Austria isn't just a country—it's a living postcard of European history and natural beauty. From the stunning palaces of Vienna and Salzburg to the scenic beauty that seems to leap straight from a fairy tale, this small nation in central Europe packs an extraordinary punch of cultural and natural wonders. Austria offers an almost overwhelming array of experiences. You can stand in the same halls where Mozart composed his masterpieces, walk through medieval streets that have remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of years, or gaze across stunning Alpine peaks.
Let's explore a few of the most famous landmarks and must see sights in Austria. These are some of the best places to learn about Austria, its people and culture. Many are also considered to be the most beautiful places in the country. From historical landmarks, to museums to breathtaking natural beauty, Austria has it all. Of course, this list is just the beginning. There is much more to see and do in this amazing country. For the purpose of simplicity, I categorized this list into sights in Vienna, those in and around Salzburg, and those sights located anywhere else in the country.
If you are having trouble narrowing down what sights you would like to see, our services do just that, as we customize your trip to include the activities that align with your interests. Schedule a call here.
Vienna
Vienna is a city full of beautiful buildings and some of the most famous Austrian landmarks. There are so many world class museums, palaces, art and architecture it is hard to narrow it down. Here is a list of some of the best things to see during your stay.
Schönbrunn Palace
Schonbrunn Palace is a magnificent Baroque palace in Vienna, formerly the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs. Built in the 18th century, this popular tourist attraction features 1,441 rooms, stunning gardens, and intricate architectural details. The palace reflects the opulence of the Habsburg Empire and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the lavishly decorated state rooms, mirror gallery, and beautiful Baroque gardens on the palace grounds, which include the world's oldest zoo and an impressive greenhouse.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
A Gothic masterpiece located in the heart of Vienna, St Stephen's Cathedral dates back to the 12th century. Its distinctive multi-colored tile roof and towering south tower are architectural landmarks of the city. Standing 136 meters tall, the cathedral has been a central religious and cultural symbol of Austria for centuries. Its interior features stunning stained glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and numerous chapels that showcase centuries of Austrian religious and artistic heritage.
Belvedere Palace
A stunning complex built in the Baroque style, Belvedere palace actually consists of two magnificent palaces, built as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy. It now houses an important art museum featuring the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including the famous "The Kiss". The upper and lower Belvedere palaces are connected by beautifully landscaped gardens, offering visitors a glimpse into Austrian imperial architectural elegance and artistic excellence.
Hofburg Palace
The former Hofburg Imperial Palace is now the official residence of the Austrian President. This massive complex spans several centuries of architectural styles, representing the power and history of the Habsburg Empire. It includes numerous museums, the imperial apartments, the national library, and the Spanish Riding School. The palace complex showcases intricate Baroque, Renaissance, and Rococo architectural elements, reflecting Austria's rich royal history.
Vienna State Opera House
The Vienna State Opera House (wiener staatsoper) is a world-renowned opera house and one of the most prestigious classical music venues globally. Built in the Neo-Renaissance style in 1869, it has hosted performances by legendary composers and conductors. The building features exceptional acoustics and ornate interiors. Each year, it stages over 350 performances, making it a cornerstone of Vienna's cultural scene and a symbol of Austria's musical excellence. A 40 minute guided tour of the opera house is available.
St. Francis of Assisi church
The St. Francis of Assisi Church, often called the Kaiserjubiläumskirche or Mexico Church, is a striking Roman Catholic church. Located on the banks of the Danube River in the Mexikoplatz area, the church was built between 1898 and 1910 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph. Designed by architect Victor Luntz, its Neo-Romanesque style is characterized by soaring towers, rounded arches, and intricate stonework. The church's vibrant red roof tiles and the massive central bell tower make it a prominent landmark visible from afar. Inside, the church features a serene atmosphere, vaulted ceilings, and ornate altars, blending historical architecture with spiritual purpose. Its location and architectural grandeur make it a popular destination for visitors and an active parish for the local community.
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna
This world-renowned art museum houses extensive collections of European art. Founded in 1891, it features masterpieces by artists like Vermeer, Raphael, Bruegel, and Rubens. The museum's stunning architecture and comprehensive art collections make it one of the most important cultural institutions in Europe.
Austrian Parliament Building
The Austrian Parliament Building is a neoclassical architectural masterpiece representing Austria's democratic governance. Built between 1874-1883, it features impressive Greek-style architecture, statues of historical figures, and symbolizes Austria's parliamentary democracy. The building hosts the country's national legislative processes which you can observe. There are also guided tours.
Spanish Riding School
The world-renowned institution that is the Spanish Riding School in Vienna preserves classical dressage horsemanship with Lipizzan horses. Founded in 1572, it represents a living cultural heritage showcasing precise equestrian training and performances. The school offers public performances and training demonstrations highlighting traditional Austrian equestrian arts.
Albertina Museum
One of the world's largest and most significant graphic art collections, the Albertina museum houses approximately 65,000 drawings and 1 million prints. Located in a historic palace, it features works by masters like Dürer, Rembrandt, and Monet. The museum combines remarkable art collections with stunning architecture.
Vienna City Hall
The city hall in Vienna is a spectacular Neo-Gothic building serving as the city's administrative center. Constructed in the 19th century between 1872-1883, it features impressive architectural details, and hosts numerous cultural events. The building symbolizes Vienna's administrative and cultural significance.
Austrian National Library
The Austrian National Library (Österreichische Nationalbibliothek), located in the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, is one of the most significant libraries in Europe, housing over 12 million items including rare manuscripts, historical books, and cultural artifacts. Established in 1526, the library features stunning baroque architecture, particularly its magnificent State Hall (Prunksaal), which is adorned with elaborate frescoes, marble statues, and intricate ceiling paintings. It serves as Austria's primary research library, preserving national literary heritage and hosting extensive collections of historical documents, maps, and multimedia resources.
Leopoldsberg
Leopoldsberg is a prominent hill located on the outskirts of Vienna, overlooking the Danube River and providing panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. Named after Emperor Leopold I, the hill features a historic church and the remains of a fortress, reflecting its strategic significance throughout Vienna's history. The site offers hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and serves as an important natural and historical landmark within the Vienna Woods, representing a popular destination for tourists and locals seeking both historical context and natural beauty.
St. Michael's Church
St. Michael's Church (Michaelerkirche), situated in the heart of Vienna's historic city center, is a significant baroque church with a rich architectural and cultural history dating back to the 13th century. Located near the Hofburg Palace, the church features a remarkable facade and interior that blend Gothic, baroque, and rococo architectural styles. It has served as an important religious and cultural landmark for centuries, hosting numerous historic events and containing notable artworks and architectural elements that reflect Vienna's complex architectural and religious heritage.
St. Charles church
St. Charles Church (Karlskirche) is a magnificent baroque masterpiece located on the south side of the Karlsplatz, designed by architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and completed in 1737. Commissioned by Emperor Charles VI as a votive church after a plague epidemic, the structure features a remarkable architectural design combining baroque, Roman, and Byzantine elements. Its most distinctive features include two massive flanking columns inspired by the Trajan Column in Rome and a massive dome that dominates the building's silhouette. The church's interior is equally impressive, with elaborate frescoes, ornate marble decorations, and a stunning ceiling painting by Johann Michael Rottmayr. Today, St. Charles Church is not only a significant religious site but also a major cultural landmark and popular tourist attraction in Vienna.
Salzburg
The city of Salzburg and the surrounding area is full of jaw-dropping natural beauty, historic landmarks and cultural treasures. Here are some of my favorites.
Salzburg Fortress (Hohensalzburg castle)
The Hohensalzburg fortress is a massive medieval fortress perched atop Festungsberg hill, overlooking Salzburg. Probably the most important landmark in the city, the castle was originally built in the 11th century in the year 1077. It's one of Europe's largest and best-preserved medieval castles. The fortress features impressive white walls, multiple courtyards, and museums showcasing medieval life and local history. Visitors can explore its extensive rooms, enjoy panoramic views of Salzburg, and experience centuries of Austrian defensive architecture.
Salzburg Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old town of Salzburg is characterized by Baroque architecture, narrow medieval streets, and a stunning Alpine backdrop. This historic city center is a perfectly preserved example of a European ecclesiastical state. Its buildings showcase remarkable architectural continuity from the medieval to the Baroque periods, with numerous churches, squares, and historic buildings. You will enjoy wandering and exploring all the different streets and alleyways.
Salzburg Cathedral
This is a magnificent Baroque cathedral in the heart of Salzburg, dating back to the 17th century. It features impressive dome architecture, ornate marble facades, and significant religious artwork. The cathedral has been an important spiritual center for centuries and is where Mozart was baptized. Its interior boasts elaborate frescoes, a grand organ, and architectural details that exemplify the religious architectural grandeur of the Baroque period. I once took refuge from a cold rain storm in this cathedral. It was the perfect place to get warm and dry and enjoy the beauty of the artists who created it.
Hallstatt Village
Hallstatt is a picturesque Alpine village situated between mountains and a pristine lake in Austria's Salzkammergut region. This small town is a very popular tourist destination. Located an hour outside of Salzburg in Upper Austria, it is often called the world's most beautiful lakeside village. Hallstatt features traditional Austrian alpine architecture, with charming wooden houses seemingly suspended between mountains and water. This small village is known for its stunning scenery, salt mining history, and near-perfect preservation of traditional Austrian mountain culture, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to take a trip up to the Hallstatt salt mine above the town and tour one of the largest salt mines in the country. Walking back down to the village from the salt mine provides spectacular views of the town, the lake and the mountains surrounding the area.
Hellbrunn Palace
Hellbrunn Palace is a delightful Baroque masterpiece that offers visitors a unique and playful experience. Built in the early 17th century by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus, the palace is famous for its elaborate trick fountains and water features that were designed to surprise and entertain guests. As you walk through the meticulously manicured gardens, you'll encounter ingenious water-powered mechanical scenes and unexpected water jets that spring to life at the archbishop's whim, creating moments of joyful surprise for unsuspecting visitors. The palace's exterior is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, with its bright yellow facade and ornate details, while the interior showcases luxurious rooms that provide a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of ecclesiastical rulers of the time. The surrounding grounds include a charming pavilion, beautiful sculptures, and a collection of unique architectural follies that make Hellbrunn more than just a palace – it's an interactive playground of Renaissance and Baroque creativity that delights visitors of all ages.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Mirabell and its breathtaking gardens were originally built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau as a token of love for his mistress. The palace has since become one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The gorgeously manicured Mirabell Gardens are renowned for their symmetrical layout, featuring marble statues, ornate fountains, and precisely trimmed hedges that create a sense of geometric perfection. Visitors to the gardens will recognize many scenes from the classic film "The Sound of Music," as this was a filming location for several memorable sequences, including the famous do-re-mi song. The palace itself is now home to the city's municipal offices but remains an architectural marvel, with its elegant Baroque facade and beautifully decorated Marble Hall, which is considered one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world. The gardens offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Salzburg Cathedral, making it a picturesque destination that captures the essence of Austrian architectural and horticultural elegance.
Mozart's Birthplace, Salzburg
Mozart's birthplace, located at Getreidegasse 9 in Salzburg, is a historic yellow townhouse where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756. Now a museum dedicated to the composer's life and work, the house preserves Mozart's childhood rooms and displays original family artifacts, instruments, and documents that provide insight into his early years. Visitors can explore the space where the musical prodigy spent his first decades, seeing the rooms where he composed his first works and began his remarkable musical journey. The museum offers an intimate glimpse into Mozart's origins and the cultural environment of 18th-century Salzburg that shaped his extraordinary musical development.
Krimmler Waterfalls
Located in Salzburg's Hohe Tauern National Park, Krimml waterfalls are Austria's highest waterfalls, cascading 380 meters in three dramatic stages. The falls represent a spectacular natural wonder, attracting hikers and nature enthusiasts with their powerful water flow and surrounding alpine landscape.
Hallein Salt Mine
Located near Salzburg, this salt mine offers visitors an immersive journey into Austria's salt mining heritage. Visitors can explore underground tunnels, take underground slides, and learn about salt extraction techniques used for centuries. The mine provides interactive experiences showcasing the region's economic and cultural significance.
The rest of Austria
While Vienna and Salzburg are probably the most well known parts of Austria, there is so much more to explore. Consider taking a road trip to find all the must-see landmarks and lesser known areas.
Innsbruck Old Town
A picturesque historic city center surrounded by Alpine mountains, Innsbruck Old town features well-preserved medieval and Baroque architecture. The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) is its most famous landmark, a ornate balcony covered in gold-plated copper tiles. Narrow streets, colorful buildings, and historical facades create a charming atmosphere that reflects Tyrol's cultural heritage and architectural diversity.
Melk Abbey
Melk Abbey is one of my favorites on this list. It is a stunning Baroque monastery located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube River. Founded in 1089, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its magnificent library, elaborate frescoes, incredible chapel. and ornate architectural design. The monastery houses extensive art collections, historical manuscripts, and represents one of Austria's most important religious and cultural landmarks. The monastery towers over the picturesque town of Melk creating an impressive sight. It really is a must-see landmark.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
This spectacular 48-kilometer mountain road crosses the Austrian Alps, offering breathtaking views of Austria's highest mountain (which I will talk about more later). Built between 1930-1935, it provides access to Hohe Tauern National Park, featuring 36 spectacular mountain panoramas, alpine wildlife, and numerous hiking and photography opportunities. There is a cost to driving this road and it closes in winter so check the website for prices and opening times.
Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave
Eisriesenwelt, located in Werfen, Salzburg, is the world's largest ice cave that is accessible to visitors, extending over 42 kilometers into the mountain. Discovered in 1879, this natural wonder features massive ice formations, intricate frozen landscapes, and stunning underground chambers that remain frozen year-round despite external temperatures. Visitors can explore approximately one kilometer of the cave system, experiencing spectacular ice sculptures, massive ice walls, and unique geological formations created by centuries of natural ice accumulation, making it a remarkable natural phenomenon and popular tourist attraction in the Austrian Alps
Swarovski Crystal Worlds
A unique museum and art installation, the Swarovski Crystal Worlds celebrates crystal design and creativity. Created in 1995, it features extraordinary crystal displays, immersive art chambers, and extensive exhibitions showcasing Swarovski's artistic and technological innovations. The site includes beautiful gardens and interactive crystal experiences.
Danube Valley Wachau Region
The Wachau Valley, located along the Danube River in Lower Austria, is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional cultural landscape and wine production. Stretching approximately 30 kilometers between Melk and Krems, the valley features terraced vineyards, historic medieval towns, and picturesque riverside scenery. Famous for its apricot orchards and world-class Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines, the Wachau Valley is characterized by medieval castles, baroque monasteries, and charming villages like Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. Exploring the Wachau Valley is definitely one of the highlights of a visit to Austria.
Klosterneuburg Monastery
Klosterneuburg Monastery, situated near Vienna, is a magnificent Augustinian monastery founded in 1114 and representing a significant cultural and architectural landmark in Austria. The complex combines multiple architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements, and houses extensive art collections, including the famous Verduner Altar, a masterpiece of medieval enamel work. The monastery serves as an important religious, cultural, and educational institution, featuring impressive libraries, museums, and extensive wine-producing estates that continue a centuries-old monastic winemaking tradition.
Graz Old Town
Graz's Old Town (Altstadt) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkable preservation of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Located in the heart of Austria's second largest city, the historic center features a stunning ensemble of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings with intricate facades and ornate details. Key landmarks include the iconic Schlossberg hill with its clock tower (I will feature that later), the impressive Landhaus courtyard, and the striking Graz Cathedral. Narrow, winding cobblestone streets connect charming squares and historic buildings, creating a picturesque urban landscape. The Old Town serves as a living museum, reflecting Graz's historical significance as a cultural and administrative center of Styria.
Tirol Mountains
The Tyrolean Alps, stretching across western Austria, are a majestic mountain range characterized by dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and stunning alpine landscapes. Encompassing major mountain groups like the Zillertal Alps, Stubai Alps, and Ötztal Alps, this region features peaks exceeding 3,000 meters, including the famous Wildspitze at 3,772 meters. These mountains offer world-class winter sports such as skiing. There is also mountaineering, and hiking opportunities, with numerous glaciers, pristine alpine meadows, and picturesque mountain villages. The landscape not only provides exceptional natural beauty but also plays a crucial role in Austria's tourism and cultural identity.
Grossglockner
Standing at 3,798 meters, Grossglockner is Austria's highest mountain, situated in the Hohe Tauern National Park in the Eastern Alps. This iconic peak is a significant geological and alpine landmark, featuring extensive glacial systems and challenging climbing routes. Its snow-capped summit and dramatic rocky terrain make it a symbol of Austrian alpine wilderness and a popular destination for mountaineers and nature enthusiasts.
Burg Hochosterwitz
Located in Carinthia, Burg Hochosterwitz is a spectacular medieval castle perched dramatically atop a 156-meter-high limestone rock. Dating back to the 9th century, this impressive fortress is considered one of Austria's most significant and best-preserved castles, featuring 14 defensive gates that visitors must pass through to reach the main castle complex. The castle's strategic location and intricate defensive architecture exemplify medieval defensive engineering, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Today, it serves as a popular tourist attraction, allowing visitors to explore its history, architecture, and insights into medieval Austrian castle life.
Kärnten Lakes
Carinthia, a southern Austrian state, is renowned for its crystal-clear lakes situated among alpine landscapes. The most famous lake is probably Wörthersee, the largest and warmest alpine lake in Austria, known for its beautiful turquoise waters and popular summer resorts. Other significant lakes are Millstätter See, surrounded by mountains and forests, and Ossiacher See, a tranquil lake popular for water sports and recreation. These lakes, characterized by their clean waters, stunning mountain backdrops, and mild climate, attract tourists for water sports such as swimming, sailing, as well as enjoying the picturesque Austrian alpine environment.
Carpathian Alps
The Carpathian Mountains in Austria form a relatively small segment of the vast Carpathian mountain range, which primarily extends through Central and Eastern Europe. Located in the northeastern part of Austria, specifically in Lower Austria (Niederösterreich), this section represents a minor portion of the mountain range that predominantly traverses countries like Romania, Ukraine, and Slovakia. The Austrian Carpathians are characterized by lower elevations compared to the Austrian Alps, featuring rolling hills, forests, and gentle slopes. These mountains contribute to the region's diverse landscape, offering modest hiking opportunities and serving as an important ecological corridor for wildlife in the borderlands between Austria and its eastern neighbors.
Kufstein Fortress
Kufstein Fortress, located in the Tyrolean region of Austria, is a historic medieval castle dramatically situated on a steep rocky outcrop overlooking the Inn River valley. Dating back to the 12th century, the fortress has played a significant role in regional history, serving various military and administrative functions through different periods of Austrian and Bavarian control. The impressive stone fortress features thick walls, multiple defensive towers, and a notable landmark known as the "Heroes' Organ," a massive musical instrument integrated into the fortress walls that plays a commemorative melody. Today, the fortress is a major tourist attraction, offering visitors extensive museum exhibits about its architectural history, strategic importance, and the cultural heritage of the Tyrol region, while providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding alpine landscape.
Schlossberg, Graz
Schlossberg, a prominent hill in the heart of Graz, Austria, is crowned by the iconic Uhrturm (Graz clock tower), a historic landmark that has become a symbol of the city. This fortified hill, rising 123 meters above the city center, played a crucial defensive role throughout history, with its strategic position and impressive fortress protecting Graz from Ottoman invasions during the 16th century. Today, Schlossberg is a popular tourist destination, accessible by funicular, stairs, or lift, offering panoramic views of Graz's beautiful baroque cityscape and surrounding landscape. The site now serves as a public park and cultural attraction, with the remaining fortress structures, including the famous clock tower, standing as a reminder of the city's architectural and military heritage.
Mauthausen concentration camp
Mauthausen concentration camp, located near Linz, Austria, was one of the most brutal Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Mauthausen was the first concentration camp I visited and it has left a lasting impression in my memory. Established in 1938, it was initially designed to house political prisoners and became a site of extreme forced labor, systematic murder, and medical experimentation. The camp was notorious for its harsh conditions, with prisoners subjected to grueling stone quarry work, frequent beatings, and mass executions. Primarily used to imprison and kill political opponents, intellectuals, resistance members, and other groups deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime, Mauthausen saw the deaths of approximately 197,464 inmates between 1938 and 1945. The camp's notorious "stairs of death," where exhausted prisoners were forced to carry heavy stone blocks up 186 steps, became a symbol of the camp's cruelty. When liberated by American troops on May 5, 1945, Mauthausen is a dark reminder of the horrific atrocities committed during the Holocaust.
Stubnerkogel Hangebrucke
The Stubnerkogel Hängebrücke is a spectacular suspension bridge located in Bad Gastein, within the High Tauern National Park. Spanning 140 meters in length and situated at an elevation of approximately 2,300 meters, this glass-floored pedestrian bridge is one of the highest suspension bridges in the Alpine region. The bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountain landscape, allowing visitors to experience a thrilling walk above the alpine terrain with transparent sections that provide an exhilarating perspective of the steep mountain slopes below. Connected to a mountain cable car station, the bridge is a popular tourist attraction that provides an extraordinary alpine experience for adventurers and sightseers. There are other similar suspension bridges in Austria such as the Highline179.
St. Vincent Church
St. Vincent Church in Heiligenblut is a picturesque church located in the Carinthian Alps, specifically in the Grossglockner region of Austria. Situated at an elevation of around 1,300 meters, the church is dramatically positioned against the backdrop of the Grossglockner mountain, Austria's highest peak. The church is a notable landmark within Hohe Tauern National Park, featuring traditional Alpine architectural elements and serving as a significant religious and cultural site in this mountainous region. Its striking location and architectural design make it a popular destination for tourists and photographers, symbolizing the deep connection between religious heritage and the magnificent alpine landscape of Austria.
Kunsthaus Graz
The Kunsthaus Graz, located in Graz, is a striking contemporary art museum renowned for its innovative architecture and cutting-edge exhibitions. Nicknamed the "Friendly Alien," the building was designed by British architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier and completed in 2003. Its biomorphic shape and futuristic design, clad in a blue acrylic skin dotted with LED lights, make it an iconic landmark on Graz's skyline. The Kunsthaus specializes in contemporary art from the 1960s to the present, hosting a dynamic range of exhibitions, installations, and events that challenge conventional artistic boundaries. As a hub for experimental creativity, it has solidified its place as a cultural cornerstone in Graz and a must-visit for art and architecture enthusiasts.
Schloss Eggenberg
Eggenberg Palace, located in Graz, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its history, stunning architecture, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Built in the early 17th century, it served as the seat of the powerful Eggenberg family and reflects the opulence of Baroque design. The palace is renowned for its symbolic layout, with 365 windows, 24 state rooms, and 52 doors, representing the structure of time. The interior features lavish frescoes, ornate stucco work, and an impressive planetary room that symbolizes the harmony of the cosmos. Surrounded by picturesque gardens and home to peacocks, the palace also houses the Alte Galerie, displaying a collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the Baroque era. It is a cultural and architectural gem that offers visitors a glimpse into Austria's aristocratic past.
Mariazell Basilica
The Mariazell Basilica, also known as the Basilica of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, is one of Austria's most significant pilgrimage sites and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Located in the small town of Mariazell in Styria, the basilica dates back to the 12th century and has been a spiritual destination for millions of pilgrims from across Europe. The church is famous for its miraculous wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, enshrined in the central chapel, which is believed to have healing powers. Over the centuries, the basilica has undergone expansions and renovations, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Its grand façade, ornate interior, and stunning high altar adorned with sculptures and gold leaf make it a place of reverence and beauty. Surrounded by alpine scenery, the Mariazell Basilica remains a symbol of faith, history, and cultural heritage in Austria.
Each of the historical sites and landmarks in Austria tells a story, each vista takes your breath away, and every experience leaves an indelible mark on your soul. The history buffs, the outdoor adventurists and the art enthusiasts will all find what they are looking for in the many wondrous sights of Austria. Whether you're drawn by history, art, music, or the pure, pristine beauty of the natural world, Austria doesn't just meet expectations—it shatters them, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to travel to Austria? Contact me at stefanie@eurotravelsbydesign.com or schedule a call here, and I will custom create your perfect trip.
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