Place's to visit in Austria

A secluded land, landscape with hues of green, a hillock and a gigantic castle with 14 gates built on top of it. Does that sound something out of a fairytale or fantasy fiction? Well, that’s how the Hochosterwitz Castle looks like. The castle is complex in its architecture just like its pronunciation. Located at an altitude of 664 meters above sea level, this is one of the most beautiful castles of the medieval period in Austria. It is immensely popular with tourists and you can actually see the castle at a distance of approximately 30 kilometers on a sunny day. A walk through the 14 gates and over 620 meters will get you to the majestic castle that has been humbly witnessing the passage of time since 1576.

Location: Hochosterwitz 1, 9314 Launsdorf, Austria

Known for: Its architecture, location over a dolomite hillock, number of gates, and rich history

How to Reach: You can easily reach the castle by car, whose entry ticket is inclusive of the parking charges. If you are taking the train, you can get down at the Launsdorf-Hochosterwitz station and hike from there. A rail pass will help in a less expensive commute. 

Approximate Cost: The entry fee is charged at approximately Rs. 1000 for adults and Rs. 600 for kids below 16 years. For seniors above 60, the price is approximately Rs. 800. If you decide to take the elevator to reach to the top, you can pay an additional of Rs. 683 per person. 

Operating Hours: The castle is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days.

Any Precautions: It takes over 30 minutes on foot to reach to the top. Make sure you are fit enough for the hike. If not, take the elevator. Keep adequate water and a fully-charged camera – you will need it. Wear comfortable shoes.

Type: Historic Site

The name literally translates to the world of ice giants in German and does complete justice to it. If Hochosterwitz was a man-made wonder – an architectural wonder – the Eisriesenwelt is its natural counterpart that can blow your mind with its simplicity. It is a limestone and ice cave that gives you new spelunking goals and takes you to the lap of nature’s best-kept secrets. If you didn’t know, this is the world’s largest ice cave and stretches to over 40 kilometers. Inside the Alps, this cave is home to some of the most surreal formations of limestone and ice. You are in for some magic inside the cave that looks normal and humble from the outside.

Location: Eishohlenstrasse 30, 5450 Werfen, Austria

Known for: Being the world’s largest ice cave. It is visited by over 20,000 tourists every year.

How to Reach: To reach Eisriesenwelt, you need to take a train from the Wesfern railway station. Once here, you can use the Eisriesenwelt shuttle services outside the railway station to reach the visitor center. You get the tickets there and from there, you can either take the cable car or hike to the cave. You can also reach the place by cars or cycles. 

Approximate Cost: It approximately costs Rs.1800 per adult and Rs.1000 for children. The price includes entry to the cave and the cable car. 

Operating Hours: The cave is open only during the months of May, June, September and October from 10:00 AM to 3:45 PM. 

Any Precautions: The temperatures inside the cave are sub-zero. So you need to carry appropriate clothing to survive the freezing temperatures. Photography is prohibited inside the cave and you are required to actively follow the guided tour. If you are claustrophobic, the cave can either help you outgrow it or make it worse. 

Type: Cave

A tiny idyllic town in the Austrian countryside is an attraction by itself. You cannot see an Austrian tourism guide without a mentioning of the place, which is known for its amazing blend of different hues of nature. If you didn’t know, the place is located in the southern region of Salzburg and is one of the most popular Alpine destinations. The meadows beautifully give rise to a small district, overlooking the Zeller See –the lake at the tip of the settlement. What makes the entire place so special is the surreal view of the snow-capped peak of Hohe Tauern and the presence of a 16th-century castle. From a picnic spot to offering diverse options to cycle, fish and explore the district, the entire place comes alive during spring.

Location: Zell Am See, Salzburg

Known for: Its scenic location, recreational activities, castle and views of the Alpine peaks

How to Reach: You can reach by car after a 1.5-hour drive from Salzburg or take a train and deboard at the Zee Am Sell railway station, enjoying the majestic views of the place. 

Approximate Cost: NA

Operating Hours: 24/7

Any Precautions: This is a very photogenic town in Salzburg. Besides, this is also located in the most mountainous region of Austria – Pinzgau district. So the weather can become chilly as evenings unfold. Carry winter garments to tackle sudden weather changes. 

Type: Landmark

If you Google Vienna, one of the very first images you will see is of the Hofburg Palace. With an amazing architecture, the gigantic monument is of historic importance in Austria. It was built in the 13th century and has been an imperial palace earlier. Having been the administrative seat for the rulers of the Habsburg dynasty, the palace is the office of work for Austria’s president today. The palace signifies intricate design, European architecture, an engineering marvel and a house of luxury. Definitely one of the best attractions in Austria that definitely needs dedicated time for appreciation.

Location: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Wien, Austria

Known for: Being the seat of power for Austria’s President and being one of the oldest palaces to be constructed in Austria

How to Reach: You can easily reach the Hofburg palace as it is located at a prime spot in Vienna, Austria. You can take the orange line in the city’s underground and get down at Herrengasse. If you are taking the tram, you can board the routes 1, 2, 71 or D and get down at Burgring. You can also board the 1A or the 2A bus and get down at Hofburg. 

Operating Hours: The palace is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM in the months of September through June and between 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the months of July through August.

Any Precautions: Photography is prohibited and you cannot visit the place with pets and baggage. 

Type: Historic Monument

Why you should attend this event?

Summers in Salzburg are dedicated to this festival. Being celebrated since the year 1920, the Salzburg Festival is a cultural fest in Austria, where veteran musicians from the country and the globe come down to this Alpine city and perform. With an artistic vibe filling the air and music being created in all its grandeur, the festival is a must-attend. 

Who should attend this event?

Anyone who loves music and gatherings over music should attend this festival. It happens during the summer months of July and August. Prior booking of tickets is necessary.

Why you should attend this event?

Though another musical event, Bregenz differs in the fact that it is dedicated to opera. The festival unfolds in two stages – one in the conventional opera houses and the other in the open-air stage set up by the lakeside, overlooking the picturesque landscapes of Bregenz, musicians coming together to perform opera nestled amidst natural landscapes is truly a reminiscing experience. 

Who should attend this event?

If you are looking for unique experiences in Austria and chances to mingle with the locals and understand their place, culture and music better, this is your chance. It happens during July and August and you need to book tickets in advance.