10 Most Enchanting Small Towns for your Trip to Austria
Austria is simply spectacular – beautiful, charming, historic, and alive with the sound of music! With its delightful villages, lush green landscapes, views of blue lakes and the magnificent Alps, and elegant baroque architecture, Austria has everything it takes for a fairytale exploration. Austria is all about the “gemuetlichkeit,” a lifestyle that celebrates warmth and belonging in a welcoming environment. Here is our list of our favorite, most enchanting small towns – many in the mountains of Austria- where you’ll find “gemuetlichkeit” along with outstanding beauty.
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Popular itinerary in Austria:
Durnstein
This little town is so pretty that it is also known as the “Pearl of the Wachau.” The blue baroque church spire that towers over the town is mesmerizing! Visitors flock to this charming town for its outstanding local wine, lovely cobblestone streets lined with flowers, and small, picturesque houses.
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Gmunden
This charming town, surrounded by the mountains of Austria, enjoys scenic views of pretty castles, waterfronts with promenades, deep blue lakes, and 19th century enchanting villas.
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St Gilgen
This picture-perfect village is full of colorful streets and baroque houses. If you visit during the winter, be sure to visit its magical Christmas market!
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Bad Ischl
Located along the side of a river, Bad Ischl is as beautiful as it is historic. Throughout the centuries, this spa town was chosen by Austria’s emperors as their summer home, and, for the past 175 years, Bad Ischl has been a popular health resort. With its forests, rustic views, and the nearby Austrian mountains, this small town is not to be missed!
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Hallstatt
Hallstatt is the crown jewel of Austria’s small towns, and it is considered one of the loveliest lakeside towns in the world. With its pastel colored houses, glistening lakes, and snowy mountains, the town is postcard- perfect.
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Kitzbühel
If you’re looking to experience the mountains of Austria, this small medieval town is for you. Its idyllic location, in the heart of the Kitzbuhel Alps, gives easy access to the summer Alpine Flower Garden- Kitzbuheler Horn – and, in the winter, to some of Austria’s top ski resorts.
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Kufstein
Charming Kufstein is surrounded by meadows, woods, and lakes with spectacular views of the majestic Austrian mountains. Visit the town’s most famous landmark – the historic Kufstein fortress.
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Alpbach
Voted “Austria’s most beautiful village,” Alpbach boasts thick green meadows and abundant, lush varieties of flowers. This breathtaking scenery includes traditional wooden farmhouses and lakes that you can splash around in.
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Sankt Anton
This stunning village is perched on top of the Tyrolean Alps and is considered one of the world’s top skiing resorts. It is also a lovely summer destination, with its tranquil green meadows and serene hiking trails.
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Feldkirch
Feldkirch sits impressively on the banks of a turquoise river, surrounded by lush mountains and vineyards. Stroll down the cobblestone streets, admire the pastel colored townhouses and the white hilltop castle, and enjoy the crisp, fresh air.
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Ready to enjoy the splendor of the mountains in Austria? Which of these charming villages will you visit on your trip to Austria?
