Famous Landmarks in Austria
Austria, a landlocked country in Central Europe, is a destination known for its stunning alpine scenery, rich cultural history, and remarkable architecture. Famous for its classical music, grand palaces, and ski resorts, Austria offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. From the imperial grandeur of Vienna to the medieval charm of Salzburg and the alpine villages of Tyrol, Austria has something for every traveler. The country’s well-preserved castles, baroque architecture, and museums are complemented by its outdoor adventures, including skiing, hiking, and exploring the picturesque landscapes of the Austrian Alps.
Austria’s tourism infrastructure is well-developed, offering visitors access to world-class cultural events, pristine natural parks, and iconic historical landmarks. Whether you’re wandering through Vienna’s historic streets, enjoying a concert in Salzburg, or taking in the breathtaking views from a mountain peak, Austria promises an unforgettable experience.
Below are the top 10 famous landmarks in Austria, highlighting their popularity, significance, and essential travel information.
1. Schönbrunn Palace
Overview
Schönbrunn Palace is one of Austria’s most iconic and popular landmarks, located in Vienna. Once the summer residence of the Habsburg emperors, this baroque palace boasts 1,441 rooms and a sprawling garden complex. Visitors can explore the luxurious staterooms, the impressive Hall of Mirrors, and the magnificent gardens, including the Gloriette and the Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world. Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Austria’s imperial history.
Location
- City: Vienna
- Coordinates: 48.1859° N, 16.3122° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: €22 for adults, €16 for students and seniors, and €14 for children (Grand Tour). Gardens are free, but some sections like the maze and Gloriette Terrace have additional fees.
Nearby Airports
- Vienna International Airport (VIE): Located about 25 km from Schönbrunn Palace.
Railway Stations
- Schönbrunn Railway Station: Located about 1 km from the palace, accessible via U4 line of the Vienna U-Bahn.
Special Attention
Peak Season: Schönbrunn can be crowded during peak tourist seasons, so it’s advisable to book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.
2. Hofburg Palace
Overview
Hofburg Palace in Vienna is the former imperial residence of the Habsburg dynasty and one of the largest palace complexes in the world. The palace houses the Austrian National Library, the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the world-famous Spanish Riding School. Visitors can explore the lavish rooms of the palace, the imperial collections, and exhibitions dedicated to the life of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi). The Hofburg Palace is a key symbol of Austria’s political and cultural history.
Location
- City: Vienna
- Coordinates: 48.2064° N, 16.3647° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: €15 for adults, €9 for children (for Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments).
Nearby Airports
- Vienna International Airport (VIE): About 20 km from Hofburg Palace.
Railway Stations
- Vienna Central Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof): About 3 km from Hofburg Palace.
Special Attention
Spanish Riding School: For those interested in equestrian culture, attending a performance or tour of the Spanish Riding School is highly recommended, but tickets often sell out quickly.
3. St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Overview
St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) is the most important Gothic structure in Vienna and a key religious landmark in Austria. The cathedral’s distinctive multi-colored tile roof and towering spire are symbols of the city’s skyline. Visitors can explore the cathedral’s ornate interior, visit the catacombs, and climb the South Tower for panoramic views of Vienna. St. Stephen’s has been the site of many important historical events, including royal weddings and funerals.
Location
- City: Vienna
- Coordinates: 48.2083° N, 16.3731° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: Free to enter the cathedral. Climbing the South Tower costs €5.50 for adults, €2 for children.
Nearby Airports
- Vienna International Airport (VIE): Located about 20 km from St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Railway Stations
- Stephansplatz U-Bahn Station: Located directly beneath the cathedral, accessible via U1 and U3 lines.
Special Attention
Tower Climb: The climb to the top of the South Tower involves 343 steps, so be prepared for a steep ascent, but the view from the top is well worth the effort.
4. Hohensalzburg Fortress
Overview
Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe, perched on a hilltop overlooking the city of Salzburg. The fortress was built in 1077 and expanded over the centuries. It offers visitors a glimpse into Salzburg’s medieval history, with its museums, ramparts, and panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Alps. The fortress is accessible by a funicular railway or by foot via a scenic path.
Location
- City: Salzburg
- Coordinates: 47.7955° N, 13.0477° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: €13.30 for adults, €7.60 for children, including the funicular ride.
Nearby Airports
- Salzburg Airport (SZG): About 7 km from Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Railway Stations
- Salzburg Hauptbahnhof: Located about 2 km from the fortress. Visitors can take a bus or walk to the funicular.
Special Attention
Best Time to Visit: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk along the fortress walls with stunning views.
5. Belvedere Palace
Overview
Belvedere Palace is a magnificent baroque complex in Vienna, consisting of two palaces (Upper and Lower Belvedere) surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. The palace is now home to the Belvedere Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Austrian art, including the world-famous painting “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt. Visitors can explore the opulent state rooms of the Upper Belvedere and enjoy the art galleries displaying works from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Location
- City: Vienna
- Coordinates: 48.1912° N, 16.3806° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: €16 for adults, €13 for students and seniors, free for children under 18.
Nearby Airports
- Vienna International Airport (VIE): Located about 19 km from Belvedere Palace.
Railway Stations
- Vienna Hauptbahnhof: About 1 km from Belvedere Palace, making it easily accessible by foot or public transport.
Special Attention
Gardens: The palace gardens are free to the public and offer stunning views of the palaces and the surrounding cityscape, making them an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or photography.
6. Melk Abbey
Overview
Melk Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Austria’s most famous and beautiful baroque monasteries. Located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube River, the abbey has been a center of learning and spirituality for over 900 years. Visitors can tour the lavish state rooms, the magnificent library, and the abbey church, which is renowned for its stunning frescoes and gilded decorations. The abbey also offers spectacular views of the surrounding Wachau Valley, a region famous for its wine production.
Location
- City: Melk, Lower Austria
- Coordinates: 48.2292° N, 15.3319° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: €14.50 for adults, €6.50 for children, with guided tours available for an additional fee.
Nearby Airports
- Vienna International Airport (VIE): About 100 km from Melk Abbey.
Railway Stations
- Melk Railway Station: Located about 1 km from the abbey, accessible by regional trains from Vienna or Salzburg.
Special Attention
Wachau Valley: A visit to Melk Abbey is often combined with a scenic boat tour or a bike ride along the Danube River through the Wachau Valley.
7. Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Overview
Mirabell Palace, located in the heart of Salzburg, is known for its stunning baroque architecture and meticulously designed gardens. The palace was built in 1606 and is now home to government offices and the famous Marble Hall, which is considered one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the world. The Mirabell Gardens, with their elegant statues, fountains, and floral arrangements, were made famous by the film The Sound of Music, and they continue to be a popular destination for tourists.
Location
- City: Salzburg
- Coordinates: 47.8059° N, 13.0411° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: Free to visit the gardens. Entry to the palace may be restricted due to official functions.
Nearby Airports
- Salzburg Airport (SZG): Located about 6 km from Mirabell Palace.
Railway Stations
- Salzburg Hauptbahnhof: About 1.5 km from Mirabell Palace, easily accessible by foot or public transport.
Special Attention
Marble Hall Events: If you’re lucky, you might witness a wedding or concert in the Marble Hall, so check the event calendar when planning your visit.
8. Schlossberg and the Clock Tower (Graz)
Overview
Schlossberg is a hill located in the center of Graz, known for its historic fortifications and the famous Clock Tower (Uhrturm), which has become a symbol of the city. The hill offers spectacular views of Graz’s old town, and visitors can explore the remains of the Schlossberg fortress, which was dismantled during the Napoleonic Wars. The Clock Tower, with its large wooden hands, is one of the oldest structures on the hill, dating back to the 13th century. Visitors can reach the top by hiking, taking the funicular railway, or riding the glass elevator.
Location
- City: Graz, Styria
- Coordinates: 47.0756° N, 15.4395° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: Free to visit the Clock Tower and explore the hill. The funicular ride costs €2.70 for adults.
Nearby Airports
- Graz Airport (GRZ): Located about 12 km from Schlossberg.
Railway Stations
- Graz Hauptbahnhof: About 2 km from Schlossberg, easily reachable by tram or bus.
Special Attention
Sunset Views: For the best views of Graz and the surrounding region, visit Schlossberg in the evening to watch the sunset from the Clock Tower.
9. Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave
Overview
The Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave, located in the Tennengebirge mountains near Werfen, is the largest ice cave in the world, stretching over 42 kilometers. The cave is filled with stunning ice formations, including frozen waterfalls, ice stalactites, and massive ice sculptures. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the first kilometer of the cave, where the ice formations are most spectacular. The cave is only accessible during the warmer months, typically from May to October.
Location
- City: Werfen, Salzburg
- Coordinates: 47.5026° N, 13.1891° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: €25 for adults, €12.50 for children (includes the cable car ride).
Nearby Airports
- Salzburg Airport (SZG): Located about 50 km from the Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave.
Railway Stations
- Werfen Railway Station: Located about 7 km from the cave entrance, with shuttle services available.
Special Attention
Clothing: Even in summer, the temperatures inside the cave remain below freezing, so visitors should dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes.
10. Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Overview
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of the most scenic drives in Europe, winding through the Austrian Alps and offering breathtaking views of Austria’s highest peak, Grossglockner. The road stretches for 48 kilometers and reaches an altitude of 2,504 meters, passing through alpine meadows, glaciers, and snow-covered mountains. There are several observation points along the road, including the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, where visitors can see the Pasterze Glacier and learn about the region’s natural history at the visitor center.
Location
- Province: Salzburg/Carinthia
- Coordinates: 47.0746° N, 12.8453° E
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: €38.50 per car for a day pass.
Nearby Airports
- Salzburg Airport (SZG): Located about 120 km from the start of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
Railway Stations
There are no direct railway stations to the Grossglockner Road. Visitors typically drive or take buses from nearby towns like Zell am See.
Special Attention
Driving Conditions: The road is only open from May to October and can be challenging for inexperienced drivers due to its sharp turns and steep inclines.
