Aug 26, 2019
Positioned within Central Europe, Austria is rich in history and home to majestic mountains, quaint villages, traditional coffee houses and opulent palaces. With the Alps such a stunning backdrop of rolling hills and charming countryside, it’s no wonder there’s so much to love for this beautiful, and often overlooked country.
Planning a holiday to Austria soon? Here are six must visit places to include on your itinerary.
1. Vienna
Vienna, the capital city of Austria is a great place to start. Highly regarded for its coffeehouse culture, delicious desserts, concert halls, baroque buildings, delicious desserts and opulent palaces, Vienna is a sight to behold. Walk along its cobbled laneways, browse the boutique shops and venture inside Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral), a magnificent Gothic masterpiece standing 136 metres tall and the symbol of Vienna. Walk, cycle or enjoy a free tram ride around the Ringstrasse and admire all the amazing architecture, beautiful parklands and statues of Austrian composers.
For a more romantic journey, take a horse drawn carriage ride through the streets of Vienna and cuddle up under the cosy blankets. Be sure to pay a visit to the spectacular Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens, the former imperial summer residence, whilst art lovers should head to Belvedere Palace, showcasing 800 years of art from the Middle Ages to the present day. Food is just as important to try as the sights to see. Sample the Frankfurter sausage at the numerous Sausage Stands, or enjoy a Viennesse Coffee with an Apple Strudel or Sachertorte in one of the traditional or modern coffee houses.
For a more romantic journey, take a horse drawn carriage ride through the streets of Vienna and cuddle up under the cosy blankets. Be sure to pay a visit to the spectacular Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens, the former imperial summer residence, whilst art lovers should head to Belvedere Palace, showcasing 800 years of art from the Middle Ages to the present day. Food is just as important to try as the sights to see. Sample the Frankfurter sausage at the numerous Sausage Stands, or enjoy a Viennesse Coffee with an Apple Strudel or Sachertorte in one of the traditional or modern coffee houses.
When travelling with Scenic, as part of your exclusive Scenic Enrich experience, be enthralled by an enchanting private classical evening concert at Palais Liechtenstein, featuring the timeless music of Mozart and Strauss.
2. Salzburg
Head to the hills with a visit to Salzburg, the birthplace of composer and musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and more commonly known as the setting for the movie, ‘The Sound of Music’. Stroll through the cobbled laneways including the popular shopping street Getreidegasse within the UNESCO World Heritage Altstadt old town. Admire the historical buildings, visit Mozart’s birthplace and enjoy Christmas all year round at the festive and magical Christmas shops. Here you can buy the handpainted egg shell decorations to hang on your tree at home, as a lasting memento of Austria for years to come.
For breathtaking views over the river, take the Furnicular Cable Car up to the 11th century Hohensalzburg Fortress, perched on top of Festungsberg Hill. Take a step back in time and view the Princes’ Chambers, complete with furnishings that have remained unchanged since 1502. Other highlights include the beautiful Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains and the magnificent state rooms within the DomQuartier.
For breathtaking views over the river, take the Furnicular Cable Car up to the 11th century Hohensalzburg Fortress, perched on top of Festungsberg Hill. Take a step back in time and view the Princes’ Chambers, complete with furnishings that have remained unchanged since 1502. Other highlights include the beautiful Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains and the magnificent state rooms within the DomQuartier.
As part of your exclusive Scenic Enrich experience you can enjoy the ‘Best of The Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’, complete with an authentic Austrian lunch.
3. Dürnstein
Discover the charming small town of Dürnstein, perched on the Danube River within the Wachau Valley. Known for its historical buildings and colourful houses, rich history and ancient vineyards, take the time to stroll the narrow laneways and admire the natural beauty.
Key sights include the Town Hall, the Krems Gate, Kunigunde Church, the oldest church in Dürnstein and the Abbey Church of Dürnstein, iconic for its blue and white tower, which has become a regional landmark.
Hike up to the ruined Dürnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned by the Austrian King, and be rewarded with spectacular views over the Wachau Valley and the Danube River.
Key sights include the Town Hall, the Krems Gate, Kunigunde Church, the oldest church in Dürnstein and the Abbey Church of Dürnstein, iconic for its blue and white tower, which has become a regional landmark.
Hike up to the ruined Dürnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned by the Austrian King, and be rewarded with spectacular views over the Wachau Valley and the Danube River.
4. Melk
A trip to Melk is not complete without a visit to the magnificent Melk Benedictine Abbey. Standing proudly on top of a rocky hill, Melk Abbey is one of the largest and most beautiful European Baroque structures, with Benedictine monks living and working here since 1089.
A visit includes access to the Imperial Staircase, the Imperial Corridor and of course the spectacular abbey church and its grand gardens. As well as the Abbey, take the time to explore the narrow streets of Old Town Melk, situated right below Melk Abbey.
Discover the historical buildings such as the Town Hall, constructed in 1575 or simply soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a coffee at one of the quaint cafes in the town square.
A visit includes access to the Imperial Staircase, the Imperial Corridor and of course the spectacular abbey church and its grand gardens. As well as the Abbey, take the time to explore the narrow streets of Old Town Melk, situated right below Melk Abbey.
Discover the historical buildings such as the Town Hall, constructed in 1575 or simply soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a coffee at one of the quaint cafes in the town square.
5. Wachau Valley
One of the best ways to experience the Wachau Valley, which lies between the towns of Melk and Krems is to cruise along the Danube River.
Admire the vineyards perched on steep slopes, look out for ancient castles, and visit charming towns including Dürnstein and Melk. Highly regarded for its incredible wines, enjoy sampling local varieties including the Grüner Veltliner or the delicious local apricot liqueur.
If you’re feeling more energetic, get a feel for the Wachau Valley and its cute little villages up close during a 32km cycle ride between Dürnstein and Melk along the Danube River. You can enjoy this experience via e-bike as part of the included Scenic Freechoice activity.
Admire the vineyards perched on steep slopes, look out for ancient castles, and visit charming towns including Dürnstein and Melk. Highly regarded for its incredible wines, enjoy sampling local varieties including the Grüner Veltliner or the delicious local apricot liqueur.
If you’re feeling more energetic, get a feel for the Wachau Valley and its cute little villages up close during a 32km cycle ride between Dürnstein and Melk along the Danube River. You can enjoy this experience via e-bike as part of the included Scenic Freechoice activity.
6. Innsbruck
Positioned in the Austrian Alps, close to both Germany and Italy, and surrounded by snow-capped mountains with breathtaking views, Innsbruck is a popular town to visit all year round.
Explore the Old Town (Altstadt von Innsbruck), with colourful buildings lining the Maria-Theresien-Strasse and peruse the shops. Ride the cable car to reach the top of the Nordkette Mountains and visit iconic sights including Hofkirche, Ambras Castle and the Imperial Palace.
The Bergisel Sky Jump, standing 47 metres tall and used for two Olympic Winter Games, offers spectacular views of Innsbruck and the mountain scenery and is a sight to behold.
Explore the Old Town (Altstadt von Innsbruck), with colourful buildings lining the Maria-Theresien-Strasse and peruse the shops. Ride the cable car to reach the top of the Nordkette Mountains and visit iconic sights including Hofkirche, Ambras Castle and the Imperial Palace.
The Bergisel Sky Jump, standing 47 metres tall and used for two Olympic Winter Games, offers spectacular views of Innsbruck and the mountain scenery and is a sight to behold.
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