Top 10 tourist attractions you should not miss when traveling in Austria

6

Melk Benedictine Monastery

Melk Abbey is one of the most famous monastic sites in the world, and its spectacular buildings are arranged around seven courtyards. The most striking part of this massive 325-meter-long complex is the west end and the two-story church jutting out over a row of semicircular terraces.

Perched high on a rocky outcrop above the town of Melk and overlooking the Danube, the monastery has many other great reasons to spend a few hours touring it. These include the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau; what remains of Austria's first ruling family; The Babenbergs; and the amazing 196-meter-long Royal Corridor with portraits of the rulers of Austria, including one of Queen Maria Theresa.

Along the way, you'll also see the Royal Chambers with displays relating to the monastery's history, along with statues and paintings.

7

Hallstatt và Dachstein Salzkammergut

Hallstatt is undoubtedly one of the picturesque little towns in Austria, if not Europe. It's also a good place to explore the spectacular Dachstein Salzkammergut region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The beautiful Baroque architecture is testament to Hallstatt's wealth, drawing on a long history of salt production going back to prehistoric times.

You can also visit the underground salt lake in the nearby Hörnerwerk Cave, or explore Dachstein Cave, one of Europe's most impressive cave networks, some 1,174 meters deep. Highlights include the Giant Ice Cave, with sub-zero temperatures in summer, and the giant caves with stunning frozen waterfalls, and the Mammoth Cave, with its giant tubular galleries formed by an ancient underground river.

Above ground, visitors can admire the amazing 5 Fingers observatory, an incredible metal structure suspended from a 400-meter-long absolute drop with superb views of the surrounding Alps.

8

Skiing at Kitzbühel and Kitzbüheler Horn

One of the best places to ski in Austria, the popular resort town of Kitzbühel captivates snow lovers with its 170 kilometers of ski runs and slopes dotted with small mountain huts where they can stop feet to enjoy traditional Alpine snacks and hot drinks.

Although it is the site of the annual Hahnenkamm, the toughest of all downhill ski races, Kitzbühel has plenty of terrain for all skill levels in three ski areas and The smallest of these, Bichlalm, is dedicated to those who enjoy skiing.

But Kitzbühel isn't just for skiers. With frescoed walls and houses, and a backdrop of the snow-capped Alps, the town is as beautiful as the villages in the Alps.

The 1,998-meter-high Kitzbüheler Horn attracts skiers in the winter, is a favorite among hikers in the summer, and you can also reach the summit by cable car via Pletzeralm. It is considered one of the best viewing points in Tyrol: south from Radstädter Tauern to the Ötztal Alps; to the north, nearby Kaisergebirge; to the west, the Lechtal Alps; and to the east, Hochkönig.

To the south of the Kitzbüheler Horn rises the 1,772-meter-high Hornköpfli, also reachable by cable. In addition to the amazing views, at the top of the mountain you will find the Gipfelhaus, a unique mountaintop house; a chapel; a restaurant; and an Alpine garden.

9

Burg Hochosterwitz in the Middle Ages

On the east side of St. Veit, on a cliff about 160 meters above the valley, stands Burg Hochosterwitz, Austria's most important medieval castle. After a tumultuous history, the castle was first mentioned in AD 860 - having been captured by Khevenhüllers, and expanded in 1570 in the face of Turkish invaders. Never captured by the enemy, the castle has remained with the Khevenhüller family ever since.

The steep path leading to the castle, Burgweg, winds through 14 defensive gates to a beautiful domed courtyard, where you'll find a small chapel with wall and ceiling paintings from 1570 and a church at the end. southwest of the castle with a high altar dating from 1729.

10

Grossglockner Road to Franz-Josefs-Höhe

Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse from Bruck, in Pinzgau, to Heiligenblut, at the foot of Grossglockner, built between 1930 and 1935. Following the route of an old Roman road, it is one of the most magnificent mountain roads in Europe. .

Although its importance as a route through the Alps has declined, it remains a splendid motorway through the Hohe Tauern, Austria's highest massif and one of the country's standout attractions. . Running for 22 kilometers through the mountains at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, the road consists of a long chain that leads to the tunnel at the top of Hochtor at 2,506 meters and then down into the valley in the distance.

The road is the entrance to the massive Hohe Tauern mountain range, where Franz-Josefs-Höhe is famous throughout Europe for his breathtaking views. Named after a visit by Kaiser Franz-Josef in 1856, this superb vantage point sits 2,422 meters above sea level and offers superb views of the surrounding country. Prominent in the scene is Grossglockner, which at 3,798 meters is Austria's highest mountain.

Be sure to stop by the visitor center for detailed displays relating to the region's history, as well as exhibits focusing on the glacier and its general tourist information.