These Top Attractions in Austria Shouldn’t Be Missed
Austria is a landlocked Alpine country brimming with breathtaking natural beauty, ancient Roman ruins, and stunning Baroque architecture. This country, which is encircled by Switzerland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Germany, is also the setting for the film Sound of Music. Austria is a travellers dream because of all the enchantment it has to offer. It’s a country that will pique your interest in travelling to new heights. Zurich, Engelberg, Lucerne, Budapest, Bratislava, Brno, Munich, and Salzburg are all easily accessible from this central European country.
A trail of jagged Alpine terrain will lead you into the amazing Republic of Austria, no matter where you come from. Prepare to be awestruck by the imperial history that can be found in the Austrian countryside. You must not leave until you have seen the pinnacle of modern engineering and magnificent architecture from Vienna to Salzburg. In Vienna, Austria’s heritage capital, some of the finest examples of baroqueness can be found in the Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palaces.
The Bohemian Forest and hillside vineyards, likewise, are the best places to enjoy the greenery. Innsbruck, Austria’s fifth-largest city, is ideal for winter sports. While Austria has an incredible amount of cultural treasures to discover, there are a few sites listed below that you should not miss at any cost.
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Swarovski Crystal World
The Swarovski Kristallwelten is about a thirty to forty-minute drive from Tyrol and Innsbruck and is Austria’s most famous landmark. This exquisite crystal museum is surrounded by magnificent art installations created in honour of Daniel Swarovski. While the museum itself is a magical place, getting there is nothing short of a miracle. Driving to this location could be a thrilling experience for those who truly embrace nature, with log houses and green meadows lined on one side and steep Alpines on the other. When you arrive at the Swarovski Crystal World, you will be greeted by the famous Giant.
Built-in 1995 to commemorate Swarovski’s 100th anniversary, the Crystal World is a work of art created by hundreds of artists. There are 16 themed chambers on display, each with the potential to entice you into its unrivalled illustrations. The museum is open from 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. every day of the year. You must, however, pay a small entrance fee of € 9.50 per adult to gain access. SCW provides a park shuttle to downtown Innsbruck every two hours for € 8.50 to make your commute easier.
The Golden Roof
The Goldenes Dachl, also known as the Golden Roof, is another notable landmark in Austria. The Golden Roof, located in Altstadt, an old Austrian town in Innsbruck, is a 15th-century epitome of royalty that commemorates Emperor Maximilian’s marriage. The fact that this architecture is embellished with over 2600 fire-gilded copper tiles is what sets it apart. Previously, the Goldenes Dachl was also a favourite royal hall for famous celebrations.
The Royals indulged in the joy of cheering on their favourite sports tournaments and social events from the balcony of this building. The event took place on the square beneath the structure. The Goldenes Dachl, with its distinctive gleam, immediately draws your eye to its unique frescoes, balustrade, flanking panels, mural paintings, sculpted reliefs, and heraldic flags.
The grotesque dance of Moorish figurines on the wall, which is symbolic of early Roman popular entertainment, is sure to impress. While you’re here, take a stroll around the square’s perimeter to get a sense of Emperor Maximilian’s opulent lifestyle. Furthermore, there is no charge for entering this magnificent square.
Clock Museum in Vienna
Vienna, Austria’s cultural capital, is about 5 hours away from Innsbruck. The museums and palaces in this city are well-known. The Clock Museum, which has been home to time-bearers since the fourteenth century, is one of the most interesting places to visit in Vienna. The museum’s clocks are programmed to chime every sixty minutes. If timepiece collections are your thing, the Clock Museum in Vienna has 700 of them to keep you ticking.
Aside from the usual astronomical marvels, the Museum also has a comprehensive Cajetano clock, as well as a Zapper table and luxurious pendulum wall clocks. This Cajetano from the 18th century has 150 gears and wheels that are meticulously aligned to map the movement of planets and eclipses. Now that’s what I call real-time time travel!
This museum’s admission fee is €7.00 for adults and €5.00 for seniors and children. If you want to visit this museum for free, schedule your visit for the first Sunday of each month. Take some time to see the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, and the baroque-style Schloss Hetzendorf Palace while you’re in Vienna.
Dachstein Salzkammergut & the Giant Ice Cave
Another fascinating Austrian marvel worth exploring is about 3.5 hours from Innsbruck and 1.5 hours from Salzburg. This location, known as Dachstein’s Giant Ice Cave, is notable for its ice and stone brew on the Austrian landscape. But, more importantly, this landmark is worth visiting because it was once the Holy Grail’s castle, King Arthur’s dome. This Austrian Ice Cave is currently hidden beneath a blanket of snow. Regardless, the caves provide access to some of Europe’s most spectacular sights.
Beautiful ice sculptures, curtains, and icicles can be found here. If you go to Dachstein’s Giant Ice Cave in August, you can also see the annual ice concert put on by the Parsifal Dome. This magical cave can be found directly above the Trauntal valley. The entrance fee to this cave is € 35 for adults and € 19 for children. This price includes both a guided tour of the ice cave and a round-trip lift to the first station.
Melk Abbey in Austria
The Benedictine Melk Abbey is located on a rock-strewn bed crop about 2.5 hours from the Dachstein Giant Ice Cave. Another nifty site overlooking the Danube River and the Wachau Valley. This 10th-century Abbey, which houses the tomb of Stockerau’ Saint Coleman, is an excellent place to see the relics of Austria’s first ruling dynasty. The Abbey was given to a Benedictine Monk by Leopold II, which adds to the beauty of this historical landmark.
This site once housed a monastic school and library in the 12th century. Melk Abbey was a scriptorium for a long time and is known for its extensive mediaeval manuscript collection. This Baroque Abbey is a haven of insatiable peace, reviving the monastic life of a bygone era. The Abbey Church is also home to some of Rottmayr’s most famous frescoes.
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WOW!! What a beauty! I have seen Austria only via movies. This is splendid. Thanks for sharing the sights I have never seen in movies Veidehi 😀