Whether you are planning a trip to Austria, or you are already there, there are certain cities that you must visit. These cities are: Bad Gastein, Graz, Admont, Grein, Klagenfurt and Salzburg. These cities are considered to be some of the most beautiful in the country.
Graz
Known as the capital of Styria, Graz is one of the most beautiful cities in Austria. This UNESCO World Heritage site has a thriving cultural scene and offers plenty of opportunities to explore its rich history. There are also plenty of attractions for those interested in nature, including Graz's scenic natural wonders.
Graz's UNESCO-listed Old Town is a symphony of elegant Baroque architectural structures. The architecture is a feast for the senses, from the ornate wrought iron balconies to the intricate frescos.
Graz is also home to the Franziskanerkirche, a Late Gothic structure that was constructed in the 1500s. The interior features detailed frescos, and a shrine to the Virgin Mary.
Graz has several stunning palaces and historic courtyards. The city has earned designations as a European Cultural Capital and a City of Culinary Delights. It is also home to several world-class museums.
Graz is also the home of several famous artists, including Nicolai Tesla and Erwin Schrodinger. The city is also home to a few cabarets, comedy clubs and world-class restaurants.
The city's nightlife is booming. Graz is home to 60,000 students who study here every year. The city is located close to Austria's wine regions, and the Austrian alps. You can also visit nearby cities like Vienna, and the Slovenian border is only an hour away.
Salzburg
Located on the eastern Alps, Salzburg is a beautiful city with an ancient history that's still worth exploring. Whether you're a history buff or someone looking for something a bit more active, there's something for everyone.
The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a picturesque and enchanting city lined with lanes and passages. It's also home to Salzburg's famous coffee house culture.
The Mirabell Palace was the setting for the famous Sound of Music movie. It's also a beautiful garden, featuring fountains and marble statues. It's also home to a museum dedicated to Mozart.
If you're a fan of music, you'll want to check out the Salzburg Festival, which takes place during July and August. The festival is a celebration of arts and culture and features performances by world-famous musicians. The state theatre in Salzburg is a performing arts company with international recognition.
One of the most impressive things to see in Salzburg is the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which offers an impressive panoramic view of the city. You can also try out the World Heritage Skywalk, which takes you to 350 meters above the village. This makes for a perfect day trip from Salzburg.
A good way to learn about the history of Salzburg is to visit the museum. There are lots of exhibits, including a variety of aquariums. The museum also features portraits of famous musicians, including Wolfgang Mozart.
Bad Gastein
Located in the High Tauern Mountains of Austria, Bad Gastein has a unique combination of history and scenery. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including skiing, hiking, biking, and relaxing.
One of the most exciting activities in Bad Gastein is paragliding. The resulting aerial view of the town is nothing short of spectacular. However, this activity requires proper training and precautions.
Another must-try is the Heilstollen, which is a famous natural healing method for rheumatism, bronchitis, and skin ailments. Several hotels in the area offer it.
In addition, Bad Gastein is home to a museum that displays some of the most interesting artifacts from the area's history. It was originally designed as a gallery, but was later converted into an exhibition center during the second world war.
Another interesting site is the Stubnerkogel Hangebrucke, a suspension bridge that is Europe's highest. It is 140 meters long, and swings in certain weather conditions.
A more practical activity in Bad Gastein is taking a tour of the town's museum. The museum has a lot to offer visitors, including a guided tour of local areas. The museum originally served as an exhibition center, but has evolved into a community event.
Kufstein
Located in western Austria, Kufstein is the second largest town in the state of Tyrol. Kufstein is a quaint, medieval town with beautiful scenery and narrow streets. This region is surrounded by towering mountains and lakes.
Kufstein is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area. This area is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and climbing. There are also two sunny ski resorts located in the area.
The town is also known for its gingerbread-style houses. The old town is lined with quaint wooden-beamed buildings. The town is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to get around.
The main attraction in Kufstein is the Kufstein Fortress. It is an old stronghold dating back to the 13th century. There is a small museum and a walking trail that leads to the fortress. You can also take a ride on the funicular to reach the top of the fortress.
If you are visiting Kufstein during the summer, don't miss a visit to the Eggenberg Palace. This 17th-century building features beautiful architecture and grounds. The grounds also feature a public pool area and a botanic garden.
One of the best places to see in Kufstein is the Kaiser Valley Nature Reserve. This area is tucked behind the Kaiser Mountains and surrounded by Zahmer Kaiser mountain range. The nature reserve is perfect for families with children, and has a great hiking trail.
Grein
Located on the Danube River, Grein is a charming small town with a rich history. The city is in the region of Oberosterreich. It has a population of around 2,500 people. The town is home to a number of important monuments and landmarks.
One of the city's most notable landmarks is the Greinburg Castle. It's a prominent castle that's still inhabited. It's located on a small hill near the heart of the city. It's still active as a ducal residence.
The city is also home to the oldest theatre in Austria. It's built in 1791 and has regular performances. The theatre is a grand rococo design. It has a magnificent courtyard where the concerts are held.
One of the best things to do in Grein is hike to the Gipfelstein. The hike isn't for the faint of heart. You'll need to have sturdy shoes and a good head for heights. The hike isn't long, but you'll enjoy the view of the Austrian Danube from the top. The Gipfelstein is also home to an awe-inspiring forest cave.
The city is also home to the Fohrenburger Brewery, which has a tasting room. It's also one of the most popular breweries in Austria.
Admont
Located in the Styria region of Austria, Admont is a charming town that's perfect for a short day trip. The town is known for its Baroque-gothic architecture and for being home to the world's largest monastery library.
Admont is home to the Benedictine Abbey, which is one of the oldest and most beautiful monasteries in Austria. The monastery has been around for more than 900 years. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Abbey excelled in art production. It also had a Scriptorium, which was a place where scholars wrote great theological works.
The Benedictine monastery is located on the banks of the Enns River. Its library was built in 1776. The library has gold-adorned windows and doors. The library is open to visitors with a guided tour.
The monastery also has two major art collections. These include works by Joseph Stammel and Benno Haan. It also has a large collection of scientific books.
Admont is also a popular spot for winter sports enthusiasts. Its slopes are more for skiers than snowboarders. The town has a gondola that links it to neighboring resorts.
The town's location is convenient to the airports of Vienna, Salzburg and Munich. The airports are about 2.5 hours, 1 hour, and 3.5 hours away from Admont, respectively.
Klagenfurt
Located on the eastern shore of Wothersee lake, Klagenfurt is the capital of Carinthia province. It was once a modest market town, but over the centuries it has grown into a bustling city.
The city is surrounded by mountains and lakes, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Austria. The quaint medieval old town is a great place to explore. Its Old Town Hall is especially striking.
The city also has a wealth of modern shops and boutiques. Visitors can also find great coffee houses and bars. The main shopping street, Landstrasse, is one of the busiest in Austria.
Another interesting attraction is the Minimundus Museum of miniatures. This park features 150 miniature replicas of famous world landmarks. There are also guided tours that can take you to filming locations.
Visitors can also take a day trip to nearby Retz, a charming wine town. It's located just a few kilometers from the Czech border. There are also plenty of wineries in the area that are easily accessible by public transport.
If you're traveling by car, there are busses that can take you to Graz. This is the second largest city in Austria. It's not too far from Vienna, and has lots of great views. There are also many restaurants in the area that use local produce.