Austria's Must See Cities

About Vienna

Everybody wants to visit Vienna. Not only is it the capital city of Austria, it is an exciting metropolis with a rich background in history, art and especially music. The city is known for its grand Ring Road, lined with impressive buildings including museums such as the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History. If you want to be witness to the opulence of the Habsburg dynasty then make sure to tour the former residences of the royal family at the Schönbrunn Palace and the magnificent gardens as well as the Hofburg Palace and the Belvedere Palace, with its baroque architecture.

Everybody wants to visit Vienna. Not only is it the capital city of Austria, it is an exciting metropolis with a rich background in history, art and especially music. The city is known for its grand Ring Road, lined with impressive buildings including museums such as the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History. If you want to be witness to the opulence of the Habsburg dynasty then make sure to tour the former residences of the royal family at the Schönbrunn Palace and the magnificent gardens as well as the Hofburg Palace and the Belvedere Palace, with its baroque architecture.

Vienna (Wein) has 23 districts (Wiener Gemeindebezirkein) and each district offers diverse attractions including art galleries, café, museums, palaces, restaurants etc. each with its pros and cons. Starting in 1850, as the city kept growing and including the surrounding communities the city gave them numbers for easy clarification and reference.  The 1st District (Innere Stadt) is the old town and is encircled by the Ringstrasse (The Vienna Ring Road) which is about 5 km long. It is divided into nine sections; each has a ring extension. In 2001, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is much to see in the inner circle including St. Stephan's Cathedral (Stephansdom), Hofburg Palace, the Natural History and Art History Museum, Wiener Rathaus (Vienna City Hall) the State Opera House and much more. Did you know that there are over 100 museums in Vienna! Besides the museums there are theatres, dance and music halls, restaurants, bars, exhibitions, restaurants, bars, cafes and lots of nature trails. Renowned artists whose works are hung in museums around the world and musicians whose music is played by international symphony orchestras were from Vienna. For example - Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) a symbolist painter and important influential member of the Vienna Secession movement (is there anyone who hasn’t seen his painting “Judith and the Head of Holofernes”; Egon Schiele (1890-1980) the Austrian expressionist who painted powerful personal paintings and Oskar Kokoschka the Expressionist, as well as Friedensreich Hundertwasser (1928-2000) whose startling works can be seen in what used to be his home in the 3rd district. Note: The family was Jewish, their original name was Stowasser and to save themselves during WWII they disguised themselves as Catholics and the young Friedrich even joined the Hitler Movement to avoid being targeted. It was only after the war that he then decided to change his name.  Just saying and just mentioning a few of the most renowned Austrian composers, in alphabetical order (feel free to add to this list): Anton Bruckner, Joseph Haydn, Franz Liszt, Joseph Haydn, Gustav Mahler, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert; their compositions can be heard around the world. in opera houses, theaters, concert halls and churches. Hofburg Imperial Palace which was built in the 13th century was the former main residence of the Habsburg monarchy. The palace contains 2600 rooms and some of them are spectacular museums on various themes and exhibitions. The various collections are housed in separate rooms and include musical instruments, weapons and armor, the ceremonial room (State Hall) in the Austrian National Library (Österreichische Nationalbibliothek) one of the most impressive in the world, with more than 12,000,000 books and item. The Imperial Treasury (Kaiserliche Schatzkammer) includes two imperial crowns as well as the Burgundian treasure and the treasure of the Order of the Golden Fleece, the Sisi museum in honor of Empress Elisabeth and so much more. On the outskirts of the palace is the famous Spanish Riding School where to this day they continue the training of Lipizzaner horses. Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn) which was the summer “vacation” home for the Habsburgs is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered Austria's most popular and most visited tourist attraction. It is of great importance for its architectural design and its spectacular neoclassical colonnade and manicured gardens which includes the palm house (Palmenhaus) from around 1880 is home to exotic plants growing in 3 pavilions in this huge greenhouse and the Maze (a terrific place for children as well). St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna. It is also one of Austria’s most prevalent attractions with about one million visitors a year! Architecturally it is a very important building in the Gothic style, although it has been added to, altered and redecorated over the many decades or more accurately centuries! However, if it is that “Kodak Moment” you are yearning for, then you will have to climb up over 300 steps to the bell tower for a magnificent view of the city with its colorful tiled rooves. Belvedere is actually two palaces in the Baroque style - the Orangery and the Palace Stables. As well, the Belvedere is home to the Austrian Art Museum with works by leading Austrian artists such as Egon Schiele and Kokoschka Oskar, Gustav Klimt (“The Kiss” is on view, in the Lower Belvedere Museum). The Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum), considered one of the top museums in the world, was built near the Imperial Palace in the late 1800’s. There just wasn’t enough room in the Imperial Palace for the incredible huge art collections of the royal family, as well as the most extensive collection of Bruegal art anywhere. Today they also exhibit the works of top artists from the Middle Ages to the 19th century including paintings by Johannes Vermeer, Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio) and Titian (Tiziano Vecelli).  The Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper) was one of the first of the monumental buildings to be built on the Ringstrasse and is renowned throughout the world. If you are a real opera buff you will be excited to know that the acoustics have been improved (with great difficulty because the building is under a preservation order). There are daily ballets and operas and visitors are welcome to view the impressive building. The Vienna Prater is a fantastic large public park in Leopoldstadt and the amusement park (The Wurstelprater) usually referred to as "Prater" is on one side of the park, with over 200 attractions including the iconic Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad) from the late 1800’s.Note: For easy access, an underground railway now stops near to the entrance of the Prater. Traditional dishes of the Viennese cuisine: Wiener schnitzel (veal coated in breadcrumbs and fried), Tafelspitz (boiled beef), Beuschel (a ragout containing veal lungs and heart), Selchfleisch (smoked meat) eaten with sauerkraut and dumplings and Knödel, a type of dumpling cooked in water- to be eaten as (a) a first course or maine or (b) a sweet type for dessert. Note: After the fall of Napolean in 1815, The Congress of Vienna took place. Celebrations and banquets were held for several months and the congress took on a moniker “The Dancing Congress". And thus for over 200 years the beginning of November signals the opening of “party time” and more than 450 banquets are held during the winter period.  

About Graz

In the last few years some strikingly modern new public buildings have been erected in the city. The most famous include the Kunsthaus a museum constructed right next to the river Mur, and the "Murinsel", an island made of steel, situated in the river. The old town was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999 due to the harmonious co-existence of typical buildings from different epochs and in different architectural styles. Today the old town consists of over 1000 buildings, their age ranging from Gothic to Contemporary. Other areas include several other important structures, impressive architecture, and museums throughout the Greater Graz area.

In the last few years some strikingly modern new public buildings have been erected in the city. The most famous include the Kunsthaus a museum constructed right next to the river Mur, and the "Murinsel", an island made of steel, situated in the river. The old town was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999 due to the harmonious co-existence of typical buildings from different epochs and in different architectural styles. Today the old town consists of over 1000 buildings, their age ranging from Gothic to Contemporary. Other areas include several other important structures, impressive architecture, and museums throughout the Greater Graz area.

About Linz

In the 1st century the fortress Lentia was part of a chain of Roman forts built along the Danube River guarding the trade routes that crossed the region in the northern part of Austria. Then, in the 8th century, Lentia had its name changed to Linz, which is the third largest city and the capital of Upper Austria. 

In the 1st century the fortress Lentia was part of a chain of Roman forts built along the Danube River guarding the trade routes that crossed the region in the northern part of Austria. Then, in the 8th century, Lentia had its name changed to Linz, which is the third largest city and the capital of Upper Austria. 

A little history: In the early part of the year 1500 the longest bridge in the world as it was then, was built in Linz and 400 years later the renowned Nibelungenbrücke bridge was built in the same place, replacing the old bridge with a new one. The Nibelungenbrücke connects the inner city of Linz and the Urfahr district. Do take time out to visit the Linz-Genesis Museum which will give you the history of the city Linz. The Altes Rathaus (Town Hall), built in 1513 in the Gothic-Renaissance-Baroque style, stands in the middle of the main square in Linz and on the other side you have the impressive 20-meter-high white marble column called the Trinity Column, which in 1716 was designed in the Baroque Style by Sebastian Stumpfegger. Above the column you have St Maria Immaculata and an inscription that expresses thanks and gratitude as well as prayers for protection against war, plague and fire. The patron Saints Sebastian, Florian and Carlo Borromeo stand guard as protectors. Interesting Note: In the 17th and 18th centuries it was common in the Catholic communities to create and put up a Marian column (religious monument) depicting Christian figures or symbols as a religious monument. This was a way of showing faith and gratitude for those who survived catastrophes such as the plague or war. Try to be in the area of the Feichtinger-Haus which houses the famous Glockenspiel. A few times a day, there are musical interludes when the bells play different compositions by Austrian composers. The Church of Ignatius or the Jesuit Church, referred to as the Old Linz Cathedral (Alter Dom) was built in the 17th century in the Baroque style. When approaching the church, you might notice that the exterior is rather unimpressive, especially compared to other religious buildings. However, when you enter you will find the interior quite ornate in the Baroque-style of the time.  The organ is a very special attraction, still in its original state, built according to specifications of Anton Brucker, who was a composer of symphonies as well as being a great organist.  He was renowned for his religious works like Te Deum and Motets. If you can, climb up almost 400 steps (according to the last count there are exactly 395) you can capture a “Kodak Moment” from the bell tower. The 19th century Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which is the New Cathedral (Mariä-Empfängnis-Dom) is an impressive neo-Gothic building and is the largest in all of Austria.  Mozart stayed but a few days in Linz, in a building from the 16th century (now referred to as Mozarthaus). A bust of Mozart was placed at the entrance to the house to commemorate this visit. After all, this is where he composed the Piano Sonata B flat major, k.333. Note: Please note unless otherwise stated, there is no entrance to the Mozarthaus. A landmark of Linz, the Wallfahrtsbasilika - Sieben Schmerzen Mariae (the Pöstlingberg-Kirche church dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary, is perched high on a hill with incredible views of Linz.  To reach this church which was built in the mid 1700’s, you take the funicular from the main square.   Landstrasse is a great shopping area known throughout Austria, with its malls, brand-name stores, cafes and restaurants. And while you’re there, remember that you cannot leave Linz without tasting the icon dessert “Linzertorte”, a dessert that includes a selection of nuts and berry jam in a flat dough. “A sweet farewell to a charming city”! Scrumptious!

About Salzburg

Salzburg is the fourth largest city in Austria and is considered a “must visit” city. The fact that it is not “the biggest” city is not important in this case - size doesn’t count! It is no wonder that UNESCO recognized the Alstadt (Old Town) as a World Heritage Site. Salzburg is situated on the banks of the Salzach river which is almost 300 km long. This precious town offers a wide range of tours with exciting experiences for the visitor.

Salzburg is the fourth largest city in Austria and is considered a “must visit” city. The fact that it is not “the biggest” city is not important in this case - size doesn’t count! It is no wonder that UNESCO recognized the Alstadt (Old Town) as a World Heritage Site. Salzburg is situated on the banks of the Salzach river which is almost 300 km long. This precious town offers a wide range of tours with exciting experiences for the visitor.

Secret: (Saltzburg, literally means Salt Castle) Saltz or salz, meaning salt, is in the name because the mining of salt was a major industry since the early 1500’s and is probably what helped to put Salzburg on the map!  Note: During the Holy Roman Empire, for more than ten centuries, Salzburg was a church city-state. The days are long gone since the leader of the church and the state was the prince-archbishop. With the mountains providing a theatrical backdrop, the city's skyline is alive with turrets and domes and a clear view of the HohenSalsburg fortress. The baroque style is evident in many buildings, both ecclesiastical and secular as they were all influenced by the style of Italian architects. In January 1756, the renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in this charming town He was born and raised on 9 Getreidegasse in the Old Town and his house is now a museum. This charming little street is one of many meandering between alley houses that are decorated with unique metal signs, advertising stores, jewelry, antiques and many other kinds of shops. The Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom), built in 774, is a Roman Catholic seventeenth-century Baroque cathedral that was dedicated to two, Saints Rupert and Saint Vergilius. It was ruined in a fire and then was rebuilt in various stages, yet once completed it was then bombed in WWII and had to be reconstructed once again. Although it was overly decorated and very elaborate the Cathedral nevertheless has a serene and peaceful atmosphere which welcomes people from all over the world, from all religions. Secret: Mozart was baptized in the Salzburg Cathedral, which still has the same  baptismal basin used for Mozart. The DomQuartier museum adjacent to the cathedral is a must-see, especially for those who fawn over the baroque style. A hodgepodge of decorative items in each and every corner and items that stretch from ceiling to floor, including furniture and magnificent candelabras, art and sculpture. One can become quite an affected when viewing the decorative arts of Salzburg of the 17th and 18th centuries In Europe, the Hohensalzburg Fortress is known as one of the biggest and most impressive castles from the 11th century. The imposing Salzburg Hohensalzburg Castle, has stood for 1000 years on a hill dominating the city. As the decades passed, the castle grew and its walls were thickened and fortified, allowing for full protection for the occupants within.  Today it serves as the archbishops' museum and has a spectacular vantage viewing point for the city and the Alps. Ascent is possible on foot or in a funicular carriage (festungsbahn). In the early 1600’s the Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich gifted the Mirabell Palace to his mistress Salome Alt. The gardens, which were redesigned many times over the next decades were added about 80 years later. The fountain and statues which were also added later were forever “immortalized” in the movie Sound of Music (in the scene where Julie Andrews teaches the Van Trapp Children the “Doh Reh Mi” song).Today the palace belongs to the municipality of Salzburg. Note: Do not leave this country without stopping by a traditional Viennese café and enjoying a delicious cup of coffee with the typical, yet iconic, Austrian dessert “the apfelstrudel”, with its flaky (no yeast) crust and raisins and spicey apples and sprinkled with sugar (yes originally Austrian and not German). P.S. If it is the majestic Alps you want to visit then a good place to begin is in the southern part of the mountain and hike up to the Grossglockner Peak which is the highest in this mountain range, rising to an altitude of about 4000 meters. Salzburg is about 500 km from the Alps. You can go by car, train or bus. Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn) is a 17th century villa the size of a palace, just 7.5 km south towards Salzburg. Beautiful elegant landscaped gardens and expansive parks surround the palace. But the drawing card is the water games from the various trick fountains that are unique and unmatched anywhere in the world. Built by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus the palace was meant for joy and entertainment. He wanted to surprise his guests and so wherever they wandered about on the grounds, they would have a “water surprises!  Today you will pass by the various audio stations which will explain each one of the attractions.Note: Open only from April until the end of October..

About Innsbruck

The city of Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrolean region, is nestled in the valley of the INN river surrounded by mountains that rise around it to an altitude between 2000-3000 meters. The height gap between the city and the peaks creates a dramatic and breathtaking view that can be seen from all corners of the city. The SILL River merges with the INN River in the center of the city and then meets up with the Danube.

The city of Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrolean region, is nestled in the valley of the INN river surrounded by mountains that rise around it to an altitude between 2000-3000 meters. The height gap between the city and the peaks creates a dramatic and breathtaking view that can be seen from all corners of the city. The SILL River merges with the INN River in the center of the city and then meets up with the Danube.

The Innsbruck City Tower (Stadtturm) built in the Middle Ages, where guards kept vigil over the town, is in the center of the town. To get your “Kodak Moment” climb up about 130 steps to the 31-metre-high observation deck overlooking the city and snap away!Near the tower is The Old Town Hall and the landmark of Innsbruck, the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) which is 16 meters wide, and the roof is almost 4 meters high and tiled with more than 2,600 gilded copper shingles. It was built around 1500 by Emperor Maximilian I with high quality 12 impressive reliefs, from the Renaissance, of Maori dancers and Moors.Secret: The reliefs that we see are “copies” – the originals are on display in the museum.  In 1724 The St. James Cathedral was inaugurated. The highlight of this Baroque style cathedral is a rare photo from 1530 of Maria and Child Maria Hilfbild/Maria and Child.Continue down the alley of the Old City onto one of the busiest main streets Maria-Theresien-Straße (Maria Theresien Street). Commemorating the retreat of the Bavarian army in 1703, is the column of St. Anne's Annasaule with the statue of St. George, the patron Saint of Tyrol and other saints at the base of the monument.  In the center of the street is the Old Landhaus (Altes Landhaus) which was erected somewhere between 1725-1734. It was the regional council meeting place until the new Landhaus was erected around 1939.  The old Landhaus, built in the style of Late Austrian Baroque, is a three-story building heavily decorated with pilasters, reliefs and stucco trimmings. The interior is unique and also has a small chapel in honor of St. George in the building. At the southern end of the avenue is the Triumphpforte (Triumphal Arch) a major landmark built in stone in the year 1765. Note: The Triumphal Arch was originally being built in honor of the wedding of Archduke Leopold. He was the  son of Empress Maria Theresa and Francis Stephen of Lorraine – who passed away just after the wedding. Thus it was decided that the Triumphal Arch would be a commemorative for both occasions - one side of the monument represents the wedding and the other side is a memorial to the Emperor. It is not a surprise that most of the city's economy is based on winter sports and tourism mostly in the summer.  In winter, the city is a hub for skiing, snowshoeing and excursions in the Alps.  One can easily get to the various sports complexes by cable car and carriages that leave from the suburbs of the city directly to the Alps. There is a variety of sites and entertainment spots throughout the city: For skiing fans please note that on the south side of town is the famous Bergisel Ski Jump (Bergiselschanze), which hosts many international competitions throughout the year (hosting the first one back in the early 1920’s). Needless to say there are many “Kodak Moments” from the summit of the mountain. And one of the most amazing parks is the Karwendel Nature Park which you can get to from the city. Take a break and hop on the cable car from the city center to the Hungerburg station, grab the next Nordkette funicular and be ready for a breathtaking “Kodak Moment”, a view of Innsbruck and a panoramic view of the mountains. You can also stop at the stations on the way up and get to the zoo or another stop at the suspension bridge.  Less than 17 km east is the nearby town of Wattens, known internationally for the “Swarovski Brand” and you can see it all in their museum called the “Crystal World” (Kristallwelten). As you would expect, the museum exhibits jewelry, fashion accessories, home decorations and a huge variety of pieces, all made of crystal.