Top Things to See
 The majority of tourists begin their visit to this enchanting country with a tour of Vienna and its imperial treasures. In addition to the sights of Vienna, there is plenty to see in cities and villages throughout Austria. Salzburg and Innsbruck, in the centre and west of the country respectively, have their own special charm and boast medieval architecture and spectacular Alpine scenery.
Eisriesenwelt Höhle, Salzburg
Found in the mountains to the south of Salzburg is one of the largest ice caves in the world that’s accessible to visitors. The giant caves boast intricate ice formations. It’s quite cold inside, so warm clothes are recommended for the tour that lasts just over an hour. Website: www.eisriesenwelt.at
 Graz
This compact city is bestseenon foot. Attractions of interest include Schlossberg, the old quarter, the cathedral, the Landesmuseum Johanneum with its collection of Gothic paintings, the Herbenstrein Palace and its art collection, the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II and the famous Glockenturm bell tower. Website: www.graztourism.at
 Hofburg Palace, Vienna
This palace housed Austrian royalty until the end of the imperial dynasty in 1918. Additions have been built during the eight centuries that have followed the palace’s original construction in the 13th century, by King Ottakar Premysl. Today, the palace houses 22 museums, an Augustinian church dating from the 14th century, the Austrian National Library, the world-famous Spanish Riding School and the offices of the country’s president. The Imperial Apartmentsin Schloss Schönbrunn are open to the public, and are highly popular with tourists. The Vienna Boys’ Choir sings on Sundays at Mass celebrated in the Royal Chapel. Website: www.hofburg-wien.at
Künringerburg, Lower Austria
Perched high on a hill above Dürnstein village in the Wachau district of Lower Austria, Künringerburg overlooks the Danube River and offers sweeping views of the Wachau countryside. Visitors can see the ruins of the castle of Künringerburg, where Richard the Lionhearted (King Richard I) was imprisoned in the late 12th century for insulting Leopold V.
Mozart Geburtshaus, Salzburg
A popular attraction in Salzburg is the house where Mozart was born in 1756. The house is found at Getreidegasse 9, and was the family home from 1747 to 1773, at which time the family moved to the Makartplatz. The Mozart Wohnhaus, or Mozart’s Residence, is found on the Makartplatz, and was the family’s home until 1787. Both his birthplace and later residence are popular museums today. Although the residence was largely destroyed by bombing raids toward the end of WWII, it has been faithfully restored by the Mozarteum Foundation.
 Salzburg
The centrepiece of Salzburg’s Altstadt, or Old City, is a UNESCO World Heritage site - the Hohensalzburg fortress. Other sights of interest include the Domkirche, built as a rival to St Peter’s in Vatican City; St Peter's Abbey and catacombs and the old market square.
Schloss Hellbrunn, Salzburg
Constructed by Bishop Markus Sittikus in the 17th century, just south of Salzburg, this Baroque castle is noted for its figures powered by water and its series of unusual ‘trick’ fountains. Admission to the grounds also includes a tour of the palace itself. Other parts of the grounds are open throughout the year and can be visited free-of-charge. Website: www.hellbrunn.at
Schloss Schönbrunn, Vienna
This castle is Austria’s equivalent to Versailles in France. It is surrounded by a beautifully-landscaped park that is home to the oldest zoo in the world. The castle itself is Europe’s most notable Baroque structure, and was first used as a hunting lodge in the 16th century. In the mid-18th century, it was enlarged and became the lavish palace that was the residence of Empress Maria Theresa. The palace continued to be home to the Habsburg imperial family until the collapse of the dynasty in 1918. A tour of the castle provides visitors with the opportunity to experience the opulence of the structure, with highlights being the Great Gallery’s ceiling frescoes and the Hall of Mirrors - the room in which Mozart once played. Website:www.schoenbrunn.at
 Tyrol
Most visitors consider Tyrol to be one of the most scenic parts of the country. It’s also the most mountainous region, and is characterised by quaint Alpine villages, castles, sweeping pastures, forests and mountain lakes. Innsbruck is the provincial capital, and features a number of spectacular historical structures including a castle dating from the 12th century. For an unforgettable view, you might try taking the funicular to Hungerburg, followed by the cable car that continues up to Hafelekar, at 2,334m.
Top Things to Do
 Climb the Alps. For those seeking adventure, a climb combined with an afternoon of hang-gliding could be just the thing. If that’s a bit more than you had in mind, a hike through the varied Alpine landscape, once the snow has melted, is another option. The landscape ranges from green slopes and forested land to rocky cliffs and glaciers. The Alpine pasture of the Vorarlberg is perfect for gentle walks while the Hohe Tauern National Park features terrain for challenging trekking.
Dance the night away. The Hofburg Palace in Vienna is just one of many fairytale settings for an elegant evening of dancing. The palace is the venue for traditional Austrian balls - in particular, the annual Johann Strauss Ball – but there are ballrooms large and small throughout the country where you can create a glamorous night to remember.
 Enjoy the Lederhosen. Head to the countryside and have some fun while you admire the Austrian national costume at Windischgarsten. This is the venue for the nation’s annual Lederhosen Festival, where the wearing of these leather shorts is optional, but highly recommended. Lots of beer drinking and the selection of ‘Miss Lederhose' are all part of this unique folk festival.
Immerse yourself in classical music.Visit Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, to enjoy the annual summer Salzburg Festival. A varied program of concerts, opera and live theatre is offered in this culturally and architecturally rich city. Opera productions can be enjoyed in cities throughout Austria, and in most major towns. One Opera production in particular that’s worth a special trip is held at St Martinsturm, home to the largest floating stage in the world. Operas are performed through the summer months on this stage.
 Take a ride on a steam train. A wonderful way for the family to enjoy a trip through the Austrian countryside is to take a ride on a 19th century steam train. Through forests and green pastures, past lakes and streams against a mountainous backdrop, the train passes through Salzkammergut and the lovely, traditional village of St Wolfgang.
 Tour wine country. Austria boasts a number of wine-growing regions: the Burgenland, Lower Austria and Southern Styria produce the country’s best. Wine country is very scenic, with medieval castles dotting the landscape. The finest wines are the whites, with Riesling considered the country’s best. Some good red wines can be found in Baden and Burgenland as well.
Watch the world pass by. Vienna provides the atmosphere and the venues for indulging in the timeless activity of relaxed indifference. Coffee house culture is fuelled by excellent coffees and teas and pastries that are signature creations of this elegant city. Cakes, puddings and tortes including the world-famous sachertorte are featured at various venues throughout the city.
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