Austria is a country in Central Europe, popular among tourists. Despite the small territory, there are many landmarks in Austria that everyone would love to see. Famous Austrian landmarks include unique corners of nature, medieval historical monuments, as well as wonders of engineering technology.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please see the full disclosure for further information.
Map of Landmarks in Austria
Most Famous Austrian Landmarks
The most famous Austrian landmarks are palace complexes and buildings of baroque and gothic architecture buildings, beautiful mountains, and stunning lakes. In this article, you will read about the best landmarks in Austria.
#1 Hofburg Palace, Vienna
Hofburg Imperial Palace is one of the most important places in Austria. It is a former winter palace of the imperial Habsburg dynasty, which is considered today the largest secular palace in the world. It is built in baroque style and spread over an area of at least 240 thousand m².
On the territory of the Hofburg Palace, there are up to 30 individual attractions, among which you can see squares and monuments, castles and imperial apartments, historical museums and priceless collections such as the imperial silver collection.
The palace complex is so large-scale that you can explore it for more than one day. Moreover, here you can find out the answer to the Europe quiz question about why there is a double-headed eagle on the coat of arms in Austria-Hungary.
#2 The Austrian Alps
The Austrian Alps is a stunning Austrian landmark which attracts tourists from all over the world. The Alps in Austria is a snow-capped peak, with picturesque green valleys, mountain rivers and waterfalls flowing through them, and lakes with crystal water.
Among the millions of travellers coming here, there are lovers of mountaineering, skiing and just a relaxing holiday. The purest mountain air of the Alps has a beneficial effect on the human body, allowing you to quickly improve your health and restore physical and mental strength. Therefore, many hotels, campsites, and more than 70 mountain resorts exist.
#3 The Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg
The Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the most famous places in Austria. The castle has more than 900 years of history, during which its appearance has not changed much.
Here you can get a picture of the life of the Austrian nobility for almost a thousand years. Among other things, Hohensalzburg Fortress Museum is one of the largest European castles and one of the best-preserved fortresses in Europe!
Today, Hohensalzburg covers an area of 30 thousand m² with a maximum length of 250 and a width of 150 meters. For centuries, one of the most amazing historic European castles served as the main citadel of Salzburg, but in its history, it was subjected to a real siege only once.
In 1525, the rebellious miners and peasants tried to overthrow the power of the local prince. Hohensalzburg successfully withstood a two-month siege up to the arrival of reinforcements from the emperor. Today, this medieval building is one of the city’s main landmarks.
#4 Sisi Museum, Vienna
The Sisi Museum at the Hofburg is one of the most famous buildings in Austria. The residence opened in 2004 with a collection of 300 exhibits designed by decorative artist Rolf Langenfass.
The museum consists of 6 rooms – 6 stages in the life of the legendary Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria, talking about her fate, starting from the day of death at the hands of a terrorist, as if rewinding the film back and taking us to the years of carefree childhood of little Sisi.
It contains the personal belongings of the Empress, as well as her most famous photographs and pictorial portraits. The most remarkable exhibit of the Sisi Museum in the Hofburg is the reconstruction of the personalized luxury carriage, more reminiscent of a palace salon with its luxurious interior.
#5 Kunsthaus Museum, Graz
One of the most interesting places in Austria is the Kunsthaus Museum. The avant-garde building of this contemporary art gallery always attracts those who appreciate art and extraordinary architecture. Next to the old buildings from the past centuries, the modern museum stands out with its futuristic shape.
The building is clad in blue acrylic panels. The panels glow, and a computer controls the intensity of their glow.
#6 Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace is one of the best landmarks of Austria and a cultural heritage monument. The palace was built in 1696-1713 as a summer residence. Schönbrunn Palace is one of Austria’s largest architectural ensembles built in the Baroque style. Today, as a unique historical landmark, it is the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Around the palace, there are beautiful palace gardens with pavilions, ponds, fountains and alleys decorated with amazing sculptural compositions. Schönbrunn was opened to the public after the overthrow of the Habsburgs due to the Austrian revolution of 1918.
The palace park attracts thousands of Vienna residents and city guests every day, and the palace is visited annually by about 6 million tourists who want to personally see the luxurious chambers of the Austrian emperors.
#7 Hundertwasser Village, Vienna
One of the famous Austria points of interest is located in Europe’s great capital cities, Vienna. The village of Hundertwasser is on Kegelgasse street opposite the Hundertwasser house, which causes both admiration and criticism.
The extraordinary view of the iconic Austrian architect and visual artist Hundertwasser allowed him to create this village in 1990-1991 as something that does not fit the generally accepted views on architectural structures.
The peculiar interior is filled with complete asymmetry of everything around. Its notable features – windows, stairs, openings, arches, doors – everything seems to be slightly crooked, of different sizes. The walls are painted in bright, catchy colours, in some places lined with mosaic tiles.
The village of Hundertwasser is conceived as a trade and exhibition complex, including a small art gallery and various shops where you can buy souvenirs and relax in cafes and bars.
#8 Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the best Austrian landmarks and a symbol of the capital of Austria. It was built in 1359-1511 on the central square of Vienna and is a mixture of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the tallest buildings in modern Vienna: its spire soared over the city to a height of 135 meters. The temple houses many items of cultural and historical value.
On the observation deck of the southern tower, you can see amazingly beautiful views of Austria’s ancient and beautiful capital.
#9 Clock Tower, Graz
The Clock Tower is a fantastic hilltop landmark built in the 13th century. It is located on Schlossberg Mountain above the city. Since it was built, it has been little altered, only the clock was supplemented with a minute hand, and the upper gallery was changed several times.
The tower is surrounded by a very beautiful large city park, in which there are a lot of roses. It’s worth going up there for the breathtaking scenery of the Old Town – this is the best observation deck in this part of Graz.
#10 The Danube River
The Danube River is the most beautiful European river, with a length of 2860 km. This is the main water artery of the European part, including Austria.
The capital of Austria, Vienna, is famous for its picturesque hills, and especially here, on this very land, the Danube is most attractive. The Danube River is one of the most picturesque natural landmarks in Austria.
Many gardens, forests, and lawns are well-preserved along the river. They are clearly visible from cruise ships, constantly cruising along the river.
#11 Golden Roof, Innsbruck
Blinding the eyes of Innsbruck visitors for six centuries now, the Golden Roof is the city’s main landmark. This is not a whole roof but just a bay window adorned with two and a half thousand copper petals covered with gold. Gilded tiles attract thousands of visitors who come to see this amazing landmark.
The golden roof, like its containing building, was built by order of Archduke Frederick IV in the early 15th century as the residence of the rulers of Tyrol – hence its characteristic Gothic appearance.
#12 Vienna State Opera House
The Vienna State Opera is the must-see Austrian landmark. It is the largest opera house in Austria and one of the most important opera centres in the world.
To enjoy another cultural masterpiece here, people from different countries travel and fly thousands of kilometres to the Vienna state opera because this is one of the best landmarks in Europe.
The building itself has a rich history that you can learn by visiting the museum’s dedicated tour to it. Today, the opera house amazes tourists with its grandeur. The height of the state opera house is 65 meters, and the huge hall, being the largest in Austria, can accommodate almost two thousand spectators. It is one of the most popular Vienna landmarks!
#13 Salzburg Cathedral
Crowned by a massive copper dome and two elegant Spiers, the Salzburg cathedral, located on Domplatz, is considered a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and one of the most beautiful buildings in Austria.
The entrance to it is guarded by three massive bronze doors, symbolizing faith, hope and mercy, which are the most notable features of the Cathedral.
The naves are decorated with intricate stucco and ceiling frescoes by Arsenio Mascagni, depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ.
#14 Belvedere Palace, Vienna
The most amazing landmarks in Vienna, Austria, include the Belvedere Palace. Belvedere is a magnificent palace in its architecture, founded in 1714 by the order of the Austrian commander Prince Eugene of Savoy.
Johann Hildebrandt became the author of the project of this architectural masterpiece, built in the Baroque style.
After the prince’s death, Belvedere was acquired by Empress Maria Theresa, becoming the property of the emperors. Actually, the palace complex consists of the Upper (1722) and Lower (1716) Belvedere, together making up a single palace and park ensemble, one of the best Austria landmarks.
Now the palace is an art museum, where you can see the most known pieces of Austrian art, including the painting “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt.
#15 Hallstatt Old Town
Hallstatt is a small village, one of the oldest in Europe, which is not easy to get to. The only way is to take a ferry or a boat across the lake, which is very popular with children. Hallstatt is famous for its ancient salt mines; salt has been mined here for three thousand years.
There are a lot of things to do in Hallstatt. You can visit Salzwelten, the old salt mine, where you can get there by small train or on foot. You can also visit Hallstatt Skywalk, an observation deck at an altitude of 360 m. In addition, you can feed the swans on the lake and visit the Classic village viewpoint, from where the most beautiful view of Hallstatt opens.
#16 Bergisel Ski Jump, Innsbruck
The Olympic ski jump Bergisel looks like a flying saucer that hovered over the outskirts of Innsbruck and, in addition, lowered a long ladder tongue from its silver belly.
The Olympic flame was lit here twice, in 1964 and 1976. Bergisel is not only a sports facility but also a popular place for walking – from a height of 50 meters above the peak of the mountain of the same name, visitors admire spectacular views of Innsbruck and the Nordkette mountain range.
On the Bergisel, you can drink coffee in a cosy coffee shop, watch athletes’ training during the season and just have a great time in the fresh mountain air.
#17 Vienna City Hall
Vienna City Hall, or Rathaus der Stadt Wien, is a huge building which was built from 30 million bricks! Currently, the town hall is not only a popular landmark that attracts thousands of tourists all year round but also the place of the city parliament and the centre of public life in the Austrian capital.
The facade of the building is divided into 5 towers. The top of the main tower is crowned with an iron figure of “Rathausman” – an armed man at arms with a banner, the custodian of city freedoms and privileges.
At his feet is an observation deck, where 256 steps lead. There are 1575 rooms inside the building, most of them are offices.
#18 Swarovski Crystal Worlds, Innsbruck
Crystal Worlds is a museum opened in the village of Wattens, which is 15 km from the capital of Tyrol, Innsbruck. Heller designed it in 1995 for the 100th anniversary of the Swarovski crystal empire.
The first factory of this company was opened in 1895 on the site where the museum is now located. The museum itself represents a real underground fairy-tale world, which can be entered through the huge head of a giant with eyes made of green crystals and a waterfall cascading from its mouth.
Museum halls are amazing installations created from Swarovski crystals of different sizes and shades. They are complemented by sound, light and even olfactory effects that immerse visitors in a truly amazing atmosphere.
#19 Mirabell Palace, Salzburg
Mirabell Palace is surrounded by magnificent gardens and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by picturesque gardens and the waters of the Salzach River, the Romantic Mirabell Palace was built in 1606 in honour of Salome Alt, the beloved woman of Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Reitenau.
The Grand fountain is the most amazing among numerous parts of the garden. It was built in 1690 and surrounded by statues created by Ottavio Mosto, which symbolize 4 natural elements.
#20 Alstadt Old Town, Innsbruck
Charming historic Altstadt, the old town, is one of the oldest districts of Innsbruck, from which it began its history. For almost ten centuries, it was built up with beautiful mansions, which gradually turned into the main incredible sights of the capital of Tyrol.
This part of Innsbruck has a special atmosphere that helps to immerse yourself in the history of the city centre and enjoy the beauty of the ideal examples of baroque architecture.
Besides the old architecture in the lively historic city centre, you also see the modern town hall building, which is a great place for walk and shopping. That’s why this is a very popular destination among tourists.
#21 Semmering Railway
Semmering is a famous ski resort, and the journey there begins along an old railway line with magnificent mountain views. The engineers who laid the Semmering railway in the mountains did it for the first time – before the trains went below. At the same time, they got a very difficult site with elevation changes and rocks. In addition to 100 stone bridges, they built 11 metal bridges and dug 14 tunnels.
The construction of the road lasted 6 years – this is an engineering masterpiece of the mid-19th century. You can enjoy the fantastic ride from Semmering Bahnhof train station.
#22 Column of Pest (Column of the Trinity), Vienna
One of Austria’s most famous historical landmarks – The Column of Pest in Vienna, is a religious monument reminiscent of the plague epidemics in Europe in the 17th century.
Built in the aftermath of the Great Bubonic Plague of 1679, this baroque memorial in the centre of the town square is one of the city’s most famous and outstanding sculptures and one of the best monuments in Austria. It has been called one of the most ambitious and innovative sculptural ensembles created anywhere in Europe.
#23 Baden
Baden is one of the biggest resorts in Austria, located less than 30 km from Vienna. It is famous for its mineral springs, which have attracted the country’s elite and famous figures for centuries.
Roman legionnaires, Austrian emperors, and even Ludwig van Beethoven rested here at various times. But not only the rich Austrian history and the thermal baths attract tourists from all over Austria and Europe to the city of Baden.
It is also notable for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful architecture, casino, and other famous landmarks, which allow you to take a break from the noise of megacities. Baden is the most famous landmark in Lower Austria.
#24 Wiener Musikverein
The Vienna Philharmonic, Musikverein, is one of the best concert venues in the world. Its image adorns photographs of tourists and gold investment coins of the Austrian Mint with a face value of 100 and 100,000 euros.
The reason for worldwide fame lies in the performances of professional artists and amazing acoustics. Only the building of the Vienna philharmonic orchestra is a must-see Austrian landmark!
#25 Krimml Waterfalls
The Krimml waterfall is located on the river of the same name and is the highest cascade in Europe. The total water height is 380 meters, which is approximately the height of a 120-storey building, and the water flow reaches 57 cubic meters per second.
For this, Krimmler Falls is often called the European Niagara. It falls from rocky ledges, forming three successive steps and turning into a seething mountain stream called the Krimmer-Ahe River at the very bottom.
This is one of the most remarkable natural landmarks in southern Austria.
#26 Schloss Eggenberg, Graz
The Eggenberg Castle Palace is the largest palace complex in the Austrian land of Styria, located in its capital, the city of Graz. The Castle dates to 1635, when it was founded by the decree of Prince Hans Eggenberg, after whom the palace got its name.
The project’s author was the Italian architect De Pomis, who created a magnificent structure in the Baroque and Rococo styles.
A rich exposition is presented inside the palace, which is under the jurisdiction of the city Art Museum. Here you can see collections of ancient jewellery, weapons, and ceramics dating back to the era of antiquity.
FAQ’s
Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace are two of the most famous landmarks in Austria. Hofburg Palace is a grandiose palace and park complex, one of Vienna’s most significant and impressive historical landmarks and throughout Austria. Schönbrunn Palace is the summer residence of the Habsburg royal dynasty in Vienna, today one of Austria’s most important cultural monuments.
Discover Austria
Best Things to do in Austria with Kids
Discover the landmarks of Europe
Sylvie Simpson is the founder of European Cities with Kids. For the past 6 years, she has been travelling all over Europe whenever she has the chance, both solo, for work and with her daughter. Sylvie is on a mission to help people make the most of city breaks in Europe with kids and helps over 50,000 readers per month plan and make the most of their trips in Europe with kids.