Things to Do in Austria

Although still standing on the site of the original medieval castle, which was in place by 1463, today’s majestic Imperial Habsburg Palace has undergone several transformations over the centuries, reflecting Innsbruck’s own political fortunes. The first Gothic castle was extended by Emperor Maximilian I between 1495 and 1519, and was subsequently given a Renaissance makeover in the 1560s. With the transition of political power to Vienna after the Thirty Years War, Innsbruck and the Hofburg lost importance; it was not until the 1750s that Empress Maria Theresa revived the fortunes of this great palace and gave it a glorious Baroque and Rococo facelift.

The palace offers a series of 25 ornate Imperial Apartments open to the public, from the Guard Room and the Giant’s Hall, both smothered with great paintings depicting the history of the Habsburgs, to the Furniture Gallery with its elegant examples of Biedermeier styling. The series of beautifully furnished and decorated private apartments are Rococo confections in blues, pinks and greens, complete with gilded clocks, four-poster beds and richly upholstered sofas. They are laid out as they were when occupied by the Imperial Family during the 17th and 18th centuries.

A branch of the extraordinarily expensive Café Sacher is also found in the Hofburg; head there for coffee and Austria’s most acclaimed Sachertorte after viewing the Imperial Apartments.

In the 1980s travelers flocked to these popular rock and roll-themed cafes to collect iconic Hard Rock t-shirts from locations around the globe. And while that trend may have passed, the upscale bar, scenic outdoor terrace and huge live entertainment space still at Hard Rock Café Vienna still attract plenty of visitors to this historic city.

Travelers can saddle up to the bold art deco bar and sip on signature cocktails before settling in to one of the space’s cozy tables for a meal that blends typical Hard Rock fare with more traditional, hand-crafted local food that’s always made from scratch. The restaurant’s walls are decorated with an impressive array of musical memorabilia, which includes international superstars as well as local legends like Christina Sturmer and Parov Stelar, which means this place stays true to the Hard Rock vibe.

Housed in the oldest part of the Imperial Palace in Vienna, the Imperial Treasury is one of the most significant treasuries in the world. The collection shows of the decadence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire through its 1,000 years of treasures, as well as a variety of religiously significant relics. The highlight of the Secular Treasury is the behemoth imperial crown, a gemstone-embellished piece dating back to 962. Other items of note include a 2,680-carat Colombian emerald, one of the world’s largest sapphires, a golden rose, a narwhal’s tusk once mistaken for a unicorn horn and an ornate bowl which some believe to be the holy grail.

The Ecclesiastical Treasury, which often elicits a bit of skepticism in visitors, claims among its relics fragments of Jesus’s cross, a thorn from his crown and a swatch of the tablecloth used at the Last Supper.

The Jewish Museum in Vienna explores the history of the Jewish people in Vienna and Austria. The first Jewish museum in the city was established in 1895, but it was closed by the Nazis in 1938. The collections were confiscated, and about half of the items have never been recovered. The present-day Jewish Museum was opened in 1988 and moved to its current location at the Palais Eskeles in 1993. 

Many permanent exhibitions are on display at the Jewish Museum. Some explore the history and culture of the Jewish people who lived in Vienna from the early days up through World War II, while others look at how the Jewish community of Vienna recovered after the war, up until the present. Other exhibitions show visitors about Jewish traditions, like what a kosher kitchen looks like and how holidays and milestones are celebrated. The museum also has collections of donated items that tell of the history of Jewish culture.  

A colossal piazza right at the heart of Imperial Vienna, Heldenplatz stretches out in front of the sweeping arcs of the Hofburg Palace, which was commissioned for the Habsburg Imperial Family in 1881. Constructed under the orders of Emperor Franz Joseph II as part of the city’s elegant Ringstrasse thoroughfare in the late 19th century, the square is dominated by two vast equestrian statues of Archduke Charles of Austria and Prince Eugene of Savoy, and completely surrounded by the Baroque beauty of Vienna’s most important landmarks. 

The Habsburg dynasty, rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, lived on this spot in various palaces from the 13th century until its demise in 1918; now the palace is home to several sublime Imperial collections in the Neue Burg, Sisi and art museums; the Imperial Apartments; the office of the Austrian President; the National Library; the Hofburgs’ private chapel; and the Augustinian Church, parish church of Vienna’s aristocracy. The Spanish Riding School is in the Winter Riding School and members of the Vienna Boys’ Choir perform at concerts in the Burgtheater.  

Originally Heldenplatz was enclosed at its southern flank, but this now stands open; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is all that remains of the walls. In keeping with its role in the center of Viennese history, it was from a balcony overlooking the square that Hitler announced the Anschluss on March 15, 1938. 

The state-of-the-art funicular railway connecting Innsbruck with its hilly suburb of Hungerburg was opened in 2007. This futuristic cable railway is the work of British Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, who was also responsible for the Ski Jump Stadium at Bergisel, and it provides the first link in the journey from the Congress Centre right up to the slopes of Hafelekar, which are as high as 7,545 feet (2,300 meters), in under half an hour.

The glittering Hungerburgbahn terminus at Congress strongly resembles the spaceship in Star Trek. On exiting the station, the funicular train crosses the River Inn before ascending 1.15 miles (1,838 meters) into the alpine foothills on the Hungerburg plateau. There are two stations on the line, including a stop at the Alpenzoo Innsbruck, Europe’s highest zoo.

From Hungerburg skiers, boarders and hikers can catch the Nordkettenbahnen cable car up to Seegrube, with panoramic views of the peaks in the Inn valley and Zillertal Alps from the gondolas. The Alpenlounge Seegrube at the cable car station has a terrace on which to enjoy the scenery along with a cocktail for two. A second cable car then journeys on up to Hafelekar in the Alpenpark Karwendel.

Part of the complex of Kunsthistorischen museums at the Hofburg Palace, the Imperial Carriage Museum opened four years after the demise of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was conceived as a home for part of the redundant fleet of 600 vehicles no longer required by the Imperial Family and opened in 1922 in the former Imperial Riding School, presenting the very finest carriages used by the Viennese court, from sedan chairs to ceremonial state coaches. Among the 170 vehicles displayed, highlights include the elaborate black-and-gold embossed coronation landau from 1825 and an ornate, late 19th-century hearse, subtly decorated with painted and carved black flowers. 

However, the stars of the show, indicative by their sheer opulence of the wealth and power of the Habsburg dynasty, are the two gold carriages: the golden carousel made in 1742 for Empress Maria Theresia, and the Imperial Carriage, built for Emperor Joseph II in 1764. It is dripping in gilt and covered in ornate paintings and was so heavy that it could only be pulled by a team of eight horses, and then only at walking pace. Along with the vehicles comes a selection of Imperial saddlery, courtly robes and servants’ livery.

A Jewish community existed in Vienna from medieval times, centered around Judenplatz where the city’s first synagogue was built. That was burnt down during an uprising in 1420, by which time the Jews controlled much of the city’s wealth. A second Jewish enclave grew up in Leopoldstadt in the 15th century and flourished until the 1930s; there were synagogues all over the city and the Jews were part of wealthy Viennese society. All that came to an abrupt end in 1938 with the Nazis marching in to the city, and many thousands of Jews fled Austria following the burning of their businesses and houses on Kristallnacht, November 9, 1938. 

Altogether 65,000 Viennese Jews died during World War II and the city’s Holocaust Memorial stands in Judenplatz, a controversial and austere white marble box that contrasts sharply with the ornate Baroque architecture that surrounds it. Designed in 2000 by British artist Rachel Whiteread, it is made of concrete and steel and recounts the names of the concentrations camps where Austrian Jews were murdered. The Museum Judenplatz is found alongside the memorial and provides a virtual tour through 900 years of Jewish history in Vienna. Coming full circle historically, it is built over the site of the synagogue that was destroyed back in 1420; its excavations form part of the exhibition. 

The 900-year-old Hohenwerfen Fortress squats 510 ft (155 m) up on a rocky hilltop, surrounded by swathes of pine trees and the harsh peaks of the Tennengebirge Mountains. From its lofty position the castle dominates the village of Werfen in the Salzach Valley region of the Austrian Alps. 

Accessed by either steep climb or funicular from the car parks, Hohenwerfen Fortress has its beginnings in the 11th century; it was built in tandem with the Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg as a refuge for the ruling prince-bishops. Parts of the fortified medieval walls can still be seen but the castle’s history has been turbulent and it was razed to the ground during the Peasants’ Rebellion of 1525. 

Much of what you see today is the result of subsequent 16th-century restyling in Baroque style, when the castle was extended and heavily fortified to protect the prince-bishops from further attack. It was also used to house military prisoners before falling into disuse in the late 18th century; more refurbishment followed by then-owner Archduke Eugen of Austria before parts of the fortress was destroyed yet again by fire in 1931. 

Restored once more to its present pristine whitewashed majesty, Hohenwerfen featured as Schloss Adler in the 1968 WWII movie Where Eagles Dare.

Today an audio-guide leads visitors around the landscaped gardens and battlements, into the kitchens and Romanesque chapel, around the prince-bishops’ apartments, and up the bell tower for far-reaching Alpine views. There are also small museums detailing the history of the castle and displaying weapons used in its protection as well as Austria’s only falconry museum – the summer months see daily flight demonstrations with birds of prey. Tours of Hohenwerfen Fortress are often combined with a trip through the world’s largest ice caves at Eisriesenwelt near Werfen.

The composer Joseph Haydn (1732­-1809) spent the last decade or so of his life in Gumpendorf, just outside of Vienna, composing the majority of his late work – including ‘The Seasons’. Upon the 200th anniversary of his death, his house was restored and is now a museum. The Haydnhaus museum focuses on the last years of the composer’s life, and the permanent exhibitions represent the political and social atmosphere of Austria in the early 19th century when Haydn lived there. The main focus of the exhibit revolves around Haydn’s music, his life, and the end of his years. He was an internationally renowned composer who was celebrated by his colleagues – indeed, he was the most famous composer in all of Europe when he died. Part of the exhibit includes the records and memoirs of the international visitors who came to pay Haydn their respects in his final years. The house’s ground floor displays portraits of Haydn’s guests from those days, and the rooms are divided up as they were in Haydn’s time. The highlight of the Haydnhaus is the small garden, which is modeled after the symmetrical bourgeois gardens of the time.

Formerly the winter residence of the Austrian royal family, the Hofburg Imperial Palace is now a lasting tribute to the glory of the Habsburg Empire. It’s one of Vienna’s most magnificent baroque palaces, located within Vienna’s UNESCO-listed historic center. Visitors to the Hofburg can explore the Imperial Apartments, visit the Sisi Museum and the Silver Collection, or watch a performance at the world-famous Spanish Riding School.

Whether you choose to explore Vienna on a walking tour, a bike tour, by Segway, or on a day trip from Prague, almost all Vienna sightseeing tours make a stop at the Imperial Palace. Visit on a hop-on hop-off bus tour and explore the palace on your own, or take a guided tour and benefit from the experience of an expert guide. For a more personalized experience opt for a small-group or private tour, or combine your visit with a romantic horse and carriage ride, a trip to Belvedere Palace, or an excursion to Schönbrunn Palace.

The Hofburg Palace is located in Vienna’s historic center, with its main entrance on the northeastern side of Michaelerplatz, one of city’s most famous squares. The closest metro station is Herrengasse, accessible by the U3 train line. Trams 1, 2, D, and J stop at the nearby Burgring station.

The Imperial Palace is open daily, year-round. It’s at its busiest during the peak summer months of July and August, when it’s best to book tickets in advance to save on wait times. To avoid the crowds, opt to visit in the early morning or out of season.

Learn more about Austria’s beloved Empress Sisi and admire an impressive collection of dresses, personal items, and historic artifacts at the Sisi Museum. Then, follow in the footsteps of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth as you explore the lavish suites and staterooms of the Imperial Apartments. Finally, head over to the Imperial Silver Collection to see artifacts dating back to the 15th century.

The Klosterneuburg Monastery, or Stift Klosterneuburg in Austrian, is an Augustinian abbey founded in 1114. The baroque structure, notable for housing men’s and women’s religious orders until 1568, has undergone several facelifts over the years, most recently in 1892.

The historic abbey dominates the skyline of Klosterneuburg, and the treasures housed within are just as impressive as the structure that contains them. Among the most valuable and impressive pieces is the enameled altar of Nikolaus of Verdun, one of the most exquisite examples of medieval enamel work. The altar, made in 1181, depicts a variety of biblical scenes on its 51 panels. Other highlights include a seventeenth century organ, a twelfth century Romanesque candelabra and fourteenth century stained-glass windows.

Throughout its history, the monastery has been involved in winemaking. Today visitors can tour Austria’s oldest wine-growing estate, visiting the baroque cellar complex and witnessing the production using traditional and modern methods.

Found in the apartment where he wrote the world-famous ‘Blue Danube’ waltz, the Johann Strauss Museum was home to Austria’s best-loved composer for seven years between 1863 and 1870. Born in Vienna in 1825, the be-whiskered ‘Waltz King’ was part of a musical dynasty that included his father Johann the Elder and brothers Josef and Eduard; although they all enjoyed comparative success in their careers, Johann’s talent eclipsed them all. The museum showcases his pianos and violins and his work as a conductor and composer but also highlights Strauss the (much-married) family man, who played billiards and drew cartoons of his contemporaries.

The Historic Center of Vienna is the beating heart of Austria, and the home of top attractions such as Vienna’s city hall, Parliament, and the lively Museum Quarter. Also known as the First District or Inner City and preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area is rich with baroque castles and gardens, as well as the 19th-century Ringstrasse, a beltway of grand buildings, monuments, and parks that encircles most of the inner city. There are enough landmark sites here to keep you snapping photos all day long. 

Visitors can shop along Karntnerstrasse or Kohlmarkt, sip coffee in one of Vienna’s famed coffeehouses, and peruse the area’s rich architecture and numerous museums. For a closer look into the storied history of attractions such as Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, explore the maze-like alleyways of Vienna’s First District on a small-group walking tour with an expert guide. Alternately, a 3.5-hour coach tour can give you an overview of city highlights, plus skip-the-line access to Schönbrunn Palace and discounted entry to Belvedere Palace, home of Gustav Klimt’s famous painting, The Kiss. 

Vienna International Airport is located just outside the city limits of Vienna, roughly 12 miles (20 kilometers) or 20 minutes by road from the Historic Center. If you’re arriving by train, the Vienna Central Train Station is just a 10-minute subway ride from the First District. A slew of international bus services arrive at the Vienna International Bus Terminal, also a 10-minute subway ride from the city center. 

Summer is the most popular time to visit, so if you’re visiting between June and August, make sure to book accommodations ahead of time. Spring and fall bring mild weather and fewer crowds. Although winter can be cold, with temperatures around 32°F (0°C), Christmas markets abound in Vienna’s holiday season (think cheerful lights, seasonal treats, and handcrafted goods).

The Historic Center of Vienna is characterized by its intricate architecture, from medieval remnants like St. Stephen's Cathedral to the grand Imperial Palace, which represents the golden age of the Habsburg Empire. The 19th-century Ringstrasse is also lined with iconic buildings, including City Hall’s Gothic towers, the neoclassical columns of Vienna’s Parliament, and the Renaissance-inspired Vienna State Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper).

Less than a half hour from Vienna is the Heiligenkreuz Abbey, the second-oldest Cistercian monastery in the world and the oldest continuously active and inhabited one. It was founded in 1133 by St. Leopold III and is located in the peaceful Vienna woods in Lower Austria. The Cistercian monks here gather several times a day to praise God by singing a Gregorian chant without accompaniment as a way to strengthen their sense of community. Visitors to the monastery are welcome to listen and watch this medieval ritual. 

Due to its continuous use, Heiligenkreuz Abbey has been well preserved. Visitors can still see the Romanesque nave and facade, the Gothic cloister, and the neo-Gothic high altar. There are also several Baroque paintings. Visitors can also see the tombs of four ruling dukes of the Babenbergs in the late Romanesque chapter room. In the courtyard, there is the Trinity column and the Josefbrunnen fountain. Several hiking trails lead to the monastery and through the surrounding forest.

Housed in two buildings connected by a modern ticket office, the Imperial Furniture Collection forms part of the Kunsthistorischen museums based at the Hofburg Palace. Both museum buildings are notable in their own right; the furniture repository at Mariahilferstrasse 88 was commissioned in 1901 by Emperor Franz Joseph II to store the overspill from the Imperial Family’s vast stockpile of priceless antique furniture. The other half of the museum is found in a simple, Bidermeier-style townhouse dating from the early 19th century. 

Able to draw on over 165,000 pieces – the largest collection of furniture in the world – the museum stages changing exhibitions of Empire and Bidermeier furniture interspersed with oddly intimate artifacts such as wheelchairs, displayed in elegant panelled rooms. Among the masterpieces of three centuries of rabid accumulation is the fabulous Egyptian Cabinet, designed for Empress Maria Ludovica in 1812 and complete with ornate carved figures; and several sets taken from 1950s movies featuring the much-loved Empress Elisabeth (nicknamed Sisi), who was assassinated in Geneva in 1898.

One of the largest squares in Vienna, Karlsplatz is dominated by the huge, baroque Karlskirche church, which was built between 1716 and 1737 with designs influenced by the architect's visit to Rome. The square is also well known for a pair of pavilions that were created in 1898 and 1899 by Otto Wagner and contain marble slabs and green-painted, wrought-iron frames that are decorated with gold-colored sunflowers and gilded trim. 

The western side of the square contains the Secession Building, which is an art museum, and the Naschmarkt, which is Vienna's most popular market. The eastern side of the park is bordered by a park called Resselpark where you can find several statues of famous Austrians. Also near the square are several cultural institutions including the Musikverein, a concert hall that is home to the Vienna Philharmonic, and the Kunstlerhaus, an art gallery and exposition hall. The History Museum of Vienna is located on the eastern side of the square as well.

Built in the early 17th century, Hellbrunn Castle served as a summer retreat for the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg. Its baroque exterior conceals an exuberant interior made for entertaining, though the real draws are the whimsical trick fountains (Wasserspiele) in the gardens, which spew water from unexpected places.

Admission to Hellbrunn Castle includes a 40-minute guided tour of the gardens, a 40-minute audio tour of the palace itself, and access to the Folklore Museum, which houses a collection of objects and costumes associated with Austria’s Salzburg valley region.

Because of its location just a short hop south of Salzburg, Hellbrunn is often included on hop-on hop-off city tours. Some sightseeing passes include free admission to the castle as well as other top attractions such as Salzburg Zoo. The castle can also be visited as part of organized tours, which may combine a trip to the palace with a boat cruise along the Salzach River. The gazebo at Hellbrunn Castle served as the filming location for the “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” scene in The Sound of Music, so the castle is commonly included on Sound of Music tours. 

Hellbrunn Castle is 3 miles (4.5 kilometers) south of central Salzburg. To get here, ride the 25 bus from Salzburg’s main train station to Hellbrunn. Cycling from central Salzburg will take 25 minutes.

The castle and trick fountains are open from late March to early November. The best time to explore is in summer, as it’s easier to dry off under the warm sun. Summer is also, however, the busiest time. Try arriving first thing to get in ahead of the crowds. 

Designed to amuse and surprise, the trick fountains at Hellbrunn Castle are a lot of fun. In addition to a series of grottoes and water-driven figures, the palace grounds also feature some hidden fountains that spout when guests least expect it. Another highlight is the mechanical theater, where you can see 200 water-powered figures going about life in a typical Austrian city.