Tourist Attractions in Austria

Austria is one of Europe's top tourist destinations, drawing visitors who come to experience the historic cities, hike or ski the Eastern Alps, or take a trip down the Danube. It has a romantic appeal that cannot be denied. While the cities are the key to the country's major cultural attractions, the mountains and villages hold their own delights.

At the heart of Austria is the city of Vienna. Once home to such great artists as Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, Vienna has been a cultural center for centuries. Beautiful old architecture greets tourists at every turn. The Imperial Palace, Schonbrunn Palace, and St Stephens Cathedral are just some of the architectural highlights. Other major tourist attractions in Vienna include the Albertina, the Austrian National Library, the National History Museum, and the Vienna State Opera. Take a sightseeing tour in a horse-drawn carriage or explore the city at your own pace.

Salzburg is another of Austria's great cities. Set on both banks of the River Salzack, Salzburg is a picturesque city, complete with towers, domes, and the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress towering above. This is the city where Mozart was born and tourists can still see the sight of Mozart's Birthplace, which is today a museum.

Also not to be forgotten is Innsbruck with its enchanting medieval city center with the beautiful rugged mountains looming in the distance. In the Old Town Quarter visitors can stroll past burghers' houses and the famous Golden Roof. One of the city's most famous attractions is the Tomb of the Emperor Maximilian, one of the finest pieces of German Renaissance sculpture, located in the Innsbruck Hofkirche (Court Church).

Beyond the cities of Austria, it's possible to argue the country's charm lies in the mountains and villages. One of the classic driving routes is along the Grossglockner Road, leading through some spectacular mountain scenery and past the Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak. Nearby the Gletscherstrasse Road, also not to be missed, offers its own unique perspective of the surrounding mountains. The village of Heiligenblut welcomes tourists in summer and winter, with skiing and hiking trails.