. Wolfgang, situated on Lake Wolfgangsee’s northern shores, makes a perfect getaway location, owing to its scenic beauty, gorgeous turquoise waters, and picturesque mountainscapes. Further, you can try cycling along the banks of the lake or take a swim or do some boating during the day. Another popular destination is Mt. Schafberg with Lake Wolfgang at its foot. Here you can hike up or take a special rack railway to reach to the top, which will offer amazing 360-degree views of the Lake below.

10. Wachau Danube Valley

One of the best South Austria tourist destinations, Wachau valley, is located on the beautiful Danube River. Thanks to its unmatched natural beauty and cultural significance, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Some of the best white wine comes from Wachau, making it very popular among wine connoisseurs all across the globe. Moreover, this valley is also home to magnificent monasteries, fortresses and castles, making it a hub of historical and architectural delights.

11. Hoher Dachstein

Hoher Dachstein is the second highest mountain in the Northern Alps, located at Upper Styria, Salzburg, and the Austria border. Adventure lovers can try skywalks, visit the suspension bridge, and rock climbing. If you hike up to the top of the mountain, you can witness a few gorgeous views that are to die for.

12. Bad Ischl

Thanks to the location of Bad Ischl in the Salzburg location is a spa town and has more to it. It is ideal for visitors looking forward to exploring places like Wolfgangsee and Hallstatt. Besides being a popular spa resort, it gained popularity when emperor Franz Joseph I chose this place as his summer residence location. In addition, the Kaiservilla, which is still there, became the emperor's summer residence.

13. Krimml Waterfalls

Krimml waterfalls are famous for being the highest waterfall in Austria and are a great place to visit with your family. What adds to the adventure of this place is that you have to hike a 4km trail which would take you through various observation platforms. It will take you around 1.5 hours for you to reach the highest tier of the waterfall.

14. St Anton am Arlberg

Wondering which place you should visit next when you go to Austria? Consider putting St. Anton Arlberg on your list. This place is famous for having one of the best ski resorts in Austria, where you can enjoy skiing on the fresh slopes. In addition, there are plenty of restaurants, a luxurious spa and an indoor rock-climbing centre.

Here is a list of all the popular things Austria is known for.

15. Sachertorte

Sachertorte, the well-known and adored chocolate cake with Austrian roots, is where the concept of chocolate decadence begins. Sachertorte is a traditional Austrian chocolate cake with whipped cream on top and layers of apricot preserves.

According to Vienna history, young Franz Sacher made this cake in 1832 for the visitors of Prince von Metternich in Vienna, which was a big success. Later, Sacher established Hotel Sacher, and the delectable Sachertorte—whose original recipe is still kept hidden, became the city's hallmark chocolate cake.

16. Swarovski

The renowned brand behind the Austrian glass manufacturer with headquarters in Wattens, Austria, Swarovski, is what Austria is best known for. It began in 1895 when Daniel Swarovski started making Swarovski crystals using cutting-edge technology. To amaze yourself, pay a visit to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds exhibit or shop at the biggest Swarovski store, stroll through the "Giant" gardens and check out the incredible play tower.

17. Coffee House

Austria is infamous for its coffee culture which originated in Vienna, during 17th century. As per history records, when Turkish soldiers invaded Vienna, they had brought with themselves bags of coffee beans. Upon their defeat, in 1683, as they retreated, the coffee bags were left behind. This was the beginning of coffee culture in Austria, with coffee houses established in every corner. Customers can relax, socialise or drink their cup of warm coffee in peace; enjoying Einspänner (coffee-cake) on the side.

18. Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel, one of Austria's most well-known culinary inventions that has whetted the appetites of many who love the original recipe for veal cutlet, will allow you to experience the best of Austria. The traditional Wiener Schnitzel receives its unique flavour from the thinly breaded, pan-fried veal cutlets with a tender-crisp coating.

Undoubtedly it is one of Austria's national dishes and is typically served with a lemon slice, potatoes or salad, and butter. Although there are various schnitzel versions worldwide, only the authentic Wiener Schnitzel is made using veal and is therefore protected by Austrian law.

19. Classical Music (Mozart and Strauss)

Great classical music composers from Austria include Mozart, Strauss, Beethoven, and Schubert, whose works can be heard in the city's elegant concert halls. Attend one of the many classical music performances by Salonorchester Alt Wien, the Orchestra of Old Vienna, in the grand halls of Kursalon to experience the allure of Viennese musical traditions.

One of the most well-liked presentations is the Mozart and Strauss concert when outstanding renditions of waltzes, polkas, arias, and duets hold spectators spellbound. The operatic compositions and concertos, performed by talented musicians, are equally exceptional.

20. Sigmund Freud

Sigmund Freud, is one of the most revered psychoanalysts in the world, on whose findings almost the entire subject of psychology rests in the modern era. The Austrian researcher coined the “Oedipus Complex” theory in psychology. Growing up in Vienna, during the 1800’s he founded the course of ‘psychoanalysis’ within ‘psychology’, and is considered a major contributor to Austrian culture.

Hope this article was able to answer your search query 'what is Austria famous for’? Though only a few are listed, there is much more to do in this beautiful country. A good recommendation for this trip would be to book the flights and resorts in advance to not only get discounts but also have a stress-free holiday experience.