Austria Tours & Vacations

Early summer and fall are the best times to visit Austria, specifically from May to June and September to October.

During these months, the weather is inviting across the country, and the temperatures are perfect for hiking the mountains, cycling the valleys, or sightseeing in the cities and towns. May, June, September, and October also have fewer crowds in popular destinations like Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg.

While these are our favorite months, Austria is a year-round destination with great reasons to visit in the winter and in early spring. Travel as a family in the summer to Salzburg for the Sound of Music tour or enjoy the famous winter sports on the slopes of Badgastein; our guide to the best time to visit Austria can help you find the right season for your trip.

From the grandeur of the Habsburgs in Vienna to the stunning snowcapped peaks of the Dolomite mountains, Austria exudes rural mountain charm and urban sophistication. Find plenty to explore with our list of a few of the best places to visit in Austria:

• Vienna: Regal, baroque, and cinematic, Vienna is a gorgeous representation of historic architecture and contemporary culture with stunning representation of culinary prowess.
• Salzburg: The charisma of an ideal alpine town springs to life in Salzburg, where medieval arcades and courtyards echo with musical history and captivating panoramas.
• Innsbruck: Epic mountain panoramas, gorgeous pastures, and medieval avenues meet Baroque cathedrals in Innsbruck for what feels like a town untouched by time.
• Graz: Vibrant and historic, charming and overflowing with cafes, Graz offers a different perspective of Austria with a heritage dating back more than a millennium.

From exploring the coffee houses in Vienna to discovering the mouthwatering wines along the riverbanks, stunning panoramas to storybook towns, here are some of the top things to do in Austria:

• Explore cultural history at historic palaces, museums, and religious centers in Vienna
• Discover the unforgettable flavors of traditional Austrian pastries and gourmet dishes
• Sample the wines from family vintners known for producing celebrated vintages for generations
• Embrace the stunning scenery during a cycling excursion around the hills and valleys
• Visit in winter to indulge in the cozy and charming ambiance of the festive season

Austria is famous for its history, art, coffee houses, and alpine scenery. The mountains offer storybook towns and great winter sports, while bakeries produce unforgettable dishes like strudel and chocolate cakes. Austria also invented the croissant after defeating the Ottoman Empire. View impressive castles, witness the world’s largest ice cave, or tour the home of famous classical composers like Mozart and Schubert.

Vienna has a mix of traditional architectural beauty and an artistic bohemian ambiance from the heritage coffee houses. The enticing energy stems from a combination of cobblestone streets and grand palaces, delectable chocolates, and celebrated musical legends. Concert halls, museums, and the unmistakable flair of a lively cosmopolitan city along the Danube River only scratch the surface of things to do in Vienna during your tour:

• Tour the imperial spectacle of the Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
• Explore the six centuries of power of the Habsburgs and the Hofburgs
• Experience mouthwatering sweets in the form of chocolate and pastries when visiting traditional Viennese coffee houses
• Discover the colors, angles, and aesthetics of artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser at the Kunst Haus Wien
• Traverse artistic brilliance in the Kunsthistorisches and MAK museums, which are home to works by Bruegel and Klimt, respectively
• Enjoy Vienna’s musical history by visiting Mozart’s apartment, followed by a performance
• Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral to view layers of religious history dating back to the 12th century

Blending the beautiful alpine landscapes with traditional fairytale villages and the imposing grandeur of Vienna, the best Austria offers both traditional and modern experiences across the country. Discover imperial history, sample remarkable dishes and surprising wines, and delight in the storybook ambiance as you personalize any of our top Austria itineraries to your preferences:

• Our Ultimate Highlights Tour of Austria celebrates the diversity of experiences you can have, from the picturesque Lake District to the Habsburg castles, traditional pastries to enjoying the beautiful scenery from a Danube cruise.
• Delight in the country’s traditional charms on our Classic One-Week Austria Culture and History Tour that immerses you in historic spa towns and Habsburg heritage, from Mozart’s early life in Salzburg to a night of music in the world-famous Vienna opera house.

From cycling to hiking, tobogganing to rafting, our Active Austria Family Tour will excite children and parents alike as you experience the thrill and beauty of the landscape with active adventures from discovering castles to sampling delicious dishes.

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Austria and inspiration in our Austria travel guide.