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Top Attractions in Austria |
Salzburg
Salzburg is known as the "Rome of the North"
because of the sheer number of churches it possesses. A compact
city, it is packed full of attractions, and should be an essential
part of any visit to Austria. Stroll through the old streets, enjoy
one of its famous music festivals or just take some time to discover
the city. Attractions include the Mirabell Palace whose gardens
featured in The Sound of Music; the Hohensalzburg, a beautiful white
fortress overlooking the city; the Carolino Augusteum Museum; and
the High Altar at Franziskanerkirche. Salzburg is also the
birthplace of Mozart. Visit the Mozarteum - the college of music
where Mozart composed "The Magic Flute."
The Hohe Tauern National Park
The
Hohe Tauern National Park is one of the last
great wilderness areas in Europe. The area has been immaculately
preserved and showcases nature at its best. Taking up an
area of more than 1,000 sq.km, it lies at the foot of Austria's
highest mountains. The flora and fauna in the park is abundant and
varies according to altitude. Mountain goats and sheep occupy the
higher elevations and other animals, such as ibex, chamois, deer and
a variety of birds, occupy the lower levels. The park offers plenty
of activities including more than 450km of ski and snowboard slopes
and a vast network of nature trails.
Website: Hohe Tauern National Park
The Museum of the Future (Ars Electronica), Linz
The Ars Electronica is well worth a visit.
Prepare to be visually stunned with five levels of 21st-century
technological wizardry. The museum aims to ‘ facilitate and
implement the harmonious collaboration of art, technology and
society’ and it is this collaboration that is so fascinating.
Website: Museum of the Future
Eisriesenwelt Caves
First discovered in 1879 by Anton Posselt,
the Eisriesenwelt Caves are the largest ice caves in the world. On a
tour of the caves you will be given a carbide lamp to guide yourself
though the passage. The caves are decorated with all kinds of ice
formations including gigantic columns and towers, waterfalls and
glaciers. The cave remains frozen throughout the year and even in
summer the temperature remains at around 1 degree centigrade, so
make sure to wrap up warm!
Website: Eisriesenwelt Caves
The Benedictine Abbey, Admount
The Benedictine Abbey was founded in 1074 by
Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg and it is a highly regarded cultural
and artistic centre as well as an internationally renowned baroque
museum. Although the Abbey was destroyed by fire in 1865, the
world-famous Baroque library was untouched. It is the largest
ecclesiastical library in the world and is an architectural
masterpiece, crammed with magnificent paintings, rare manuscripts
and early printed books. It also boasts beautiful ceiling paintings
by B. Altomonte.
Website: Benedictine Abbey, Admount
The Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal Walk) Visitor Centre
For over a hundred years, the name of
Swarovski has conjured up sparkling dreams and reflections of
crystal magic. This vision has been transformed into what is today
the Swarovski Kristallwelten visitor centre. Check out the centre’s
breathtaking halls - Crystal Planet, Crystal Dome, Crystal
Meditation, Crystal Theater, Crystal Calligraphy and the Ice Lane.
Website: Swarovski Kristallwelten Visitor Centre
The Archaeological Museum, Carnuntinum
Located in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, the Roman
town of Carnuntinum was originally the most important Roman town in
the Alps and dates from about 6 AD. The whole area had about 5,000
inhabitants and covered an area of about 10 sq km. Today, the town
is preserved and the Archaeological Museum of Carnuntinum is the
largest Roman museum in Austria. See original pieces of Roman
jewellery, coins and arms. The pictures of worship and other objects
tell us about the Roman mysteries of Mithras and other oriental
religions and cults. The whole town can be visited including the two
amphitheatres, Roman baths, temples and military camp.
Website: Archaeological Museum, Carnuntinum
Gurk Cathedral
Gurk Cathedral was founded by the
Benedictine order in the 11th century and is regarded as the most
outstanding example of Romanesque architecture in Austria. Check out
its magnificent baroque altar which is adorned by 72 statues and 82
angels’ heads. Marvel at the fresco paintings dating from the second
half of the 13th century and visit the wondrous 100-pillared crypt
located deep beneath the cathedral.
The Grossglockner Alpine Road
Since 1935 the Grossglockner Alpine
Road has played host to more than 50 million visitors. It is the
most famous of all alpine roads and terminates at the highest
mountain and the largest glacier in Austria, the Grossglockner
(3798m). Driving up the Grossglockner Alpine Road is an experience
not to be missed, just sit back, relax and enjoy spectacular views.
Vienna
Check out our guide to the top ten things to do in
Vienna
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