The landmarks of Austria are some of the most iconic and impressive structures in the world. They can be found all over the country, although some certainly stand out more than others.
Nonetheless, these landmarks in Austria have influenced Austrian culture and history for centuries, from its ancient castles to modern architecture. It’s no wonder that Austrian landmarks are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Here are some famous landmarks of Austria that you can visit to get a deeper dive into the past and present of this imperial country.
Most Famous Landmark Of Austria
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace is perhaps the most famous landmark in Austria. Located in the Austrian capital of Vienna, this Baroque palace was once the imperial summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty.
Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, attracting over 4 million visitors every year.
The palace was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1748 and took over 14 years to build. It is a sprawling complex that features magnificent gardens, a zoo, and a large array of staterooms and bedrooms that are open to visitors.
Vienna, Austria Landmarks
Hofburg Palace
The Hofburg Palace in Vienna is a key historic landmark for Austria. It was the imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty. The palace is now used as the official residence of the Austrian President.
The Hofburg Palace was originally constructed in the 13th century, and has been expanded and rebuilt over the years. It is a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
The Hofburg Palace contains many important historical landmarks, including the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Austrian National Library.
Austrian National Library
The Austrian National Library is the largest library in Austria, with more than 12 million items in its various collections. It is in the Neue Burg Wing of the Hofburg Palace, and is one of the most important cultural institutions in the country.
The library was founded in 1748 by Empress Maria Theresa and has been open to the public since 1777. Since 2005, some of the collections have been relocated within the Baroque structure of the Palais Mollard-Clary.
The Austrian National Library is considered one of the largest libraries in the world and is a proud landmark of Austria.
Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace is an Austrian palace that was built in the Baroque style. The palace is located in Vienna, Austria. Belvedere Palace was originally built in the 17th century as a summer residence for Count Eugene of Savoy.
The palace was later expanded and became a palace for the Austrian royal family. Today, Belvedere Palace is used as an art museum. The palace contains many famous works of art, including the paintings “The Kiss” and “Lady with Unicorn”.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Saint Stephen’s Cathedral is an imposing cathedral located in the center of Vienna. The cathedral was originally built in the Romanesque style in the 12th century. The cathedral was expanded and rebuilt over the centuries in the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.
Saint Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the most important religious landmarks of Austria. The cathedral is home to many important works of art, you can visit the crypt and the towers of the cathedral for impressive views of the city.
Wiener Musikverein
The Wiener Musikverein is a beautiful Austrian concert hall in Vienna. The concert hall was originally built in the 1870s and has been home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra since it opened.
The Wiener Musikverein is one of the most famous concert halls in the world and is a must-visit for any traveler to Vienna.
State Opera House
The State Opera House in Vienna, Austria is a neoclassical building that was constructed from 1869 to 1873. It sits on the Ringstraße, the wide road that circles the inner city of Vienna.
The opera house was severely damaged by bombings in 1945, but it was rebuilt and reopened in 1955. The State Opera House is now a famous Austrian landmark and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vienna. The opera house seats 1,744 people and has an annual attendance of around 500,000 people.
It is one of the iconic structures that Austria is known for.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Kunsthistorisches Museum is one of the most important art museums in the world. It was founded by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria in 1891.
The museum contains a large collection of Austrian art, as well as art from other parts of Europe. The museum is also home to the Austrian Imperial Crown Jewels and the Dagger of Charlemagne.
You can find the Kunsthistorisches Museum at Maria-Theresien-Platz in Vienna, Austria. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is €14 for adults and €7 for children aged 6-18.
Graz, Austria Landmarks
Schloss Eggenberg
Built in the early 1600s, Schloss Eggenberg is a beautiful castle located in Graz, Austria. The castle was originally built as a residence for the Eggenberg family and has been extensively renovated and restored over the years.
Today, Schloss Eggenberg is open to the public and is home to the Eggenberg Palace Museum. The complex also features a beautiful garden that is popular among both locals and tourists to enjoy some nice greenery.
Clock Tower, Graz
The Clock Tower in Graz, Austria is a beautiful Baroque tower that was built in the 17th century. The tower is in the city center of Graz and is a popular destination for its amazing city views. It is an attractive spot for both tourists and locals to relax.
The Clock Tower houses a large clock that is still in operation today. The surrounding nature is open to the public both day and night and is a great place for a stroll. A climb up the hill to the clock tower is one of the best things to do in Graz.
Other Famous Landmarks In Austria
Riegersburg Castle, Styria
The Riegersburg Castle is a medieval castle in the state of Styria. It is considered one of the most important castles in Austria. The castle dates back to the 11th century and has been rebuilt and expanded several times over the years.
Today, the Riegersburg Castle is open to visitors and features a museum with exhibits on the history of the castle and its inhabitants. The castle also has a dungeon open for tours, as well as a restaurant and gift shop.
Hohenwerfen Castle, Salzburg
The Hohenwerfen Castle is a medieval rock castle, situated on a 623-metre (2,044 ft) precipice overlooking the Austrian market town of Werfen in the Salzach valley. The castle was built in 1077 AD by Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg and served as the main fortress of the Archbishopric of Salzburg.
The castle became famous during World War II when it was used as a Nazi education camp. The castle is now open to tourists and features many tourist attractions such as the “Falconry Show” where visitors can see birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, and owls being flown.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Carinthia
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a road in the state of Carinthia. It is part of the Austrian Alps and runs from Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße to Heiligenblut.
The road climbs up to a height of 2,504 meters (8,215 feet) at the Grossglockner, the highest mountain in Austria. It is 48 kilometers (30 miles) long and has 36 bends.
The road was completed in 1935 and opened on 26 August that year by Austrian Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss.
The section from Bruck to Heiligenblut was designated as a national monument in 1992, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
The Austrian landmark is a great place to visit for tourists who want to experience the natural beauty of the Austrian Alps.
Dürnstein Abbey, Dürnstein
Dürnstein Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery in the town of Dürnstein. It is one of the most important baroque buildings in Austria and was declared a cultural heritage monument in 1974.
The abbey was built between 1703 and 1732 on the site of an earlier Romanesque monastery. it is famous for its association with Richard the Lionheart, who was imprisoned there by Leopold V, Duke of Austria in 1192.
Dürnstein Abbey is open to visitors and contains a museum with exhibits on the history of the monastery and its monks. There is also a small shop that sells souvenirs.
Melk Abbey, Lower Austria
Melk Abbey is a Benedictine abbey above the town of Melk. It sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube river. It was founded in 1089 and was initially known as the Schottenstift.
The abbey contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria’s first ruling dynasty. It also features Baroque architecture and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Austria.
The abbey’s library is considered to be one of the most important cultural monuments in Austria and contains over 200,000 volumes.
Basilica Of Mariazell, Styria
The Basilica of Mariazell is a famous pilgrimage site and has been a popular tourist destination for centuries.
The basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is one of the most important religious landmarks in Austria. It dates back to the 12th century and has been rebuilt and expanded numerous times over the years.
The basilica is now a massive complex with several buildings, including the basilica itself, a monastery, and a museum. The basilica is also home to a famous statue of the Virgin Mary known as the Black Madonna.
The Basilica of Mariazell is a popular tourist destination for several reasons.
First, it is an important religious site for Catholics.
Secondly, the basilica is an excellent example of Austrian architecture and art.
Finally, the Black Madonna statue is one of the most famous and iconic statues in Austria.
If you are interested in Austrian history, religion, or architecture, then the Basilica of Mariazell is a must-see Austrian landmark.
Hallstatt Old Town, Hallstatt
Hallstatt is a small village in the Austrian Alps that is famous for its beautiful lakes and stunning old town. The village was first settled more than 7,000 years ago and has been continuously inhabited since then.
The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of historical buildings, churches, and cobblestone streets. There are also many shops and restaurants in the old town, making it a popular destination for tourists.
Hallstatt is located in the Salzkammergut region of Austria and is close to several other popular tourist destinations, including Salzburg, Golling, and Bad Ischl.
The village can be reached by car or train and there are also several boat tours available that visit the village.
Golden Roof, Innsbruck
The Golden Roof in Innsbruck is a famous landmark in Austria that was built in the early 1500s. It gets its name from the fact that it is covered in gold tiles.
The roof was originally built to shelter Emperor Maximilian I during his wedding celebrations. The balcony that surrounds the roof is also decorated with statues of Austrian rulers and coats of arms.
Today, the Golden Roof is one of the most popular tourist landmarks in Innsbruck.
Kaprun Castle, Kaprun
Kaprun Castle is a medieval castle in Kaprun. The castle was first built in the 12th century and has been rebuilt and remodeled several times over the years.
The current version of the castle is a Gothic-style castle and features 30 rooms that are open to tourists. The castle also has a torture chamber and dungeon that is open for visiting.
Kaprun Castle is an interesting Austrian landmark to visit for anyone who loves history.
Natural Landmarks Of Austria
Schafberg, Salzkammergut
The Schafberg is a mountain in the Austrian Alps in the Salzkammergut region. The mountain is 1,776 meters high and is a popular tourist destination.
The summit can be reached by foot, car, or cable car. The views from the summit are stunning and include a view of the Austrian Lake District.
The Schafberg is also home to a number of restaurants and hotels. If you are looking for an exciting Austrian mountain with breathtaking views, the Schafberg is a great option.
Eisriesenwelt, Werfen
Want to know an impressive fact about Austria? Eisriesenwelt in Werfen is the largest ice cave in the world and a spectacular sight to behold.
The cave is made up of a series of tunnels and caverns that are all carved out of ice, stretching more than 42 km deep into the mountain.
The interior is lit with light, making them easy to explore but you still need to be in good physical condition with proper shoes and clothes.
The Eisriesenwelt Ice cave is a must-see Austrian landmark. The cave is only open to the public from May to October and can be accessed by foot or via the steepest gondola in Austria. But that makes it all the more an unmissable adventure!
Krimml Waterfalls, Slazburg
The Krimml Waterfalls are the tallest waterfalls in Austria, measuring at a height of 380 meters. You can find this impressive natural landmark in the Hohe Tauern National Park.
The falls got their name from the nearby village of Krimml, about 5 kilometers from the waterfall. The Krimml Waterfalls are one of the most visited tourist destinations in Austria.
Salzwelten Hallstatt Salt Mine
Salzwelten Hallstatt Salt Mine is a popular tourist destination in Austria that is in the town of Hallstatt. The salt mine was first opened in the 16th century and has been in continuous operation since then.
This is the oldest salt mine in the world and unsurprisingly also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mine is home to several different attractions, including a museum, a theater, and a saltwater lake.
If you are looking for an interesting Austrian landmark to visit, the Hallstatt Salt Mine is a great option.
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Discovering Landmarks In Austria
Austrian landmarks are a gateway to Austrian culture and history as an imperial empire. These are just some of the more famous landmarks of Austria that are bound to help you experience the country.
From historical significance to modern-day utility, Austrian landmarks offer travelers the chance to explore tourist destinations in Austria while also getting a taste of local culture.
