Austria itinerary

Vienna is bursting with beauty and culture. It’s consistently voted as the most livable city in the world. From its Old Town to the Museums Quartier complex, historical and contemporary creations coexist with inspiring results. Make sure you add these areas to your Vienna itinerary.

Enjoy classical music by local composers Mozart and Strauss at the Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper). To truly experience Vienna’s splendor, tour Hofburg Palace, the residence of the former Austrian Monarchy. Then feast on a Wiener Schnitzel fit for a king!

Graz is a bustling student city with a stunning Old Town. Go up the Schlossberg, the site of a fortress with amazing views over the city. Its Clock Tower (Uhrturm) is a local icon. Schloss Eggenberg is a Baroque palace with roaming peacocks and an extensive art collection.

Graz has an active nightlife in the old town and near Karl-Franzens University, founded in 1585. If that’s not enough to entice you, let the name Arnold Schwarzenegger sink in. The actor and former Governor of California grew up in the village Thal, just a few miles from Graz.

Klagenfurt is a popular gateway to neighboring countries. It’s also the eastern portal to Wörthersee, a beautiful alpine lake with clean, warm, turquoise water. The lake invites a range of water activities like canoeing and waterskiing.

Hire a bike, ride to the shore, and cycle around the entire Wörthersee! Stop off at the different lakeside villages along the way. Back in the city center, see the 16^th century Dragon Fountain (Lindwurmbrunnen). Legend has it, a dragon terrorized the city before being slain by knights.

Salzburg, Austria’s gem of a city was the birthplace and home to Mozart. Check out the 2 fascinating museums dedicated to the city’s prodigy, both of which he once lived in. Wander aimlessly through the old town and step back to a period of magnificent architecture and riches. From atop the Hohensalzburg Fortress enjoy enchanting views of the city and the Salzach river as it radiates through the city.

A trip to Salzburg wouldn’t be the same without joining the Sound of Music Tour, taking you on a whistle-stop tour of the film’s key locations, passing the snow-capped mountains, sprawling green meadows and crystal blue lakes of Salzburg’s Lake District. You’ll also be let into the facts and fiction of the Von Trapp family as portrayed in the Hollywood movie.

The first thing you’ll notice on stepping out of Innsbruck train station is the mountain vista that surrounds the entire Austrian town. The old town is the city’s beloved center, dressed in bright-coloured medieval buildings and home to the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) – an intricately-detailed gothic balcony.

For great views of the Tyrolean capital you’ve got plenty of options – take the Hungerburg Funicular up the mountain side, or visit the Bergisel Ski Jump Stadium where you can also take in views of the jump used in the 1976 Winter Olympics. Alternatively take the sightseeing bus to Ambras Castle perched up on the Innsbruck mountainside. For the adrenaline junkies there are heaps of adventure sports to partake in, come snow or shine.