Things to Do in Austria

Dedicated to the breeding and training of Lipizzaner horses, the Spanish Riding School is technically part of the Hofburg Palace but a stunning building in its own right. It's also the oldest classical riding school in the world (it's been around for over 450 years) and the only place in Europe where you can watch equestrian shows that look almost exactly the same as they were presented in the 18th century.

Austria is one of the most "hikable" countries in Europe. Deep green valleys, awe-inspiring mountain ranges, and cinematic lakes are everywhere, and trails crisscross through and around them. Whether you're looking for a short day hike or a long-distance trek, you'll be spoiled for choice in Austria.

The thermal springs at the spa town of Bad Gastein in northwestern Austria are not much of a secret. In fact, they were discovered in the 7th century and enjoyed by the Romans and later by aristocrats and royalty. It was one of Empress Elisabeth's favorite getaways to rest and rejuvenate.

You don't even have to walk to see some of Austria's most stunning sights. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of the country's most legendary and scenic Alpine roads. Once a busy highway linking Fusch-Ferleiten in Salzburg to Heiligenblut in Carinthia, Grossglockner is now a quiet, enjoyable drive with some stunning views.

Just under 3,800 meters high, the pyramid-shaped Grossglockner is Austria's highest mountain and home to an extensive glacier. Don't let that discourage you, though – the climb up the Grossglockner can be as easy as a Class II (scrambling and possibly using your hands or crawling, but no equipment necessary) or as hard as a Class IV+, depending on many factors.

Innsbruck, located in a valley surrounded by high mountains, is beautiful year-round, but winter truly brings out its magic. Once the snow starts to fall, the entire city becomes a living postcard. Both the 16th-century Ambras Castle and the Bergisel Ski Jump (when not being used for competitions) offer great views over the city, and a touch of snow just makes it all much more beautiful.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, and his 12th-century family home is now a museum recounting his childhood and his growing love for music, as well as showcasing his first violin.

One of the most picturesque places to visit in Austria, Hallstatt looks like a town out of a fairy tale. Whether it's the towering Alpine mountains in the background, the colorful buildings lining up narrow alleyways, or the perfect sunset across the lake, Hallstatt is a photographer's dream.

Together with Switzerland, Austria is Europe's most popular skiing destination. There are amazing ski resorts in Austria, from Kitzbühel and its perfect location near beautiful Innsbruck to celebrity-favorite Lech-Zürs am Arlberg.

Vienna's stunning Baroque architecture is hard to ignore. Opulent buildings and heavily decorated monuments are everywhere, though it's the city palaces that really take your breath away.