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Austria is a destination steeped in history, from the historic architecture to the endeavors of Mozart, a lot can be seen and observed. Offering a charming mix of the old and new, there are a variety of attractions to visit and marvel at.
Here are some of our favourite sights to see in Austria during a vacation.
Fortress Hohensalzburg
Hohensalzburg Fortress is enthroned on the Festungsberg, high above the rooftops of the Baroque historical district. The biggest fully preserved castle in Central Europe, this emblem of Salzburg offers a 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings. This imposing 11th century castle complex is a remarkable sign of the desire for recognition expressed by the prince bishops – and a demonstration of the political authority and power they held.
The castle is located in the center of Salzburg’s old town. The funicular runs every ten minutes and takes you to the castle hilltop in only one minute. It takes about 20 minutes on foot.
Prater
An amusement park for many, place of nostalgic dreams for some, oasis of greenery for almost everyone – and the location of the Giant Ferris Wheel, one of Vienna’s most famous symbols. The Vienna Prater is in season from March to October. But the world-famous Giant Ferris Wheel and a few other attractions are open all year round.
Belvedere Palace
A masterpiece of total art, Schloss Belvedere is one of the world’s finest baroque palaces. Designed by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt (1668–1745), it was built for the brilliant military strategist Prince Eugene of Savoy, conqueror of the Turks in 1718. The historical building complex in Vienna, Austria – Belvedere Palace consists of two Baroque palaces; the Orangery and the Palace Stables.
The Hofburg
The Hofburg is the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria and was formerly the principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty. Located in the center of Vienna, it was built in the 13th century and expanded several times afterwards. It also served as the imperial winter residence, as Schönbrunn Palace was the summer residence.
Schonbrunn Palace
A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, Schönbrunn Palace is one of Austria’s most important cultural assets, and since the 1960s has been one of Vienna’s major tourist attractions. The imperial palace was built as a summer residence for Emperor Joseph I, in the eighteenth century.
Eisriesenwelt: The World of the Ice Giants
Werfen’s “Eisriesenwelt” [world of ice giants] is actually the world’s biggest ice cave: The cave system extends more than 42 km deep into the mountain. The first section, about a kilometer in length, features imposing ice formations and is open to the public. Since it is a protected natural monument, development of the cave has been painstakingly cautious in order to preserve its unique natural beauty and ecosystem.
Stepping through the imposing cave entrance, 20 meters wide and 18 high, you enter a mysterious world of ice. Aside from its enormous dimensions, the cave impresses with its ice palaces of crystalline beauty. Monumental formations glisten to amazing effect in the light of the traditional mine lamps which are issued to visitors. Winding passageways and galleries with evocative names such “Diamond Realm” lead you deeper and deeper into the mountain.
