Music

Austria’s rich musical heritage spans over centuries and includes worldfamous musicians and composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Josef Haydn, Ludvig van Beethoven, Johann Strauss and many more. Is it any wonder, that Austria is the home of some of the world’s greatest symphonc orchestras and hosts a wide variety of internationally renowned music festivals?

Architecture

Austria boasts a great number of architectural gems from past epochs as well as a surprising amount of exceptional modern constructions. In Vorarlberg – Austria’s western most province – experience modern wood architecture in total harmony with traditional building style.

Museums

New museums and the influx of creative ideas from both Eastern and Western Europe have made Austria one of the top destinations for art enthusiasts. While in Vienna make sure to visit the MuseumsQuartier which hosts the famous Leopold Collection among other museums, the Albertina. Salzburg also has a new addition to its museum scene: the Museum of modern Art with a spectacular view of the city. More information on Austria’s museums.

Unesco World Heritage Sites (8 sites nationwide)

The Old City Center of Vienna

Vienna’s historical center in its closeness is among the nicest historical sites in Europe. Three epochs shape the face of the former city of residence of the Habsburg emperor: The Middle Ages with the gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral; the Baroque Period, whose most important heir is represented by the Hofburg with its luxuriant domes; and the Ringstrassen era of the late 19th century, where in place of the city wall magnificent structures, such as the State Opera and the Art History Museum, were built.

The Old City of Graz

For centuries now the original town center, nestled at the foot of the Schlossberg with its famous Clock Tower, has been a repository of the architectural styles of each era, from Gothic, Renaissance and baroque to historical eclecticism and Jugendstil. For a vivid insight into life in the Middle Ages, visit the renowned Armory. Yet each of the lanes and streets of the Old Town also bear witness to the long-standing cultural pre-eminence of a city which, though its political heyday was short-lived, has always fostered a way of life in which art and culture set the tone.

The Old City of Salzburg

Salzburg owes its world fame to the incomparable charm of its urban architectural design, the scenic beauty of its environment and the decree of fate that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here in the year 1756.

Wealth and prosperity can be traced back to the centuries long trade with salt, the “white gold”. Proceeds from the trade made it possible for the prince archbishops to build a city, which, due to its Italian character, its numerous sacral buildings and its special atmosphere was also called "Rome of the North".

Vienna’s Schoenbrunn Castle & Gardens

The summer residence of the Habsburgs with the world-famous zoo forms the high point of each Vienna visit. The imperial palace of Schönbrunn with its outhouses and extensive grounds constitutes one of Europe's outstanding cultural and artistic monuments from the Baroque Age.

A tour of the Palace with its opulent StateRooms affords an insight into the lifestyle of Baroque rulers. The Gloriette, located above the Palace, has a panorama terrace, which offers a truly ‘imperial’ view over Vienna. Schönbrunn Zoo, one of Europe's oldest and finest zoological gardens, is run according to modern scientific guidelines. Another highlight in the Palace grounds, the fascinating Palm House, is notable both for its architecture and for its collection of exotic plants.

Hallstatt & the Dachstein Ice Caves

Lakeside Hallstatt is thought to be the oldest settlement in Austria, and certainly its salt mines, dating from Neolithic times, are the oldest and are accessible to visitors. The Ice Caves, aglitter with stalactites and stalagmites, are three miles out of town.
Locator: 55 miles from Salzburg

Semmering Railway

completed in 1854, was Europe’s first standard-gauge mountain railway; it is an engineering wonder that passes through 15 tunnels, crosses viaducts and bridges. Both the railway and the surrounding countryside are joined in this Unesco designation.

More Information

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