Fun things to do and see in Austria

Stuck for ideas about what to do and where to go in Austria? Salzburg, Innsbruck and Vienna are three must-visit cities, with many activities for visitors.

Austria. Home of Mozart, Einstein, Freud, not to mention the skiing, snowboarding, cafés and friendly locals. I have recently been Interrailing through this amazing country and can tick off an array of some pretty exciting activities from my lifetime experience to-do list.

Salzburg

This city is best known for the hills being alive with the sound of music. Although there are several tourist activities and sights closed during the winter months, Salzburg is still very pretty and definitely worth a visit any time of year. The river runs straight through the middle of the city with plenty of bridges from which to view the fortress or indeed perfect for playing Pooh-Sticks, whatever your age! Salzburg has an abundance of activities for people of all ages, so it is difficult to find yourself with nothing to do, especially if you buy the Salzburg card.

The Hohensalzburg Fortress is a definite must-visit. If you choose to walk up, you can visit the Modern Art Museum on your way, as well as take a walk through the woodland, where all of you Narnia fans can come across a Spare Oom lamp lookalike! The walk from the Museum to the Fortress is just over 1km and allows for a gentle stroll overlooking the entire city: perfect for a clear, summer’s day. Once at the Fortress, you will be able to visit a Marionnette Museum and see the medieval rooms and learn about Archbishop Gerbhart von Salzburg. This trip, which takes a good couple of hours, can be finished with a trip on the funicular railway (season permitting), taking you back down to the main area of the city, ready for some food at one of the many eateries down the little side-streets.

The Mirabelle Palace and Gardens are also a wonderful place to visit. In the summer, the fountains make the place look like something out of a fairy tale. The glistening water, the statues and the Dwarf Garden are just beautiful. The Palace is home to a number of concerts and ceremonies, having been renovated beautifully after the fire it suffered in the 1700s.

Other must-sees in Salzburg include the Cathedral, the horse and carriage rides, Untersburg cable-car, not to mention Mozart’s birth-house.

Vienna

The capital of Austria and home of incredibly beautiful architecture, there is even less chance of being bored in this city for there are a plethora of activities to suit all tastes. For the culture-loving tourists, there is the “Museum Quartier.” This arts district (leading to Heldenplatz and Volksgarten) opened 10 years ago and houses museum after museum of contemporary art.

One of the absolute must-sees in Vienna, however, is the Rathaus. This amazing building overlooks an ice rink and is wonderful during winter. There is an amazing atmosphere, stalls selling Gluewein, a chance to play curling and just have an enjoyable time together before making your way to see the Parliament building, an absolute stunning piece of architecture.

For any horse-lovers, the Spanish Riding School is a definite. Located in the centre, amongst a long street of fantastic shops, including numerous Swarovski stores, this allows you to watch the horses in training as they practise for the evening shows.

Saving the best for last, the Schloss Schonbrunn Palace and Gloriette: Exceptionally pretty in the winter, so I can only imagine how gorgeous it will be in the summer months. There are mazes and labyrinths as well as a zoo for the children. Gorgeous gardens, with tours of the Palace from only €12,90 for adults and €8,90 for children.

Innsbruck

This quaint town has a lot going for it. Whether you’re visiting for the shopping, the cafés or the skiing, you are spoilt for choice. One of the best attractions here is the bobsledding, although seasonal opening times apply. For €30 each, you and 4 friends can go in the bobsleigh and have a trained pilot take you down the Olympic run. Each person gets a certificate and the chance to buy a t-shirt with the route on it. Perfect for large or small groups as a “must-do” activity on holiday!

If snowy mountains are your ideal, then go no further than the Nordkette cable car, which goes up to Hafelekar (height of 2256m). It has breathtaking scenery and cafes, as well as an ice bar – Cloud 9 – you couldn’t ask for more, with the skiing and snowboarding. However, if dry land is more your thing, venturing into the town centre you will find many cafés, restaurants and museums, including the Golden Roof Museum.

If you are looking for a holiday with plenty of possibilities, then Austria is the country to visit.