10 Best Reasons To visit Austria

Did you know Austria is the 12th most visited country in the world? Austria might not be the popular country among other European countries, but there are plenty of reasons to visit the country. Austria is one of Europe’s hidden gems and has quite a few claims to fame. Although the country has been responsible for producing some of the best musical talents the world has ever seen, many travellers still don’t think to add it to their itineraries. But Austria has much to offer for the ones who do tend to return over and over again. To make you want to visit the country, look at some of the best 10 reasons to visit Austria.

Moreover, Austria offers a wide diversity of sights and activities and is a brilliant destination for outdoor life enthusiasts. While you are here, you will encounter various mountainous landscapes and charming villages. Additionally, passion for coffee and cake are just a handful of reasons why paying a visit to Austria is a must for those hoping to travel to Europe one day. 

Also Read: How to Reach Austria from India – Have a Worthy Experience!

10 Reasons To visit Austria

Austria has plenty to offer, from heavenly scenery to impressive architecture and enthralling culture. Moreover, despite all those, it’s still one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Check out this list of the 10 best reasons to know why you should visit Austria.

1. See The City Named ‘Best for Quality Of Life’
2. Dramatic Alpine Summits
3. Art, Music and Culture
4. Sweet Treats and Coffee
5. Easy To Explore
6. Winter Sports
7. Rich History
8. Beautiful Villages
9. Incredible Architecture
10. Location

1. See The City Named ‘Best for Quality Of Life’

If you already or even don’t know the name of the city that has been named ‘city with the best quality of life’, don’t worry as the answer to your question is right here. Vienna has been named the title 8 times in a row by consulting firm Mercer. A few of the reasons why it has been given this accolade are low crime rates, clean air, cheap rents and rich culture.

Also Read: Vienna – The Musical City

2. Dramatic Alpine Summits

The great outdoors prevail in Austria. If you are a hiker or love hiking, you will adore what the countryside has to offer. If you are a hiker or love hiking, you will adore what the countryside has to offer. Tyrolean Mountains is the best mountain chain in Austria, suited only for hikers and trekkers. While trekking across the regions around these mountains will take you around some of the most striking landscapes, one of the most famous routes here is the Eagle Walk. Did you know the walk takes people across over 400 km (248.5 miles) of natural beauty?

Also Read: 10 Things to Do in Austria in Winter: A Vacay To Cherish!

3. Art, Music and Culture

Throughout the 19th century, Vienna was a powerhouse of art, music and culture. Even now, the legacy from those golden years still lives on. A few of the creative names that Austria has produced are Klimt, Mozart, Wagner, Schubert and Strauss. Their lives and works are preserved in some of the finest museums and galleries in Europe. Moreover, except for Vienna, considered to be Austria’s cultural heart, many cities are also developing creatively. The Museum of Modern Art of Salzburg has become a go-to contemporary art gallery. Did you know its music scenes (classical and modern) still thrive?

Also Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in Salzburg, Austria

4. Sweet Treats and Coffee

Did you know every street in Austria contains at least one bakery? If you are a sweet-toothed visitor to Austria, you should be aware. Austria is the self-proclaimed capital of cake. Austrians are so concerned about their confectionary that legal battles have ensued over the right claim of the title of ‘The Original Sacher Torte’. It was between 1954 and 1963 that Café Demel and Hotel Sacher were embroiled in a spat over the chocolate sponge. They both wanted to call their version ‘the original’. Eventually, they settled the case out of court, with Sacher coming out on top. When you are in here, don’t forget to try a slice in one of Vienna’s coffee houses. You will find a unique atmosphere with smells of melting cream and varieties of chocolate filling up the air.

Also Read: Best time to visit Austria- Perfect Vacationing Avenues

5. Easy To Explore

Austria is relatively small, so visitors can hop from city to city across Austria and stop by the countryside on the way. It is best to choose the bus and train routes as they offer relatively inexpensive and stress-free rides. Moreover, all of the major cities like Vienna, Linz, and Graz are well-connected. It is advisable to engage in road trips as they will give tourists the chance to see gorgeous natural landscapes one day and idyllic cities the next.

Also Read: Top 10 souvenirs to buy in Austria on your vacation

6. Winter Sports

If you are a skier or love skiing, the alps in Austria will mesmerise you. Several inhabitants and travellers head to the hills at least once a year to partake in a little gliding, slipping and sliding. You will get all these activities for a fraction of France or Switzerland’s prices. One of the most picture-perfect destinations skiers will find is Albach in Tyrol. It is so sweet that it resembles a model village in a snow globe with its wooden chalets with glowing orange windows and traditional inns.

Also Read: Skydiving in Austria- An Ultimate Adventure

7. Rich History

Starting from the Austro-Hungarian Empire and ending in WWII, Austria’s past is complex and at times, dark. Did you know it was once called the ‘capital of Europe’? The Austro-Hungarian Empire was a domineering force from 1867 until its collapse after WWI. Following the dissection of the Habsburg Monarchy in 1918, the Austrian government acquired many of the palaces, gardens and castles. These were once used to be under the possession of the ruling emperors. After the dissolution, they were turned into public spaces and museums. They now act as amazing relics and remnants for tourists to examine. A stark reminder of the devastation caused during WWI is flak towers left over from the Nazi’s reign surrounding Vienna.

Also Read: Visit the Heart of Imperial Vienna – Hofburg Palace

8. Beautiful Villages

Austria offers plenty to explore other than Vienna, Graz and Linz. Walk around the dainty-wooden-alpine-style houses, lush meadows and glittering lakes. Among them, Hallstatt is a favourite and must-visit for many. Situated directly by a lake in the mountainous UNESCO World Heritage region of Salzkammergut is the city. Did you know mesmerised by its beauty, the Chinese have replicated its beauty in their ancient salt mine?

Also Read: The land of tranquility – 10 best things to see and do in Hallstatt

9. Incredible Architecture

Throughout Austria, the architectural styles are spectacularly diverse. Did you know the ‘Red Vienna’ era between 1918 and 1984 saw a surge in social housing crop up around the city? It was due to the social-democrat Government. Moreover, many of the buildings designed around this time were considered highly innovative and forward-thinking. One of the famous architects of that era is Otto Wagner. Located in Heiligenstadt, the Karl-Marx-Hof set in a neighbourhood of the 19th district of Vienna is one such building which is often referred to as a ‘people’s palace’.

Also Read: Visiting The Belvedere Palace in Vienna- A Handy Guide

10. Location

Uniquely located right in the heart of Europe, Austria borders Slovenia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Germany. Also, it is a relatively easy bus or train ride to the sunny shores of Croatia and Italy. Tourists wandering around the continent on a backpacking tour don’t have an excuse not to pay a visit to Austria, even if it is a fleeting one.

Also Read: 10 Most Instagrammable Spots In Austria-Promising An Awesome Vacay!

Tips for Your Austria Tour

1. Visit the 3 must-visit places, such as Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck.
2. Try these 7 most mouth-watering dishes here.
3. Have a relaxing time at the 10 most beautiful lakes in Austria.
4. Discover the 8 most beautiful castles in Austria that are jaw-dropping beautiful!
5. Austria in December will provide you with the best time around, so don’t wait more and visit the country during this time.

Also Read: 10 Best Things to do in Innsbruck, Austria for A Perfect Vacation

Frequently Asked Questions for Your Austria Trip

Austria, an ideal destination for the ultimate ski trip, has great facilities for many other winter activities. Moreover, it is also great in the summertime because many lakes look even more beautiful as they reflect the sun. When you are here, you might also get enough warm weather to spend time along the dreamy shores of the country’s most popular lakes. Visit Pickyourtrail to find some of the best pre-packaged Austria trip packages. Additionally, customise your Austria itinerary and choose what suits you the most!