What to do in Austria

Magnificent Hofburg Palace has been the seat of Austria’s monarchy since the 13th century. The complex is spread across 59 acres and includes 2,600 rooms, 19 courtyards, many picturesque squares, and lush gardens. With almost every ruler since 1275 ordering alterations or additions, it features many different architectural styles, including Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic, and classicism. 

Highlights not to be missed include the Imperial Apartments which hold the Sisi Museum, the State Hall of the National Library, the Imperial Treasury with the crown of the Holy Roman Empire, and the Spanish Riding School.

The most visited attraction in Austria, Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vienna that served as the summer home of the Habsburgs for centuries. It’s one of the most impressive Baroque palace complexes in Europe and includes rooms with original furnishings and decor that provide a glimpse of the imperial lifestyle. While the palace tour is the centerpiece, a concert in one of its gilded state rooms is a must for any lover of classical music.

The Tirolian Alps stretch across the western side of Austria, tucked between Italy and Bavaria. The region is renowned for its skiing, snowboarding, and apres ski scene in the winter while the warmer months offer nearly endless trails for hiking. One of the most famous villages for both skiing and hiking is Lech, at an altitude of 4,738 ft, access to some of the highest and most spectral hiking routes in Europe is easily accessible, no matter your fitness you can easily enjoy everything from massive granite peaks and rugged gorges to meandering rivers, sparkling lakes, and cascading waterfalls.

The Wachau Valley is the most famous wine region in Austria. A UNESCO-listed site, it sits along the banks of the Danube River, providing a must-visit spot for wine enthusiasts just an hour’s drive from Vienna. Of course, if you want to enjoy tasting as well as touring, you won’t want to drive. It’s possible to take a tour departing from Vienna, or you might catch the train to Krems and then cycle through the valley from there. Bikes can be rented independently or you can join a bike tour that traverses through the area while stopping at wineries along the way.