HISTORIC CITIES. TIMELESS STORIES.
Austria
Explore Austria through imperial palaces, medieval towns, mountain passes and centuries of European history. From Vienna’s Habsburg landmarks to Salzburg’s Baroque streets, the Tyrolean Alps and the lakes of the Salzkammergut, discover the culture and landscapes that shaped this Central European country.
A COUNTRY SHAPED BY EMPIRES AND MOUNTAINS
Discover Austria Through the Ages
From Roman settlements and medieval duchies to Habsburg palaces, imperial railways and Alpine villages, Austria’s history is woven into its cities and landscapes. Explore the architecture, people and turning points that shaped a crossroads of Central Europe.
EXPLORE BY DESTINATION
Discover Austria’s Destinations
Vienna
Explore Austria’s capital through Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn, grand boulevards, historic cafés and the legacy of the Habsburg Empire.
Salzburg
Discover Salzburg’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, Hohensalzburg Fortress, prince-archbishops’ residences and the musical heritage of Mozart.
Innsbruck
Explore Innsbruck’s medieval Old Town, Golden Roof, imperial landmarks and the mountain routes that made Tyrol an Alpine crossroads.
Graz
Visit Graz for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, Schlossberg, Renaissance courtyards and the extraordinary Baroque Eggenberg Palace.
Hallstatt
Discover Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut, where prehistoric salt mining, lakeside villages and dramatic mountains reveal millennia of Alpine heritage.
AUSTRIA THROUGH THE AGES
A Brief History of Austria
Austria’s past runs from the Roman Danube frontier and medieval duchies through centuries of Habsburg power to the First Republic, the State Treaty and modern European integration.
c. 1st–4th c.
Viking Age
Roman towns and forts develop along the Danube frontier, including Vindobona, the precursor of Vienna.
1156
Duchy of Austria
The Babenberg margraves gain duchy status, an important step in Austria’s medieval political development.
1278
Habsburg Rule
The Habsburg dynasty builds its power in the Austrian lands, later ruling a vast Central European monarchy.
1867
Dual Monarchy
The Austrian Empire reorganises as Austria-Hungary, a dual monarchy under Emperor Franz Joseph I.
1918
First Republic
The Habsburg monarchy collapses after the First World War and the Republic of German-Austria is proclaimed.
1955
State Treaty
The Austrian State Treaty restores sovereignty, followed by the declaration of permanent neutrality.
Historic Crossroads
Roman ruins, medieval monasteries and fortified towns trace Austria’s development long before its imperial era.
Imperial Heritage
The Hofburg, Schönbrunn and other residences reflect the political and cultural legacy of the Habsburg dynasty.
Alpine Traditions
Historic salt mines, Alpine trading routes and mountain villages preserve Austria’s long relationship with its landscape.
PLAN YOUR AUSTRIA TRIP
Everything You Need for Austria
Everything you need to plan your trip to Austria, from places to stay and things to do to transport and flights.
Hotels
Find accommodation in grand historic cities, lakeside towns, Alpine villages and mountain resorts throughout Austria.
Tours & Activities
Discover guided palace visits, historic city walks, cultural excursions and unforgettable Alpine experiences throughout Austria.
Car Hire
Explore Austria at your own pace, from castle roads and mountain valleys to lakeside villages and scenic Alpine passes.
Flights
Compare flights to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck and other gateways for your journey to Austria.
Trains & Buses
Plan rail and bus connections between Austria’s historic cities, Alpine towns and cultural destinations.